Exploring the Mythical Marvels of Athens: A Guide to the City of Gods and Goddesses

While we hear summer calling, we could not resist the urge to pack a suitcase and head to a Mediterranean city. To Athens… If we need to describe Athens with a few words, they would be; warm, chaotic, and enchanting. Of course, like all other cities, Athens has its ups and downs. Yet most importantly, this is the city of gods and goddesses where you are blessed by myths and legends. And you feel it whenever you look up at the sacred hills of the ancient Acropolis and the greatest Parthenon.

The weather is mostly warm and sunny during spring which is the best time to visit. It is affordable compared to other European cities. You can enjoy good food at fancy restaurants with a relatively low budget. If you like well-organized cities where everyone follows the rules, Athens might disappoint since it is pretty hectic. But hey, you are in a Mediterranean town offering you a magical union of beauty and chaos. Otherwise, where is the fun?

If you plan to go to Athens and want to know the best way to enjoy it, here are some tips tested and approved by the Prickly Pears team.

What to See?

The Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora: The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens. It contains the remains of temples of great historical and architectural significance, the most famous being the Parthenon. If you are dedicated to seeing the entire archeological site, a good pair of trekking shoes is highly recommended because the sites are far from each other. You will go up and down the hills to get to each part.

Acropolis Museum: If you really want to deep dive and get some extra insight into the Acropolis, do not skip the museum. You will see some of the original ancient remains and have information on myths. Our advice; visit the museum first.

National Garden: A great way to escape from the city if you need a bit of a break. You can even walk through the garden to see the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch.

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum: The first museum devoted to the art of Jewelry in Greece, created by the renowned Greek jewelry designer Ilias Lalaounis. There are 50 collections by Lalaounis between 1940- 2002 inspired by various themes. These themes of the history of art from the prehistoric period until the Renaissance with an emphasis on ancient Greek art, nature, and modern technology.

Where to Drink?

Baba au Rum has been named one of the 50 Best Bars in the World, and that is for a reason! Primarily a rum specialist bar, Baba feels urban, vital, and authentic. It is a spot that surrounds you immediately, makes you feel like a local, and everything becomes familiar. They have both classic and experimental cocktails. They are all excellent and unique; our favorites were The Modernist, a classic Mai Tai, and Devil’s Milk.

The Clumsies is an all-day bar that offers a cozy vibe during the daytime and turns a night-time haunt into a full-blown party. You can savor the signature blue, famous Aegean Negroni or explore the outstanding selection of cocktails. The current menu, F<3lings, explores the emotions felt in a bar: Happiness, Excitement, and Tenderness. Our favorites are Dragonball in the Excitement section and X-Tasis in the Happiness section. Just decide how you feel and the rest is easy.

A for Athens is a rooftop bar with a fantastic view of the Acropolis with its all majesty. You can watch the sunset when the time is Prosecco o’clock. Also, they offer delicious snacks to make your "l'heure de l'apéro" even more fabulous.

Where to Eat?

There are so many options when it comes to food in Athens. The food is so good and quite affordable. So first, get ready for a food coma.

Okay, traditional Greek restaurants are still favored. But there are many contemporary restaurants serving traditional Greek cuisine with a modern touch. Here are some of our favorite food spots:

Karamanlidika is a meze/deli house also approved by locals. The restaurant is located in a restored neoclassical building with indoor and outdoor seating, and many of the original features remain, like frescos. The highlights are hot and cold meze plates, deli meats, aged Greek cheeses, small gourmet sausages, homemade savory pies, dolmades, and ‘mamas’ homemade baklava.

Diporto is probably the most traditional spot in Athens. No sign, no menu, and no reservation. They have only 5 or 6 dishes changing daily based on what is in season and available in the nearby markets. It is the spot to experience a genuine Greek joint.

In Love Again is a lively café and pastry shop located face to face with Baba au Rum. The owner is the same so some desserts share their names with the very cocktails across the street. Well, we think the best description for this café is that it is more like you are eating your favorite cocktail. Our favorites are Baba au Rhum, a classic French dessert, and Devil’s Milk, a dance of sweet and chili. It is a guarantee that you will be in love with this café again and again.

Where to Shop?

If you love to stroll through vintage shops and tend to skip souvenir shops for tourists, here is our list for you.

Retrosexual Vintage Shop: Retro heaven. An irresistible trove of vintage home accessories, furniture, and lighting. High-quality pieces of furniture and accessories with an emphasis on mid-century modern classics. It is almost like experiencing time travel.

Like Yesterday’s: If you are into vintage clothing like us, this store is a must-see. One of the best sources of vintage clothes in Athens, this second-hand shop in Psirri is stocked with high-quality threads.

Paraphernalia Athens: Paraphernalia is a concept store created by George Karras and Angela Koutroulaki. They are curating an ever changing collection of furniture, lighting, jewelry, accessories, editions, home and office ware, and everything in between. Some are new, some are old or upcycled. Just pop in if you are into handmade furniture and lighting, prints, functional objects for the home or office, DIY tools, books and periodicals, jewelry, and ceramics. Old and new coexist in such an organic and minimal way.