Beyond the Ashtanga Yoga practice, Athens is discovered on foot, between antiquity and everyday life. Here is plenty to fill your free days.
The Acropolis and its museum
Venture into the heart of the Acropolis, the most famous of Greek monuments, dedicated to the goddess Athena and a UNESCO World Heritage site (guides at the entrance; entry and guide at your own cost). In the evening, watching a tragedy in the ancient theatre at the foot of the Acropolis is truly magical. Nearby, the Acropolis Museum, a superb modern building, awaits the return of the friezes taken by Lord Elgin (British Museum).
Strolling through Athens
Wander the old town of Plaka and sit at one of its terraces. At the National Archaeological Museum, admire the gold mask of Agamemnon found at Mycenae. Climb Philopappos Hill (the Hill of the Muses) for a panorama from the Acropolis to the port of Piraeus. On Sunday morning, the pedestrian street Apostolou Pavlou leads to the flea market; on Saturday, shop on Ermou street.
On Syntagma Square, don’t miss the changing of the Efzones guard. And step into one of the many Orthodox churches, such as the wooden chapel of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris near the Acropolis.
Good to know: the Greek summer (June to early September) is hot and sunny — ideal for the sea, but the early-afternoon heat makes visiting sites hard. Always carry water and sunglasses.
