Image credit Patrick P
Athens; the birthplace of democracy and a dream destination for adventurous visitors! If youβre planning on visiting this ancient city, be sure to be well prepared.Β
Getting inΒ …
Getting to Athens from the UK is simple. There are flights from mostβ―UK airportsβ―to Athens Airport, takingβ―approximatelyβ―four hours and costingβ―asβ―littleβ―as Β£40 return. The airport is around 30km from the city centre and has excellent transport links.β―Β (Please check government travel restrictions before booking your flights).
VisaΒ
British nationals donβtβ―need a visa to enter Athens.β―Β Hooray!
Getting AroundΒ …
From Athens Airport, take the bus X95 (β¬5.50 – β¬6) or the metro (β¬8 – β¬10). This will take you directly to the Syntagma Square which is the central point of Athens. The bus takes 1hr 15 mins whilst the metro takes around an hour. From there,β―you can either walk, take public transport or a taxi to your accommodation. In Athens, the taxi app most commonly used is called βBeat Rideβ. If youβre there for three days or less, consider buying a 3-day-metro-pass at the airport for β¬20 giving you unlimited access to all public transportation in Athens for 72 hours.
What toΒ see,Β do and eatΒ …
Begin by making your way to the historical site of the Acropolis. Take your time and meander through the spacious complex and donβt forget to take some pictures once you get to the highestΒ pointΒ as the views are simply breath taking. Other sites include, the Ancient Agora, Hadrianβs Library, and the temple of Olympian Zeus. For some shopping and food, head over toΒ MonastirakiΒ where you can sample great dishes such asΒ Mousakka, fresh fish and the reputable giros. If youβre curious to learn more about Islamic history, head over toΒ BenakiΒ Museum of Islamic Art. Finally, to end your trip, be sure to visit the coast. Places such asΒ SounionΒ andΒ VariΒ will allow you to catch a break away from the city and enjoy the sun, sea and sand.Β Β
CurrencyΒ
The currency used inβ―Athens is the Euro. Money can easily be exchanged in the UK or upon arrival. Cash machines are also widely available.
WeatherΒ
The best times to visit Athens are between March and May and September to November as the temperature is pleasant. The months between June and August can be very hot.Β Β
By Juber Ahmed
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
