Last spring, the very next day after arriving in Bucharest from Rome, we got on a plane to go on a family trip to Athens. While it was Mathieu’s first time visiting Greece, I was returning for the ninth or tenth time. However, it was my first visit to Athens.
I was very curious to see the capital and discover more of Greece’s history. At the same time, I was wondering if Athens resembled the rest of Greece or if it was completely different. Read on and come on a family trip to Athens with me!
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Is Athens good for families?
Athens is an ideal destination for families seeking a memorable vacation experience. With a myriad of historical sites, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities to choose from, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful Greek city.
Vacations to Athens offer plenty of educational opportunities for children as they explore the ancient ruins of the Acropolis or visit museums like the National Archaeological Museum. And for those looking for some outdoor adventures, parks such as Pedion tou Areos offer endless space to run around and play.
When it comes to lodging, families will have no trouble finding appropriate accommodations. Many hotels provide family rooms with extra beds or cots so that parents and kids can stay together while still having their own space. Additionally, several hotels feature swimming pools – perfect after a day spent sightseeing – or even on-site playgrounds where kids can burn off some excess energy.
But let’s not overlook one of the best things about visiting Athens: the food! Local cuisine is both tasty and affordable – whether it’s grabbing street food from places like Kostas Souvlaki Athens during your exploration around Plaka’s winding alleys or enjoying traditional dishes in tavernas throughout Greece’s famous storytelling capital – making dinnertime always quite special.
Athens offers great options to families coming with kids such as exciting history lessons being taught through visits inside archaeological sites all over town (including temple marvels at Aphrodite Suniou), scenic walks along stunning streets sprinkled with various shops offering local delicacies alongside mainstream mementos – even Instagram moments couldn’t get easier here!
Stay tuned because once you arrive in Athens realize you are already part of its amazing olive-groves flavored hospitality phenomena: hopefully experiencing people who would go out of their way just persuading visitors into tasting homemade pies’ greatest expressions ever found locally – if that’s not enough family vibe I won’t know what is!
How many days in Athens with family?
Planning the perfect family trip to Athens depends on what experience you’re seeking. If you’re a first-timer, you may want to consider spending at least 5-6 days to take in all the magnificent sites and landmarks. However, if your schedule allows for more time, I highly recommend extending your stay by another week or two as there’s much more to discover.
Ideally, starting with a few nights in Plaka or Monastiraki would be an excellent way to kick off your vacation. You’ll be steps away from historical gems like the Acropolis and Ancient Agora that will satisfy any history buff in your family. Additionally, you can explore local stores featuring unique hand-crafted items while enjoying some of Kostas Souvlaki’s famous gyros!
Afterward, head over to Syntagma Square where kids can feed pigeons followed by watching the Changing of Guards ceremony outside Parliament House.
Then spend a day exploring Athen’s many museums such as the Benaki Museum or visit the Artifactual Trojan Exhibition in Megaron Concert Hall of Athens (available until November 2023), showcasing among other important exhibits are those removed illegally from Trojan land during Schliemann excavations.
Overall, ensuring enough rest between sightseeing is crucial especially when traveling with young children which Is why breaks midway through this itinerary should include relaxing spots — take a stroll around Lycabettus Hill or swim at one sanctuary beach nearby Glyfada area offering breathtaking views within only 15 mins drive from city center making this perfect spot for half-day getaways allowing parents downtime whilst youngsters splash around.
How we ended up going on a family trip to Athens
Mathieu and I ended up going on a trip to Athens because my parents were planning the trip. I heard them talking about it early in the planning and I asked if the two of us could join them. Of course, the answer was yes, and my dad started looking for an apartment where we’d all stay comfortably.
My dad handled most of the planning for this vacation. It was very refreshing to just go on a trip and enjoy it, considering the amount of research and planning that went into our travels to Italy.
Getting to Athens from the Airport
While we had left right after our Rome holiday, our flight for our family trip to Athens arrived late in the afternoon. At our destination, a private driver was waiting for us. Nothing fancy, though. The owner of our apartment had recommended him and for four people it was actually more convenient than taking the train or a taxi.
The traffic was quite heavy in our opinion. However, our driver, Kostas, said it was pretty OK for that hour of the day. It took us around an hour to get from the airport to the apartment, located in the heart of Athens. Luckily, Kostas was very friendly, talkative, funny, and full of useful travel tips, so we found the drive quite entertaining!
Where to stay in Athens
The apartment my father chose for our Athens family holiday was a bit larger than necessary: it had three bedrooms, though it was only the four of us and we slept in pairs. However, the value for money was much better when comparing it to two-bedroom apartments in areas that were farther away from the center of Athens.
Our air-conditioned apartment in Athens also had a large living room, a fully-equipped kitchen, and two bathrooms. The two bathrooms were a must to not waste a lot of time waiting around while getting ready for going out or going to bed.
The owners were a lovely couple. They waited for us to arrive, greeted us, and gave us a tour of the apartment. Then they spent some time giving us useful travel advice for our vacation to Athens: where to eat nearby and the best neighborhoods to dine in Athens, where to shop for souvenirs, and what we shouldn’t miss visiting.
We truly enjoyed our stay here and felt right at home, so we couldn’t recommend this more: this is the best place to stay in Athens!
Want to save money on your Athens family holiday? Book this apartment!
What area of Athens to stay for families?
If you’re planning a family vacation to Athens, several areas might work well for your stay! For families with younger children, the Plaka neighborhood is a great option as it offers easy access to some of Athens’ top attractions like the Acropolis and Ancient Agora. Plus, its pedestrianized streets make it a safe and charming area to explore with little ones.
If you’re looking for something more upscale, consider staying in Kolonaki where you’ll find luxury hotels and high-end shopping alongside beautiful parks and gardens. Or if budget is your main concern, check out the Metaxourgeio neighborhood which still maintains its authentic Athenian character while offering affordable accommodations.
No matter what area you choose, be sure to take advantage of all the kid-friendly activities that Athens has to offer including visiting the National Archaeological Museum or taking a day trip to nearby beaches like Glyfada or Vouliagmeni. Happy travels with your family in Athens!
First dinner in Athens: Pita Gyros & Souvlaki
After the owners left and we chose our bedrooms, it was already dinner time. We were quite tired, so we only went to a nearby restaurant which the owners recommended earlier. And we weren’t that hungry either, so the pitaGyrosandSouvlakiwe chose were perfect. I had been longing for a Gyros for so long! It wasn’t the best, but after such a long break it hit the spot!
After a satisfying dinner, we turned in early. Our family trip to Athens was truly beginning the next day, with a visit to the famous Acropolis!
Ready to plan your family trip to Athens?
Imagine embarking on an incredible family vacation to Athens, Greece’s legendary capital city that is saturated with history and culture. From exploring the Acropolis, the Parthenon temple, and other ancient ruins to indulging in delicious Greek cuisine or simply soaking up the sun on one of its beautiful beaches – Athens has something for every familytrip.
Planning a family trip to Athens starts by finding a perfect place that accommodates both parents’ interests as well as kids’ interests. A good start for your vacation to Athens would be visiting The Children’s Museum, which offers interactive exhibits aimed at educating children about science and art while keeping them entertained. Don’t miss out on The Plaka district either when wandering through charming narrow streets filled with souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Athens has countless family-friendly hotels ranging from budget-friendly lodges to luxurious resorts- like Wyndham Grand Athens – located near iconic attractions that are sure to keep your entire family engaged throughout their stay. During vacations to Athens, kids can enjoy outdoor pools or take part in fun activities organized by hotel staff like movie nights or games room activity club.
You can also add some adventure beyond ancient sites by going kayaking or snorkeling at nearby towns like Vouliagmeni home of fantastic caves waiting for you! Try not only traditional meals but also sweets typical of Athenian Cuisine called Loukoumades. Your taste buds will thank you!
In conclusion, taking a trip with your loved ones is always magical but more special if it’s done in such an exceptional destination bursting with a fascinating history and modern-day charm. Athens is one such place worth experiencing. So pack light for your family trip to Athens and create memorable moments together in the city where the past comes to life!
Mirela Letailleur is an esteemed Romanian travel blogger living in the South of France, with a focus on providing valuable content to families planning their dream vacation to Athens. Her expertise lies in curating affordable and family-friendly experiences in Europe’s exquisite destinations.
Mirela is recognized for her unique and free travel guides, which are tailored specifically for families seeking adventure and cultural immersion while enjoying a stress-free trip. As a local travel expert, she has first-hand knowledge of hidden gems that you won’t find anywhere else online.
With Mirela as your go-to problem solver, all aspects of your Athens family holiday will be taken care of seamlessly so that you can enjoy every moment stress-free! Oh, and did I mention she’s also a wannabe coffee guru?
To better plan your Athens family holiday, you should also read about
The rest of our family trip to Athens
Top 10 things to do in Athens
12 amazing day trips from Athens worth every cent