My friends and I often share itineraries, it’s a great starting point for planning your own trip. Not only is a lot of the research done for you but you can pick up some tips and tricks that can save you time when you are there. Couldn’t choose between those restaurants, don’t – ask your friend, see their pictures. Not sure what time to head out to avoid the crowds, hear it directly from someone who’s already experienced it!
Our trip to Athens was a last-minute trip, we just wanted some sun in February and not head anywhere that would mean we’d be on our feet all day, every day but equally wouldn’t feel like we were missing out if we didn’t explore. Athens is the perfect place for a long weekend, a great mix of historic sites that aren’t too far from the city centre and an abundance of great places to eat and drink.
If you are looking for your next place to visit and short on holiday days, try out the itinerary below – from one friend to another.
Travel from the airport
Athens airport subway offers reliable and fast transportation services from and to Athens Αirport. The Blue Line (Metro Line 3) connects Athens International Airport to Syntagma Square, the major hub of the city, in just 40 minutes.
A one-way subway ticket from Athens Airport to Syntagma Square costs 9€ for adult passengers. The price for a return ticket is 16€. You can purchase your tickets at the airport station ticket booths or through the automatic machines.
Alternatively, if you are planning to wander around the city during your visit, you should buy a 3-day Tourist ticket, valid for buses, metro, and tram. The 3-day ticket includes a return ticket to Athens Airport and costs 20€.
Where to stay
Our friend stayed at Gatsby by Athens, it was in a great location as it was really central, but still really quiet. The hotel has a really nice cocktail bar! It was fully booked up for us, so we stayed at Newel Acropolis, another central hotel with a rooftop pool and view of the Acropolis. There are so many hotels popping up, you should be able to find something for every budget.
What to see
Everything is within walking distance so we didn’t get public transport anywhere.
A must is the Acropolis (the hill) and the Parthenon (the temple) and you can book tickets in advance. Would recommend getting there for either when it first opens or when it’s about to close, as it gets heaving with tourists very fast. You also get to see the Theatre of Dionysus on the way up which is incredible.
You can take decent pictures of Agora from outside without paying to go in (as it’s surrounded by public streets and a low fence).
The Panathenaic Stadium was well worth a walk to and very quiet compared to the other tourist spots. If you want an amazing photograph, climb to the upper tier of stand 21, from where we can capture the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Filopappos Hill, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Zappeion, the National Gardens and Lycabettus Hill.
Plaka is a really cool neighbourhood with lots of old houses, winding streets, shops and cafes. Gets very busy though so get there early to avoid the crowds.
Head up to the viewpoint at the top of Lycabettus Hill.
We took a day trip to Hydra which was super easy and only an 1hr50 ferry journey away. You can take the Metro Blue Line to Piraeus Station (the port).There are also other day trips available by boat, another great way of experiencing something different if you want some variety away from the city. Make sure you check boat times before you get to the port, especially in the off season. There were only two trips to Hydra when we went, and the afternoon trip means you would have to stay a night in Hydra. You will also want to get your ticket before you go, Hydra can be expensive on the day (+£100). If you do make it to Hydra, be sure to eat at Plakostroto.
Where to eat
The only downside to a long weekend away is that you are short on time to eat everything you want and visit all of the restaurant recommendations. I’ve shared everything that was on our list but we made time for two restaurants that stood out to us.
Cinque Wine & Deli Bar, this really took us by surprise! We love cheese and meat boards and anything that offers wine tasting but it was the service here that blew us away. Personal, friendly and attentive. We were recommended a range of local wines, had our own sommelier talk us through the wines and what cheese or cured meat complimented them. We stayed for around 4 hours, grazing, tasting and getting to know our hosts. If you can make it here, even if it’s just for one glass – do it!
We also treated ourselves to a Michelin starred restaurant, CTC Urban Gastronomy. This is a ‘blind’ tasting menu, whereby you find out the dished on the day by a personalised menu from the Chef. The stand out for us was the wine tasting, we opted for the ‘Out of the Box’ tasting which included Black Garlic and Sun-dried tomato wine. It was delicious! If you love your food and want to treat yourself to something different, head over to CTC, who’s knows what food you will try!
Other restaurants and bars on our list for when we go again:
- The Clumsies – 3 mins walk from our hotel, voted 19th best cocktail bar in the world
- Baba Au Rum – this was also nearby but we never made it inside as it was always so heaving
- Street Souvlaki – they have a few of these dotted about and they’re SO good. Very good and cheap no-frills souvlaki
- GB Roof Garden – we booked this place for dinner on our last night but never made it there as we were both shattered and full
- Aleria – in the Michelin guide and has an incredible tasting menu if you fancy splashing out one night. It’s a little further out so you will need to get a taxi
- Yiasemi – great little café spot on the steps in Plaka. Get there early though!
- Orizontes – this is on top of Lycabettus Hill but it was closed when we went