As I’ve accumulated 9 months of living in Athens, Greece over the course of the past few years, I am often asked for travel tips to this wonderful city. Finally I have a place to publish them!
By the way – if you happen to be interested in traveling to Greece, check out my upcoming retreat!
FOOD
- Django for the best homemade gelato/sorbet when you are in the center (near Acropolis)
- GH Attikos for a really good Greek meal on a rooftop with great Acropolis view
- Six Dogs/ Dara Thai for the best Thai food in the city in a really nice garden — nice cocktails too
- Rosalia restaurant in Exarcheia is a really good, well-priced greek restaurant in a great social area
- Platia Agiou Georgiou is a really nice community square a bit out of the centre — it is really nice to visit for a late dinner (around 10pm) and see how the locals eat. To Scholarchio tis Kipselis is one good restaurant in this square, and it is near to some nightlife and jazz bars.
- Go to any Greek bakery. Order a spanakopita, a freddo espresso (no milk) or freddo cappuccino (with milk). If you’re craving something sweet, get a bougatsa.
EXPERIENCES
- The “Ali Mamma” massages treatment from Hammam.gr — it’s near Thiseo and you can do it as a pair
- The museum of Ancient Greek Technology kotsanas– this place is interactive and really cool
- Cooking class with “The Greek Kitchen” www.greekkitchenathens.com
- Small-group day-long sailing trip that departs and returns to athens, stops at 2 islands plus a swim-and-snorkel, lunch included: alldaycruise.net
(There’s no referral system in place … but I’d love if these places started noticing how many people I send their way hahaha – feel free to mention it!)
MUST-SEE SIGHTS
- Temple of Poseidon @ Sounion is a relatively short drive from the city — recommend either a car rental (and stop at beaches on the way!) or an Airbnb Experience – my friend Sabri has one where he’ll drive you there in a convertible and stop at beaches along the way.
- The Ancient Agora ft. Temple of Hephaestus
- The Acropolis – you already know about it, and yes you should see it in person.
(You can purchase a tourist pass to pay once and have access to 7 different ruins over the course of 3 days.)
ISLANDS & MAINLAND
- Lots of islands to choose from, accessible by ferry or plane. I recommend Milos and Skiathos/Scopelos the most. Have been to over 20 and those are my picks for you!
- On the mainland I recommend the archaeological site of the original Olympics at Olympia, a combo trip to Delphi and Meteora (by car or join a group bus trip), seeing a play at the ancient theatre of Epidaurus. Hikers will enjoy hiking Mount Olympus and staying overnight at a refuge on the mountain.
GETTING AROUND
- Google maps and an e-sim are your friend. Transit in Athens is generally good, the metro system is great. You can purchase a 3-day tourist pass or just a 10-pass card.
- You can easily take metro from the airport and save a lot of taxi money. It goes right to the centre and you can get a ticket that will take you back to the airport too. Just be sure it is running at the times needed (ie: not great for super early or late flights)
- I feel that everything within Athens is easily walkable and transit-able. If you want to get out of the city and go to beaches, it’s possible with transit but personally I would rent a car for the day from Hertz. If you go to any islands, 100% rent a car immediately when you land on the island. It will save you much time and ensure you see everything you want to.
I hope that was helpful – if fairly straight-to-the-point. I’ll return here one day to add some photos and make updates.