Table of Contents:
WITH 8+ HOURS.
ATHENS’ CULINARY TOUR.
SUMMARY.
Here are three suggestions of how to spend your hours in Athens.
With 8 Hours.
For those trying to cram in as must possible in the shortest amount of time, here are some suggestions.
With only a few hours in Athens, start at the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Although the temple would not be complete until 131 AD, construction began in the 6th century BC. The Roman emperor Hadrian is responsible for the completion. Only a few of the pillars remain. The rest of the temple disappearing by builders “recycling” free building supplies.
The remaining columns, give you a rough idea of its size. The base is 134.5 feet wide by 353.5 feet. (A professional American Football field is 160 feet wide by 300 feet long).
Walking to the Agora, you will pass the Tower of the Winds or the Horologion of Andronikos Kyrrhestes. This octagonal clock tower is in the Roman Agora. Its function is as a “timepiece.” Also, they consider it the world’s first meteorological station.
You will pass the ruins of Hadrian’s Library. Also dating from 131 AD. It was one of several gifts from the emperor.
The Agora.
The Ancient Agora of Athens, to me, is fascinating. First, the two-story structure with all the columns is the Stoa of Attalos. The original stoa, dating from approximately 135 BC. was on this spot. The current construction is a reconstruction dating from around 1956 with what knowledge today’s architects could find.
Besides being a great example of ancient architecture, it also houses the Ancient Agora Museum. Together with Greek and American architects, the project was a collaboration between the USA and Greece. Moreover, it had funding from the Rockefeller family.
Not only is the agora a market, but also a place to hear public announcements or discuss politics. For example, this is where Socrates would question the meaning of life. He becomes an influence on young Plato. Plato will go on to create the first university in the western world. Also, his most famous student is Aristotle. In the same way, Aristotle will be the tutor to Alexander the Great.
From here, it is 15 minutes walk to the Acropolis entrance. You will pass the Areopagus Hill. This outcropping has been home to the early Senate of Athens, the trial of Orestes in Greek mythology. Also, it is from this mount that the Apostle Paul preaches to the Athenians.
The Acropolis.
The Acropolis is a cornucopia of sights. The Propylaea, the Temple of the Athena Nike, the Erechtheion and of course, the Parthenon. Additionally, around the base, you have the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the outline of the Theatre of Dionysus.
In case you have any time left, spend all of it at the Acropolis Museum. This museum is amazing. The building sits over several levels of Ancient Athens which you can see before even reaching the building.
Once inside, you see all the treasures of the Acropolis that Greece still has in its possession. The building offers several impressive views of the Acropolis and an indoor/outdoor café. Please note, you are not able to take photos/video in some sections of the museum.
Summary.
- Tour / photograph Temple – 30 mins.
- Walk to Ancient Agora – 30 mins with photo stops.
- Tour Agora – 1 hour.
- Walk to Acropolis – 30 mins with photo stops.
- Climb and explore Acropolis – 1.5 hours.
- Walk to Acropolis Museum – 15 mins.
- Tour Museum – 90 mins.
This itinerary adds up to 5 hours and 45 minutes. With 8 hours in Athens, this leaves you about two hours to stroll the Plaka area and grab lunch. Look for the restaurants full of locals, not full of tourists.
With 8+ Hours in Athens, Experience the History.
How do you cram 3000+ years of history into a day? First, comfortable shoes. Second, hopefully, you have at least 9 hours in Athens.
I would start at the National Architectural Museum. Here you will find Greek history going back to the sixth millennium BC. This museum is the largest museum in Greece, and I think one of the best in ancient history. Articles are from all over the mainland, Peloponnese and Greek Islands. Weekdays and early morning usually are less crowded. Please note, In Greece, many sites and museums close or limit opening hours on Monday.
From here, a 10-minute taxi ride will bring you to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. From here, follow the itinerary above.
Summary.
- National Archeological Museum – 3 hours.
- Transfer to Temple of Zeus – 15 mins.
- Tour / photograph – 30 mins.
- Walk to Ancient Agora – 30 mins with photo stops.
- Tour Agora – 1 hour.
- Walk to Acropolis – 30 mins with photo stops.
- Climb and explore Acropolis – 1.5 hours.
- Walk to Acropolis Museum – 15 mins.
- Tour Museum – 30 mins.
This itinerary totals 8.5 hours. You NEED more than 9 hours in Athens to make this work. A minimum of 60 mins at the Acropolis Museum (or longer) is necessary. This itinerary does not allow time to sit and have lunch. Lunch on the run.
Athens Culinary Tour.
It’s hard to eat Greek food anywhere else, once you are tasting it in the country where the olives are grown.
I am not suggesting you spend all your time in Athens running from meal to meal. In fact, you do not need to use your full 8 hours in Athens to taste it.
But PLEASE, skip the food from home and try REAL Greek food.
Here is a list of several places where you can experience the local tastes. Choose the ones that appeal to you. It’s not a race; it’s not a contest. However, the more you try, the more you may appreciate Greek cuisine.
Are these the very best? That’s a very personal decision, and no two people agree on everything. I can say, I have never had anyone complain to me about the items they are tasting. The crowds? YES. The tastes, no.
Syntagma Square.
Sample Baklava at Karaköy Güllüoglu. I am not a big fan of nuts, so I am not a big fan of baklava. But theirs is not bad.
Ariston is the place for pies. Not cherry or blueberry but spinach and a host of other vegetables.
O Kostas, Just off Mitropoleos Street near Syntagma Square, is what many believe to be, the best souvlaki in Athens. NOTE – this is not a gyro, although similar. Be ready to wait in line and consider ordering two as they are not “American” size.
Greece does not have exclusive rights to chocolate. In fact, it probably doesn’t even come to mind when I say Greece. However, any time I go through Athens, I have to stop at Aristokratikon, just west of Syntagma Square. And I am not that big of a chocolate fan.
Another Athens treat, although from the island of Aegina, are pistachios. They taste nothing like ones from California. There are several places that roast nuts near Syntagma. I like Kava Matsoukas just south and west of the square.
While in the area, also check out:
- The Parliament Building – once the Royal Palace.
- Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Evzones Guards who protect it.
- Syntagma Square Metro station which doubles as a mini-museum displaying items found during construction. A wall reproducing the many layers of Athens from ancient to modern times is a highlight.
Did you know? – As you face the entrance to the Syntagma Square metro, to your left is an arched glass canopy. It covers part of the Peisistratian aqueduct. This aqueduct was the first major water supply project in Athens dating back to 520 BC.
Athens Central Market (Varvakeios Agora).
If you have fewer than four hours in Athens, then focus on the Central Market area first.
This market is not the Piggly Wiggly. It is a REAL market where everything is out for you to see. Fish, meat. Poultry. It is not for the squeamish. However, this is the way many Greeks shops. You will never look at the fish department of your local grocery store the same way. The market is open every day except Sunday.
Lining both sides of Athinas Street, you will find separate areas for fish, meat, and vegetables. There are small cafes where you can sample local dishes.
What a delicious progressive meal.
There are several small, more personal butcher shops nearby. Arapian and Karamanlidika offer great samples of meat.
Across from the market and along Evripidou Street are many spice shops. Is one better than the next? I am not sure. But you need to walk in and smell the scents of the world.
While along Evripidou Street, stop into the Miran Cheese Shop for REAL feta cheese, as well as other Greek cheeses.
Nearby is Nancy’s Sweet. Traditional desserts as well as twists on them.
“Mediterranean Food Groceries” is the loose translation of Pantopoleion Tis Mesogeiakis Diatrofis. This deli/gourmet food store sells many items from Greece and the Mediterranean. It is around the corner behind the Central Market. I like it for sampling excellent olive oils.
I am not a coffee snob (Heck, I drink instant). But when in Greece, I need to have a Greek coffee. Although Greek Coffee is fading with younger generations, there are still a few making it the old fashion way. Mokka, just next to the Central Market, is making it this way after four generations.
Further Afield.
Actually, in the Omonia Square area, 10 minutes walk north of the market is Stani, a real blast from the past. It is probably the last “Dairy Bar” in the city. A place people would go to get their dairy products before one-stop markets. Here you can taste REAL Greek yogurt. With REAL Greek honey and walnuts. One serving is plenty for two people. Me, being different, I come for the pastry with custard filling (galaktoboureko) and a REAL Greek coffee. I am not a fan of the Omonia neighborhood, but it is worth the trip.
While in the area, also check out:
- Kotzia Square – A charming public square with its archeological site in the NE corner.
- Statue Of Pericles – Across the street from Kotzia Square is a marble statue of the Greek Statesman. He was the leader of Athens until 429 BC.
- Did you know? Just off the SE corner of Kotzia Square, you can see the foundation of the Archarnian Gate. It is one of the few sections of the Ancient Walls of Athens still visible in the city.
Plaka.
As touristy as it is, there are some great “treasures” hiding within this trap of a neighborhood.
Lalades Grocery Shop will give you a great look into the local shopping.
Bougatsadiko Thessaloniki is the best bougatsa in the Plaka. A must try for breakfast or anytime.
Koulouri is a street food similar to a sesame bagel, but it’s not. Many believe the best is at To koulouri tou Psyri.
Loukoumades are Greek donut holes which, after deep-frying, get a honey and cinnamon glaze. Stop by Lukumades next to St. Irene Church to try some of the best.
On Pl. Agias Irinis, there is another souvlaki place. It also goes by the name of Kostas. It also has the best souvlaki in town. However, it has no relationship to the one closer to Syntagma. Try both, and you decide.
Meliartos is a fun way to sample several tastes of Greek food. This Greek food factory offers many flavors under one roof. If you are short on time, this is a great alternative.
What you believe about Ouzo is probably wrong. That’s probably a good thing as you “think” it all tastes the same. Stop into Angelo’s Ouzo shop on Adrianou St. and see for yourself.
Brettos is possibly Europe’s second oldest bar. It is Athens oldest distillery. What an incredible way to finish a tasting tour of Athens. Here you have the options of Greek wine, beer, liqueur or ALL of the above. In the summer, the locals clear out, and prices seem higher. Still, fun to visit.
While in the area, also check out:
- Monastiraki Flea Market. – I have no idea why tourists flock to this outdoor mall of inexpensive souvenirs. But they keep asking me how to get there. You only have so many hours in Athens, and you want to go to a mall.
- The Acropolis. Missing it from just about anywhere in the Plaka is hard. Look up.
- Anafiotika. This charming neighborhood clings to the Acropolis hill just above the Plaka. Surprisingly, it is not nearly as commercial as most of the Plaka. In fact, it’s a great place to relax and experience some local life. As it is on a hillside, there are uneven steps and inclines.
Summary.
Wine sampling in Athens. Where do you go to sample the Boutaris, Domaine Skouris, Alpha and other wineries who bottle their products? They should taste the same regardless of where you open the bottle. And yet, a glass of wine while looking at the Acropolis is just a better experience. And with the view, often comes a higher price tag.
If you want to “compare” Greek wines, then it’s more important “Who” is with you. You want a bartender or sommelier who can guide you. Several good wine bars around the city specialize in different wines. Is one better than the other? I don’t know.
Surprisingly, I have spent a few hours in Athens with a glass of wine in my hand. I do not ever recall an unpleasant pour.
Generally, I find about four-five hours is the right time frame for a culinary tour. Add stops for photos, and it can run longer.
If you do it right, you will want to spend many more hours in Athens.