Other posts from the On a visit to.. series:
- On a visit to… Katie aka The travelling light, Brisbane (Australia)
- On a visit to… Krystal Lynn, Albuquerque (NM, USA)
- On a visit to… Ali Kamenova LA (California, USA)
Blogging is about connecting! Well, today I would like to present to you lovely Anna from Athens, Greece who is the author of the blog Aspects of style and with whom I’ve had some nice chats about travel. I found her blog and I just loved it – with all these amazing pictures and itineraries that she is sharing with her readers. I’ve never been to Athens, shame I know, and that’s why I asked Anna to take part and write about her hometown so we can be prepared when we plan to pack our backpacks to Greece. Have you ever been to Athens, share in the comment section below your tips and tricks, too? I will be glad to hear more from you!
(BG) На гости на…Анна (Атина, Гърция)
How do you imagine the perfect “om trip”?
For me, an Om trip is about visiting new cities and taking long road trips (with interesting scenery and many stops). When exploring a city, I’m mostly drawn to architecture and interesting buildings (either minimal or ornate ones). I usually plan my trips in advance making sure I cover the “must-see” sights and leave enough time for walking leisurely around the city and of course some shopping!
Can we have an om trip to Athens?
Athens is a busy city, but the historic center where all the sights are located (not to mention numerous restaurants and shops) has a lot of pedestrian streets and is quieter. The National Garden is also a nice spot for tranquility! The key is to visit the city offseason, in April, May, September, or October.
Three things which we have to take with us when traveling to Athens?
Given the fact that you’re going to walk a lot and that it’s (pretty much) always sunny in Athens, make sure you bring a pair of comfortable shoes, sunscreen and of course your camera to take beautiful photos!
How to look like the locals?
Athenians dress pretty casually, so by wearing a pair of jeans, sneakers, and a t-shirt you are going to blend in!
What should we try when we’re in Athens?
– Chicken mastichato at Tzitsikas & Mermigkas (it’s a chicken dish with a unique mastiha sauce)
– Cheese pie (tyropita) from Ariston, a “cult” bakery which operates since 1910
– Desserts from Fresh pastry store
Of course, if it’s your first time in Athens, I suggest you check out Manas kouzina at Agias Eirinis square for traditional dishes.
Where would you take us for a cup of coffee?
So many places I’d like to take you to, but I’ll pick two: Chocolat café in Thisio with amazing views over the Acropolis and Ancient Agora (and delicious desserts) and Tailor Made in Agias Eirinis Square for specialty coffee (and people watching).
The place you’d like to share with us.
The narrow and colorful streets of Plaka. It’s a touristy place, but very picturesque! Another place I like is the National Garden which is very beautiful and serene.
We can’t visit Athens without stopping by some galleries and museums. Show us some of your favorite ones.
The (new) Acropolis Museum is my favorite in Athens, as it’s very spacious and bright. The Byzantine and Benaki are two interesting museums that showcase artifacts from the Middle Ages (Byzantine Era) and the 19th century.
Is yoga popular in Athens? Where can we practice?
Yes, it is! There are many studios in downtown Athens. I personally practice Anusara yoga in Bhavana Yoga Studio located near the ever-popular Agias Eirinis Square.
There are lots of clichés about Greece, which ones proved to be false?
A typical cliché that I can think of about Greeks is that they are lazy. Studies have shown that Greeks work much more hours than other Europeans. This cliché probably stems from the fact that Greeks work to live (and lounge for hours drinking coffee and chatting with friends) and don’t live to work.
Where should we head to after Athens?
If you have a few days to spare I’d say head either to the islands of the Saronic Gulf, namely Hydra, Spetses, and Poros, or Nafplio, which was Greece’s first capital in the 19th century.
If you do have more time, then you can visit the Cyclades (one or two islands the most) or head to Crete!
Who is Anna?
My name is Anna and I’m an Athenian born and bred who loves to travel and explore other countries! I work in the Greek public sector and in my free time, I like to practice yoga, explore Athens and find the best pastry shops!! I blog about my travel and style adventures (and of course tips about Athens) over at Aspects of Style.
All pictures are kindly provided by Anna, Aspects of Style. Thank you, Anna!
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This is beautiful! I have Always admired Greece from a distance 🙂 hope to visit it someday.
Nothing is impossible! The funny part is that I am from Bulgaria, only a few hours from Greece and still haven’t been there 🙂
Who would say no to Athens, Greece?! All those historical spots bring you back to that era. Oh my Zeus, this is really on our bucket list! 😀
-Gerome of G&D Blog
http://www.gdblog.net
Hey, Gerome! I am so happy that you stopped by on our blog! If you visit Greece do not hesitate to drop me a line and plan a trip to Bulgaria as well! 🙂
Best,
Moni
I live in Athens too and I couldn’t agree more with what Anna wrote. Even some of the places she mentioned are my favorites too.
Yey, @Akamatra, it is so nice to hear that 🙂
I am so envious you got to sped time around all of that history and architect. I’d love to visit
Hope you get the chance to visit Athens soon!
Greece is on my hit list of the destinations to visit, its so beautiful. I liked the suggestions here and that Om-Trip terminology was a good one. 🙂
Thanks! Glad you liked the name 🙂
What a beautiful place. I have always wanted to travel and someday I will be able to. Greece is definitely one place on my bucket list to visit.
What do you want to see in Greece? Is it Athens or something else?
Great article! Very useful to me, because I am traveling to Athens early next year.
Yey, If you visit some of the places, do not forget to share with me your personal impressions. 🙂 Enjoy!
I’ve always wanted to go to Athens! These photos are so lovely.
You are so kind! Thanks, @Christina 🙂
What a beautiful place to visit. I’ve always wanted to see Greece.
Where do you want to go exactly? Do you have any plans?
Greece is such a lovely place to visit. I’d like to see it one day in person.
Hope that you can go there and making this dream come true.
This was super amazing! I love the photos you took, you made me feel as if I was right there with you. I would love to go to Athens one day.
I am happy that you have this feeling after reading the article!
The ruins of Greece brings history back to life. I hope I could se them with my own eyes one day.
As a historian, I also apppreciate every single well-preserved piece of history.
These pictures are beautiful. This is such a great interview and guide for visiting Athens. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, @Ophelia!
Its my dream to visit Greece one day with my hubby and kiddo… These pics are awesome just wants me to go right away 😀
Pack your bags then 🙂 xoxo
I’m a big coffee lover! I would definitely check out Thisio and Greece! What a great historical place!
Yes, It sounds like an interesting place 🙂
I would love to visit Greece one day. With all the rich history that the country has to offer, it would be an amazing trip.
Yes, Greece is amazing country and you can visit not only Athens but also the incredible places next to the sea side. Oh, in the middle of the winter this sounds great to me, too.
This was really nice, love the photos and you just made me want to go to Athens so bad. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, @joancajic.