There are some destinations that linger on your travel wishlist for years, and Athens was certainly one of those places for me. As the birthplace of democracy and one of the oldest cities in the world, it is a historic wonderland that almost every traveller dreams of visiting at least once. When I realised that my birthday fell on a long weekend in June, it felt like the perfect opportunity to finally cross the Greek capital off my bucket list.
With direct flights from Malta and just over two days to discover the city, Athens proved to be an exceptional choice for a short city break. It served up a fascinating blend of ancient history, lively neighbourhoods, fantastic food and unforgettable views. This curated guide details how to maximise a quick getaway, featuring tips on getting around without a vehicle and the best time to visit the iconic ruins.
Arriving in Athens: Why There is No Need to Hire a Car
Our Ryanair flight from Malta touched down at Athens International Airport shortly after 3:00 pm. The airport itself is modern, efficient and incredibly easy to navigate. Following the clearly marked signs for the trains, we made our way to the station, which is seamlessly connected to the terminal via a pedestrian bridge.
The journey into the heart of the city centre on Metro Line 3 was entirely straightforward and comfortable. After arriving at Monastiraki Station, we enjoyed a pleasant walk through the bustling streets towards our accommodation, the Epidavros Hotel. While the area around Omonia is not the most picturesque part of Athens, the hotel’s central location proved to be very convenient for exploring the city entirely on foot. After checking in and freshening up, it was time to step out and experience the magic of Athens for the first time.
First Impressions and a Traditional Dinner in Monastiraki
One of the elements that immediately struck me about Athens was its infectious energy. The city feels completely alive at every hour of the day. Street musicians perform in the public squares, locals gather at lively cafés well into the evening, and the sight of the illuminated Acropolis dominates the skyline from almost every direction.
Our first evening was spent happily wandering through Monastiraki and Plaka, two of the most atmospheric districts in the entire city. Monastiraki is vibrant and busy, packed with countless restaurants, quirky souvenir shops and rooftop bars. Plaka, on the other hand, feels much more traditional, characterised by narrow streets, colourful buildings and a distinctly Greek charm. As the sun began to set, the Acropolis started to glow above the city, creating one of those unforgettable travel moments that instantly justify the journey.
For dinner, we made our way to Bairaktaris Central, one of the best-known traditional restaurants located right in Monastiraki Square. The atmosphere was wonderfully lively, with tourists and locals alike soaking up the warm June evening air. Since this was our first night in Greece, I decided to try one of the country’s most famous culinary staples: Moussaka.
The portion was incredibly generous and packed with authentic flavour. Rich layers of aubergine, seasoned minced meat and creamy béchamel sauce came together beautifully, making it the perfect introduction to Greek cuisine. Accompanied by a cold drink and the backdrop of Monastiraki’s bustling streets, it was a wonderful way to begin our weekend adventure.
A Golden Hour Birthday: Visiting the Acropolis from 5pm to 6pm
The absolute highlight of the trip naturally had to be the Acropolis. On the afternoon of my birthday, rather than battling the intense midday heat and the largest crowds, we timed our visit perfectly by heading up to the ancient citadel from 5pm to 6pm.
We made our way towards the southern entrance and began the steady climb to one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. Visiting during this late afternoon window was a brilliant decision. The temperature had begun to drop, and the changing light cast a spectacular glow over the ancient structures.
Despite having seen countless photographs of this landmark over the years, nothing quite prepares you for seeing the Parthenon in person. Standing atop the Acropolis, surrounded by monuments that have successfully survived for more than two thousand years, is an extraordinary experience. The Parthenon completely dominates the site and remains an astonishing example of classical Greek architecture. Equally fascinating was the Erechtheion, famous for its elegant Caryatid statues which serve as supporting structural columns.
The panoramic views from the Acropolis summit are spectacular. Athens stretches endlessly in every direction, framed by distant mountains and the shimmering Mediterranean sea beyond. What impressed me most from this vantage point was the sheer scale of the city. From above, it becomes remarkably clear just how vast Athens really is.
A City Where Ancient and Modern Coexist
One of the most enjoyable aspects of exploring Athens is the effortless way ancient history blends seamlessly with modern, daily life. You can easily spend your time exploring ruins that date back thousands of years and then find yourself sitting in a trendy, contemporary café just a few minutes later.
This striking contrast is visible everywhere you look. Ancient temples stand side-by-side with modern apartment buildings. Fascinating archaeological remains appear right beneath the glass floors of metro stations. Busy modern shopping streets lead directly to historic landmarks. This unique combination gives Athens a character unlike any other European capital I have visited.
Sunset Views and a Return to Bairaktaris Central
As the evening approached, we made our way to one of the city’s famous high viewpoints. Watching the sun descend over Athens while the Acropolis gradually became illuminated was a truly memorable way to celebrate my birthday. The warm golden light completely transformed the ancient monuments and gave the entire city an almost magical atmosphere.
As darkness fell, Athens revealed another side of its vibrant personality. The local rooftop terraces filled up with people enjoying cold drinks, lively conversations and uninterrupted views of the glowing Parthenon. It was incredibly easy to understand why so many visitors fall deeply in love with this city.
Sometimes, when you find a traditional restaurant that gets everything right, there is simply no need to search elsewhere. On our second evening, we happily returned to Bairaktaris Central for dinner.
This time, I opted for another Greek classic: Souvlaki. Simple in concept but absolutely delicious in execution, the grilled meat was tender and flavourful, served alongside fresh accompaniments that highlighted the quality of the local ingredients. It was easy to see why souvlaki remains one of Greece’s most beloved and enduring dishes.
Returning to the same spot also allowed us to appreciate the local atmosphere even more. Watching the crowds move through Monastiraki Square while enjoying traditional Greek food felt like the perfect conclusion to our stay.
Farewell to Athens
Our final morning in the city was deliberately relaxed. After breakfast at the hotel, we spent a few more hours exploring the city centre on foot before making our way back to Monastiraki Station for the direct metro journey back to the airport. The return trip was just as smooth and efficient as our arrival, and before long we were boarding our flight back to Malta.
Athens exceeded my expectations in so many ways. It is a city incredibly rich in history, yet it remains vibrant, contemporary and youthful. It offers world-famous landmarks, excellent food, welcoming people and an atmosphere that genuinely encourages spontaneous exploration. Most importantly, it provided the ultimate setting for a memorable birthday getaway.
Would I return? Absolutely. While we managed to successfully see the main highlights in a long weekend, Athens is a city that rewards a slower pace. There are countless museums, hidden neighbourhoods and coastal day trips still waiting to be discovered. For anyone looking for a short European break that effortlessly combines culture, history, world-class food and sunshine, Athens deserves a spot right at the top of your travel list.
