Exploring Near Hadrian's Library in Athens

2017-05-03 · Updated: 2026-08-11 · Original (Korean)

This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →

After staying up all night at the airport and catching a quick nap on a chair, it looked like the buses were running outside, so I headed to my accommodation. I booked the cheapest place in Athens, which you can think of as a downgraded version of a Korean motel. It has a bathroom and all, but it looks exactly like a drug dealer's den from a crime movie. Still, it has a bed and a place to wash up, so it's perfect for me.

I was so exhausted that I closed my eyes for a bit, and when I woke up, it was well past lunchtime. I had absolutely no idea what to do and no real plans, but I figured it was better to go out and grab a bite than stay in the room muttering about being hungry, so I packed a few things and headed out.

Several combined admission tickets for Athens archaeological sites laid out — Ah, I should at least go use this ticket.

Street view of Athens with a large cigarette advertisement painted on the exterior wall of a building — In Moscow, communist heroes were painted on the walls, but here it's cigarettes.

Buildings lined up around a large square with streetlights and trees — Is today a stay-inside day? There are strangely few people.

Stone church building seen behind the sign for Agia Paraskevi Church

Entrance to a Greek Orthodox church building with red walls, marble columns, and holy paintings on the arched ceiling — Following the Russian Orthodox Church, I came to a Greek Orthodox Church building. I think I've been to almost all the Orthodox churches now.

I don't know if today is a special day, but there aren't many people around. It wasn't until I reached the bustling area near Syntagma Square that I finally saw crowds. Walking around Athens, about 30 to 50% of the shops on a single street are closed, and in some buildings, not a single business is open. I saw on the news that the Greek economy was shaking up the EU, but seeing it in person, it's quite serious.

When I tell people I've been to Russia and Greece, they usually ask about safety in Russia first. I think it's because the image of a poor communist country is still quite strong for us, but having actually been to both, Athens feels much more serious. Russia was actually easier to travel in, whereas in Athens, you can sense a tense atmosphere everywhere that keeps you on edge.

A person performing with flaming tools in a square in front of a shop, and people watching them — I saw an incredible performance near Syntagma Square.

A large crowd of people gathered in the square around the entrance to Monastiraki subway station

Ancient ruins with only parts of columns and walls remaining, and modern buildings seen behind them — This is Hadrian's Library. I was supposed to buy a ticket to go inside, but I arrived past 4 PM and it was closed. They close really early... Still, you can see everything from the outside, and there isn't much to see inside anyway.

Restaurant sign with the word everest written in red three-dimensional letters

Inside a restaurant with unique hanging lights and people sitting down — It was starting to get dark, so I decided to head back to my room to organize my travel notes for the day and came to Everest for dinner. It was introduced as a famous fast-food chain in Greece, so I really wanted to try it.

Panini sandwich with ham, cheese, and bell peppers wrapped in paper packaging — It's really unique that the sauce is tzatziki.

Foamy iced coffee drink in a clear plastic cup — It's a bit annoying having to add and remove various ingredients, but the taste is quite good. The price is okay for Europe, but on the expensive side for Greece.

Antique and modern buildings seen behind a square with a spouting fountain

A wide square centered around a fountain with a statue in the middle — The square that was crowded yesterday is empty. Something feels off today. I'd better hurry back to my accommodation.

Subway station entrance stairs and escalators with people going up and down

People sitting in a square in front of a building displaying a Greek welcome message and a photo of the Parthenon — Welcome to Greece!!!

Closed shops with lowered shutters on a street in Athens, and red and yellow cars passing in front of them

A person sticking their arm out of a red car passing in front of a shop with lowered shutters — Even convenience stores close at 6 PM. The only shops open past the evening are run by Pakistani and Bangladeshi people. The most inconvenient thing about traveling in Athens is how early the shops close.

Expenses

Room €24
Dinner €4.8
Badges €19.8
Water, beer €2.3
Room until the 8th $39

Total Expenses €50.9 + $39

Total Trip Expenses 525,936 KRW + 47,999 RUB + $639.96 + €537.07