Athens: Acropolis on a sunny afternoon

Acropolis, Athens

Acropolis is an impressive sight, not to be missed if you’re in Athens. I visited Acropolis for the first time 16 years ago, when I was on my way back to Denmark, after working as a tourist rep on the Greek island Cephalonia.

Because I had decided to quit to go and work for another tour operator in Spain, I had to pay for the return flight to Denmark out of my own pocket. Back then, flights were expensive, and it turned out to be cheaper for me to stay for a couple of weeks in Athens, than to fly directly back home. So I stayed at a guesthouse called John’s Place that I haven’t been able to locate since then. I’m really curious to go and see what the place looks like now. Does any of you know about John’s Place in Athens?

Sorry for procrastinating. I know this post was supposed to be about Acropolis, but let me tell you one thing: I don’t know anything about Acropolis. I probably could have winged it and Googled up some facts to post for you, but I’ve decided to spare you from some half-hearted lecture on the different eras. I’m sure you’ll find more competent sources on that topic elsewhere:)

Bye bye history buffs!

I could of course have hired a guide, which is what I did back in 2000. However, the one I came across on the way to the ticket booth yelled at me, for not getting a guide (?!), which didn’t really make me want to hire her. Besides, I remembered that I have a book somewhere at home about Acropolis. I’ve never read it, but at least I have the chance to look up the details of the buildings I came across, should I feel like doing that later.

[mailpoet_form id="2"]

Mitzie Mee - Sanne

It is tempting to treat Athens as a stopover, a gateway to the islands. That would be a mistake. The city’s appeal lies in the tension between eras. A 5th century BCE temple rising above rooftop bars. A humble taverna operating steps from a metro station built around an archaeological find. Athens does not curate its past. It folds it into the present. I have returned several times over the years, drawn not just by the landmarks but by the texture of the place. The long lunches that stretch into evening, the neighborhoods that shift character from one street to the next, the quiet thrill of discovering somewhere you hadn’t planned to find. Here on the blog, I’m sharing where to stay, what to eat, and what truly deserves your time. Give Athens more than a checklist, and it will reward you accordingly.

Athens

Advertisement
Powered by GetYourGuide
Advertisement