History and myths to learn as a family in the Greek capital

By: Editorial

• 07/07/2022
• 11:40 am

The gateway to most trips to Greece, Athens does not have the idyllic beauty or the hustle and bustle of the Cyclades Islands, but it has historical and mythological treasures that certainly make it worth at least a day in the city before heading to the beaches and attractions of Mykonos, Santorini, Naxos or many other Greek islands and archipelagos:

Acropolis

The most irresistible and emblematic place in the Greek capital generates curiosity and enchantment in children. After all, it is one of the most famous buildings of the ancient world: built on a hill 150 meters above sea level, today it is an archaeological site with several ruined monuments, especially the impressive Parthenon . It is worth knowing that the Acropolis must be explored on foot – which can be more annoying for young children and parents with babies, due to access: strollers cannot enter and are kept in a specific “parking lot” near the entrance. You can take a kangaroo for that time. Don’t forget to visit the temple of Athena Niké, Erechtheion and Caryatides, the Greek Theater and the Parthenon, of course, while telling the little ones about the myths and ancient Greek civilization. 
Tickets can be purchased online: www.odysseus.culture.gr 

Acropolis Museum

After exploring the Acropolis, it’s worth complementing the tour with a trip to the museum, which is located just below the mountain. It is one of the most beautiful museums in the world, with an archaeological collection of artifacts and objects found in the Acropolis from the Greek Bronze Age to Greece during the Roman and Byzantine periods. Super-modern, it has parts of the floor made of glass, as it is also located on an excavation point, and, during the tour, it is possible to understand – and observe the incredulous eyes of the little ones – the way of life of the time, observe their art, their games, clothing and beliefs: a true and original journey through time. The Museum has a very spacious restaurant with views of the Acropolis. Before the pandemic, it also offered a kit for children to discover the museum in a playful way. But for now, this is on hold. Tickets can be purchased online: www.theacropolismuseum.gr

 

Athens Happy Train

With younger children, it is a good transport option as it is a hop on hop off urban train that passes through several tourist attractions. It is possible to do the entire 40 mn journey or get off, visit something, have lunch and go back up again the next time. One of the stopping points is in front of the Acropolis Museum. Children under 3 years old do not pay. 
Information: www.athenshappytrain.comAdvertising

Discover the Plaka Neighborhood

Colorful, full of flower-filled alleys and balconies. It’s close to the Acropolis, so it might be a good idea to have lunch there, with a view of the monument. We suggest Anafiotikia , which has a balcony and outdoor garden or the traditional Psaras Taverna , which has existed since 1898! A Greek charm to have lunch on the steps.

See the Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

It is interesting to show a distinct culture, with official guards dressed in a very different and specific way: in a skirt/dress, like ancient Greek clothes and with shoes with pompoms. It is intriguing to see the ceremonial, to see them march in a solemn and respectful manner. The changing of the guard happens every hour. 

national garden 

Initially built as a private garden for the royal family of Greece, it is right behind the Parliament building and offers a leafy path through trees, flowers and bushes, statues, ponds with ducks and fish and some playgrounds, as well as a cafe and seating. with shade – summer days are scorching in Greece – as well as other friendly animals that roam free there such as turtles, goats, donkeys and cats. 

#FamilyTrippers Tip : Know that it is very difficult to communicate in Athens, even with English translations. The Greek alphabet is very different and it is difficult to read street names, for example. It’s the children who will have fun with this discovery.