24 hours (and more) in Athens...
Originally from Rome, journalist Iona Serrapica has spent a lot of time travelling across Greece. She likes to explore a different Greek island each summer, as well as finding gems in Athens.
Where to stay?
Thissio: A historic neighbourhood with narrow streets that lead up to beautiful views of the Acropolis. Although it is very central, it’s much calmer than Plaka or Monastiraki. It also has a convenient metro stop on the Green Line, as well as plenty of restaurants and cafes. It’s perfect if you want to soak up the city’s atmosphere without going too far.
Exarcheia: For a more bohemian and authentic side to Athens but want to stay central, look no further. Well connected by metro, its streets are filled with murals, bookshops and record stores. During the day, you can relax in one of the area's laid-back cafes or traditional restaurants, and at night, those same streets come alive with bars which are popular with students, musicians and the freethinkers of Athens!
Where to go?
Start your day with a stroll around the Acropolis along the Apolostolou Pavlou – Dionyiou Areopagitou pedestrian route. Then make your way up to the Pnyx Hill, the birthplace of democracy, before heading to Philopappou Hill, where ancient ruins such as the Prison of Socrates are tucked away amongst olive and pine trees. From here, you can enjoy some of the best 360-degree views of Athens, stretching from the Acropolis to the sea. For lunch you could explore Anafiotika, a tiny neighbourhood beneath the Acropolis with colourful historic buildings, cafes and restaurants. If you’re a museum enthusiast, visit the Acropolis Museum to see the famous Parthenon marbles, or the National Archaeological Museum to see its rare bronzes.
📌 Tip: Head to Philopappou Hill for that sunset shot!
Where to eat? And what to eat?
Thissio - wander down Iraklidon Street, tucked away on a side street for inexpensive cool bars and cafes
📌 Tip: Avoid the crowds flocking to the more expensive restaurants overlooking the Acropolis in Thissio
My favourite restaurants in Athens overall are "Ama Lachei," "Aylak Poliki Kouzina", "Mandragoras" and "O Tsobanakos."
Make sure you try dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves), kolokithokeftedes (zucchini fritters), horiatiki (Greek salad) and pretty much any grilled meat!
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Best way to get around the city?
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The centre of Athens is small and compact, with many historical sites within walking distance. The metro is cheap and fast, while taxis are slightly more expensive but still affordable and convenient. The Freenow app is popular for booking taxis, but you'll also find taxi ranks in many key areas.
Things to know:
Athenians are very friendly and often happy to help, but the city moves at its own pace. Although the city is full of cars, some parts of the centre are now closed to traffic. Remember to bring some cash with you, as some places prefer it to card payments.
📌 Tip: September is still warm (around 28-30 Celsius) without the scorching summer heat, but bring a hat and sunscreen and bottled water
If I had 2 days and more, which place outside Athens should I visit? Why?
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I would try to fit in a day trip to Cape Sounion, located at the southernmost tip of Attica. Here you can visit the Temple of Poseidon, perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the sea. It's particularly beautiful at sunset. If you don’t have a car, you can easily book an organised tour to take you there and back. For a longer stay, the islands of the Saronic Gulf, such as Hydra, Aegina and Poros, are just an hour away by ferry. You can spend your days relaxing on the beach, swimming, strolling through picturesque coastal towns or enjoying a glass of ouzo by the sea.
Athens-born Emmanuil 'Captain Manos' Papavasileiou is not a real captain although he thinks he is most of the time. He spends his summers roaming the Aegean and Ionian seas and the rest of the year daydreaming about it while writing his newsletter on tech and gaming.
Where to stay?
Monastiraki and Plaka are vibrant areas with narrow shopping streets, a flea market and a colourful vibe. Monastiraki is known for nice hotels with rooftop terraces for food and coffee (you can walk in without reservation). Try "A for Athens" and "Koukaki" for rooftop views of the Acropolis.
📌 Tip: Avoid Omonoia and Panepistimio for accommodation as they are in busy road junctions
Where to go?
When visiting the Acropolis (a must for any first time visitor) check out the Acropolis museum and its rooftop restaurant. Then stroll down Dionysiou Aeropagitou, a pedestrian around the Acropolis hill. Along the way is the ancient theatre of Herod. If you plan ahead, you can watch a play or a concert there. It’s an experience! And Aeropagos Hill for sunset views and all-important selfies with bottles of wine.
Where to eat? And what to eat?
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"Souvlaki" of course, for meat lovers!
In Monastiraki try"Mpairaktairis" - one of the oldest souvlaki places in Athens.
📌 Tip: Avoid places with large pictures and menu outside and waiters luring you in. Go to places where you can clearly see the gyros (it looks like kebab but it is not kebab) spinning in the front window.
For a nice quick lunch near Syntagma Square try "Ergon House."
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For dinner, "Mani Mani" (near Acropolis station) has more elevated but traditional Greek cuisine dishes.
And food? Moussakas (baked casserole dish with aubergine), dolmadakia (stuffed vine leaves with meat or rice), gemista (stuffed tomatoes with rice), imam baildi (aubergines with tomato sauce), fakes (lentils) and loukoumades for dessert. And a cup of freddo cappuccino (Greek iced coffee) to wash it all down.
If I had 2 days and more which place outside of Athens should I visit?
For mountain views head to Delphi which is a 2 and a half hours drive to the North of Athens. It is where ancient Athenians used to travel to consult a famous oracle about their futures. It is now where Athenians go to get some clean crispy air and mountain coziness. Or head to Varkiza in the south, which is just a 40 minute drive, which is a small town adjacent to Athens with nice beaches.
📌 Tip: Get your swimsuit ready for these beaches near Athens
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Retail therapy or just wandering around Athens
(by a distinguished Greek called George)
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Anafiotika: A tucked-away Cycladic-style neighborhood under the Acropolis that feels like a tiny island village.
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National Garden and Syntagma Square: See the Parliament and the ceremonial Guard change, then escape into the shaded gardens nearby.
Psiri: Vibrant neighborhood with tavernas, artisanal shops, and street art; lively both day and night.
Kerameikos and Gazi: Ancient Athens’ cemetery site beside today’s lively cultural district of Technopolis, with street art and nightlife.
Ermou Street: Athens’ main pedestrian shopping avenue, mixing international brands with Greek chains.
Athinas Street and Varvakios Central Market: Traditional food market full of local produce, spices, and a raw slice of everyday Athens.
Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (south of Athens in Faliron): A striking modern complex by the sea with an opera house, national library, and vast parklands for walking.
📌 Tip: Do not stay and avoid evenings in these areas: Omonia, Victoria, Amerikis Square, Metaxourgio, stretches of Monastiraki
Where to stay in Athens
1. Check out Instagram account @stayclose_Athens and click the linktr.ee link for rooms in downtown Athens
2. Choose your room (don't book with Booking.com)
3. Send a Whatsapp message to Michael +30 694 321 9021 and let him know "I'm with Angie" and which room you want to book and dates
4. You get a good discount if you pay by CASH
