8 Photos You'll Wish You'd Taken in Athens

When most people think of Greece, they often think summer holidays, so it can be hard to believe the fact that Athens, though one of the warmest places in Europe, also enjoys a snow day here and there. It’s a magical moment when it happens, though, as snow covers the city’s monuments with a white blanket, adding an eerie, peaceful vibe to Athens.

Part of the charm of Athens may be its landmarks, but its people comes pretty close too. Going from one monument to another, you miss out on the daily life in the Greek capital. So the next time you are visiting, take some time to sit in a café and do like the Athenians: relax, talk, rebuild the world and take in everything around you. You won’t regret it.

This stunning modern building is the new home of the National Opera and the National Library. The complex is the feat of Renzo Piano and features a beautiful park and an artificial lake. In the summer, the centre organises open-air movie nights, so check the website to learn more about the program.

In case you didn’t know, Athens has a major street art scene. So much so that many city tours offer a street art walking tour. While not every piece of graffiti is meant to be a piece of art, many authentic street artists are using the city as their canvas, enhancing the area with their murals. Psyrri, Metaxourgeio and Exarcheia are neighbourhoods where you will see some of the best graffiti around.

Housed in a 1929 building and located right opposite Piraeus port, the Piraeus metro station has been in use since 1869, and thousands of people use it on a daily basis. This number grows exponentially during the summer when the influx of tourists and locals head to the islands through the port.

The tradition is to head to Lycabettus Hill to watch as the sun sets over the sea from Athens’ highest point – the view is definitely worth the effort. But switch things up a bit and head to the 2004 Olympic Stadium (OAKA) and have a walk around. During the warmer months, the stadium turns into a playground and park, where neighbours come together to walk, talk and exercise while the young ones play. It’s a beautiful and peaceful moment worth experiencing.

You may have seen thousands of photos of the Acropolis. Whether it is on Instagram or in a history book, the Acropolis is undeniably an iconic landmark of the city. But to make your shot of the Sacred Rock unique, take a picture of its reflection on the glass wall of the Acropolis Museum – it’s sure to earn a lot of likes on your social media platforms.

Visiting the Temple of Poseidon in Sounio is another fun thing you can do in Athens. Combine it with a day at the beach along the Athenian Riviera, and end it with a sunset near the majestic hilltop temple. You will quickly understand that sunsets in Greece are simply magical, no matter where you are.