Last week, I flew for a weekend in Athens. It was my first time in Greece and I keep excellent memories in mind. I already look forward to going back and visit the beautiful greek islands.

Athens is currently going through a bad economic time. It also has the image of a polluted city, with concrete building and overrun by tourists. Yet there are ways to pleasantly visit this capitale with many fantastic sights of the city, the Acropolis and the sea.

The streets and malls are full of small specialty shops, from renowned fashion brands and trendy bars and restaurants. I found Athenians to be very welcoming and you can not go without noticing the special atmosphere that irradiates this historic city. We had a full blue sky and summer temperatures during these two days, so I could enjoy every minute and explore most of the city only by walking !

Going there just for a week end may be a bit exhausting but it is in the end very rewarding…

In this article, I decided to share with you my tips and the MUST do and see. Honestly, 2 days are enough to see the essentials of Athens, but if you are lucky enough book one or 2 more days ! And unlike what I had heard, I felt a real sense of well-being during this weekend.

Where to sleep :

Trust me and book the NEW HOTEL !

It is a ideally located boutique hotel (just off Syntagma Square) with a spectacular design, from a wonderful collaboration with the architects and designers Fernando and Humberto Campana. Impeccable service and spacious rooms, 79 total divided into 3 different themes. The overall “ambiance” of the hotel is full of well thought details : custom modern design blending wood, copper, gold and mirrors. A bar and restaurant with magnificent rooftop views of the city.

Expect to pay about € 190 for a superior room and 250 € for a junior suite.

To book click here

NEW HOTEL
16 Filellinon STR.
10557 SYNTAGMA SQ.
ATHENS
GREECE
T +30 210 3273000 F +30 210 3273100

 

Where to eat :

Obviously Athens is full of excellent places. May you want to eat cheap traditional food or go to a popular trendy place. But if you really want to treat yourself both visually and with a tastefull cuisine here is a top 3 :

The Grande Bretagne Roof Garden Restaurant

The pictures speak for themselves… Probably THE best restaurant / bar in Athens to watch the sunset. Enjoy gourmet food and breathtaking views of the Acropolis and the most prestigious monuments of Athens.

Zorbas

The perfect place for lunch if you want to enjoy freshly caught fish in a unique place with its view of the old harbor. It is located in the most picturesque part of Piraeus.

Hytra restaurant

The temple of the Greek gastronomy was awarded a Michelin star. It is located on the 6th floor of a modern building, it also offers magnificent views of the city. Ideal for a romantic dinner or for a special occasion. When the weather enables it, you can enjoy lunch or dinner with outside seating. They suggest a 8 course tasting menu… Go for it !

The must see places during your stay

• The streets in the old quarter of Plaka :

This is the area of the old town, beneath the Acropolis. You will find beautiful houses and Byzantine buildings, cobblestone streets, and especially the village atmosphere in the heart of a megalopolis.

 

• The Acropolis and the Parthenon

 

• The Panathenaic Stadium

The Olympic Stadium is located in the center of Athens between the National Garden and the Zappeion exhibition hall.

• The area of Monastiraki

Very typical with a lot of souvenir shops but also bazaars, market. You’ll find many temples and churches.

• The Acropolis Museum
• The Agora Parliament and Syntagma Square (with the changing of the guard)
• Filopappou Hill
• Lykavittos hill
• The National Garden of Athens
• The Temple of Zeus
• Kastélla and Piraeus