Whether or not your youngsters are followers of Greek myths or fancy a sunny household metropolis break with a aspect serving to of historical past, there’s a lot to do in Athens with youngsters that the Greek capital ought to positively make your checklist.
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I’ve visited a number of instances through the years, and having labored out approach via fairly a number of Greek islands collectively, I couldn’t wait to correctly introduce my daughter to Athens as nicely.
And from our incredible family-friendly tour of the Acropolis to the unforgettable Altering of the Guard, wandering sunny cobbled streets and assembly only a few of the town’s cats (amongst a complete issues of different issues to do in Athens with youngsters), it was a the right household break.
The Acropolis/Parthenon
No matter age you might be, you possibly can’t go to Athens with out visiting the Acropolis and exploring the stays of the traditional buildings and temples inside, together with the Parthenon.
For those who’re visiting in summer time, attempt to get there early to keep away from the worst of the warmth – there’s virtually no shade as you discover the long-lasting landmark – whereas it’s nicely price contemplating a family-friendly tour at any time of 12 months.
Having visited a number of instances beforehand myself, I’m positive I discovered extra on our Various Athens Mythology tour this time, and my daughter liked the myths and tales of gods and heroes.
Alongside the best way, we encountered a number of the cats which make their residence right here (positively one in every of her highlights), in addition to the temple of Dionysus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (additionally known as the Herodeon) which nonetheless hosts live shows right now, and the well-known temples to Athena.
The smallest – by the gates, additionally known as the Propylaea in historical Greek – is the temple of Athena Nike, completed round 420BCE, however when you cross into the best part, you’ll additionally discover the Erechtheion (the temple of Athena and Poseidon), the Parthenon and see the well-known Caryatids, the feminine statues at one finish of the Erectheion.
Don’t neglect to take a look at the sacred olive tree of Athena, subsequent to the Erectheion too. Legend has it this olive tree is descended from the unique olive tree planted by Athena herself…
For those who desire to strive a self-guided tour, there are skip-the-line tickets with audio information. In any other case you possibly can purchase tickets straight to skip the queues – nicely price doing in the summertime months, though you possibly can solely get tickets with a toddler low cost for non-EU residents for those who purchase them on the web site.
Do plan a go to to the Acropolis museum as nicely, which homes many artefacts from the Acropolis archaeological web site – though you would possibly need to do it on a separate day. We visited the morning after our tour, which labored nicely as we might image the precise websites as we noticed the artefacts. You may get mixed tickets to the museum and the Acropolis which allow you to skip the road
The Acropolis Museum
Once I first visited the Acropolis, the dusty little museum on the positioning actually didn’t add a terrific deal to the expertise. The brand new Acropolis Museum which opened again in 2009 is unmissable nevertheless, with some enjoyable extras for teenagers too.
Greater than 4,250 objects are exhibited over an space of 14,000 sq. metres so that is someplace you could permit a few hours for (no less than 90 minutes) and there are a number of totally different youngsters’ exercise packs and trails to observe.
You’ll want to go away some ID while you take one of many household backpacks however they’re free to borrow, with choices for various ages as much as 12, or obtain the free audio information utilizing a QR code. That’s higher for older youngsters and adults although.
The route via the museum mimics the route guests would take via the Acropolis web site itself, so that you’ll see artefacts discovered on the decrease slopes first, then it leads you as much as uncover extra in regards to the temples, culminating with a recreation of the Parthenon frieze on the highest flooring.
The frieze itself incorporates a number of the originals, in addition to plaster recreations of the items held by the British Museum (which, while you see all of it collectively, does very a lot convey residence what a giant proportion was taken to the UK…)
Alongside the best way, there are numerous child-friendly indicators alongside the overall data, plus different shows bringing the positioning to life – particulars of the colors used to embellish the friezes, for instance, and the way they have been made, whereas the stone bear was one other of my daughter’s favourites.
Do save time to go out to the cafe terrace, even for those who’re not consuming or consuming there, to look out in the direction of the Acropolis. There’s additionally an archaeological excavation beneath the museum itself too.
You should purchase skip-the-line tickets together with audio information prematurely, or direct from the museum (as with most Greek websites, the half-price little one ticket for non-EU residents is just accessible from the ticket desk, not on-line).
There’s a bag verify for everybody coming into: anticipate a queue for this half, and attempt to keep away from bringing meals or drink although (water is OK) as it will likely be taken off you, though you get a ticket to reclaim it as you allow.
My tip is to go to the museum after you’ve been to the Acropolis web site, because it helps convey all of the artefacts to life – except you’re wanting time, finest to put it aside for the next day to keep away from overloading youthful youngsters. You can even get mixed tickets to the museum and the Acropolis which allow you to skip the road
Take a tour
Athens is the sort of metropolis the place you possibly can wander fortunately for hours, discovering fairly pedestrianised areas, stumbling throughout outdated ruins galore and simply absorbing the sights.
However there’s no query that you simply’ll get much more from the town for those who take one of many family-friendly excursions. We tried two from Various Athens to find historical Greece and a vibrant aspect to the trendy metropolis.
The Mythology Tour of the Acropolis (and to Pnyx Hill) was incredible, the right approach to be taught extra in regards to the historical past behind the traditional web site via a number of the Greek myths linked to it – our information Vasia was fabulous, tailoring the tour to my daughter, and with some further actions thrown in among the many tales and legends on the high of the hill to complete.
However we additionally selected a road artwork tour which took us to some totally different areas of Athens, from Kerameikos to Gazi, Metaxourgio and Psirri to find artwork impressed by historical past, politics and life in Athens right now.
Regardless of relentless drizzle (the draw back of visiting Athens in February), our information Nikos was nice at participating my daughter, explaining a number of the meanings behind the artworks and introducing us to particular artists and their type.
Whilst you can discover solo, a number of the areas are positively edgier than the vacationer centre, so I used to be glad to have somebody main us via quite than making an attempt to navigate solo.
You gained’t be wanting different family-friendly strolling excursions of Athens – Various Athens alone has a complete string of different excursions, together with a Greek meals tour, Surprising Athens which takes you off the overwhelmed observe (higher for teenagers) and delves into more moderen historical past, even a Greek vogue tour!
Altering of the guard
Simply top-of-the-line free issues to do in Athens with youngsters, I make time to see the Altering of the Guards each time I go to the town.
On the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, outdoors the Hellenic Parliament (which homes the Greek parliament) close to Syntagma Sq., you possibly can watch the normal ceremony each hour on the hour.
And in contrast to comparable ceremonies in different cities, you gained’t simply get to see a little bit of marching. The guards, referred to as Evzones, are identified for his or her eye-catching costumes (particularly the large pompoms on their sneakers) and the exact choreographed actions, together with excessive kicks and toes scraping the bottom.
Attempt to get there early through the summer time particularly: it’s fashionable with tour teams, so you will discover your self caught behind individuals in any other case – at all times keep behind the white line, and you could be motioned to at least one aspect or one other as the brand new guards arrive and the outdated guard departs.
Probably the most elaborate official ceremony takes place on Sundays at 11am when even larger crowds collect to see the spectacle on Syntagma Sq., however even the shorter hourly one is enjoyable to observe.
Panathenaic stadium
Fancy a household competitors on the spot the place Olympic athletes have competed? And I don’t simply imply the trendy Olympics…
The Panathenaic stadium was constructed again in 330BCE and used for the Panathenaic Video games, one of many Panhellenic Video games which included the traditional Olympics. Rebuilt in marble round 150 years after it was first constructed, it’s nonetheless the one stadium on this planet constructed of marble.
The stadium has additionally been used to host a part of the trendy Olympic video games, and there’s a small exhibition with a number of the torches and posters from throughout the previous 125 years or so, together with Athens’ personal time internet hosting the video games.
Do get the free audio information (or there’s a downloadable information for iPhone, although not Android) because it makes a giant distinction to understanding what you’re seeing, sharing the historical past and selecting out the small print of the positioning – I’d thought we’d simply have a fast go to, however ended up spending round an hour there.
Plus you possibly can climb to the highest seats to benefit from the views, together with to the Acropolis, race across the observe, and have a good time victory on the winner’s podium afterwards.
You’ll be able to solely purchase tickets on the stadium itself. In summer time, it’s finest to go to early within the day or late afternoon, as there’s no shade within the stadium and the marble might be blindingly white in the course of the day.
In case your youngsters are fascinated by the Olympics, there’s even an Olympic Video games tour which visits the Panathenaic Stadium, in addition to different places in Athens, to strive your hand at a number of Olympic sports activities
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Set within the Nationwide Gardens (scroll down for extra particulars), you’ll discover the Temple of Zeus on the reverse finish of the gardens from the Hellenic Parliament constructing – you possibly can simply stroll from the Altering of the Guard via the gardens to the temple.
The temple, often known as the Olympieion, is believed to this point from the sixth century BCE and was as soon as the most important temple in Greece, with 104 columns.
Right this moment, regardless that solely 15 columns stay, you continue to get a way of the unimaginable constructing feat concerned. In case your youngsters are feeling templed out, you don’t must go inside, and may get a quick view from outdoors the railings.
Entry is included within the mixture ticket for Athens historic sights, together with the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, and the Greek Agora. The ticket is legitimate for five days and likewise offers entry to a number of different websites.
You can even purchase the mix ticket from Get Your Information, together with free cancellation, in addition to a mixture ticket together with downloadable audio guides and a mixture ticket plus hop-on hop-off bus tour
Hadrian’s Arch
Subsequent to the Temple of Zeus is the Arch of Hadrian, often known as Hadrian’s Gate – an enormous 8 metres tall, it’s made from the identical marble used on the Panathenaic Stadium.
Inbuilt 132CE by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, it’s thought it marked the dividing level between the outdated Greek metropolis and new Roman metropolis.
One aspect reads ‘That is Athens, the traditional metropolis of Theseus’; and on the opposite: ‘That is the town of Hadrian, and never of Theseus’.
Greek Agora (Historical Agora)
If temples alone aren’t bringing Historical Greece to life, head to the Greek Agora – often known as the Historical Agora – which can give youngsters a bit of style of on a regular basis life.
The Stoa of Attalos is the world’s first buying arcade, and you’ll think about what it may need been like with customers and stallholders bartering and bargaining away.
There are a string of different sights inside too, however look out for The Temple of Hephaestus, constructed 449 BC and top-of-the-line preserved temples in Greece, in addition to the later Church of the Holy Apostles – constructed within the Tenth century, there are some stunning frescoes inside.
Entry is included within the mixture ticket for Athens historic sights, together with the Temple of Zeus, the Acropolis and the Roman Agora. The ticket is legitimate for five days and likewise offers entry to a number of different websites.
You can even purchase the mix ticket from Get Your Information, together with free cancellation, in addition to a mixture ticket together with downloadable audio guides and a mixture ticket plus hop-on hop-off bus tour
Roman Agora
It’s not simply Historical Greek historical past you possibly can uncover in Athens, however the Romans too – so if in case you have time for extra historic websites (and your loved ones has vitality for extra sightseeing), hold the Roman Agora on the checklist.
The Tower of the Winds is among the most well-known elements, because of its stunning inside.
The octagonal tower, which options sundials, a water clock and a wind vane, is taken into account the world’s first meteorological station.
You can even get a superb view into the positioning from the hill as you stroll down from the Acropolis via Plaka for those who simply need a glimpse quite than to go inside.
Athens Nationwide Gardens
It is a pretty park and a terrific place to flee from the busy streets of Athens with youngsters. If the climate is good (and it often is!) you possibly can have a picnic on the Nationwide Backyard of Athens too, or let your youngsters burn off some vitality when you loosen up on the grass.
Inside the 16-acre gardens you additionally discover the Zappeion, which was constructed for the trendy Olympic Video games and used because the fencing corridor through the Olympics of 1896.
However there are additionally loads of different child-friendly highlights: a pond stuffed with big koi and one other stuffed with terrapins, a bit of playground and fairytale arched bridge over the water, and orange timber galore.
The gardens are proper subsequent to the parliament, so it’s simple to walk in through the entrances on Amalias Avenue or Vassilissis Sofias Avenue.
Experience the Mount Lycabettus Funicular
Sitting on the highest level in central Athens, legend states that Mount Lycabettus was fashioned when the Greek Goddess Athena by accident dropped a big rock whereas en path to the Acropolis.
Whereas climbing the long-lasting 277 metre hill on foot is feasible, a greater choice for drained little legs is to catch the cable automotive up Mount Lycabettus. The funicular runs inside a tunnel and takes simply 3 minutes to succeed in the summit.
As soon as on the high of Lycabettus Hill, you possibly can get pleasure from superb panoramic views over the town and out to the Aegean Sea, discover the beautiful whitewashed Agios Georgios Chapel, and cease for a meal or drink on the stunning hilltop restaurant.
By the way, you could typically see it spelled Lykavittos Hill, though Lycabettus is probably the most standard model – identical factor although.
Nationwide Archaeological Museum of Athens
The Nationwide Archaeological Museum (NAM) is the most important museum in Greece and one of the crucial essential museums on this planet devoted to historical Greek artwork and tradition.
The massive neoclassical constructing homes over 11,000 displays, with many spectacular statues, intricate sculptures, ceramics, and distinctive artworks spanning from prehistory to late antiquity. The gathering additionally consists of historical sarcophagi and the world’s first-ever pc.
The NAM presents an interesting perception into Greek historical past and mythology, making it a terrific place to go to with older kids with an curiosity in these matters. You possibly can simply spend 2-3 hours exploring the museum’s highlights.
Nonetheless, the NAM doesn’t have any trails or actions to maintain little ones entertained, so it could be a bit of boring for youthful kids.
You will discover skip-the-line tickets in addition to tickets with free cancellation and an non-obligatory audio tour
Herakleidon Museum of Historical Greek Expertise
Absolutely one of the crucial uncommon museums to go to in Athens with youngsters, the Herakleidon Museum of Historical Greek Expertise is definitely break up throughout two totally different buildings 150m aside.
A science and expertise museum with a distinction, it appears at a number of the innovations of the Historical Greeks to indicate a number of the creations they developed, in addition to some interactive fashions on show.
With every thing from an analogue pc to an automatic servant, it’s one of many quirkiest stops within the metropolis, and whereas it’s not the only option with youthful youngsters, there’s loads for older ones to get pleasure from.
Historical Greek Theatre Efficiency
For those who’ve been wishing you might journey again in time to get pleasure from an Historical Greek theatre efficiency, Athens has the subsequent neatest thing.
Operating for round six months of the 12 months, Koilon holds a 60-minute theatre efficiency in English each evening on a rooftop close to the Acropolis Museum – and guarantees the Historical Greek Theatre Efficiency is the funniest approach to spend an hour in Athens,
Mixing custom – males in masks, flowing robes – and some fashionable touches, the plot follows a present-day vacationer who will get knocked unconscious and wakes to find he has been transported again 2,500, assembly characters from Greek mythology and legend alongside the best way.
There’s a view of the Acropolis within the background as you watch the efficiency, for a number of the most unbeatable stage surroundings round! Runs from round mid April to late October.
Uncover the Athens Riviera – go to the seashore
You don’t must go to the islands to seek out stunning seashores in Greece, with seashores shut sufficient to go to from Athens for a day journey or afternoon by the ocean.
The Athens Riviera is a beautiful coastal space within the metropolis’s southern suburbs with many family-friendly seashores to get pleasure from on a scorching summers day.
Akti Vouliagmenis is among the hottest seashores near Athens, with its clear calm waters and golden sands. There are many nice facilities, together with sunbeds and umbrellas, bathrooms, showers, cafes, a child’s playground, and tennis/volleyball courts.
Most seashores are reachable from central Athens in 20-Half-hour by automotive or 45 minutes by public transport. The hop-on hop-off bus even runs alongside the Athens Riviera through the summer time months.
It’s price noting that many seashores on this area are personal. You’ll must pay an entry payment to make use of them (€10-15), so it’s finest to select one seashore to spend the day quite than hopping alongside the coast.
Hop On Hop Off Bus
A hop-on hop-off bus is a incredible approach to discover Athens with youngsters, particularly when the climate’s scorching otherwise you’re seeking to see sights outdoors the centre.
This sightseeing journey helps you to transfer across the metropolis at your personal tempo, leaping off at must-see landmarks just like the Acropolis and iconic Syntagma Sq..
Youngsters will love sitting on the highest deck of the open-top bus, watching the town’s well-known sights cross by from above. The onboard commentary additionally presents a terrific perception into the town, with loads of fascinating tales, myths, and legends to entertain the entire household.
Metropolis Sightseeing presently presents three totally different bus routes – Athens Metropolis Heart, Piraeus, and the Athens Riviera – letting you decide and select which areas to discover.
Athens bike tour
For those who’d wish to get round Athens quicker than you possibly can on foot, however nonetheless getting nearer to the motion than you possibly can on a tour bus, there are additionally bike excursions of Athens for households.
Aimed toward older youngsters, you possibly can pedal previous historical websites, get some nice views of the Acropolis, uncover historical ruins together with the Greek and Roman Agoras and head off the overwhelmed vacationer observe to seek out a number of much less well-known areas too.
This 2.5-hour bike tour is appropriate for teenagers aged 12+ or this three-hour bike tour is open to all ages, so long as you possibly can confidently journey a motorbike (relying in your youngsters’ ages, do contact them prematurely to verify the fashions accessible).
There are even e-bike excursions for households as nicely: this three-hour ebike tour is appropriate for teenagers aged 10+ and taller than 140cm.
The Nationwide Gallery
The Athens Nationwide Gallery (Alexandros Soutzos Museum) is residence to a tremendous assortment of greater than 20,000 work and sculptures from the nineteenth century onwards.
And it’s a terrific distinction to all the traditional paintings you’ll uncover elsewhere within the Greek capital, with loads of vibrant modern shows.
The museum hosts many family-friendly occasions and actions all year long too, together with kids’s workshops each Saturday (11am to 2pm), particular academic applications, and guided household excursions. Try their web site for upcoming occasions.
The Museum of Greek Youngsters’s Artwork
The Museum of Greek Youngsters’s Artwork is among the few museums on this planet that solely shows paintings made by kids (aged 4-14). The small museum presently holds over 10,000 items of artwork created by kids from Greece and all internationally.
Youngsters will love being surrounded by the drawings, work, and sculptures created by their very own friends. There are even some distinctive three-dimensional drawings, that are equal elements superb and unnerving.
The museum promotes schooling via artwork and encourages little guests to get hands-on themselves, with enjoyable crafts areas and youngsters’ artwork workshops each Sunday (keep updated with occasions on their Fb right here).
Athens Planetarium
Athens’ Eugenides Basis Planetarium is extensively thought to be one of many greatest and finest digital planetariums on this planet.
The massive 945-square-metre dome has a state-of-the-art projection system and interactive items in every of the seats that assist management the show.
The planetarium hosts a each day program of academic 3D movies that uncover the secrets and techniques of the universe and make studying about area thrilling for all ages. Most reveals are appropriate for teenagers 10+, with devoted reveals for youthful kids.
On a go to to the Eugenides Basis, you can even discover the Science and Expertise Exhibition, which has a spread of interactive science displays for older kids, and benefit from the common schedule of science reveals for little scientists.
Stavros Niarchos Basis Cultural Heart
Mix your go to to the Planetarium with the Stavros Niarchos Basis Cultural Heart, which is correct subsequent door in Athens’ Faliro Bay.
The putting fashionable cultural advanced is residence to each the Nationwide Library and the Greek Nationwide Opera. However for those who’re visiting with youngsters, you’re going to need to head to the encircling Stavros Niarchos Park, the most important inexperienced area in Athens.
The large park is full of stunning Mediterranean crops and open area for little ones to run round. There’s a kids’s playground, sound backyard, water play space, hedge maze, rental bikes (for ages 5-13), and an enormous canal with rent boats. It’s the right place for energetic youngsters to let off some steam.
Free occasions and actions additionally happen within the park all year long, together with reveals, festivals, movie screenings, and even an ice rink through the festive season.
Whilst you’re right here, you’re not too removed from the Benaki Toy Museum, residence to twenty,000 classic toys from all over the world
Hellenic Youngsters’s Museum
For the last word family-friendly museum in Athens, head to the Hellenic Youngsters’s Museum, which is fully devoted to youngsters 12 and beneath.
Whereas calling it a museum is perhaps a slight stretch, the distinctive area has a wide range of immersive displays and interactive play areas which might be designed to have interaction younger minds.
Youngsters can create big bubbles within the Bubble Room, be taught primary geometry within the Pythagoras Room, experiment with cooking within the Kitchen, and discover the Mini Market, with a small-scale bakery, pharmacy, and butcher’s.
The entire areas are designed to be each enjoyable and academic, with loads of video games and actions to assist little ones work together with and take into consideration the world round them.
Playmobil Enjoyable Park
One other enjoyable attraction in Athens for youthful youngsters is the Playmobil Enjoyable Park within the northern suburb of Kifisia.
The massive indoor playground options big Playmobil figures and plenty of themed play zones. Youngsters will discover each sort of Playmobil set they’ll think about, together with Historical Greek Gods and Goddesses and legendary Greek heroes and creatures.
The primary Enjoyable Park space is finest fitted to kids between 3-10 years. There’s additionally a fenced-off part for teenagers below 3 with larger units which might be protected for little ones.
There are many members of employees monitoring the play space, whereas mother and father can benefit from the cosy on-site cafe.
Museum of Illusions
Situated within the coronary heart of the town, near Historical Agora and Monastiraki Sq., the Museum of Illusions is a extra uncommon Athens attraction for inquisitive minds of all ages.
Filled with uncommon optical illusions and mind-boggling displays, you possibly can snap some enjoyable household pictures within the upside-down room, stumble via the rotating vortex tunnel, and get misplaced within the mirrored infinity room.
Plus don’t miss the museum’s Playroom, the place you possibly can problem your youngsters to some age-old dilemma video games, together with puzzles, brainteasers, not possible knots, and mathematical riddles.
Goulandris Pure Historical past Museum
Dinosaurs, bugs, fossils… the Goulandris Pure Historical past Museum has the entire components for a terrific Athens attraction for teenagers.
The massive family-friendly museum focuses on the conservation of Greece’s distinctive habitats and wildlife via schooling and growing public consciousness.
Youngsters will love seeing the life-sized animal replicas, whereas the various interactive displays, shows and academic video games will hold the entire household engaged and studying.
Don’t miss the “Earthquake on the Museum” exhibition, the place you possibly can expertise precise tremors and be taught in regards to the results of pure disasters too.
Athens Central Meals Market
Foodie households shouldn’t miss a go to to the Athens Central Meals Market, which dates all the best way again to 1886 and stays the most important and busiest meals market within the metropolis.
Also called the Varvakios Agora, youngsters shall be mesmerized by the various sights, sounds and aromas of the bustling market, with rows of vibrant vegetables and fruit and unique spices from throughout Greece.
Seize some tasty native delicacies, like kouloúria (sesame bread rings), bougatsa (custard pies), conventional cheeses, and cured meats, from the market and luxuriate in in neighboring Kotzia Sq. – simply be cautious of the various hungry pigeons!
If you wish to uncover all of the secrets and techniques of Greek meals, there are a number of Athens meals excursions which go to the Athens Central Meals Market
Go to Plaka
The gorgeous pedestrianised streets of the Plaka neighbourhood are one of the crucial fashionable elements of Athens – however regardless of the summer time crowds, and the very fact it’s positively half vacationer entice, you need to positively save a little bit of time to walk across the space.
With loads of memento outlets, it’s simple to select up a memento or two, with loads within the pocket cash worth vary, in addition to discovering cafes and eating places with al fresco tables to loosen up at – to not point out a lot of ice cream outlets and cats basking within the solar.
Stretching from the foot of Acropolis hill to Monastiraki, it’s simple to succeed in as you’re exploring Athens, so likelihood is you’ll end up wandering via greater than as soon as.
Discover Anafiotika
On the high of Plaka, as you head in the direction of the Acropolis, is one in every of Athens’ most uncommon little areas – Anafiotika.
The realm bought its title because it was based by workmen from the island of Anafi, who’d been invited to the capital to assist with development on the then king’s palace. And with the white-washed homes and slim streets, it’s the closest you may get to the Greek islands with out hopping on a ferry.
As Instagrammable as it’s, individuals do nonetheless stay right here, so that you’re reminded to be respectful as you discover. Nevertheless it’s nicely price a fast search for the constasting white partitions and splashes of color within the shutters and flowers, in addition to some very tight passageways.
The realm can be residence to 2 seventeenth century church buildings, Agios Georgios and Agios Simeon, with some pretty views out from the previous.
See historical past at Monastiraki
Stand in busy Monastiraki Sq. and you may get an actual sense of each the age of Athens and all of the totally different influences which have formed the town.
From right here, there are views of the Acropolis, towering over the town, but additionally of the Tenth-century Pantanassa basilica which supplies the sq. its title (‘little monastery’) and the Tzistarakis Mosque, in-built 1759 when Greece was below Ottoman rule.
Head down into the Metro station and you can even see an archaeological web site excavated throughout work to create the underground practice line – pay attention out for the hidden river which as soon as ran right here, however which has now been buried.
Again above floor, the streets off the sq. are additionally identified for his or her second-hand finds on the flea market on Ifestou.
For one more of probably the most surprising archaeological websites in Athens, head to the department of Zara at Stadiou 32 – the decrease degree has a Roman tomb tucked away in a glassed off part simply to the aspect of the children’ garments!
Attica Zoological Park
Situated within the suburb of Sparta, near Athens Worldwide Airport, Attica Zoological Park is the one zoo in Greece and makes for a terrific household day trip from Athens.
With a giant give attention to conservation, the zoo presently has over 2,000 animals throughout 290 species, together with lions, Asian elephants, giraffes, penguins, and plenty extra. It’s additionally residence to the world’s third-largest assortment of birds, with 1,100 birds from 300 totally different species.
Households can get pleasure from animal feedings, keeper talks, and guided excursions. And don’t neglect to go to the tutorial middle, the place youngsters can participate in free academic periods, whereas getting hands-on with interactive shows.
You’ll be able to take the Metro line M3 from Monastiraki and Syntagma to Doukissis Plakentias and catch a bus (or discover a taxi) to get to the zoo, or take a non-public switch straight from the centre with an organization like Welcome Pickups (anticipate to pay round £40+).
Hellenic Motor Museum
In case your youngsters have had sufficient of historical historical past, younger automotive followers can make a journey via automotive historical past on the Hellenic Motor Museum in Athens.
The three story museum homes over 100 classic and traditional vehicles from the nineteenth and twentieth, together with many Chrysler, Packard, Ford, and Ferrari fashions.
There are many data plaques and multimedia shows to maintain guests of all ages engaged, whereas youngsters will love the interactive Components One simulator on the finish of the museum. Plus you possibly can even find out how the historical past of the wheel affected the evolution of the automotive, with some displays courting again over 2,300 years
The place to remain in Athens with youngsters
You gained’t be wanting selection in terms of locations to remain in Athens for households, together with flats, arparthotels and family-friendly lodges.
On our latest go to, we reviewed one of many household suites at Athens4 lodge in addition to one of many Studio flats at Acro City Suites.
Or for concepts of extra self-catering lodging, aparthotels and lodges, take a look at reserving.com
Methods to get round Athens with youngsters
The metro strains via the centre of Athens, together with one line linking the town with the airport, imply it’s at all times simple to get round, particularly while you add in buses and trams as nicely.
As we arrived into Athens airport within the night, I made a decision to e book a non-public switch with Welcome Pickups as an alternative of utilizing public transport with our suitcase – barely cheaper than the set fare for taxis, it was fully hassle-free, which beat looking for our approach at midnight!
There are varied tickets accessible for vacationers, in addition to half-price reductions for youngsters on some tickets – nevertheless it’s not at all times as simple to get these, so that you’ll must queue on the station to purchase one.
For adults, there’s a selection of an Athena ticket (a chargeable paper ticket which you’ll be able to load journeys onto – though you need to use all the prevailing journeys earlier than you possibly can add one other one) which you may get at ticket machines and an Athena card, which is analogous however plastic and solely accessible from ticket places of work.
There’s additionally a personalised Athena card, however they’re extra difficult to get, so solely worthwhile for those who’re spending a very long time in Athens.
You’ll be able to add something from a single 90 minute ticket as much as a block of 11 90-minute tickets (that are legitimate for 90 minutes after you first contact the cardboard to activate one), a 24-hour ticket and a five-day ticket.
You can even get a three-day ticket which features a round-trip fare to the airport – it’s really legitimate for 72 hours though you need to have accomplished your last airport journey inside that interval. For those who’re coming for an extended weekend, that’s excellent; if, like us, you’re visiting for an extended brief break, it doesn’t fairly work out.
Youngsters aged six and below journey free, however the issue for those who’re travelling with older youngsters is that neither of those tickets allow you to load the half-price fares on.
To get the low cost for teenagers aged 7-17 you want both a personalised Athena card (which wants a photograph and is extra trouble to get) or to purchase them at a machine at suburban rail stations – simple sufficient for the airport, much less so for Metro journeys. Teenagers might have to indicate a passport or ID card as nicely.
Single 90-minute fares on the Metro are 1,20 Euros whereas a 5-day card is 8,20 Euros – so for those who assume you’ll be utilizing public transport quite a bit, it would simply be price shopping for the 5-day card. Sure, you’re paying greater than you could, however for the sake of some Euros, you’re saving loads of trouble and it’s simple to simply soar on a bus or tram for those who want.
Though having determined to do this myself, we ended up making fewer journeys than I had anticipated and strolling much more – if in case you have younger youngsters, which may not be an choice, however in any other case for those who’re staying centrally and joyful to stroll, the centre of Athens isn’t big.
Try my information to Greece with youngsters for extra suggestions for households, in addition to a two-day itinerary for Athens with a child
Disclosure: This submit incorporates experiences which have been free for assessment and affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.
Temple of Olympian Zeus/Temple of Hephaestus/Tower of the Winds/Roman Agora/Mount Lycabettus/Nationwide Archaeological Museum/Athens Riviera/SNFCC/market/Monastiraki Sq./zoo/ Metro/tram photographs courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels
