Acropolis & Lycabettus / Photo Credit: Tobias Van Der Elst
Athens in Greece is a city praised by many over the centuries. A beautiful place that every Muslim traveller should visit at least once in their lifetime. Athens is very close to my heart since I consider it my home as it is where I grew up.
It has everything you might want to see and experience. From the history of ancient civilisations to the beautiful sea all the way up to the picturesque mountains. This city will not disappoint you.
I know many Muslims are reserved to visiting Greece due to the crisis and the immigration concerns, however you shouldn’t. It is as beautiful of a country as it will ever be. People are welcoming and friendly, even for those who wear the hijab and needless to say the food is delicious.
1. Acropolis and Parthenon Temple
Who doesn’t know the Acropolis. Every movie and every shot of Athens starts with a scene of Acropolis. The word Acropolis means fortress in the ancient Greek city or it could also mean ‘building heights’ that are in place; like on top of the hill or the highest city. The hill is steep but the view from the top will reward you multifold.
Spend a day exploring Monastiraki and Acropolis, walk around the area and enjoy a coffee in a local coffee shop. You won’t be disappointed.
2. National Archaeological Museum of Athens
I am not a very big fan of museums, however I love national museums. They give you a glimpse of the country’s history in a fascinating way. So if you are in Athens then you must visit the national archeological museum. It is one of the best museums in the world with artefacts from the neolithic age as well.
3. The Ancient Agora
Located to the northwest of the Acropolis, the ancient Agora of Athens was once a marketplace and civic center. This is where democracy was born, quite literally since you can trace it’s beginning to this spot. It was a place where Greeks met and talked about politics, business, philosophy and everything else affecting their lives. In one word it was the heart of the city.
Definitely visit while in Athens. You can have lunch in one of the many tavernas around the Agora area.
4. Plaka
Plaka area / Photo Credit: CameliaTWU
Plaka is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens. It starts just under the Acropolis and spreads out to Syntagma where the parliament is located today. Called many times in the Greek literature as the neighbourhood of Gods.
The area is packed during the weekend with Greek as well as tourists exploring the area; it is almost like an island village within the city. Perfect to explore and experience some Greek culture. It is an area known for tourist shops, boutiques, food and cafes. Near Monastiraki you can also see an old mosque which has been converted into a museum. It was built during the ottoman empire.
Monastiraki mosque now a museum. Photo Credit: Flickr -C.
5. Mount Lycabettus
View of the Mount / Photo Credit Juan Verni
I do not remember how many times I have been to Mount Lycabettus. It is by far one of the best ways to spend a day in the city, as the highest point in Athens (295m), you can see the whole city from Piraeus port to Acropolis all the way to the mountains. At the top of the mount you will be greeted by the chapel of St George as well as a small cafe where you can relax and enjoy a drink or even dinner. I know sitting there and enjoying the views is a fond memory.
If you are not very keen on climbing then you can take the funicular all the way up to the top. It is a great fun as well though I think I still prefer the more tiring yet rewarding option of walking all the way up.
The guards outside the parliament
Bonus:
If you have more time to explore the city I would recommend visiting Sounio which is about 1 hour on a coach from the city centre with buses leaving every hour or so and costing 10 euros. Sounio is a very popular tourist attraction and perfect for a day excursion. The Temple of Poseidon is located in Cape Sounio, an ancient Greek template of the God of sea from the classical mythology.
The view from the hills are beautiful and especially at sunset with the ruins in the background and the sunset over the Aegean sea. I highly recommended making a stop there just because it is a great historical and beautiful site.
Tip: Travelling in Athens is very easy, you can use the metro and tram to explore the majority of the tourist attractions. From the airport the blue line will take you straight into Monastiraki and Syntagma and takes about an hour. It is a much cheaper option than taking a taxi.
Halal Food: One of my favourite halal restaurants in Athens is Aladdin, but you will also find many others They might not advertise it openly but usually asking in the mosque will be a good option.
Prayer facilities: Athens doesn’t have an official mosque, however it does have a large Greek Muslim and immigrant population and there are several ‘non-official’ mosques. Some of the largest ones is Al Salam Mosque in Athens and there is a prayer hall in Athinais Cultural Centre.
P.S. this article has made me homesick so I think I will be booking a ticket to visit soon. 🙂
Nemanja says
Nice article. I was in Athens in last October. As a photographer I worked on a video project Athens in motion. I completely agree with Elena, if you hunt for perfect panorama photo go to Lycabettus hill.
Athens in motion through lens of my camera:
Rahima says
Hello
I am going for the first time in July, i am in a hijaab, will that be ok? going alone so a little worried.
Also do you have list of good friendly hotels?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams Rahima, you won’t have a problem insha’Allah. I am not aware of such hotels, however I would recommend for you to not stay in Omonia, and city centre of Athens. Some of the properties I like is Hilton, Crown Plaza, any hotel in Vouliagmeni and Glufada.
The reason why i wouldn’t stay in Omonia and the city centre is because there are a lot of immigrants and at night it can be intimidating for a girl alone.
Rahima says
Salaam Alaykum Sister,
What is the airport in Greece like? I don’t know the language can I get by? Also I know sounds silly but wearing the Hijaab will be ok during the day in Greece?
Maidziah says
Salam,
Can you please recommend places to eat for muslims? I will be going there in 2 weeks and i’d love to explore greecian foods. Please also recommends patisseries, cafe and desserts shops
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams You can try Aladin it is the best I have found in Athens for greek food and they have deserts too
Rosie says
Hi, your blog posts on Greece has inspired me to plan a visit in December. Do you know where I can find a list of halal places to eat near Acropolis/ Plaka area?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Unfortunately i didn’t find any in the area. You can definitely have some veggie options though.
Vera Hough says
I suggest you sign up to halal app. The name is Zabihah. It’s pretty awesome! I travel a lot and always there to help me find masjid and halal restaurants Alhamdulillah.
Muslim Travel Girl says
very true we use it as well 🙂
Zafirah says
Salam, thank you for this post. It’s quite rare to find an Athens-related article that is from a Muslim perspective. I am going to be in Athens this May and I am a hijabi from Malaysia who will be travelling alone. I am also staying in a few AirBnbs while I am there. To be honest, I am slightly worried because this will be my first time in a European country alone. In general, are the Greeks comfortable with hijabis? Is there anything I should be careful of or look out for?
Muslim Travel Girl says
Salams, So exciting Greece is beautiful and you will like it. Yes, Greeks are very open. you can read the post about the Niqabi reader who went there and loved it. You will fun have don’t worry 🙂
Zakiah Osman says
i will be spending 4 days in Athens in July. Can you recommend local tour guide to take us around.
Muslim Travel Girl says
Sorry, I don’t have one. I think you should check out the Free walking tours as they are great way for an intro into the city. The rest you can see yourself.