The best and safest spots in Athens, Greece.
Traveling in Greece is a must! The laid-back culture and atmosphere in Athens is something everyone should experience.
If you live a fast-paced life like I do, then I hope you enjoy being surrounded by the Greeks who are in no hurry and fully plan on sitting with a friend, drinking coffee for as long as they want.
Before traveling to Greece, you'll want to know where to go and what not to miss out on.
Athens is the capital of Greece and home to the majestic Acropolis and other historical monuments.
Athens is a huge city with a population of 3,168,846. Over the last few years, thousands of refugees have passed through Greece or are still living in refugee camps throughout the country. This has greatly affected the country and its truism, but don't let it discourage you from taking a trip to Athens.
I would not wander down lonely streets or alleyways. Like every city, there are areas that are very unsafe. Don't accept gifts from strangers on the street and keep your belongings and children close. Unfortunately, Greece is huge in human trafficking and sex exploitation.
I lived in Athens for 3 months and did lots of exploring. Some of the spots I found I'll never stop recommending. The vibrant colors of Greece and all of its delicious cuisine is life changing. I dream of going back for good!
You can take the train from the airport directly to Monastiraki, the heart of the city. It's located just below the Acropolis and Mars Hill. Here there are several rooftop cafes with an excellent view of the city. There are lots of shops, fruit stands, and live music.
Monastiraki
I recommend booking an Airbnb in Monastiraki or on the beach in Piraeus. These locations felt safe to me as a single girl and are gonna be within walking distance from the hot spots in the City.
There's coffee and crepes on every corner of the city. The best coffee shop I found is "Dope" It's located a few blocks from the square. Their coffee, pastries, and vibe are unmatched.
Rooftop Cafes
My top two favorite rooftop cafes are "The Attic" and "Ciel". The Attic is right on the square and has an excellent view of the Acropolis. Food prices at The Attic are pretty high, so if you're on a budget I'd just get a drink.
Ciel is a little hard to find. It's several blocks from the square, but it's worth the walk. I love their hangout area and their Acropoli Cocktail was a great choice while watching the sunset.
Of course, hiking up to the Acropolis is a must. It's not a far hike, just a lot of stairs, but anyone can do it as long as you're not in a hurry.
I found it best to catch the sunrise on Mars Hill with coffee and a fresh Croissant. That will give you a break on the way up. The gates to the Parthenon open at 8:00 and you want to be the first in line. It's so much less crowded in the morning and it'll be easier to get good photos without people in the way. Plus if you're there in the summer, you can beat the heat.
Piraeus
Athens is on the coast. One of my favorite things to do on a day off if I felt like a needed a break from the city, was to rent a bike in Piraeus and bike to the beach. There's nothing like ocean air after breathing city smells.
On my ride back from the beach I'd stop at the outdoor gym and then a café by the water. Or if you enjoy books, the National Library of Greece is next to the bike trail.
Enjoy the slow-paced culture, sit and read at a café, or take a walk in the park. Find rest for your soul by the Mediterranean.
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