Athens: An Ancient Wonder

Of course you'll want to go to the Acropolis. The ticket to admission will also allow you to see five other sights around the area. Be prepared to wonder around in attempting to find the Acropolis. There are not many signs, and you can often wonder around aimlessly while heading there. The admission price is about 12 euro, but this is worth every penny. There are guided tours available if you want more of a detailed history of the area. However, there are numerous signs detailing what you are looking at. Wear comfortable, nonslip shoes. It is a bit of a rocky terrain with slippery marble steps.

Quick Tips:

Your best bet is to indulge in local Greek cuisine. I HIGHLY recommend purchasing a gyro (pronounced "ee-ro") for 2-3 euro. It is a cheaper option that is more portable and can cost considerably less if you take it "to go."

A nice relaxing way to see a lot of Athens on a budget is to jump on the tram. It is located by the Roman Forum in the Plaka area. It costs 5 euro and lasts 40 minutes. It is a nice ride with some brief commentary on some of the sights.

Best Way To Get Around:

Depending on where you are staying, walking is one of your best options. It is absolutely amazing to walk around and purposely get lost within the twisting, winding streets.

Since the Summer Olympics in 2004, Athens has become easier to get around thanks to the numerous buses and metro system. If you opt for either of these options, MAKE SURE YOU VALIDATE YOUR TICKET and HOLD ON TO IT. If you do not do either of these, you will be cited on the spot. To get to and from the airport, you have a few options. You can take the metro for 6 euro. It is line 3 (or the blue line), which runs every half-hour. Your other option is the bus. You can take X94, X95, or X96, depending on where your hotel is located. It costs about 3.20 euro and can take longer depending upon traffic.

Taxis are available. However, be aware weary travelers! They can often overcharge. Traffic is there and can cause the price of the fare to increase rapidly.

This was my first experience at a hotel overseas, and what a learning experience it was! The Hotel Hermes is located equidistant from the Plaka, Syndagma Square, and Monostriki areas. Although it may be a little difficult to find, it is well worth it. Here's my story...

The elevator claims to hold 15 people, but unless you plan on cramming everyone in with no luggage, let's just say that with my one suitcase and me, it was a little cozy. After arriving to my room, I wasn't sure how to turn the electricity on. After walking downstairs to the front desk and embarrassingly ask how to turn the power on, I went back up to put my key card in the little "box" and pull it back out. After a few times of doing this, finally it dawned on me to leave the key in.

There are two twin beds pushed together. The beds are rather firm but good for a bad back. A small built-in desk leaves enough room to write out postcards to loved ones. It is quite cramped in the room. Even speaking with a few others staying in the hotel, they agreed.

The bathroom (this is my favorite story to tell) was complete with gray tile and white sink and toilet. The shower is in the corner of the bathroom, but one of the walls is glass and there was no shower curtain to keep the water in. I found this out the hard way. After putting the hand-held shower nozzle facing the glass so I wouldn't get water on the floor, I found that the gap between the glass and wall was not snug. That's right, I flooded my bathroom.

The breakfast is provided in the price. It was one of the best parts. Located midway from the lobby to the first floor, it is an air-conditioned room with a wide array of choices to eat. Yogurt, cereal, juice, toast, and some fruit are all fresh and ready to satisfy your hungry stomach.

The lobby has high-speed Internet and a very posh seating area. Their website is a bit misleading. When you go to the roof, there is no view of the Acropolis (at least that I could find). The pictures make the rooms look much larger than they really are in person. I really recommend this hotel, especially for its location.

The Acropolis is located in Athens, Greece, high above the ancient city, although you can have trouble trying to find it...that is, if you are walking by foot. Out of all of the Plaka, Monstriki, and Syntagma squares, I saw maybe two signs leading me toward the site, but never more than that. Be prepared to hike around and ask the locals as to how to get there. One little clue is follow the brick road; it leads you there. But first you have to find the brick road!

Once you finally make your way to the site, make sure you have shoes with traction. Climbing up towards the main gate, you'll see the Theater of Dionysus. Here, they have smaller performances to show tourists some of the Greek culture. The area has much marble, stones, and stairs throughout the site. When you first approach, you'll be entering Athena's shrine. As you walk through, you'll notice there is much construction. They are in the process of restoring the monument.

Continue through Athena's Temple, and proceed to the Parthenon. Here you can envision the activities that took place thousands of years ago. It is still in relatively good condition, but it is thanks to the efforts of the reconstruction team. Don't be alarmed, as many artifacts are available there as well as in the museum on-site.

Besides taking in the ancient buildings, be sure to take a few moments to soak in the sights from above Athens. You can see the layout of the city as well as have a good view of Lycavittos Hill.

With your ticket into the Acropolis, you'll also receive tickets to see Ancient Agora and other historical sights/references throughout the city.