The ultimate guide to Athens by a local.
Athens is considered by many people, a short visit before landing to one of the Greek islands. This is normally 1-2 days max. But keep in mind that Athens, one of the oldest capitals of the world, has way more to offer. 2 days is certainly not enough. So, I would say that 3-4 days will help you get a good idea. Athens is my hometown so I am confident enough to say that I can guide you through the most important points of the city. I can suggest places to stay, eat and drink…
plus, I can give you some very useful tips. ♥
So far, I have covered a lot of Athenian attractions in my previous posts. However, I have never written a thorough guide. Probably the closest to a guide would be “From Athens with love” where I cover one day in Athens, with my friends Andrea and Maja.
But it’s not only the ancient heritage that makes Athens a great place to visit. It’s also about the sun and the Mediterranean climate. It’s about the Greek food and the nightlife (the city never sleeps). The wonderful cafés, (the names of our baristas always feature in Best Barista Lists). The beaches, the hills and the mountains. And yes, Athens has an excellent geographical position.
Athens has a unique atmosphere and style. You can feel the aesthetic heritage when walking in the colourful streets of Plaka and in the historical passage through time in Dionysiou Areopagitou street.
So, grab your coffee and let’s begin!
Landing to Athens
Athens International airport Eleftherios Venizelos, is located about 30 km from the city centre (Syntagma square) and there are three options to get to Athens:
By taxi:
There are dozens of taxis outside Exit 3 on the Arrivals level, but please mind there might be a queue.
If you take a taxi, it will cost a flat rate of 38 euros from the airport to Athens city centre.
If you take it during the night (00:00-05:00), it will cost a flat rate of 54 euros.
The journey takes around 40 minutes.
You can also book online your trip by taxi here
By metro:
Trains run every 30 minutes from 6:30 am – 11:30 pm and the ticket costs 10 euros. The journey takes around 40 minutes.
By bus:
On the Arrivals level, you will find the express bus station. Bus X95 departs every 15-20 minutes. The travel duration is approximately 50 minutes and the ticket costs 6 euros.
There is also a three-day tourist ticket that allows the use of all public means of transport within Athens. It also includes one return trip to/from Athens Airport by bus or metro and it costs 22 euros.
Where to stay
I would say anywhere in and close to the historic city centre would be perfect, because you will be within a walking distance to most of the city’s attractions.
Some of my suggestions (for all budgets) are:
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MET34 Petraki 9, Athina 105 63 (google maps)
A modern and stylish boutique hotel. It is located minutes from Syntagma Square and is within a walking distance to the Athenian attractions. It’s ideal for family vacations and for business trips as well. This hotel will reward you with a comfortable stay with the latest hospitality technology.
Coco-Mat Athens Patriarchou Ioakim 36, Athina 106 75 (google maps)
Located in the eclectic neighbourhood of Kolonaki, it is known for its upscale boutiques and galleries as well as its restaurants and cafes. Coco-Mat is a luxury design hotel, (with amazingly comfortable beds) and it offers a romantic setting and comfortable stay while it is in close proximity to Panathenaic Stadium and Syntagma Square.
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Ergon House 23, Mitropoleos Street, Athina 105 57 (google maps)
Situated in a great location close to Syntagma square and to Plaka. Ergon House is perfect for food enthusiasts as it will offer you a unique experience of hospitality and Greek cooking in one place. On the ground floor, they have created a modern marketplace (Agora), It includes a constellation of greengrocers, a butcher’s, fishmonger’s and bakery, a delicatessen and roaster. There is also a bar and a restaurant. On the floors, the rooms are decorated with great taste and the olive garden in the roof terrace offers breathtaking views over the city.
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InnAthens Hotel Souri 3, Athina 105 57 (google maps)
A lovely hotel located in an elegant building with sophisticated modern rooms, overlooking the leafy interior courtyard. It is very close to Syntagma square and within a walking distance to Monastiraki, Acropolis, Plaka and other main attractions.
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Alice Inn Tsatsou 9, Athina 105 58 (google maps)
This funky decorated bed and breakfast is located on a charming street in Plaka. It is within a walking distance from all the attractions. You can choose between the four apartments suits. The Betty Boop Suite, The Anthony Quinn Suite, The Mighty Aphrodite Suite and The Harry Belafonte Suite.
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City Circus Athens Sarri 16, Athina 105 53 (google maps)
Located close to Monastiraki station, in the lively Psyri neighbourhood. This 4-storey 20th– century mansion was formed to a hostel by the owner and architect. The rooms are decorated with vintage furniture and modern design elements. There is a buffet breakfast served daily at the stylish bistro (upon charge).
Attractions
It’s more than obvious that your trip to Athens will have a historic character as well. Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world (for at least 7,000 years) with great history and Architecture.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
Metro Station: Acropoli
It used to be a colossal temple dedicated to Olympian Zeus. During the Roman era, it was the largest temple in Greece, with 104 enormous Corinthian columns. Few columns remain nowadays, from where you can guess the colossal temple it used to be. For me, there’s no need to enter the Archaeological site, since you can see everything from the outside.
- Arch of Hadrian
Metro Station: Acropolis
A triumphal arch that was made of fine Pentelic marble, was built to honour the arrival of Roman Emperor Hadrian. The position of the arch marks the line between the ancient city and Hadrian’s new city.
- Dionysiou Areopagitou pedestrian zone
Metro station: Acropolis
(I have written more detailed information about Dionysiou Areopagitou, in this blog post).
Dionysiou Areopagitou street, starts just opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian from Amalias Avenue.
Dionysiou Areopagitou, is the most beautiful pedestrianised street in Athens and connects most of the ancient attractions of the city and not only. Below you will find the main attractions that you will see there:
The Theatre of Dionysus
On the south slope of the Acropolis, is located the Theatre of Dionysus. Dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and theatre, this theatre was the birthplace of Greek tragedy. With excellent accoustics, it is considered the world’s first theatre, and it could seat 17,000 people.
The New Acropolis Museum
It is located on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the Acropolis and on the surrounding slopes. The collection of the museum is nearly 4,000 objects that are exhibited on 3 levels.
Opening hours:
Summer season hours (April – October)
Monday: 08:00 – 16:00 (last admission: 3:30)
Tuesday – Sunday: 08:00 – 20:00 (last admission: 19:30)
Friday: 8:00 – 22:00 (last admission: 21:30)
Winter season hours (November – March)
Monday – Thursday: 09:00 – 17:00 (last admission: 16:30)
Friday: 09:00 – 22:00 (last admission: 21:30)
Saturday – Sunday: 09:00 – 20:00 (last admission: 19:30)
Tickets:
Winter season (November – March)
General admission: 5 Euros
Reduced admission: 3 Euros
Summer season (April – October)
General admission: 10 Euros
Reduced admission: 5 Euros
For more information please visit the official site
You can also book The Acropolis Museum Ticket & Access to Ancient Excavation
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Since its restoration in 1950, it has been the main venue of the Athens Art Festival (that is being held yearly, from May to October) and has exceptional acoustics. It features distinguished Greek and International performances. Some of the names that have performed here are Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra, Nana Mouskouri, Luciano Pavarotti. You can check on their site for this year’s program if you want to attend. (I definitely recommend it).
The Acropolis
No trip to Athens can be complete without visiting the Acropolis. It is the landmark of Athens and one of the greatest architectural complexes that the Greek Antiquity has offered to the world.
Acropolis is located in a flattish rock, 150 m above the sea level and it contains the remains of several iconic ancient buildings all of which, have great architectural and historical importance. The word Acropolis in Greek derives from Acron (highest point) and Polis (city), and the Acropolis of Athens, is without any doubt the most famous Acropolis.
Built during the Golden Age by a group of exceptional Architects and sculptors, the Acropolis is the most complete ancient Greek monumental complex still surviving nowadays. Its buildings are universal symbols of classical spirit and civilization. The most important monuments are Propylaea, (the monumental gate to the Acropolis), the small temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and the most famous of all, the Parthenon.
The Parthenon’s main function was to house the approximately 10 meters Chryselephantine (made of gold and ivory) Sculpture of Athena, the patroness of Athens.
Parthenon also carries a reputation of being “the most perfect Doric temple ever built”. All monuments of the Acropolis were constructed entirely of marble from Mount Penteliko (Pentelic marble).
Important information about the Acropolis
Closest metro station:
Acropolis (5-10 minutes walk on Dionysiou Areopagitou)
Opening hours:
From April – October, the opening hours are:
08:00-19:30 daily and on Mondays: 11:00-19:30
From November – March, the opening hours are:
08:30-15:00 daily
Estimated time spent in Acropolis:
1:30 – 2 hours
Entrances:
The main Acropolis entrance is the in the west. It is mostly used by individuals and groups. It is overcrowded during the summer period.
The side Acropolis entrance is in the south east. It is through the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus, a bit far away from the main entrance. It’s way less crowded and you get to see Theatre of Dionysus as well.
You can use both entrances:
I would also suggest to arrive early in the morning (8 or earlier) especially during the summer period. This way you avoid as much as you can the crowds. Some climbing is required and a bit of attention as some rocks can be slippery. But nothing to worry about.
Tickets:
Summer ticket cost: from April – October: 20 euros per adult
Winter ticket cost: From November – March 10 euros per adult
Combination ticket:
Combination ticket costs 30 euros all year round and is valid for 5 days. It includes the following sites:
Entry to the Acropolis Hadrian’s Library – The Ancient Agora (and the museum) – The Roman Agora Archaeological site of Lykeion – Kerameikos cemetery (and the museum).
Combination ticket is sold at the kiosks of the participated sites and at the ministry of culture and sports.
The new museum of Acropolis is not included. In my personal opinion, it is not worth it. It might engage you to visit some archaeological sites that you probably don’t have to, and miss valuable time from doing other things in Athens.
For more information please check their official site
Guided tours and tickets information
Tickets of the various archaeological sites can be purchased from the ticket kiosks located just outside each site, but you can also purchase them online.
For a small additional cost, you can purchase South Entrance Admission Ticket to the Acropolis
This is a skip the line ticket to Acropolis. You will walk from the Theatre of Dionysus, see Propylaea, the temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion with its porch of Maidens and see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus from the top. Once you purchase your ticket, you will receive the voucher by email. Then, you will collect the ticket from the local supplier’s office. It is around 250m from the metro station “Acropolis”, at 26 Athanasiou DIakou street.
There is also a free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts.
If you want a guided tour then Acropolis Guided Tour with Skip-the-Line Ticket is a great option.
Free admission days for the archaeological sites:
6 March – 18 April – 18 May – The last weekend of September annually – 28 October – Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st
Closed days for the archaeological sites:
1 January – 25 March – 1 May – Easter Sunday – 25 December – 26 December
- The Areopagus, or Hill of Ares
It was the place where the elders of the city held their council. Nowadays, you can enjoy amazing views of the city. Just keep in mind that the rock is slippery.
- Ancient Agora
Metro station: Thiseio or Monastiraki
This archaeological site is located on the northwest slope of Acropolis. It is between Monastiraki and Acropolis. It features the ruins of the ancient marketplace (Agora). It’s a place where people were gathering. Two buildings stand out:
The well preserved Temple of Hephaestus from the Classica Era, and the imposing Stoa of Attalos which is reconstructed and it now houses the museum of the Ancient Agora. Ancient Agora is easy to navigate and it requires more or less one hour. Just carry water and a hat with you as you will need it especially during Summer.
Opening hours:
08:00 -20:00
Tickets:
November – March: 4 euros
April – October: 8 euros
for more information please check the official site
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Roman Agora
Metro station: Thiseio or Monastiraki
It is located on the east of The Ancient Agora and it was built during the reigns of Julius Ceasar and Ceasar Augustus. There is no need to visit as you can actually see everything from the outside. The entrance to this small market is from the Gate of Athena Archegetis. On the north side of the Roman Agora, it’s the Turkish mosque of Fethiye Djami. The most famous building in the Ancient Agora, is The Tower of the Winds. An octagonal tower made from marble. It features a combination of sundials, a water clock, and a wind vane and it is considered the world’s first meteorological stations.
Other Athenian attractions:
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Panathenaic Stadium
Metro station: Syntagma, Acropolis or Evangelismos
Also known as Kallimarmaro, it is situated close to Zappeio, in the city centre. The stadium has hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and it is well known as the only stadium in the world completely built in marble.
If you enter the Panathenaic stadium, you will have the chance to access the whole site. The entrance is through the Vaulted passage and you will see the permanent exhibition “Memories from Olympic Games: Posters and Torches from 1896 till today” at the Atrium.
If you climb to the upper tier of stand 21, inside the stadium, you can capture the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Filopappos Hill, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Zappeion, the National Gardens and the Lycabettus Hill.
Opening hours:
March – October: 08:00 – 19:00 last ticket sold at 19:00
November – February: 08:00 – 17:00 last ticket sold at 17:00
Suggested visit hours: during morning and evening hours
General admission ticket:
5 euro
for more information please visit their official site
The Athenian Trilogy
Metro station: Panepistimio
The Athenian Trilogy consists of the following three neoclassical buildings: The National Library of Greece, the University of Athens and the Academy of Athens. You can use the metro station Panepistimio which is one stop away from Syntagma.
The National Garden and Zappeion Hall
Metro station: Syntagma
A green oasis in the centre of Athens that consists of the beautiful herbage, the duck pond, the children’s library and the Botanical Museum. There’s also an open café-bar. It is located in Syntagma square and it is open to the public every day from sunrise until sunset. Within a walking distance, you will see Zappeion Hall, the first building to be constructed for the Olympics needs. Nowadays it is being used as an exhibition hall. You can also have a coffee at the historic all-day café restaurant Aigli Zappeiou and if it is summer, you can watch a movie at the open-air Cine Aigli (I have written a more detailed post about The National Garden here and about Zappeion Hall here).
Where to stroll
Plaka
Metro station: Acropolis or Monastiraki
Built in the roots of the sacred rock of Acropolis, this neighbourhood is more than 3.500 years old and one of the oldest in Europe. The majority of the buildings are well-preserved neoclassical houses. It will travel you in time just walking around the narrow streets in the most romantic way. There are many cafés and restaurants in the area that are very loved by locals as well, such as Yiasemi, Melina and Glykis. (I have written a detailed blog post about Plaka here)
Anafiotika
Metro station: Acropolis or Monastiraki
On the slopes of Plaka, there is this tiny residential area of Anafiotika that consists of less than 50 houses. It will make you feel that you are in a Cycladic island (and specifically, in Anafi island). It’s a scenic and very peaceful place to walk around in just 15 minutes. (I have written a more detailed post about Anafiotika and how to get there – here).
Thiseio
Metro station: Thiseio
Thiseio is another traditional neighbourhood, northwest of the Acropolis. It’s very close to the Ancient Agora, and Monastiraki. It has many bars and restaurants where you will see many locals enjoying their coffee around Iraklidon, Nileos and Akamantos streets. Take the tranquil Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian zone and enjoy a wonderful and relaxed walk with views to the Ancient Agora and the Areopagus on the left-hand side. On the right-hand side, you can visit The Pnyx, a small rocky hill where it used to be the official meeting place of the democratic assembly, and The Prison of Socrates.
Monastiraki
Metro station: Monastiraki
It’s a flea market neighbourhood in the historic part of Athens with many historic landmarks such as Hadrian’s Library in Areos street. It’s a very touristy area but you will find many locals as well. Stroll in and around Ifaistou and Adrianou streets and you will see many tourist shops, restaurants and bars. This area is very lively and I have many suggestions on where to eat and drink. (you can check a bit further below)
Lycabettus Hill
It’s the highest point in the centre of Athens and it’s a bit further away from the historic centre. Close to Kolonaki district, Lycabettus Hill is a very elegant neighbourhood that is well known for:
- the Lycabettus theatre where during summer music and cultural events are hosted
- the breath-taking views over the city
- the white chapel of Agios Georgios Lycabettus
- It is one of the most romantic places in Athens and the 360-degree vistas are stunning
- You can eat at the famous Orizontes Restaurant, one of the best in Athens and with extraordinary views all over the city.
Where to shop
Monastiraki: The flea market
Metro station: Monastiraki
Monastiraki is well known for its flea market. You can find a collection of small artisanal shops selling handmade sandals, souvenir shops, and antiques. Be aware though on what is fake or not, what is good quality and what is bad.
- Ermou street: fast fashion stores
Metro station: Syntagma or Monastiraki
Ermou street connects Syntagma square with Monastiraki and is a pedestrianised street with many fast fashion shops such as Zara, Bershka, Mango, Benetton etc.
- City Link and Voukourestiou street: a sense of elegance and luxury
Metro station: Syntagma
Voukourestiou street is famous for its luxurious brands, jewellery stores and posh cafés. Located very close to Syntagma square, Voukourestiou street is also one of the four streets that enclose City Link, an impressive historical building block, that houses various high-end boutique stores like Hermès, Cartier etc., the Attica department store, theatres, and the Spiromiliou Arcade with various all-day coffee bars and restaurants such as and Pasaji.
Last but definitely not least, on Voukourestiou street, are the luxurious café-restaurant Athénée (ex Café Zonar’s), and the Cafe Brazilian which is popular with people involved in the arts and intellectuals.
Where to eat
Due to the warm climate Greeks like to eat outdoors at least for 6 months per year and there are many outdoor restaurants to taste the Greek cuisine. Plaka and Monastiraki are very tourist neighbourhoods, and you might not find the best restaurant in terms of quality. However, eating at the historic part of Athens is highly recommended as it has an idyllic atmosphere.
In Greek houses, it’s not as common as you think eating mousaka and pastitsio. I would suggest eating dishes such as gigantes plaki (greek baked beans), spinach pie, dolmadakia, fresh fish and seafood such as grilled octopus, taramosalata dip, tzatziki, gemista, courgette balls and feta cheese.
For fast food, try the all-time classic souvlaki (there are also vegetarian – vegan variations in some places). And on the go, try koulouri Thessalonikis – they are sold in bakeries or by street vendors.
Some of the places I recommend are:
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Tavern Klimataria Plateia Theatrou 2, Athens 105 52 – Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
Greek home-style cooking, covered with vines and accompanied with live music every Sunday, Klimataria is one of the oldest taverns in the city centre.
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Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani Sokratous 1, Athens 105 52 – Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
Located at the basement of a building which used to be a grocery store, this beautiful deli & meze restaurant offers traditional tastes of Byzantium & Cappadokia.
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Ella Greek Cooking Mitropoleos 26, Athens 105 63 – Metro: Syntagma (google maps)
A beautiful Greek restaurant, and delicatessen, that offers unique options for brunch, lunch, dinner and wines.
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Kiouzin – Greek cuisine with a twist Likavittou 16, Athens 106 73 – Metro: Panepistimio (google maps)
Located in the Kolonaki neighbourhood, you will eat authentic Greek cuisine, with a modern twist.
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Mani Mani Falirou 10, Athens 117 42 – Metro: Akropoli (google maps)
Mani Mani uses traditional products from Peloponnesus and especially from Mani. They create tasteful recipes with a modern touch from all over Greece.
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Orizontes Lycabettus Aristippou 1, Athens 106 76, Lycabettus Hill (google maps)
For splendid views to the city of Athens from Lycabettus Hill, Orizontes is one of the best restaurants in Athens.
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Strofi Restaurant Rovertou Galli 25, Athens 117 42 – Metro: Akropoli (google maps)
Offers stunning views of the Acropolis, and excellent dishes.
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Avocado Nikis 30, Syntagma, Athens, 105 57 Metro: Syntagma (google maps)
A delicious vegetarian-vegan restaurant in the centre of Athens.
Where to have a desert
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Loukoumades Eolou 21 & Agias Eirinis, 105 51, Athens (google maps)
Try loukoumades, the Greek version of donoughts.
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DaVinci Gelato Adrianou 50, Monastiraki, Athens 105 55 Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
For the best gelato.
Where to have coffee
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Little Kook Karaiskaki 17, Athina 105 54 Psyri – Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
If you like fairy tales, this extraordinary coffee and pastry shop with magnificent season decorations in and out of the shop will astonish you! (I have also written two blog posts about Little Kook here and here)
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Noel Kolokotroni 59B, Athens 105 62 Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
The world of Noel is full of colour and cosiness! This all-day café bar with a blend of Christmas, Cuban and Parisian style. The different rooms that are connected with an arcade, have their own unique style and I am sure that this place will steal your heart as it stole mine.
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360 Cocktail Bar Ifestou 2, Athens 105 55 Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
for splendid views to Athens and the Acropolis.
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Yasemi 23 Mnisikleous, Plaka – Metro: Akropoli or Monastiraki) (google maps)
Yasemi is the name of the sweet-smelling flower that is very well known in the courtyards of Athens. Enjoy your drink in the various tables that are on the steps that make a unique and cosy atmosphere all-day long.
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Glykys Aggelou Geronta 2, 10558, Athens – Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
If you want to experience the old way of drinking coffee, try the courtyard of Glykis. A sweet (as per its name ) and quite place in Plaka.
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K8 Point Ermou 119, Athens 105 55 (google maps)
New addition to Athens, K8 Point is a part of a 3,500 m2 buildings complex named “Ermou Gate”. It is an all-day cafe bar and restaurant with a wondreful garden and colors that enchase the neighborhood elements.
Where to drink
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Dioskouri Dioskouron 13, Athens 105 55 – Metro Monastiraki (google maps)
One of the most popular haunts, just under the Acropolis in Monastiraki.
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Oinoscent Wine bar Voulis 45-47, Athina 105 57 – Metro: Syntagma (google maps)
Excellent wine bar, with a relaxing atmosphere.
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The Clumsies Praxitelous 30, Athina 105 61 – Metro: Syntagma (google maps)
Clumsies has been featured 3 times in the top 10 of World’s 50 Best Bars.
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Brettos Kydathinaion 41, Athens, 10558 – Metro: Monastiraki (google maps)
Famous distillery and bar with all the coloured bottles line up to the ceiling, Brettos is a landmark in Plaka.
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The Gin Joint Christou Lada 1, 10561, Athens – Metro: Syntagma (google maps)
Great place for gin lovers and not only. One of the best bars in Athens.
Watch a movie under the stars
If you are in Athens during Summer, don’t miss the opportunity to watch a movie in one of the many open-air cinemas. Some of the most famous cinemas are:
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Cine Paris Kidathineon 22, Athina 105 58 (google maps)
a beautiful rooftop garden cinema with a view to Acropolis.
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Cine Thisseio Apostolou Pavlou 7, Athina 118 51 (google maps)
with views to Acropolis, it is the oldest open air-cinema of Athens.
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Cine Aigli Zappeio Gardens, Athina, 105 57 (google maps)
this historic cinema is located in Zappeio Gardens, close to Syntagma square Zappeio Gardens (entrance from Vasilissis Olgas Avenue)
Useful tips about Athens
- I believe Athens requires 3-4 days in order to see everything. Most of the places I am suggesting are within walking distance from one another and it’s easily walkable. Another option is the metro.
- Athens has an easy metro system (3 lines) along with other means of transport such as trams, trolleys and buses. The simple ticket costs 1,40 euros and you can move around for 90 minutes using all means of transport. (except going to the Airport which costs 10 euros). Chances are, you will only need the metro system to get around, to and from the airport. If you take a 3-day ticket, it will cost you 22 euros and you can also use it for one round trip from/to Athens.
- Taxi drivers in Greece have a bad reputation for ripping off the tourists (and not only the tourists). Fortunately, this is not the case for all. I would suggest using Uber or downloading the app Beat for taxis. It works like Uber and you will know how much more or less the route costs a priori. I mainly use the app Beat for Athens, because it gives me the choice to know roughly the destination cost before my ride. But you can always check this site for a rough taxi cost calculation here.
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Don’t worry if you hear that in Athens there are many strikes and protests. If you can’t take the means of transport, you can always take a taxi. In Athens, prices are cheaper compared to many European capitals. Athens is in general, a safe place. It has happened many times to be in the city centre while there was a protest and a small number of people were attending. But when I was watching the news, it seemed much bigger deal and with way more people. So keep in mind that media like to overdramatize things.
- Be aware that there is a high pickpocket risk in touristic areas and on crowded metro.
- Inside the archaeological sites, don’t expect many shadow areas as almost everything is exposed under the sun. Be aware that during warm days, marble absorbs heat. So always wear a hat, sunglasses and make sure you carry water at all times and especially during summer.
- Greece is still tolerant about smoking, so in many places, it is allowed to smoke indoors albeit illegal. However, if you don’t like this, you can always check this page. It’s a wonderful initiative from a group of people that list the actual smoke-free venues of Greece.
- It’s not obligatory to leave a tip in restaurants and bars. So it’s up to you to leave a 10% – 20%
- Last but not least, on your way back home, at the airport, ask where to buy tsoureki Terkenlis. It’s a sweet traditional Greek Easter bread that we love to eat all year round. Choose the one with chestnut and white chocolate. You can thank me later ♥
Other attractions a bit far away from the city cetnre
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre
The multifunctional and environmentally sustainable complex was built to house the new facilities of the National Library of Greece, the National Opera House and a 210,000 square meters Mediterranean Garden. The garden includes pines, olive trees and fragrant herbs and flowers such as oregano, thyme, lavender, etc.
I have written a detailed post about Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre here
- Temple of Poseidon Sounion
for more information click here
- Athenian Riviera
for more information click here
I will soon make a blog post about nearby neighbourhoods of Athens.
Until then,
Enjoy Athens!
