Athens, Greece: The Beginning of a Forever Adventure
A city that was the epitome of authenticity… and the start to a forever adventure, here’s to Athens, Greece.
When I say my expectations were blown away, that is not an understatement. From the architecture to the people, to the food, Athens knocked it out of the park. The city on a hill, lit by the Athenian light, stood tall and proud in all its beauty. Walking through Athens is like jumping into the pages of a history book and becoming part of the story. My eyes caught on every ancient ruin in the midst of the chaos, and always trailed up to spot the Acropolis peaking through buildings, and lining the sunset like a Greek God was about to appear right then and there.
Walking Through History: Athens’ Most Iconic Sights
To start, I will state some of the obvious attractions, but non-the-less, must-sees when traveling to Athens. Beyond all of the touristy photos, the Acropolis is magnificent. Walking up each marble step, let yourself travel back in time. Envision sandals with straps cascading up your calves, merchants selling goods all around you, and the most powerful figures of the Roman Empire, philosophers and warriors, dwelling in the column surrounded grounds. It was one of the most spectacular sights, the marble glow of life in this city is something you can't see past.
The Ancient Agora: A City Older Than Imagination
The Museum of Ancient Agora was jaw dropping as well. Enormous marble columns lining the grand structure, statues lining the exterior walls, there was nothing that was not exquisite about this sight. The artifacts that are kept inside will blow your mind — pay close attention to the origins and dates of each piece, it seems almost unfathomable how ancient this city really is.
The Temple of Hephaestus: A Window Into the Past
The Temple of Hephaestus felt like looking through a window into the past. At certain angles you can see straight through the marble columns from one side of the city to the other, a picture that has stood still in time. The way this Temple has stood through the trials of time, weather, wars, and life, makes you almost embody that resilience when in its presence. A feeling I will never forget.
Where Ancient Ruins Meet Everyday Life
Athens’ ability to blend ruins with rooftops while keeping the history at the forefront amazes me. You get a view of the Parthenon from almost every rooftop, serving as a constant reminder of how far the people of Greece have come.
Another abnormality for me coming from America was how late dinner is served. Most people don’t eat dinner until around 9 or 10pm, and it was so fun to live like the locals and indulge in these later dining experiences. We also experienced some of the best food I have ever put in my mouth in this city…
Our First Taste of Athens: Traditional Greek Comfort Food
With that, our first night in Athens we ate at a traditional Greek-style restaurant called Oikonomou, where we got the obvious traditional dishes. Starting with tzatziki dip, we also tried saganaki for the first time — which became a staple of our meals for the rest of our time in Greece — and for the main course, roasted rooster, and some sort of delicious beef and potato dish.
When I say I was blown away, I am NOT kidding. I still dream of this restaurant, frequently.
Dining Below the Surface: Diporto’s Unforgettable Experience
Another completely unforgettable meal we were able to experience was an underground restaurant called Diporto. Authentic peasant-style Greek food, served to you without needing to ever look at a menu — they serve you what they serve everyone, which is what the chef cooks that day.
We tried five different dishes: a white bean soup, a chickpea soup, a puree of some kind, fried anchovies, and a Greek salad. The food was delicious, but the experience itself was something I would recommend anyone visiting Athens to experience.
A Backyard Dinner You’ll Never Forget
Lastly, with some research into reviews, we found ourselves dining in the sweetest older gentleman's backyard. The way his — I guess you could call it — ‘restaurant’ worked was by following him into his kitchen where he shows you what he prepared for that day, and you then get to pick what you would like to be served.
This was the most authentic, interesting dining venture I had ever experienced. We sat and ate at a small table in his backyard, while we watched his friends come join him one by one where they ate and laughed in his dining room. Good food and good people just doing life — no fluff, just very real. It was amazing.
Why Athens Will Always Have My Heart
Athens was such a special blend of history, culture, and modern city vibes. It was so deeply authentic, I had some of the best experiences of my life in this city, and I hope that everyone gets that same experience when they visit.
Athens surprised me in all of the best ways. My expectations of chaotic and historical days turned into alive and soulful experiences that overflowed my cup with each interaction. Athens may be loud, gritty, and a little overwhelming, but that’s what makes it real. Beneath the chaos is a city that beats with warmth, history, and a passion that’s entirely and fully Greek.
Until we meet again, Athens.
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