Athens, Greece
In the hotel I was able to sleep from noon-4pm so headed out at 5pm to check some of the city on my first day and get some food.
First I headed to Omonia Square then back down Athinas Ave to head to the historic centre. I passed by the town hall and fish market which was closing for the day.
At Monastiraki Square I went east rather then head to the historic heart which I would explore tomorrow. Ermou is a pedestrian shopping street and there was in interesting church in the centre of the road circled by pedestrians on both sides.
Ermou ends at Syntagma or Parliament Square. This is often in the news for political demonstrations but fortunately was quiet at this time. At the top of every hour is the changing of the guards so I had to wait 15 mins for it start.
The waiting crowds were all cleared back. It was an interesting slow motion performance where they stretch and hold their legs out at 90 degrees. I'm told this is to help their blood circulation when they have been standing motionless in the heat.
It was interesting but I wanted to move out the heat now. Heading south down Amalias I passed by a small Russian Church where a service was taking place. Compared to Soviet countries there were a lot fewer and less elaborate Churches.
At the foot of Amalias is Hadrian's Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. I had planned on visiting all the historic sites tomorrow with a combo pass but my hotel had told me everything was free this weekend.
As I had been informed it was in fact free entry and they were closing in about 15 mins at 6pm so I made it in time. There wasnt much to see at this site, just some columns.
Crossing back into Plaka towards the Acropolis I was in the more touristy area lined with souvenir shops. As evening began to fall I was able to walk around the perimeter gates of the Roman Agora. You actually get a better view from the outside.
Finally I had to look for some food. There were lots of expensive restaurant patios but I found one gyros place for 2.20 Eu ($3.30). After that back to my hotel to rest for my next full day in Athens and morning visit to the Acropolis
2025-05-23