Southeast Europe

Athens – quick travel guide

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Big city metropolis of Greece. Full of historic sights and chaotic crowded city centers.

Even though Athens population is only 4 million compared to much bigger Roman cities (like Rome), it’s very densely populated. While you won’t find the stereotype Greek beach destinations here, you’ll definitely find a cool hip metropolis full of great food, hip bars, nightlife, shopping, and endless choices of apartment buildings with city skyline views. In short…a very authentic urban Greek city life experience.

Athens is a love it or hate it. Comes for 2-3 days to check out the historic sites and museums and eat well, then leave. Or if the busy city life attached instantly to you…well then, you can sit out here for months!

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Greece – quick travel guide

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The famous country of ancient mythical gods and present-day picturesque beaches.

Greece to me is a mix between Italy and Turkey. And in so many ways. Culturally, historically, architecturally, ethnically…it’s a mix of the Italian Mediterranean vibes of Turkish Arabian influences. Personalities of the people are also a bit similar to me…something between Italian warmth and Turkish fire/sassiness. Pricewise, it’s also in the middle of those 2.

I haven’t spent enough time to really know all about Greece but can suggest you look carefully at why you’re going. I think back in the days, Greece was considered as a cheaper beach alternative to Italy. Today…if you’re really looking for a cheap beach destination, maybe Montenegro or Albania is for you. Greece is indeed still cheaper than Italy in general but not like it used to be. But if you know that what you really seek is specifically Greek culture and greek things, then yes of course…go to Greece.

Greece needs a minimum of 5-7 days. So you can do a couple days in Athens (seeing historic stuff), then check out the beach life on some islands. If you wanted to do more, 10-15 days should be solid to see a variety of places.

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Istanbul – quick travel guide

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Super fun and exotic city with a wide mix of many cultures (European, Asian, Arabic, probably other stuff too).

Istanbul and Turkish people/culture are such a trip. For me being an American with lots of experience in Western Europe and South America, Turkey was really exotic, energetic, fiery fiesty. The Istanbul vibe is something right in between a big cold metropolitan city like New York or Paris but with the feistiness of South Americans. Again, they are not outwardly warm and friendly but are feisty.

Maybe you expected a hyper-Muslim culture here and there is but it’s only part of Turkey like this where people are super religious and women all covered up in traditional headwear. Most Turkish (especially the new generation) curse, drink, party in clubs, and engage in all kinds of obnoxious “Western debauchery” like you would find anywhere else. Long story short, Istanbul is as much a party place as any other. Don’t be afraid that you’re stuck in some overly religious prison ground.

There’s enough craziness here to last you a solid month of fun but you could see the main points in 3 days. I definitely recommend 4-7 days so you can relax and not feel like you’re always stuck in an anxious taxi. The pace of life here seems fast and crazy so try to find time to slow down. If you have more time, there’s a handful other worthwhile cities in Turkey to visit as well.

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