What to do in Athens in a day

Welcome to 'Trips,tips and tapas', a site where you can get information from someone who has actually visited the places in question, share tips on what to do or what not to do there, the best places to stay, eat and an insight into the local culture. I hope you'll find it useful and welcome your feedback.

Having recently visited Athens, I'd like to share a few tips on what to do if you only have a day there.

I had the great fortune to live in Athens many years ago so I know that you could stay in the city for a fortnight and barely scratch the surface. However, for those of you who are using Athens as a stopover to the islands or as a transit point then here are some not to be missed things to see and do.

I recommend basing yourself somewhere central; the area between Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square is ideal for sightseeing and handy for the metro too. When I last visited there was only one line, now there is a swanky new network with exhibits that were found during the excavations that would be under lock and key in any other city.

                                                                                   

                                                                              

Just a word of warning if you are arriving at the airport and thinking of taking the metro into the city – this line is frequently targeted by pickpockets so just as in any large city, keep your wits and your money about you! Budget permitting, why not pre-book a taxi at a cost of around 40 euros? After the flight the last thing you want to be doing is to struggle with luggage, especially if it’s hot.

Naturally The Acropolis and Parthenon are top of the list for visitors and if you haven’t been there before then I would recommend getting there early in the morning before the coaches arrive. It is quite a climb though so an alternative is to visit the newly built Acropolis museum and take in the view from the restaurant on the second floor. If time is short, you don't even need to buy a ticket for the museum, you can just get a free pass for the restaurant although it would be a shame to miss out on the exhibits. Many hotels around Monastiraki in the area known as Psiri, such as the Attalos Hotel or Hotel Evripides, have roof terraces from where you can get a stunning photo of the Parthenon. They tend to only open in the evening though so best to check it out first.

                                                                          

The Acropolis at night

Monastiraki itself, there’s a convenient metro station that stops there, is brilliant for a flavour of the real Athens. On Sundays there is a huge flea market selling all kinds of knick knacks and some real bargains if you have time to sort through the tat. It’s a great place to soak up the flavour of Greece and even better if you watch the world go by over a frappe from one of the many cafes.

At the foothill of the Acropolis lies one of my favourites areas known as Plaka. It's a wonderful place to wander round and escape the hustle of a big city. Turn a corner and you’ll find yourself in front of ancient ruins right next to quaint little tavernas. If it’s lunch you’re after then try to avoid the ones with waiters trying to entice you inside if you want an authenic experience. Go off the beaten track a little and you’ll be amply rewarded with a dining experience to remember for all the right reasons.

If it’s just a snack you want then there are many places selling souvlaki – a kind of pork kebab – or tiropita, cheese pies; both are delicious and inexpensive.

From Plaka, head next to Syntagma Square.  At the top of the Square is the parliament building guarded by the Evzones in traditional Greek costume. The changing of the guard is at 11am but it’s still a good photo opportunity whatever time you happen to be there.

                                                                                   

Parliament building at the top of Syntagma Square

If you fancy a peaceful stroll then head next to the National Gardens. This is an oasis of calm in a busy city and the perfect place to recharge your batteries. There’s a café if you need more sustenance and even a little zoo.

                                                                                   

The National Gardens

If you still crave more culture, then the Benaki museum is one of Athens’ little gems, just exit the gardens via Vas. Sofia. Often overlooked by the guidebooks, this museum was donated to the country by a collector who spent his life bringing back wonderful items from his many travels. It’s a quirky collection and something different to see. This is another place with a lovely rooftop cafe with a view over the gardens.

In the evening if you want a lively, bustling place in which to have dinner then the area of Psiri is the place to be. Not for the faint-hearted, at first sight it looks like a graffiti paradise but continue and there are some excellent tavernas and the atmosphere is wonderful. It can seem quite off-putting to the first-time visitor but graffiti aside, it's actually quite a safe area although of course you should take the same precautions as you would anywhere else.

After a cocktail on the roof terrace, taking in the stupendous views of Athens by night, I guarantee that one day is enough – enough to make you vow to return and see what else this wonderful city has to offer.