What to do in Athens in 1-1/2 days

[Anonymous]

We will be in Athens for two nights this summer on the last leg of a longer trip. We will have a partial day on the day we arrive and then one full day. We will be staying at a hotel in the Psiri neighborhood with our two older teens. I'm thinking of reserving the half day for lunch, shopping, general exploring and then doing the Acropolis and museum on the full day. Do you need to make reservation and/or purchase tickets in advance for the Acropolis? Is there anything else we should try to fit in? Also, any restaurant recommendations?

[Anonymous]

You should know, most of Athens is a shit hole full of broken roads and very bad drivers.

[Anonymous]

Yes, purchase advance tickets with the skip the line option if possible. Psiri is not a great neighborhood, if you are able to change your reservations.

[Anonymous]

I found Athens to be very walkable. Mount Lycabettus is nearby and there's a fun funiculaire to the top, and a nice restaurant. It is in the neighborhood of Kolonaki which is known for its shopping.

The presidential palace is south of that and you can watch the changing of the guard which is an event. I think they have a parade every Sunday. Get there early. The greek soldiers are world-reknowned.

Then to the west is Acropolis and Plaka. Plaka is very touristy but quite fun with the narrow streets. If you keep heading up up the hills you'll get to some restaurants--I think it was Cave of the Acropolis but I'm sure all the restaurants are interchangeable-- view of the acropolis, Aperol spritz, lots of cats, will fit you in hospitably with no rez, agreeable greek food.

Have fun! The kiosks are fun and your teens will have a good time purchasing the different flavors of fanta and crisps to keep them going through all the walking.

[Anonymous]

Yes, changing of the guard is a must see

[Anonymous]

Don’t listen to the naysayers, Athens is the cradle of western civilization and a place everyone should visit if they can. (Except for some of the philistines in this thread).

My rec:

The acropolis and museum on the full day, Plaka with dinner that night. As advised above, you MUST get your tickets for Acropolis in advance.

Back to Plaka for shopping next day if you liked it the night before, see the other ruins that are right there, and the beautiful churches.

I like the restaurant Ithaca right by the big church in the Plaka. Looks touristy but actually is. Best moussaka I ever had.

Find a place with a long line for the gyros, sit outside and eat it and wash it down with a Vergina beer. Squeeze the lemon on your fries.

Go into the hotel grand Bretagne and go to the rooftop and have a drink with the best view of the acropolis. Stay there if you can, great hotel.

Changing of the guard I don’t love as much as others but it is right by the Bretagne.

Make sure you leave time for just relaxing in addition to seeing the sights.

Have fun and know many of us are jealous you are there!

[Anonymous]

Agree Changing of the Guard
Dinner at Antica on Adrianou
Food tour?
Walking tour?
Check out the cats…all over!
Skip Archaeology Museum.
Yes, Acropolis and Acropolis Museum.
You won’t have time for all of the above!