Dodecanese Part Three: 2 Days in Athens – The Historic Capital
Last updated on : November 5, 2025
Part Three : Athens
Athens is much more than the capital of Greece: it is the birthplace of Western civilization and democracy. With over 2,500 years of history, it is filled with beautifully preserved ancient ruins. It is, without a doubt, a dream destination for history lovers.
But Athens is also a modern and vibrant metropolis, with lively neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, countless museums, a dynamic food scene, and spectacular panoramic viewpoints.
We spent 2 nights there during our trip in Dodecanese in September 2025, to visit the famous Acropolis of Athens before returning home to Quebec.
What I loved most about Athens were the impressive views of the city from the different hilltops. And of course, the unique feeling of walking on a site more than 2,500 years old. I also truly enjoyed wandering the picturesque streets of Plaka, filled with history and charm.
So, to help you immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Athens, let me tell you about our two days filled with history and culture in the Greek capital. And, as always, to prolong the journey, you’ll find at the end of the article a video montage capturing the most beautiful moments of our time in Athens.
Day 8 : Living Ryhthm of the City
On this day, we left the island of Kos and made our way to Athens. Most of the day was spent in transit: the KTEL bus to reach the airport (€3.50 per person), then a one-hour flight to Athens, followed by the metro (€9 per person) to get to the city center.
As soon as we stepped out of Monastiraki Station, we immediately felt the shift in atmosphere: the gentle island pace was gone – replaced by urban energy everywhere. Since I naturally gravitate toward calmer places, I have to admit, I missed the islands at first… until the magic of Athens slowly began to work on me.
After dropping off our backpacks at the hotel, we grabbed a bite to eat and then headed to Mount Lycabettus, one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the city. The climb requires a bit of effort, but the 360° panoramic view from the top makes it all worthwhile. And just like that, I started to understand why this city captivates so many people.
On the way back down, we wandered through the National Garden – a vast 16-hectare park in the heart of the city, with shaded paths, ponds, and ancient ruins. This peaceful oasis allowed us to reconnect with a bit of calm and nature before watching the Changing of the Guard in front of the Parliament at Syntagma Square, which takes place every hour. For those interested, a more elaborate ceremony is held on Sundays at 11:00 AM.
We ended the day with a visit to the Zappeion, a beautiful neoclassical building used for conferences and events. Unfortunately, it was already closed, but its majestic architecture is still well worth admiring from the outside.
This first day in Athens was the perfect introduction before diving deeper into the historical treasures of the city.
Day 9 : Acropolis & Plaka
We began the day early, as we had reserved tickets with an audio guide for the Acropolis of Athens right at opening time, to avoid both the crowds and the heat.
The beauty of an early start is discovering the city while it is still quietly waking up. I had the chance to wander and photograph the streets and alleyways of Plaka bathed in soft morning light, with almost no one around. Unfortunately, our schedule didn’t allow us to linger long before heading to the Acropolis entrance at the time indicated on our tickets.
The visit to the Acropolis, which lasts around 1 hour and 30 minutes, is absolutely fascinating.
Standing among structures more than 2,500 years old feels like touching a fragment of eternity. It is, without question, a must-see when visiting Athens.
We continued the experience with the Acropolis Museum (€20 per person), where we admired an impressive collection of ancient artifacts, marble sculptures from the Parthenon, and most memorably, the Caryatids – the six draped female figures that once supported the Erechtheion, dating from the 5th century BC.
Beneath the museum, an archaeological site accessible on foot allows visitors to explore the remains of an ancient Athenian neighborhood, with its streets, houses, and baths (included with the museum ticket).
We then made our way to the Ancient Agora of Athens (€20 per person), another magnificent site where you will find the Temple of Hephaestus. Its state of preservation is remarkable. It is worth the visit for the temple alone!
We ended the day wandering through the Plaka and Anafiotika neighborhoods, taking our time with the audio guide included with our Acropolis tickets, discovering charming hidden corners along the way.
By late afternoon, we returned to our hotel early, as the night ahead promised to be a short one.
Day 10 : Return Home
At 3:45 AM, our taxi arrived at the hotel to take us to the airport – direction Montreal.
Our getaway in Greece was short, but so incredibly enriching and energizing. I returned home with an open heart, a light spirit, and my mind filled with beautiful memories.
If I Had More Time
If I had had more time in Athens, I would have loved to admire Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon at sunset – a moment that seems simply magical, judging from the photos and the stories I’ve seen.
When we were first planning our trip, we thought we would have 3 or 4 additional days. We had therefore considered renting a car to explore some of the sites located farther from the capital, such as:
- Meteora: known for its impressive rock formations topped with Orthodox monasteries;
- Delphi: famous for its archaeological site, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
- Olympia: the iconic ancient site considered the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
How to Get Around Athens
Athens is a well-connected city and easy to get around. Here are the main options for transportation in the capital:
- 🚌 Public transportation (metro / bus / tram): An efficient and budget-friendly way to move around the city and surrounding areas.
- 🚕 Taxis: Ideal for short distances. They are plentiful in the city center and can be hailed directly on the street or booked through apps such as Uber.
- 🚗 Renting a car: A practical option if you plan to explore sites located outside of Athens and want the freedom to move at your own pace.
When we arrived, we took the metro between the airport and the city center. The trip takes about 45 minutes and costs €9 per person.
For our departure, since we needed to leave around 4:00 AM (when the metro was no longer running), we opted for a taxi booked through our hotel, at a cost of €70, the best option given the early hour.
Where to Stay in Athens
To be able to explore the city on foot, we chose to stay at Athens Market Portrait. Located in the heart of Athens, close to the main points of interest, this hotel offers beautiful modern rooms and a continental breakfast served on the terrace. Its location is ideal – both central and easily accessible by public transportation.
As for the reception service: it was courteous and efficient. The staff answered our questions and requests quickly, and always with a smile.
I highly recommend this hotel for anyone who wants to explore Athens while enjoying a comfortable and well-located stay.
💲Rate in September 2025: approximately €130.50 per night for a Market Twin Room with Balcony, breakfast included.
Where to Eat in Athens
Here are the restaurants we tried in Athens, along with my impressions:
- Frankie: We were in the mood for Italian that evening, and that’s exactly what we got. The food was delicious and the service excellent. A great spot if you want to change things up from Greek cuisine for a meal.
- Caramel Gelato: Our little guilty pleasure of the trip! This is where we had the best gelato of our entire stay. Truly exquisite!
- Dia Tauta Restaurant: A lovely terrace restaurant with a flavorful Greek menu and outstanding service. Go without hesitation – we had a wonderful time here.
In conclusion
Athens unsettled me a little at first, after the calm of the islands, but it didn’t take long for the city to win me over with its energy, its rich history, and its vibrant atmosphere. Its fascinating ancient sites, flavorful cuisine, and lively neighborhoods added a brilliant final touch to our journey.
I will remember Athens as a city that is both historic and modern, where it feels good to wander, to marvel, and to dream of the next adventure.
And you, have you ever felt that blend of emotion and fascination when discovering a capital so deeply rooted in history?
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