24 Hours in Athens

As London is the central hub for all flights from and to the UK, it makes it much easier and cheaper for those who live in London or who are visiting to go on and visit other countries in Europe. With a lot of countries being only a couple hours’ plane or train ride away, it would be rude not too. Take advantage of the great last minute offers and you could be wondering the streets of Paris or sliding down the Austrian slopes.

But why not pick a destination you wouldn’t expect to visit during winter; prices are most likely to be cheaper and crowds are likely to be smaller. For example, Greece is usually only thought of for sun holidays. There seems to be some kind of myth that circulates about Greek islands shutting down in any other season than summer. This is not true; this is actually a fantastic time to visit if you are looking to get a real feel for the Greek culture and cuisine. The lack of tourists lend to the large resorts and restaurants shutting down during this period, meaning only the traditional bars and restaurants will open, certifying that you will be eating and drinking with the locals.

So say you decide Athens, Greece is the place for you, you jump on a last minute flight and fly out there for 24 hours. The flight will take around 3 hours, and if on an early morning flight you can get there by midday. So then what?

You’re probably hungry after your flight so drop your bags at the hotel and head out to try some of the local cuisine. If you’re looking for a light snack and a drink, then why not try out a meze, which is very similar to the Spanish equivalent tapas. The Greeks enjoy the variety of both eating and drinking and will rarely be seen drinking alcoholic drinks without food. A good area for both food and local craft work is Plaka, which is a historical neighbourhood, located under the Acropolis.

Once you’ve refuelled, it’s time to do some sight-seeing. Athens has a rich history and a vast number of ruins, so make a to-do list and be prepared for a long day of walking and photo snapping.  Some suggestions might include the temple of Olympian Zeus or Ancient Agora- an impressive sight to see with a history to match. Be sure to visit the national archaeological museum, referred to as one of the greatest museums in the world, holding the most exciting collection of Greek artefacts.

Start your evening with an ascent to the Acropolis, a magnificent structure in the heart of Athens. The monuments of the Acropolis have exerted a huge influence on Greek architecture and architecture round the world. No need to struggle past the crowds, as during this time of year there are none. Watch the sun set over the city and relive your day in the magical city of Athens. It is sure to be a memorable end to your day.

London is a gateway into the rest of Europe, make sure you take advantage and you could spend an unexpected 24 hours soaking up the culture and history of another country.

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