We stayed in Athens in December/ January. For New Year and my birthday. I really planned to write something about it much earlier…
But as you can enjoy this beautiful city at any time of the year, here we are!
Athens is full of friendly, warm and openhearted people. There is plenty to see and just wandering through the streets is wonderful!
A few facts before I will share what we did:We stayed for 10 days and rented an apartment. The kids were 15 months, 4, 6 and 9. We had our travel buggy as well as a baby carrier with us. And I can tell you that wandering through the streets of Athens is truly inspiring and beautiful – it is also rather sporty with a buggy. Even a small and light one. Streets are narrow and old. Up and down.
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As usual we took it really easy and planned one sight per day max.
The first two days were chilly and rainy. {chances you take when traveling at the end of December} The weather got better and we had days that felt like Spring. On our last day things went down a bit again and just when we left it got really cold. {it actually snowed in Greece this January} Which means: Be prepared to bring warm clothes when going during the winter months.
And what we did in Athens with kids:
Acropolis & Acropolis Museum.
We visited the Acropolis on my birthday. The weather was perfect. The beginning of January and not crowded at all. {to be honest I cannot even imagine going during peak season – the heat, the masses of people, the waiting…}. The site is huge and nicely done. You can stroll around in the park. Walk up to the Acropolis. Have lots of marvelous views on the city. And and and… you can really spend a lot of time here.
The museum is fantastic as well. We went there another morning. It is huge and newly build. The findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens are shown and with the space they really get the attention they deserve. It does not feel overloaded {like many other museums}. Kids can borrow a backpack at reception with some games to use in the museum. It makes the tour much more fun.
The kids really loved both places!
Hellenic Children’s Museum
As it was raining the first two days we had to check for some things to do inside and found this museum. A little germ in the middle of Plaka – the old town. There are toys, themed rooms, activities and very friendly staff.
Lykabettus Hill
Overlooking the entire city of Athens, Lykabettus Hill is a central point of the ancient city and a must-see experience for any visitor. Walk through small streets, up and up and take the Funicular {kids love it} for the last and steepest part. There is a Cafe/ Restaurant at the top and the small church of Saint George. Beautiful view!
Kolonaki
After Lykabettus we walked around Kolonaki. Considered the most elegant and trendy neighborhood of Athens, with many high end boutiques, distinguished bars and chic restaurants.
Zappeion & Botanical Garden
The Zappeion Palace is in the National Garden and a conference and meeting place. During Christmas they had a little Kermes there with small carousels, trampolines etc… . In the National Gardens you can find the Botanical Garden and some very big playgrounds.
Strolling through old town
Of course. During this season it was not very busy at all. Find the Acropolis from wherever you are and have some very good food.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
A complex in the bay of Phaliron in Athens which includes new facilities for the National Library of Greece and the National Opera. The Center was designed by architect Renzo Piano and just completed in 2016.
Great view from the huge roof terrace that extends to a roof top garden and then then blends into a park. A new library and opera house as well as water features make this a wonderful space to explore. There was music and a live streaming of a concert in the courtyard. Little street food cars are there as well.
Flisvos Marina
Take the tram for just 2 or 3 stops from Stavros and you are at Flisvos. Mega yachts, marina with cafes and restaurants and also playgrounds. We arrived during the afternoon and then saw a beautiful sunset.
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