The following day started off pretty slowly, which was just what we needed after the long adventure to Meteora the day before. We took our time getting ready and treated ourselves to a nice breakfast at The Makers, a charming spot just two minutes from our hotel. I’d definitely recommend booking a table in advance, as it’s a popular place with a steady flow of visitors. I had a fresh orange juice and a waffle topped with avocado, which was both filling and delicious – exactly what I needed to start the day 😋🍊🥑
For today’s adventure, we had something fun planned: a Segway ride around Athens! If you’ve been following my blog, you’ll know I have a bit of a thing for Segway tours – they’ve become a vacation tradition for me whenever possible. So, naturally, I suggested it to my friend A, who was a little nervous but agreed to give it a try. I reassured her that the guides always provide a good lesson before setting off.
We had booked a small, nearly three-hour guided tour with Athens City Segway Tours, and I have to say, our guide was fantastic – super knowledgeable and really friendly. The route was great because it not only covered some of the well-known sites, but we also had time to check out a few spots we’d been wanting to see.
We started by zipping through the old town and past Pnyx Hill, which is an incredibly important historical site. This hill was the official meeting place of the Athenian democratic assembly, where citizens would gather to debate and vote on key decisions for the city. You can still see the remnants of the speaker’s platform, which adds to the sense of stepping back in time. We also made a quick stop at Nymph Hill, right next to Pnyx, to take in the breathtaking view of the Acropolis. It’s a fantastic spot for photos with fewer tourists around.
From there, we made our way through the Ancient Greek Agora and the Roman Agora, two of the most significant public spaces in ancient Athens. The Greek Agora was once the heart of public life, filled with temples, shops, and governmental buildings, while the Roman Agora was established later during Roman rule. We even passed by Hadrian’s Library, which was built in 132 AD by the Roman Emperor Hadrian and was once filled with books and scrolls. Another fascinating spot was the Tower of the Winds (also known as Andronikos’ Water Clock), an ancient timepiece and weather station built in the 2nd century BC.
After that, we headed over to the Athens National Garden, a beautiful, peaceful park filled with lush greenery. It was a nice break from the busy streets, and the shade was a relief from the midday heat. This garden, commissioned by Queen Amalia in the 19th century, is home to several species of plants from around the world, as well as ancient ruins scattered throughout.
Our next stop was the Panathenaic Stadium, which has an impressive history. It’s the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble and has hosted sporting events since ancient times. In 1896, it was the main stadium for the first modern Olympic Games. Even if you’re not into sports, standing in this massive historical venue gives you chills!
We also made our way to the Presidential Palace, where we had the chance to witness the famous changing of the guard ceremony. The Evzones, dressed in their traditional uniforms, perform this intricate ritual in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier – a symbolic honor to Greek warriors lost in battle.
Next up was Zappeion, a grand neoclassical building set in the National Garden, which has been used for everything from Olympic events to conferences. After a quick photo stop, we rode past Hadrian’s Arch, a monumental gateway built in 131 AD, marking the boundary between ancient Athens and the newer Roman city. It’s amazing how many layers of history are stacked in one place.
After our exciting Segway tour, A seemed to think it was a great way to explore the city, though I’m not sure she’s as obsessed with Segways as I am. 🤣
With all that sightseeing, we definitely needed a pick-me-up, so we returned to La Créperie for some well-deserved pancakes. Yes, the same place as before, but come on – they’re too good to pass up! 😂
Having no other major plans for the day, we spent the afternoon wandering through the shops in Plaka, the old historical neighborhood of Athens. The narrow streets are lined with souvenir shops, boutiques, and plenty of places to grab a bite. It’s a charming area where you can easily lose track of time just exploring.
For dinner, we returned to our favorite pizza spot, Granello. A stuck with the same pizza as last time, but I decided to try something new and ordered the Capri pizza, which came with San Marzano tomato confit, burrata, and pesto. It was absolutely delicious – one of the best pizzas I’ve ever had. I know it sounds a bit wild, but honestly, Granello serves some of the best pizza I’ve tasted anywhere 🤩😋
After dinner and some relaxation, we felt like enjoying Athens’ nightlife, so we went in search of a cozy café to have a drink. We ended up at Placa Agoras, which looked inviting enough. While the atmosphere was indeed cozy, our drinks were a complete disaster! 😭 Definitely not the highlight of the evening, but hey, you win some, you lose some 😜
All in all, it was a laid-back day but filled with amazing experiences. Athens never disappoints, and it was the perfect balance after the adventure we had in Meteora, the day before 😌
