A week in Athens

[blondeleo]

My boyfriend and I are going to Athens soon for a week, from the UK. We've already developed a list of places to visit and things to do, but I thought I'd ask people who have actually been - what are the "can't miss" bits of the city for you? Where do we have to visit, what food to we have to eat (I am SO excited for the cuisine!), what's the beach

Comments

[strangelover]

As someone who has lived in Athens for the past five years, I'd say the don't miss places are: the Acropolis, the new Acropolis Museum and the Ancient Agora. You can get an all in one ticket which lasts for 4 days and covers many of the ancient sites and museums.

I'll also recommend walking around Plaka, Monastiraki, Thisseio and Gazi.

As for the beaches, they can be difficult to get to without a car, but I highly recommend going to Sounio and the Temple of Poseidon. If you can get a lift with someone or a bus, walk around a little further and go to a taverna away from the main section, the food is better and cheaper. As for other food, my personal tip is to avoid places that are too touristy, get out of the centre of the city, going a few stops on the metro in any direction (though I like the north, personally). I'm happy to suggest specific places if you like. :-)

A quick example of prices, a 90 minute ticket for public transport is €1.40, a coffee is €4.00, a alcoholic mixer is €8.00 and a dinner is about €15.00.

Not speaking Greek won't be an issue, almost everyone here is multilingual. People over 45 often speak French and under 45 English is the most common second language.

One last thing, please be aware that if you'll be here during Easter (April 24), many things will be shut over that weekend.

[no_touching]

I visited Athens for the first time in January this year, and actually spent the first three days on the coast in Glyfada. I found the coastal tram exceptionally easy to use, and it travels right from the centre of town. (Taking a bus from the airport to Glyfada, however, a much more terrifying affair for the non-Greek speaker ;))