I just got back from Greece on a long overdue honeymoon, our first stop in Athens. As you know from my last blog, I have Multiple Sclerosis. I was diagnosed in May 2021 and I try not to let this disease become me. I have had to learn to make adjustments, especially when traveling. My husband too who has to be stronger than me and anticipate my needs.

Athens is not my favorite city in Greece, but I think you have to experience it at least once in your life. I was lucky to go in 2010 but my husband had never been to Greece, so I happily went back. I was 20 years old when I went, I come from the US where the legal drinking age is 21, but not in Europe ! So, I had different priorities then. And going back now, we both had to deal with my MS, which is different for everyone suffering from this invisible disease.

I brought a walking stick along with me. It was my first time using a walking aid and I do not regret it. Of course I have mixed feelings. It was difficult noticing people stare. It was difficult making my disease visible for the world to see. But it helped me. A lot. And I had to rely less on my husband to support me while walking.

Luckily it is not that hot in Greece in April so I did not suffer to much from the heat. But when it is hot, I always have a spray bottle and fan with me.

Here are some of the things we did in Athens ! I have an application out for MDPH (I live in France, it is a card stating you’re handicapped). Since I do not yet have this card, I brought my paperwork along with me and that was enough to get me into most sites and museums for free (sometimes my husband too). If you do not have this card or application (ask your doctor if you do not), I suggest getting the ticket that includes the Acropolis and 6 sites. Even if you do not go to all of the sites, this ticket is worth it. It is €30 and can be bought at any of the included sites. We got ours at the Acropolis.

Find this combo ticket here.

Day 1 Athens

Temple of Zeus – Olympieion

We first went to the Temple of Zeus – Olympieion – while waiting for our timeslot to the Acropolis. This temple is included in the ticket. Construction of this temple began in the 6th century BCE. Once the largest temple in Greece, now only a few columns remain standing.

Acropolis

It was extremely windy in Athens when we were there. But the sun was out, so the heat was tolerable. I brought my walking stick because the Acropolis is a huge hill. It is on this hill that you will find the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena, and the Erectheon.

Aréopage

This is a small hill located next to the Acropolis. There’s nothing to do here but enjoy the view. If you have the energy, or are crazy like me, it is worth going up.

The Acropolis Museum

I pushed myself a lot while in Athens. I did these first four things in one day. Before visiting the museum, we went to their rooftop terrace and enjoyed a snack. I made sure I was drinking plenty of water throughout the day and I used the cane all day, including in the museum, which helped with the fatigue. And every opportunity I got, I sat. The museum is very interesting and only includes things found on the Acropolis.

Day 2 Athens

Changing of the Guard

Every hour on the hour, you can see the changing of the guard in Syntagma Square. On Sundays, there is a big ceremony at 11am. This is to honor the unknown soldier. So, while it is impressive to watch and you might feel the uncontrollable need to clap at the end, don’t. It is disrespectful so please don’t clap.

National Archaeological Museum

If you didn’t get enough at the Acropolis Museum, go to the National Archaeological Museum. We took the metro from Syntagma Square to the museum. If you are up for it, you can easily walk there, but with MS, I have to conserve all of my energy so metro (or bus !). There is also a mini-museum in the metro stop at Syntagma Square, check it out ! It’s interesting and free !

This museum usually costs €12, but I got in for free because of my handicap.

Day 3 Athens

Try not to kill yourself, take plenty of breaks, get a good night sleep, drink lots of water, and don’t forget sunscreen !!

Ancient Agora

It is definitely worth spending some time in the Ancient Agora. Make sure to check out the Temple of Hephaestus. This is the best preserved temple from ancient Greece. If you don’t know, Hephaestus was the son of Hera who found him so ugly, she threw him off Mount Olympus. She received an anonymous wedding gift for her marriage to her brother Zeus. The gift was a chair, made by Hephaestus that trapped Hera. The only who could set her free was her, now grown son, Hephaestus. If you don’t know Greek mythology, I suggest reading some of it because you can’t help but wonder what they were smoking when this stuff was written.

The Stoa of Attalos is another notable building as it has been reconstructed.

Kerameikos

This site, along with its museum are included in the ticket for €30.

Lycabettus Hill

Yes, there is a teleferic that goes to the top. But what no one tells you is how many stairs you have to climb to get there. This hill is not for the faint of heart. I watched the sunset from this hill. It was worth it. This hill dwarfs that of the Acropolis.

Take a tour of Lycabettus here.

There are other sites like the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library included in this ticket. While I pushed myself a lot during my time in Athens, I also made sure to take care of myself. Travelling with a disease like MS is not an easy task. But I am satisfied with my visit and did not beat myself up for missing something or not doing something.

Another great option to see the city if you have trouble walking is a hop-on hop-off bus tour. Find your ticket here.

We did not have time to see the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion on this tour, but I was lucky enough to see it on my time in Greece in 2010. Find your ticket to watch the sunset over this beautiful temple and the sea here.

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