TexasAggie

We will be in Athens on Monday, May 1, 2006 (our first full day there after arriving the afternoon of April 30th).

We plan to spend only 4.5 days in Athens total (including the afternoon we arrive and Labor Day). This may seem like a long time to some, but we love lingering at the ancient sights and spend forever in museums. We would really like to see some sights on May 1... but will anything be open? I had tentatively planned on the National Archaeology Museum for that day.

Are there special parades or celebrations on May 1?

Any information is <b>greatly</b> appreciated!!

Eleni

May 1 is not just labor day, but is celebrated as the feast of the flowers as well. Many people go the country or, if possible, to the beach with families and lots of good food. The wild flowers are generally out in full force that time of year, so the countryside is particularly beautiful. There is nothing more beautiful than a field of red poppies on a beautiful May Day in Greece! We always make wreaths of flowers and put them on the house. But since families will be getting together, that means restaurants should be open.

I would expect the National Archeaological Museum and the other state museums and sites will be closed that day. There probably will be Labor Day demonstrations, I always enjoy watching them!

TexasAggie

Hi Eleni,

Hmmm... what would you suggest a tourist do on that day then? Unfortunately we know no one in Greece and won't be picking up our rental car for several days so we will be rather stuck staying in Athens.

Eleni

Coffee and a newspaper at a sidewalk cafe. A walk to the top of Lyccabettus for the spectacular view. Take the metro to Kifissia for a long lunch with wine at a lovely restaurant. Nap in the afternoon. Quick shower. Back outside for a frappe (cold coffee drink)and people watching, and then stroll around Plaka (stores will no doubt be open here), then to Psirri for dinner.

TexasAggie

That sounds lovely. We love to walk and had planned to hike up Lyccabettus hill at some point during our several days in Athens. I've also seen an area on the map called National Gardens. Do you think those might be open?

Eleni

The National Garden will be open, but there isn't much there (and I am a gardener!)

TexasAggie

Thanks for the insight on the National Garden. We might skip that then...

Do you know if the metro and ferries run? Your mention of families on the beach makes me wonder if we could possibly spend part of the day watching the celebrations on a beach or in a smaller town.

Eleni

If there isn't a general strike, certainly a distinct possibility, the metro should be operating. Same with the ferries. The other thing is that it is possible a strike could shut down the metro only at certain times of day. I think the best advice is to have plans that don't depend on public transport, so that you can have fun no matter what happens. It may be a good day to devote to walking around Athens and shopping at any open stores. Although I spend the First of May (Protomayia) on the island, I enjoy watching the demonstrations and flower festivities in Athens on TV, and think it would be great fun to spend the day there wandering around and enjoying the holiday.

If the metro is running and you are motivated to get to a nice fish restaurant on the water (expect these restaurants to be crowded) you could take the metro to Piraeus, which has lovely restaurants. Piraeus restaurants range from places where you can get incredible grilled seafood to one of the most highly regarded restaurants (and most expensive) in the country: Varoulko. Of course, there are generally strikes in Pireaus too!

You'll have great fun, don't worry!