Athens Journals

Essential Athens

A July 2003 trip to Athens by Sarah M

Quote: If you are short of time, sprawling, smoggy Athens is not a place to spend a month in, or indeed even a week. I managed to pack all of Athens awe-inspiring (including visiting the Acropolis twice!) and non-awe-inspiring attractions in the space of just over 24 hours . . .

Essential Athens

Overview

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Acropolis (includes the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Stoa of Eumenes and Acropolis Museum), Theatre or Dionysos, Theatre of Herodes Atticus, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient and Roman Agoras, Fiolopappos Hill, Zappeio and National Gardens, Parliament Building.Quick Tips: I would suggest not to spend more than two days in Athens (maybe stay on a nearby island and take day trip or stay for a weekend instead). Apparently Athens requires time to appreciate. In high season, book accommodation in advance to avoid ending up in the disgustingly dirty and scary Hotel Vergina (or Hotel V*gina as I would call it). Don't spend long in the souvenir shop-filled and touristy Plaka (old town). ...Read More

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Hotel Vergina

Hotel

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Aviod it like the plague. Located on the edge of Athens crime district of Ommonia this is definately one to miss. As a lone female, I found the unflushed and unlockable toilets on each floor not only disgusting but down-right scary when there were single dodgy Greek men wandering all about the hotel trying to get in my way as I walked into the bathroom. I was also quite unnerved and disgutsted to walk in on one of those men sitting on the toilet one morning (he didn't seem to mind). I was scared to go to the toilet in the middle of the night, not only because of what state I might find the bathroom in, but also for who might be around. When leaving the hotel with my backpacks on my back, I was ...Read More

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on August 10, 2003

Hotel Vergina
Off Victor Hugo
Athens, Greece

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Temple of Olympian Zeus

Attraction

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Once Greece's largest temple, the Temple of Olympian Zeus took 700 years to complete. Now only 15 of the 104 huge Corinthian columns remain. Next to the temple on the same site are remain also some other ruins or an ancient meeting place, including baths. Worth 10 or 15 minute look.

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on August 12, 2003

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Vassilissis Olgas Avenue
Athens, Greece 105 57
+30 210 922 6330

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Agoras - Ancient and Roman

Attraction | "Ancient and Roman Agoras"

Quote:

A short walk down from the Acropolis on the opposite side to the main entrance way takes you to the Ancient and Roman Agoras were the central market places and social centre for the Greeks and Romans. The larger, Ancient Agora is where Socrates apparently spent much time, and contains the Church of the Holy Apostles at the entrance, the Temple of Hephaestus and the newly-rebuilt Stoa of Attalos, which containts the museum. The main site in the Roman Agora is the lovely Tower of the Winds.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 12, 2003

Agoras - Ancient and Roman
near Plaka at the foot of Acropolis
Athens, Greece

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Roman Stadium

Attraction

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The Roman Stadium was originaly used for the Panathenic athletic contests in the 4th century BC, and was used for the first Olympic Games of modern times in 1896.

Unfortunately at present (July 2003), you cannot gain access to the stadium as it is being reconstructed, but you can catch a glimpse of all the building melée through the fence. At present, not worth a look unless you are walking by.

Member Rating 1 out of 5 on August 11, 2003

Roman Stadium
Just East of the Temple of Olympian Zeus
Athens, Greece

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Acropolis

Attraction | "The Acropolis"

Quote:

For 12 euros (6 for students), you can gain entry to any six of the ancient sites around central Athens, including the stunning ancient Acropolis. Unfortunately, at the moment there is scaffolding around the Parthenon, spoiling your photo, but not minimising the sheer magnificance of this great site. I liked it so much that I went twice in the 24 hours that I had in Athens. It is a gentle 10 minute walk passing the anncient theatres of Dionysos and Herodes Atticus (used for concerts and shows during the Athens Festival in July and August) up a landscaped hill to the top, where the view over Athens sprawling buildings is tremendous. If there is one place you visit in Athens, this has ...Read More

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on August 10, 2003

Acropolis
Dionysiou Areopagitou St
Athens, Greece 105 58
+30 210 32 14172

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Filopappos Hill

Attraction

Quote:

A 10-15 minute walk up hill from the Acropolis takes you past the Church of Agios Dimitrios, through trees and up to a stunning view over Athens and the Acropolis. It seemed to be off the beaten track as I was the only person sitting at the top taking in the view. A lovely and quiet place for a picnic and photo of the Acropolis.

Member Rating 4 out of 5 on August 10, 2003

Filopappos Hill
Southwest of the Acropolis
Athens, Greece