Athens City Tour Plan (Cathedral + Panathenaic Stadium)

The first place I visited upon arriving in Athens was the Athens Cathedral. Unlike the ornate cathedrals of Europe, the unique golden mosaics and the scent of candles typical of Greek Orthodox churches created a strangely calming atmosphere. It felt more like a genuine space for locals to pray rather than a tourist attraction, so I sat quietly and gazed for a long time. Visiting the small church next to it as a set makes the experience even more complete. A short walk from the cathedral takes you to Syntagma Square, where you can watch the changing of the guard. The guards, dressed in traditional attire, move slowly in rhythm, and honestly, it’s kind of adorable. The atmosphere is such that everyone holds their breath while watching, so I found myself quietly following suit. The highlight of the day was the Panathenaic Stadium. From photos, it just looked like an old stadium, but stepping onto the track in person was unexpectedly moving. Thinking, "This is where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896," I couldn’t help but pretend to run a lap. Climbing to the top of the stands revealed a breathtaking view of Athens, and it was truly stunning. I grabbed a souvlaki from Plaka Street and sat in an alley to eat and relax, thinking, "This is the true taste of travel." Athens isn’t flashy, but it’s a city where time flows slowly, making such leisurely moments feel even more fitting.