Be a Tourist in Athens – Keep Calm and Wander

Be a Tourist in Athens - Keep Calm and Wander

Here is a list of touristy things to do in Athens. In its evolution, the ancient city has not let go of its ancient character despite the trials of time. So, if you want to be a tourist in Athens, pick some or a few of these places for your two or three days itinerary in the ancient city.

1. The Parthenon / Acropolis

This should be your first stop. Standing on the hill of Acropolis, the Parthenon before your eyes is surreal. You’ll see ancient Greek architecture standing on this sacred hill for about 2,500 years. It is actually a collection of buildings, where you’ll explore Parthenon (dedicated to goddess Athena) known for its best Doric columns.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

Seeing Athens From Mt Lycabettus – Keep Calm and Wander

Mt Lycabettus - Keep Calm and Wander

The views of Athens from Mt Lycabettus is one thing that most tourists miss. That’s because when they visit The Parthenon on Acropolis, they’d also see Athens’ skyline from there. And for most of them, that’s enough.

But, if you had time to climb Mt Lycabettus, you should do it without hesitation. The view from up there at sunset is something that you would never forget too soon.

Seeing the Parthenon from the side Mt Lycabettus is another angle of seeing Athens’ panoramic skyline. And guess what, the mountain is even so much higher than Acropolis. You’ll be able to see the white-washed city dwellings creeping all the way to the Aegean Sea.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

Athens’ Acropolis Museum – Keep Calm and Wander

Acropolis Museum - Keep Calm and Wander

If I were you, visiting the Acropolis Museum in Athens should be your first business of the day. Then, climbing Acropolis to see the grandeur of The Parthenon is next. Yes, I know – you’d prefer to see the Parthenon first to avoid the crowd. Well, if you’re just going to take photos without the crowd in the background, then, that’s a smart thing to do.

But, if you want to fill in your brain with historical facts and visual feast on artifacts – visit the Acropolis Museum first. The displays on the last floor of the museum are shaped like the Parthenon. The set-up gives you a clear picture of what it was once like. You need to know that you can’t get close to The Parthenon in Acropolis because it is fenced and it is heavily guarded by workers in civilian clothes.

I would highly recommend that you go early to the museum. Have your breakfast at their outdoor patio on the top floor. They’ve got a fantastic view of The Parthenon. It feels good sipping your coffee or eating your pancakes while admiring the beauty of the Acropolis.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

Hadrian’s Library – Keep Calm and Wander

Hadrian's Library - Keep Calm and Wander

The Hadrian Library isn’t hard to find. Once you get off at the Monastiraki station, you’re right on Monastiraki Square. Look around 360 degrees and you’ll find Athens at a glance. Stand in the middle of the square and you’ll see domes of old Byzantine churches.

Look far ahead and the Acropolis with the stunning Parthenon is just within walking distance. The surrounding area is full of cheap shopping where you should buy your souvenirs. The smell of souvlaki evaporates into the air – and before you know it – you’re hungry!

Walk on the alley to the direction of the Parthenon. On your left, you’ll find an ancient domed architecture. Right next to it, you’ll find the ruins of Hadrian Library. The library is, of course, named after Hadrian, a Roman Emperor from 117 – 138 AD.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Greece Gay Travel Resources

 

The Parthenon – Keep Calm and Wander

The Parthenon - Keep Calm and Wander

I have seen the Parthenon in history books, TV documentaries and in gazillion postcards. I’ve also read about it in guidebooks and classical literature. Never have I ever thought that one day, I’ll be seeing it and standing on Acropolis where once the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology believed to have resided. No visitors in Athens would miss this enduring icon that withstood the weathering of time.

The Parthenon, however, isn’t mythical. It is a realm on its own merit. Nothing much has been left there to see but the archaeological ruins show a powerful civilization that spread its influence beyond lands and oceans.

The Parthenon is on the hills of Acropolis where Athens got its name. It had been said that the city was founded by a half-snake, half-human creature – Cecrops. In fact, the city’s first name was Cecropia, named after the legendary leader who turned the city into an important trading center.

By Alain – Full Story at Keep Calm and Wander

Greece Gay Travel Resources

Gay Athens

Gay Athens Athens has the most organized gay scene in Greece, with a variety of gay bars, saunas and cruising spots that will satisfy even the most demanding traveller. Men in Athens are considered among the most handsome and stylish in Europe. And they’re really open to tourists — not only for flirting, but for showing them around the city, too. Gay life in Athens is mostly gathered in the center of the city, around the two main neighborhoods of Gazi and St Irene’s Square. Both offer great entertainment choices, and you can easily walk from one to the other.

By Stefanie Gerdes – Full Story at Gay Star News

Greece Gay Travel Resources

]]>