Like many, many other Gen Z kids, I spent my childhood absolutely hooked on Greek mythology. Ten years after my fascination first began, I had the chance to finally visit the city at the heart of all the lore. My Athens intinerary was jam packed, but I ultimately ended up having the perfect two day stay! 

First, I have to rave about the people of Greece. Every local I interacted with here was ridiculously friendly, even those working airport security. Greek citizens are some of the nicest people I’ve ever meet, and I’m so grateful for their hospitality. I also have to admit that the food in Greece is easily the best food I have ever had. The local cuisine is fresh, varied, and nothing short of mind-blowing. Every Greek food I’d ever tried, from yogurt to falafel, was about 1000 times better here. As an added bonus-it was extremely easy to eat a vegetarian diet here without missing out on classic Greek cooking. 

The weather is Athens tends to be on the warm side, even in late September. A rainy morning, however, cooled temperatures off into the low to mid 70s and mitigated crowds at the Parthenon, my first stop. Between the light from the sun poking through the thunderclouds, the live music from a band rehearsing in the amphitheater, and the many cats perched atop ancient columns, I really couldn’t have asked for a better visit. I also spent a couple of hours diving into the nearby Acropolis Museum (museum #1 of 3), which was built on top of literal ancient ruins. In an impressive display of passive aggressiveness, the Greeks built the museum with empty display spaces for artifacts stolen by the British. As huge as this museum is, the size doesn’t even come close to that of the National Archeological Museum. If I had to pick just one museum to return to, it would be the National Archeological Museum, where artifacts from every time in Greek history have found a home. Three hours was not nearly enough time to see everything! Heads up—if you have a phobia of pigeons, take an Uber to this museum.

I loved everything about Athens, and wish I had had an additional day in the city, rather then killing myself to see it all in two days. Regardless, I found nothing in the city to be overhyped (maybe its founding as a female-centric democracy has something to do with the amazingness?). The Greeks are right—everything in Greece really is done better. 

Yamas!