Travel Blog Joao Cajuda

Athens – 10 Things to do

Athens – 10 Things to do
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I had a brief visit through Athens in 2011, I confess that at first glance the city did not fascinate me at all, perhaps because it was during the worst days of Greece’s economic and social crisis. Well, I don’t know what happened, but the city is totally different today! The street life is fascinating, especially after sunset, that’s where this whole metropolis begins to vibrate with energy. And it’s an energy that grabs itself, it’s contagious!

In this post I will share what you can’t miss when visiting the city and also give tips to make your stay as fun as mine.

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WATCH MY VIDEO BEAUTIFUL GREECE

 

Where to stay?

Grande Bretagne – Is probably the best hotel in Greece. More central is impossible, the hotel is located in Syntagma square and facing the parliament. The Hotel Grande Bretagne is an imposing neoclassical building from the 19th century and offers guests an atmosphere of luxury and romanticism in a classic décor but with all the modern comforts. The rooms are beautiful, the bathrooms all in marble have a bathtub with TV. The bed… ohh wonderful (It was so hard to leave in the morning!) The hotel still has one of the best spas and gyms in town, which I obviously went there to try out. It also has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, as well as one of Athens’ most beautiful rooftops with restaurant and bar. All this within a 10 minute walk from the acropolis. For more info visit the hotel’s website: Website

 

Where to eat?

In Athens you can explore the best of Greek cuisine. Here are some suggestions:

  • GB Roof Garden – Located on the terrace of the Hotel Grande Bretagne, it is a beautiful space with a fascinating view of the vibrant Syntagma and Acropolis. The kitchen offers a vast list of typical Greek (wonderful!) And international dishes designed by the award-winning chefs Asterios Koustoudis and Sotiris Evangelou, in an elegant, sophisticated and quiet environment. It is the perfect place for a romantic dinner. Pay attention to the dress code, shoes are necessary. A dinner for two with wine easily goes beyond 100€.
  • Mani Mani – Greek Food at Its Best! – Website
  • The Zillers – Here is not only the food that is fantastic, the view of the acropolis is the background for a fun dinner. – website
  • Psarras – This typical Greek restaurant is located in the most picturesque neighborhood (my favorite) in the city, Plaka. It has been open since 1989, which means something right? Website
  • ZAF Cafe – Bar – Friendly terrace in the middle of a super busy neighborhood with young people, the food is great and cheap! Highly recommend!

 

What to have a drink?

  • Bank Job – A small bar, but with very good music, at least the night I went there! You have great gins and the employees are very cool!
  • Galaxy Bar @ Stadiou Street – A secret in the middle of Athens (don’t confuse with Hilton’s hotel bar, they have the same name). It is a small bar, decorated with wood and vintage wallpaper. If you’re missing port wine, this is the place to go!
  • Rooster – A gay-friendly bar with a huge terrace! & nbsp; The acropolis of Athens is the pearl of the city, this small town built on the hill of the city (to have better visibility.)

 

1 – Acropolis

The acropolis of Athens is the pearl of the city, this small town built on the hill of the city (to have better visibility.) of the invaders. In the acropolis we can still see remains of the Parthenon, a magnificent temple built in 432 before Christ dedicated to the goddess Athena, all built in marble. Admission costs € 20 and doors close at 6pm. Take advantage of the sunset at Areopagus Hill, just in front of the acropolis, where many young people gather there and have a fantastic atmosphere and view.

  

   

       

2 – Odeon of Herodes Atticus

If you have opportunity to see a show at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, please go, I am sure it will be an unforgettable experience. I had the opportunity to see Τango Piazzolla, I was not a fan of the show, but to sit in that theater surrounded by public is incredible!

3 – Plaka

The city’s most picturesque neighborhood hides surprises at every corner, from shops with traditional products to typical restaurants. Explore, get lost, stay there a whole day, you’ll love it.

     

           

4 – Panathenaic Stadium

Built 6 centuries ago, the stadium who was stage of the first modern Olympic games had many reconstructions during centuries. Today is open for the public, ticket is 10€.

 

5 – Acropolis Museum

Founded in 2003, the museum currently has more than 4000 exhibited pieces of art. It is an incredible journey throughout the history of Greek Gods.

 

6 – The Athens Riviera

Few km from Athens you will find some of the most beautiful beaches in the area, if you want to take a swim you don’t need to go to an island. This maritime line stretches for more than 100km with resorts, beaches, restaurants, clubs. Rent a car and take a day to go to the Cape Sounion to visit the temple of Poseidon, it is a beautiful place. On the way stop for lunch at Canteen Lefteris or at the Island Club, both with a small beach to take a dip.

   

             

7 – Monastiraki

Another picturesque neighborhood of Athens, is good for shopping! Don’s forget also to visit the Tsisdarakis Mosque.

8 – The National Garden and Zappeio Garden

Located next to the parliament, ideal to get away from the madness of the city. At the back of the garden you will find the Irodou Attikou street, where the Prime Minister and the President of Greece officially reside. Soldiers standing at the door of the residence, most of the tourists go to parliament to see, but here the only viewer was me, eheh.

  

9 – Lykavittos Hill

Climb the 227 meters, by foot, or by taxi and visit the chapel Agios Georgios, which has the best view Of the city, were it not the highest point of Athens.

10 – Cathedral of Athens and the Parliament

Built in 1842 this is the most beautiful church of Athens. It was built in 1842 and it was built in 1842. It was built in 1842 and is the most beautiful church in Greece. Athens, its interior whose ceilings leave anyone with wide eyes.

This post was sponsored by Aegean Airlines.