Congrats. You’ve decided on a trip to Greece. First stop, and city of arrival, Athens. While friends say, hit the islands, you know better. Time in the capital city is a must. It’s a treasure-trove of wonders, dotted with history through the ages. From ancient, to byzantine and medieval times, Athens has been anointed with the most inspiring architecture. Today, as it has been in the past, it is a bustling city full of energy and young vibes.
But truth be told, you can’t wait to see the ancient mount crowned with the building named the most beautiful building in the world, the Parthenon. The Acropolis has been there for over 2,500 years, and much like the Empire State Building is to New Yorkers, the Acropolis is a fixture of daily life for Athenians. They walk by it, beneath it, around it, and rarely give it a second thought. Seeing it for the first time, be prepared to remember to breathe. It will leave you awestruck and with your mouth wide open.
How did they get those heavy columns up there?
How did they know the precise dimensions to build the temples to survive all these years?
And how soon could you get up there?
Simple? Not really. We may never get all our questions answered, but it doesn’t hurt to try. Include a visit to the new Acropolis Museum, preferably with a licensed guide, to get most of your answers. However, a walk up the steep hill is easily manageable for most. There’s never a rush and you can take it as slow or fast as you’d like. Start early to avoid the crowds and heat of the midday sun, or head up in the late afternoon and stay till sunset…typically last admission is 7:30 PM in the summer. You can find more information on admission, and avoid the long lines by purchasing tickets online.
Accessibility- while an elevator has been installed (not ancient, but modern technology…haha) for individuals needing additional assistance to experience this wonder, it is at this moment undergoing repairs and not in operation. Be sure to call the number in the above link should you require any assistance.
Lastly, don’t miss the chance to savor the view from one of the city’s many rooftop venues. Our favorite time to do this is right at sunset. The sun drops, the lights shine on the marble, and the Acropolis glistens in the night sky. Add to the view the twinkling of the homes in the Anafiotika area, built just below the temples, and it’s sure to be one of the best welcomes to Greece.