I have a tradition of going away for my birthday every year, and this February I found myself wondering where Romeo and I should escape to. My birthday is February 8th, and I wanted somewhere that wouldn’t be too cold but also wouldn’t break the bank and isn’t too far- somewhere that fit perfectly into this European phase of our travels.
Athens called to me, not for any grand reason, but because it felt like the right choice at the right time. A week in Greece’s capital seemed like the perfect birthday gift to myself, and honestly, it turned out to exceed every expectation I had.
I’m in what I call my European era now. Before Romeo, I was always chasing the far-flung destinations – why spend money on Europe when I could explore Asia or Africa for the same cost? I told myself I’d save Europe for when I had kids, when I couldn’t travel as far or for as long. Well, that time has come, and I’m discovering that waiting wasn’t a mistake – it was perfect timing.
Athens in February was exactly what we needed. Not too cold, not too hot, just that perfect Mediterranean warmth that makes you want to wander the streets for hours. And wander we did.
I’ll be honest – I’d heard things about Athens over the years. Nothing specific I could pinpoint, just this general sense that it wasn’t the Greek destination to prioritize. People rave about the islands but dismiss the capital with a casual wave. I never let other people’s opinions dictate my travel choices, but I suppose those whispers had kept Athens from feeling urgent.
Acropolis
What a mistake that would have been.
The moment we arrived, something clicked. This city felt like home in a way I wasn’t expecting. It reminded me of Portugal – not in how it looked, but in how it felt. That same Mediterranean soul (even tho Portugal is technically NOT Mediterranean), that pace of life where conversations flow over long meals and nobody’s in a rush to be anywhere else. Romeo and I kept looking at each other and saying, “This feels like Lisbon.” It was that comfortable, welcoming energy that makes you want to stay longer than planned.
Romeo’s favorite discovery? Baklava, obviously. This kid measures every country by its food, and Greece delivered in ways that made him ridiculously happy. But Athens gave him more than sweet treats. The museums fascinated him, though not always for the reasons you’d expect. “Why are all the Greek people naked?” he kept asking, pointing at the ancient statues. It became our running joke – Romeo’s confusion about ancient Greek fashion choices.
Hahahah Romeo found the lack of clothing choice hilarious…
The real magic happened when we stumbled upon this enormous costume store dedicated entirely to children’s dress-up clothes. I’ve never seen Romeo so happy. He was in absolute heaven, surrounded by every possible costume a five-year-old could dream of. Sometimes the best travel memories come from the most unexpected discoveries, and watching Romeo’s pure joy in that store reminded me why I love traveling with him so much.
We were lucky to have friends living in Athens, they became our perfect guides for several days. Having locals show you around any city is special, but in Athens, it felt essential. They took us beyond the obvious tourist spots to hidden galleries and local cafés, but they also made sure we didn’t miss the classics. And honestly? The tourist attractions in Athens are worth every bit of their reputation. The Acropolis was even more impressive than I’d imagined, and the museums brought ancient history to life in ways that captivated both of us.
Fun in Athens
What struck me throughout our stay was the visible support for Palestine everywhere in the city. Street art, conversations with locals, a general solidarity that felt genuine and important. For someone who increasingly chooses travel destinations based on values, this added another layer of connection to Athens that I deeply appreciated.
The food scene completely blew me away. We ate out for every single meal during our trip and I’m not exaggerating when I say Athens is a vegan paradise. The moussaka we found was incredible, and the locals were so helpful with plant-based options. Every meal felt like an adventure, and we never once struggled to find amazing food that aligned with our dietary choices.
Museums and Friends
I made one accommodation mistake that I’ll save you from repeating. We initially stayed in an area called The Hills, thinking the views would be worth it. And yes, the views were beautiful, but after three days of struggling to get back up that hill after full days of exploring the city, I switch to the city center. Going down the hill was fine – we did it many times and loved exploring. Coming back up with a tired five-year-old after hours of walking? Impossible. Once we moved to the city center, everything became easier and our Athens experience transformed completely.
My friends confirmed something interesting about those negative impressions I’d heard over the years. Athens really did used to struggle with cleanliness and maintenance, but there’s been a significant transformation in recent years. The city I experienced was vibrant, clean, reasonably priced, and absolutely worth visiting. It made me think about how travel reputations can stick long after the reality has changed, and how important it is to experience places for yourself.
Romeo connected his geography obsession with actually being in the places he’d studied, and I got to celebrate another year of life in one of the world’s most historically significant cities. We chased pigeons, discovered incredible food, made new memories, and fell completely in love with a city that had been waiting patiently for us to discover it.
THE spot
Greece has officially earned a permanent spot on our travel rotation. Athens felt like a city we could return to again and again, and those Greek islands are definitely calling our names for future adventures. Sometimes the best travel experiences come from places that weren’t at the top of your list, and Athens reminded me why I fell in love with Mediterranean culture in the first place.
If you haven’t been to Athens yet, don’t let outdated opinions keep you away. This city deserves your attention, your time, and your open mind. Trust me on this one – Athens will surprise you in the best possible way.
Love and Light,
Emma
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