Digging into Athens, Greece 4/4 [] One Last Night in Greece: A Walk Through Athens
A Journey Back Through Time: Returning to Athens, Greece
After a little over an hour in the air from Heraklion Airport on Crete, our plane began its descent into Athens once again.
This was it—the final chapter of my journey across Greece.
After days spent among whitewashed islands and deep blue seas, the gray cityscape of Athens felt strangely familiar. Different from the islands, yet comforting in its own way.
Tomorrow, I would be flying back to Korea, so I purchased a 48-hour metro ticket that included airport transfers (€10 for one person, €14 for two people).
💡 Tip: If you're traveling with a companion, multi-person transit tickets can save you a surprising amount of money.
Hello Again, Athens International Airport
After clearing the airport, I found myself waiting on the metro platform for about 30 minutes.
Athens Metro trains run every half hour from the airport. The system feels clean and safe, though it moves at a pace that seems quintessentially European—efficient enough, but never rushed. Even on a winter evening, the weather was pleasantly mild. For someone used to Korean winters, it was refreshing not to worry about freezing toes.
While waiting, a small incident caught my attention.
A young boy approached and gestured for me to lend him my phone. We didn't share a common language, but his expression seemed urgent enough to make me hesitate. Unfortunately, my phone wasn't set up for international roaming, so I politely declined. He quickly moved on toward someone else. Was he genuinely in need of help? Or was he a clever little pickpocket looking for an opportunity?
What struck me was that he didn't seem particularly desperate. Instead, he wandered around casually, appearing to assess potential targets. If it had truly been an emergency, surely he would have asked everyone he encountered.
A reminder for travelers: unexpected encounters happen everywhere, and it's wise to stay alert—even when the person approaching you seems harmless.
Syntagma Square — The Heart of Athens
Stepping out into downtown Athens, I immediately noticed the polished marble sidewalks. My first thought?
"This must be incredibly slippery when it rains."
My hotel was conveniently located near a major avenue. The room was spacious, and breakfast was closer to a hotel buffet than the simple continental spread I had expected.
At the center of it all was Syntagma Square, often described as the heart of Athens. Home to the Greek Parliament, the square is famous for its ceremonial changing of the guard. The soldiers wear the traditional Foustanella, a uniform inspired by the fighters of the Greek War of Independence.
After settling into the hotel, I headed out for an evening walk.
As city lights slowly illuminated the streets and the sounds of musicians drifted through the air, the familiar atmosphere of Athens returned once again.
@Monastiraki Square
Just as I remembered, the nighttime view of the Acropolis was breathtaking. The Parthenon, glowing beneath warm amber lights atop the hill, felt almost unreal—as if the gods themselves might still be watching over the city.
Monastiraki Square has been a marketplace since Roman times. Today, antique shops, jazz bars, cafés, and street food vendors create one of Athens' most vibrant neighborhoods.
💡 Tip: The square can be crowded at night, but it's also one of the best places to admire the illuminated silhouette of the Acropolis.
Episode Two: The Trap of "Free"
While walking through the square, a group of children approached me with flowers.
"These are for you!" they said with cheerful smiles.
Moments later came the real question:
"Can you give us one euro?"
It wasn't exactly a scam, but it certainly wasn't a gift either.
Still, I couldn't help but admire their confidence. The experience left me with a simple lesson: honesty is often the best sales strategy.
@Panagia Kapnikarea Church
Panagia Kapnikarea Church
Standing quietly in the middle of bustling Ermou Street, surrounded by modern shops and international brands, sits a remarkable survivor from another era.
Panagia Kapnikarea Church dates back to the 11th century and is one of Athens' finest examples of Byzantine architecture. The church was nearly demolished during urban redevelopment projects, but public opposition saved it from destruction. Its red brick exterior and elegant dome make it stand out dramatically against the modern cityscape. Even today, it remains an active place of worship.
💡 Tip: Walking along Ermou Street allows you to combine shopping and sightseeing in a single stroll.
@Ergon Athens
I had noticed this restaurant near my hotel several times. At first glance it appeared closed, but after entering through a side alley, I discovered a bustling dining room inside.
Ergon Athens is known for combining traditional Greek ingredients with a modern dining experience.
The menu features local olive oils, seafood, cheeses, and small plates inspired by Greek cuisine.
I ordered a Greek salad and gyros, enjoying one final satisfying dinner in Athens.
@Temple of Olympian Zeus
Even among modern buildings, the scale of this ancient monument is striking. Construction began in the 6th century BC and was finally completed under Roman Emperor Hadrian centuries later. Of the original 104 Corinthian columns, only 15 remain standing today. Even viewed from outside the fence, the site conveys the immense ambition of the ancient world.
A City Built on History
Athens often feels like a city where history emerges from the ground itself.
Near Syntagma Station, archaeological discoveries unearthed during construction have been incorporated into public displays, allowing visitors to view ancient artifacts in the middle of their daily commute. In some cities, museums preserve history.
In Athens, history seems woven directly into everyday life.
One Last Morning in Greece
The following morning, I enjoyed a generous breakfast while savoring my final hours in Greece. Just before checkout, a hotel maid unexpectedly opened my room door without knocking.
It startled me for a moment, but somehow it felt like part of the authentic European travel experience—one of those imperfect moments that becomes a funny memory later.
@ Acropolis Museum
Opening Hours
- 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Fridays until 10:00 PM
- Weekends until 8:00 PM
💡 Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
💡 Closed: January 1
💡 Admission: €5
The Acropolis Museum houses artifacts excavated from the Acropolis itself and is considered one of the finest museums in Greece.
Among its highlights are the original Caryatid statues from the Erechtheion and numerous sculptures that once adorned the temples above. The museum's glass architecture allows visitors to enjoy views of the Acropolis while exploring the exhibits.
Photography is restricted in many sections, so unfortunately I can only share the floor maps rather than the displays themselves.
A Small Souvenir
Before leaving, I bought a T-shirt printed with Greek lettering. Even without understanding every word, the alphabet itself felt beautiful. Amusingly, the "small" size still seemed too large, so I ended up buying one labeled "12–14." Only later did I realize it was probably intended for teenagers.
But if it fits, does the size really matter?
The Journey Home
On the metro platform at Syntagma Station, I found myself watching the faces of commuters around me. Perhaps it was because the trip was ending, but everyone seemed unusually warm and approachable. My return route took me from Athens to Frankfurt on Lufthansa before continuing onward to Seoul.
Unfortunately, a delayed flight left me with no time to browse Frankfurt Airport's duty-free shops. I practically sprinted from one gate to the next. Not exactly how I imagined spending my layover.
Final Thoughts: Is Greece Worth Visiting?
Would I recommend Greece?
Yes—but with a few caveats.
Unlike many European destinations, there are no direct flights from Korea, which means arrival and departure days can be physically exhausting. Greece is also a destination centered around ancient history rather than modern spectacle. If your idea of Europe involves grand shopping avenues, flashy cityscapes, or endless urban attractions, Athens may feel quieter than expected.
Likewise, travelers seeking beach resorts and water sports should consider adding islands such as Santorini or Crete to their itinerary. And if you're visiting in summer, be prepared.
Most archaeological sites offer little shade, and exploring them beneath the Mediterranean sun can be exhausting. Yet despite all that, I left Greece deeply satisfied. It was my first time spending an entire European trip focused on a single country. Because I visited multiple islands, it also became the first European country where I never took a train to a nearby city.
I encountered very few East Asian travelers, but I never experienced any significant discrimination or discomfort. More than anything, Greece felt relaxed. I wasn't particularly knowledgeable about ancient Greek history, nor was I a devoted fan of Greek mythology.
What fascinated me instead was the simple act of walking through places where people had lived thousands of years ago. Every translated museum plaque revealed another story. Every ruin hinted at another chapter waiting to be discovered. The Mediterranean climate was another pleasant surprise. Even in winter, I never felt drained by the cold. It was a memorable journey. And while summer in Greece sounds almost unbearably hot, I can't help wondering what the country looks like beneath the blazing sun.
Maybe that's a trip for another day.
AI's Athens Recommendations
🥗 Ergon Athens
A modern Greek restaurant and gourmet marketplace showcasing local olive oils, herbs, seafood, and traditional ingredients. Also operates locations in Heraklion and Thessaloniki.
🏛 Acropolis Museum
One of Athens' essential attractions. Explore masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture and architecture, then enjoy a coffee with Acropolis views from the museum café.
⛪ Panagia Kapnikarea Church
A Byzantine church in the heart of Ermou Street that has watched over Athens for more than a thousand years.
☕ Kafeneio Filomila
A charming local café near Syntagma Square known for traditional Greek coffee and loukoumades, Greece's beloved honey-soaked doughnuts.
💡 Transportation Tip: The metro journey between Athens Airport and Syntagma takes roughly 40 minutes. A 48-hour transportation pass can cover both airport transfers and city travel, making it one of the best-value tickets for short stays.
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