Weekend Getaway in Athens: Exploring Local Spots and Shadowy Lanes
1. The Acropolis along with the new Acropolis Museum
Start your tour at the district number one indeed; the Acropolis in Athens. Just the view is enough to make a visit worthy, with ancient gems such as Parthenon, Hadrian’s Arch, Olympion and The Theater of Dionysus eager to embrace visitors. Get in early to avoid large crowds and scorching heat of the day. And here’s a local secret: at some specific days, the entry is free or if one is a student of a European university or below the age of 18.
Among activities to do as the day goes by, the best option is visiting the graciously designed Acropolis Museum. Discover the splendid, fresh atmosphere and expand knowledge about the city of Athens.
2. Other private day trip destinations are Aegina or Agistri which are some of the prominent islands.
Missing the vibes of the Greek islands? Take a brief and picturesque ferry from the pier of Piraeus to Aegina famous for its pistachio and laid back feel. If you are in search of the off beat tourist destination, then it is the Agistri with its turquoise waters. Dragonera Beach is one of the best kept secrets, so if you are up for a discovery trip then fancy it. AGS port must be chosen if the guest desires to be in an isolated island.
3. The fascinating neighborhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika are in fact the old part of the city and they are truly mesmerizing.
Deviating from the crowded areas full of tourists one can come across the sites of Plaka while wandering on the ancient roads. Admire neoclassical villas and visit Anafiotika a small village that keen makes you feel you are in a Greek island. It seems strange but taking a closer look at the commercial appearance of the area one can find authentic flavor of the old Athens.
4. In the recent years the Metaxourgeio area has been famous for its developing Street Art buzz.
Like replacing one distinctly Greek character with another in a movie, visiting Metaxourgeio, the city’s creative growing point. While Psirri has commissioned art on walls, Metaxourgeio’s art has anecdotes to tell. Consult with your local guide to get the deeper significance of these brilliant sayings.
5. Lycabettus and Hymettus Buenos are two of the major geographical landmarks in Athens, Greece.
Climb the large rock mass of limestone called Mount Lycabettus to have vantage view of the sunset. Do not be fearful there are well marked paths that leads to a beautiful Greek church at the top. If you are looking for some quiet time then visit Mount Hymettus also known as the Sacred Mountain. Feast your eyes to beautiful and scenic environment coupled with rich archaeological site of the temple of Zeus which has given the name to this mountain.
6. Riviera des Athenes – un lieu de relaxation de la cote
Craving the sea breeze? In another half an hour you can get to Flisvos Marina by using public transport. Take a slow and casual walk or bike ride around the coastline of Athens also known as the Athenian Riviera with beautiful mansions, affluent neighborhoods, and some of the many beautiful beaches in Greece. Pursues until you arrive at the unspoiled Astir Beach at the east coast, a 40-minute drive from Syntagma Square; it even boasts of a spa. If you want to visit a free beach, there are beaches in Kavouri or Vouliagmeni close by, although one should get there early to be able to get the best location.
7. This paper is focused on Athens Central Market where I took a gastronomic adventure of my life.
To name a few, wander aimlessly in the Athens Central Market, which, by itself is a world of activity. Vivid energy, seafood, olives, and meats will give a hint of what kind of gastronomic experience is awaiting the fans of a good meal. Go further by exploring Diporto hidden in the market and offering fish stews and pine-infused retsina wine.
Find food specialties beyond the traditional dishes at the laeki markets which are organized on a weekly basis in different district. These markets give a real feel of the variety of the Athenian eating culture.
8. There is a Greek coffee tradition/traditional and a modern one.
Traditional Greek coffee, which is very potent kind of coffee and nice in particularly when discussing such topics as politics and economical theories. If you want to have both a contemporary and traditional cup of coffee, you can go to Cafe Taf which has a honored barista.
The athenian cuisine is wonderfully diverse – let’s go on a food and drink tour to taste some of it. Traditional choices may be spinach and cheese spanakopita pies, the crispy bougatsa, savour the Greek yogurt with thyme honey.
9. One of the places that must be on every traveler’s list of places to visit is the Ancient Agora of Athens, as for burial sites one does not need to travel far afield to find the well know Kerameikos Cemetery.
Next on your list of great archaeological sites to visit is the Ancient Agora of Athens. As the Athenians’ thriving businessmen’s hub in the past, this archaeological area presents the Temple of Hephaestus and white marble pathways. It is located side by side with Monastiraki station and apart from the historical interest – it is also cheap and within the city center.
Lastly, for the absolutely confidential tour, one should go to the Kerameikos Cemetery, which is only a ten minutes walk from the Agora. Again with references to the cycle of wine proportional to the greatness of the names, Keramos the son of Dionysus and Ariadne has concealed a gallery of ceramics, stone and marble masterpieces. Undoubtedly the marble ram statue will draw you magnanimity when you are on ground that has been Romanized by Athenians for three thousand years.
10. Exarchia – Anarchic and Alternative
Really in the mood for something different, special from the norm? For located energy, Exarchia, although it may not be suitable for everyone, is quite interesting. This is a neighborhood of struggling families and sharply cramming students existing side by side with cool records shops, rock clubs, and low-priced taverns. That is why strolling along with its multi-colored narrow streets full of graffiti and street art that are adorned with the masterpieces of Borondo is a true pleasure.
Where to Eat:
Kostas: Enjoy what many people believe to be the best souvlaki that can be found particularly in this area. Note that this place closes around 3:The last call for the eleven o’clock train was nine-thirty; the second train of the day from New York left at half-past six, but the last performance at the theater was supposed to have taken place at half-past eight; the boat to Hartford, which was closer, was at half-past ten; and there was nothing to the eleven o’clock train but thirty p. m.
Lime Bistro: Get the feel of vegan souvlaki with mushroom gyros and almond yogurt tsatsiki.
Ariston Bakery: Enjoy various Ny-Lon pies, and if you want something more local to Korou, then try tart.
Street Stalls: Take for example the sesame bread rings they are popular Athenian street food that is not expensive.
Where to Stay:
Plaka: Choose the district that has a traditional appearance and is in the center. Home and Poetry provide good accommodation.
Psirri: The innovative and modern atmosphere of creative cafes, shopping, and culture awaits here. Micon Street uses the great ambiance of the neighborhood.
Kolonaki: Luxury is not left out in this beautiful revered neighborhood with classy built up structures. Coco-Mat Hotel Athens is a good example.
Piraeus: In case you are thinking of taking a ferry to an Island in Greece, Piraeus is recommended for its closeness to the harbor. Nevertheless, one should realize that getting from/to historical sites in central Athens will take approximately half an hour with public transportation.
Conclusion:
Discover the city of Athens where transforming from the old city into new age is a statement that the legends, myths, archaeological findings and human life coexist in equal balance. The enriched souvenirs of this city’s guide unmask the spirit of Athens. Therefore, carry your luggage, be a local for sometime and let Athens turn your weekend getaway into a memorable experience. May ever second be a new one and may the spirit of Athens enchant your soul. Your Athenian experience is out there waiting – just grab it and rejoice making memories worth cherishing for.
