Exploring My Heart Out in Athens

As I stepped into my 4th day in Athens, my thoughts started to flood. No matter how much you travel and how many places you explore, every place brings new experiences. Meeting with new people, sharing different moments, and learning about their beliefs shake something within you. And that something encourages you to keep going on with your life.

Hey there! Nice to meet you again. Let me walk you through my fourth day in Athens and how I made the most out of it with the family. But wait! Here’s a catch in this blog. Together with sharing about my experiences, I am going to share some of the tips that can help you travel seamlessly. So, wait till the end. Scroll down!

After a hearty breakfast, we headed out for another round of exploring the city. Our first stop today was the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. It's an ancient landmark that's been rebuilt, and unfortunately, we couldn't go inside. But just seeing it from the outside was impressive.

The place has a rich history, and you can feel the grandness of ancient Athens in its remains. They charged 15 euros for entry, but we decided to enjoy the view from outside. Even without going in, the Temple of Olympian Zeus made our city tour memorable, showcasing the fascinating history of Athens

After exploring all that, we went to Zappeion Garden, where there's also the Zappeion Exhibition Hall. The garden was really beautiful, especially with the Jacaranda trees. We sat there for a while, and since it was quite hot, we took a break in a restaurant in the garden to have something cold to drink.

The garden was amazing, and later we headed to Plaka, where there are many open restaurants. We had lunch there. After spending some time at the hotel for a bit of rest, we went out for dinner at the Japanese restaurant GAKU Sushi – Izakaya.

Here's what we ordered:

Curry Seafood Soup

Salmon Tataki

Tuna Tartare

Edamame

Various Sushi Rolls (they had a lot of different types)

Sweet & Spicy Corn Skewer

This restaurant had a special dessert called 'gaku mochi,' and my heart was won over after trying it. The restaurant was located near Syntagma Square, not far from Plaka. After dinner, we strolled around Syntagma Square. There, we indulged in some ice cream and my favorite local Baklava, which was absolutely delicious.

As we walked, we reached Mitropoleos Square, a fantastic place where people were singing on the local streets, showcasing their talents. We enjoyed the lively atmosphere. Eventually, we made our way back to the hotel, pedal by pedal. Overall, it was another day that offered me once-in-a-lifetime memories to cherish for the rest of my life.

As promised, below are some tips

to make your journey easier:

Use Public Transportation: Get a transportation pass for buses and metro.

Walk Around: Athens is walkable; try walking tours for exploration.

Visit Acropolis Off-Peak: Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

Try Local Cuisine: Sample souvlaki, moussaka, Greek coffee, and desserts.

Bring Cash: Have cash for smaller establishments; ATMs are available.

Respect Customs: Greet with "Kalimera," dress modestly, and say "Efharisto."

Stay Hydrated: Carry water and use sunscreen, especially in summer.

Learn Basic Greek Phrases: Enhance your experience with a few local words.

Be Safety-Conscious: Watch your belongings, especially in crowded places.

Check Local Events: Look for festivals or cultural activities happening during your visit.

Bye Bye !