Manchester, England • July 30th 2024

   A Solo Traveller's Guide to Athens 

Where to Stay?

I booked an amazing hostel (I've had my fair share of awful hostel experiences so I feel I have the ability to say this)

AthensHub hostel location was amazing, a quick 5-minute walk from the Monastiraki Subway station (where you will get off if you are travelling from the airport like myself).

I paid €40 a night which is on the pricier side, but wholly worth it. I stayed in a female only 8 bed room and it came with large single beds, curtains, under-bed storage and a balcony.

What to do?

The basics:

I took the non-touristy side to explore the city and did a TikTok deep dive of all the local's favourite spots. 

I started my day early as the summer heat is no joke in Athens!

The city is very walkable & the hostel location was about a 20-minute walk from the Acropolis and a 5-minute walk and the Roman Agora of Athens from the Library of Hadrian!

I took the route which takes you through the Plaka neighbourhood something I suggest you do early morning so you can explore without the heat, crowds and worry of pickpockets.

From Plaka you can also walk a little further to the neighbourhood of Anofiotika which will take you closer to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.

The walk from the neighbourhoods up to Plaka is truly beautiful and something that shouldn't be rushed the views from the top are beautiful.

Aeropagus Hill is situated right next to the Acropolis up some unsuspecting metal stairs and will offer you by far the best views of Athens!

If you're a student in the EU you can get into the Acropolis and the museum for free, if not the museum will set you back about £18 (I purchased my tickets on GetYourGuide which offers 10% off for email signups!) Once inside there is a free audioguide which you access through a QR code scanned it will take you about 2 hours to listen to and is very informative with visual guides too. 

Exploring:

Normanou Street

Something I found through a local Tiktoker was Normanou Street! It is a short street filled with hidden gems. Record shops, coffee shops (which were cheap) and small vintage clothing stores! The vibe here is super chill and artsy. It’s the kind of place where you can easily spend a few hours just browsing and soaking up the local culture without spending a fortune.

The coffee shops here are not only adorable but also budget-friendly. My absolute favourite was Norman Coffee. Their frappe was hands down the best I had during my entire month in Greece. It’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by with a delicious drink in hand.

Monatrika Square and markets 

Monastiraki Square is one of those places where you can feel the heartbeat of Athens. It's always lively, filled with street vendors, performers, and a mix of locals and tourists. The best part? You can find all your souvenirs here at relatively low prices. The markets around Monastiraki are perfect for picking up souvenirs. From handmade jewellery and traditional Greek sandals to quirky trinkets and local crafts, you'll find something for everyone here. Haggling is common, so don’t be shy to negotiate a bit for a better deal.

National Garden

This lush, green haven is right in the heart of the city, making it the perfect escape without actually leaving town. First off, it's gorgeous. Think winding paths, tall palm trees, and little ponds – it’s like stepping into a green dream. Whether you're into jogging, reading a book, or just chilling on a bench, the gardens have got you covered. 

There is also a zoo inside- It’s mostly birds and small animals, but it's a fun little surprise and makes for some great photo ops!