I vowed to never become one of those girls that say “Study Abroad changed by liiiiiiiiife”, but here I am.
Four years later, and I still daydream about the days I lived in Agia Paraskevi, Greece. Just a quick 20 minute drive outside of Athens, this little college town was the perfect spot to make home for four months.
Aside from the traditional tourist stops at the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Panathenaic Stadium, some of my favorite activities in this lively city included:
360 Cocktail Bar
Located above Monastiraki Square, this gorgeous rooftop bar offers some of the best views of Athens. The rooftop garden was my favorite spot to get some iconic pictures in front of the Acropolis.
Brettos Bar
The oldest distillery in Athens, Brettos is a stunning bar adorned with a myriad of multicolored bottles, beautifully backlit to create an enchanting ambiance. Grab a seat at the bar and enjoy the picturesque surroundings while sampling homemade ouzo. Open until 3:00 AM, this is the perfect spot for after dinner drinks.
Strolling Sidewalks in Plaka
One of the most popular neighborhoods in Athens, Plaka is a great place to spend an afternoon of shopping and eating. Untouched by modern development, the charming streets of Plaka serve as a scenic escape from traditional architecture.
Tip: Be cautious of pickpockets and scammers as you take in the sights of Athens. No need to be scared, just be aware! Keep your purse close, and watch your surroundings. A common scam I witnessed a few times on my trip was people offering ‘free’ bracelets that turn into donation requests later. Remember, nothing’s ever truly free! It might feel a bit awkward, but it’s okay to be ‘rude’ and just ignore the freebies to avoid any hassle with unwanted ‘donations’.
Watching the Changing of the Guards at the Hellenic Parliament
At the top of the hour, make your way to the Hellenic Parliament to watch the changing of the guards ceremony. It’s a truly unique experience watching these highly disciplined soldiers execute a precise ‘dance’ as they switch shifts. Their leg kicks are higher than the Radio City Rockettes, and they are adorned in distinctive costumes that feature black tassels, pleated skirts, and stylish pom-pom loafers, making quite the fashion statement. It’s a fun and educational break from the usual Athens landmarks, providing an entertaining insight into history.
Take a Taxi to Lake Vouliagmeni
One of the coolest experiences on my Athens journey was a visit to Lake Vouliagmeni to indulge in its natural spa. Enriched with minerals like potassium, iron, calcium, and lithium, the hot springs in the lake are renowned for their healing properties. Adding a touch of adventure, the lake features small Garra Rufa fish in its shallow waters. These fish, commonly seen at those fish pedicure spas, nibble on your hands and feet, creating a memorable (and slightly ticklish) encounter as long as you manage to stay very still.
