24 Hours in Athens

Whether you’re stuck on a long layover, or staying here pre- or -post cruise, there is always something new to discover in this ancient city. Here are my suggestions for a quick visit in Athens.

Breakfast

It’s touristy for sure, but there’s still a bit of fairytale magic when you turn the corner and see Little Kook for the first time. This cafe in the Psyrri neighborhood changes its decor every month, but you can always expect an extravagant display based on storybooks, fairytales, and cramming as many fairy lights and tchotchkes as possible into every square inch of the place. The menu is heavy on sweets - think pancakes, crepes, and sundaes. The white hot chocolate with rose and Greek mastic is uniquely tasty.

Alternatively, do as the locals do and grab a 1€ koulouri from any of the street vendors you see. Vaguely like a sesame bagel, but far more savory, these hearty bread rings can be found everywhere and eaten on the go.

Morning

If you haven’t been to Athens before, climbing the Acropolis is a must. The crowds are at their worst in the morning, but it’s worth it to avoid the afternoon heat and dust. If you’ve seen the Acropolis already, use your morning to visit the Acropolis Museum. This modern, airy museum gives the ruins context with displays of thousands of objects from Bronze Age Greece through the Roman occupation. The ruins of an ancient neighborhood underneath the museum are especially fascinating.

Then…

Take a break from the crowds and indulge in a little retail therapy with shopping in some of the boutiques of Syntagma. Amnesia Concept Store is a bit tricky to find (its below street level, take the stairs), but once you do you’ll be rewarded with unique clothes and hair accessories. Every item is custom wrapped for you with candy and stickers, so it’s a great place to pick up some gifts. They also have a small cafe with coffee and fresh lemonade.

For Lunch

Yes, it means braving some of the steepest stairs in Athens, but it’s worth it for a homey lunch at Yiasemi. Full of vegan and vegetarian options, the menu is simple, and the mix and match lunch special will run you just 12€ with wine. Ask to sit upstairs if the weather is nice, or take a seat in the courtyard and marvel at the waiters who somehow navigate the stairs without falling!

Lentil salad, cheese pie, wine, and dessert - one of the 12€ homemade lunch options at Yiasemi in the Plaka district

Afternoon

Learn about the modern side of Athens, including the roots of the infamous Greek financial crisis, with a walking lecture from political scientist Isaac Caballero Suey. His “Athens Social and Political Walk” will show you Athens’ beautiful side, like the National Garden and Prime Minister’s house, and its ugly parts, like the site of a violent government crackdown on protesting students in the 1970s. As you stroll you’ll get a better understanding of modern Greek politics and culture (and machismo!). Fair warning though…you may be second guessing your choice to stay in an AirBnB by the end of this tour…

Dinner

When you think Greek food, you probably think gyros, roast lamb, maybe moussaka, right? But Athens has a surprising vegan subculture, including one of the largest annual vegan markets in Europe. For a quick option, try Vegan Beat Athens. The menu is small, but their mushroom-based version of a gyro hits all the right spots. If you have time for a sit down dinner, head over to the trendy Gazi neighborhood and check out Τρεις Λαλούν - Treis Laloun. Their huge menu has everything from smoothies and frappes to meatballs and burgers, all made from scratch and vegan.

Bar Hopping

Living the good life at Ermou 18: Beyond the Horizon in Athens

Start the evening with a drink and a view (let’s be honest - it’s mostly about the view!) at the hip rooftop bar Ermou 18: Beyond the Horizon. This chic bar puts you eye level with the Acropolis, which is beautifully lit up at night.

After that, go a little more grunge at Intrepid Fox. This dive bar in Gazi is known for three things: a huge menu of dirt cheap shots, giant servings of beer, and playing all the early 2000s rock and emo music your black little heart could ever desire. It’s loud, crowded, and a world away from your average Greek bar.

Have some places to recommend in Athens? Let me know below! And if you’re ready to start customizing your own Greek itinerary, send me a message to get started!