Brahmama

Last time we were off a cruiseship and a taxi met us at the Port. Went to the Acropolis and walked and walked. We saw the Zeus Temple, Hadrian's Arch, the Changing of the Guard and went to the Plaka to shop a bit and look around.We took a funicular to the top of a mountain and saw St. George’s Chapel. Lunch at a Greek Restaurant in the suburbs of Athens. We had Greek salad, yogurt with honey, grilled bread, pork, lamb and white wine with retsina which we liked just fine. Then we drove down to Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon. (I got a little queasy on the drive)

What a day! But we didn't think we would ever be back to Athens. Here we are for another day - 9 1/2 hours, but will miss night-time again so I may never get to smash those plates! Maybe next time.

This time we want to take the Metro from the Port, probably buy a day ticket. We are Seniors but like to walk. Didn't see any museums except for the one at the top of the Acropolis.

Suggestions appreciated for this 2nd day in Athens!

brotherleelove2004

Go to the National Archaeological Museum and the Benaki Museum.

Brahmama

Thanks, BLL, that' a great start.

Can they be reached from the Metro? Is there a Metro Interactive Website?

How about a suggestion for a good drawn out Greek lunch?

Weadles

How much time do you have? We just returned from Athens last night, and spent a heavenly day in Hydra, which is an easy just over an hour hydrofoil ride from Pireaus ( the port). It's a gorgeous island much of which is tiered cliffs with some beautiful but hilly walks overlooking the sea. There are no beaches per se, but we did see lots of people swimming from the rocks. We had an excellent seafood lunch there at the port, but there are many places to choose from. Also reknown for its jewelry (!) and boutiques. Boats to and from Athens leave ( I think) hourly.

Another island to consider is Aegina ( spelling?), also about an hour from the port. We didn't make it there this time, but it's already on my wish list for our next visit to Athens!

If none of this appeals, and you want a fabulous lunch with the most amazing view of the Acropolis, go up to the 8th floor restaurant in The Grande Bretagne. Yes, it's a little expensive, but you can stay as long as you like, and if it's not too busy, you'll have a table with an amazing view of both the Acropolis, Parliament, and Syntagma Square.

thursdaysd

Definitely visit the Archaeological Museum! Also the Benaki and the Goulandris. Take a look at www.athensguide.com for loads of ideas.

brotherleelove2004

The National Archaeological Museum is within walking distance to either the Omonia or the Victoria Metro Stations. The Benaki Museum is just a couple of blocks from the Syntagma Square Metro Station.

There's no interactive Metro website that I'm aware of but here's a map of the Metro system: http://www.athensguide.com/metromap.html

Brahmama

Thanks for the replies and the suggestions. I should have put it right at the beginning (sorry) that we will be there about the 10th of JANUARY! Weadles, I guess that kills the idea of the islands, eh?

But the last time we were really really hot - this time we'll be really really NOT hot! We have appropriate clothing, so it shouldn't slow us down, unless there is a blizzard. Who knows anymore with our bizarre weather?

The Grande Bretagne also sounds wonderful especially with that view.

And thanks, Thursdaysd, and BLL for the Athens Guide link. I'm sure I'll end up with loads of ideas!

billbarr

Somewhere a little different, I'd recommend Kerameikos and its museum. Easy to reach, off Ermou.

http://www.athensguide.com/kerameikos.html

Bill

Weadles

Brahmama,

Yes, you definitely WON'T want to visit the islands in January! But maybe another time?

I wouldn't worry about being too cold in Athens. My husband goes frequently at that time of year,and he typically gets away with a light sweater or jacket. There can be some rain at that time of year, though, so definitely pack an umbrella.

Have fun!

travelerjan

Brahmama -- with Just 1 day, I say just 1 museum... and it HAS to be the Archeological. And let's try to work a route that won't kill your feet or waste any of the precious 9.5 hours! (does that INCLUDE travel to/from port? Then it's more like 7 hours).

(1)MORNING -- IF you are again on a cruise ship the dock is far from metro, u will have to taxi there. Take Metro (Green Line) in, just buy ordinary ticket. Here's a SUPER online Metro map (click on it and it enlarges & it shows lines PLus streets.
http://www.ametro.gr/files/images/At...Map_eng_LG.jpg
And here's a good Athens street Map that ALSO shows Metro stops:
http://www.athensguide.com/map/athens
\.htm
Stay on Metro til VICTORIA station. as map shows it's only about 6 blocks walk to Nat. Arch. Museum.

(2) 1 PM -- Your feet are tired, you're hungry; time for that drawn- out Greek lunch. If you don't do the huge splurge at Grand Bretagne, how about the classic taverna STILL recommended by savvy Athenians on these forums? O Psara!
http://www.psaras-taverna.gr/en/
How to get there without walking?? Either go back to Victoria & metro to Monastiraki Station ORR have taxi to Monastriaki Station. The taverna is very close--on the map (above) it is on Erechtheos street that runs down from the "d" in the red word AERIDES O Psara means "fisherman" but the menu is not mainly fish -- very extensive but not expensive.

(3) 3 PM ON -- still game? for another museum? Benaki, if you are fascinated by Byzantine; Goulandris if the mysterious early-cycladic marble art allures u more....
Maybe the brand-new Acropolis museum will be open!! A Stunning building!!
On the map it's just BELOW the Acropolis, by the 2nd "a" on the Red-word Makrigianni

but if you have to get back to ship by 5 pm you won't have time for any of this. Maybe u'll just settle for a slow walk through Plaka to the new Museum, stroll along the pedestrian walkway of Dionysus Aeropagus, lookup at Akropolis, then -- hail a taxi.

kak113

I am actually in Athens at the moment and we had a great time walking up to the top of Filopappas Hill, next to the Acropolis. the view from the top is just like a postcard - you wouldn't believe it was real and the walk itself is not as steep if you take the left side of the trail. Here also is the Pnyx where the famous orators gave their speeches and Socrates' prison.
The metro at Monastiraki was close as was the Akropoli metro. Also by January the New Acropolis Musuem should be open which is right at the Akropoli metro.

kvilia

Weadles,

Did you see by any chance "Geitoniko" tavern in Hydra? I booked a table for 15 to celebrate my son's b/day hoping it would be a good authentic place. Some port establishments are out of my range unfortunately.

Cheers,

kvilia

Weadles

kvilia,

So sorry, but I'm not familiar with that restaurant in Hydra. We had an amazing dinner at a restaurant a few minutes uphill from the port. It has only been open since last year, but I don't know the name. The restaurant had very good food and incredible views over the water.

On another note ( literally!) did you know that the songwriter Leonard Cohen once had a home in Hydra, and that many of his famous songs were written there?!

Brahmama

Wow! Traveljan, you just rock.

This sounds just right. I'm cutting and pasting this in my triptik.

I *think* there is a shuttle at the port to the Metro - but you never know where the ships are going to dock. Depends on what's in that day.

I looked up the website for "O Psaras" first (can you tell my priorities!) as I'm looking for Moussaka or some form of eggplant in Athens. My favorite veggie and better in Greece than anywhere. But I couldn't find a menu.

The metro and other maps will be indispensible. There may be another couple tagging along with us. Thanks again for all the info.

And Kak,
If you're still in Athens, I hope you are having a stellar time. Sounds like you really know what you're doing. Have an ouzo for me.

Brahmama

I'm updating this post as we're getting a lot closer to our actual visit. (Will be there in January 09)

There was some great information in the replies and I'm just checking to see if there are any changes I should be aware of.

It doesn't look like the New Museum will be open for our trip. I have read that there was one section open (about the art treasures that are now in other museums) but that it closes on Dec 31. We'll be there about Jan 10.

So we'll probably do the Archaeology Museum and then spend the rest of the time wandering around and at that nice long lunch at Psaras. If it's a rainy day, what about the Folklife Museum? (I think that's the name)

I'm basically still following Travelerjan's itinerary (again, thanks SO Much for this)

Looking forward to any additions, comments, etc.

telechick

I would definitely second the Benaki museum. It's one of my favourites. I'm also partial to the City Museum of Athens which traces the history of the city, but I think I may be in the minority.

Be prepared for the definite chance of rain/snow while you're there. Having a wooly hat and gloves available would be a good idea. January can be lovely, but it can also be very raw.

NikolettaG

I second Janet’s suggestion of the new Acropolis Museum - it is FANTASTIC! And I wouldn’t be too sure about it’s being closed in January, as plans change all the time! I was there about two weeks ago and I was surprised that there seemed to be very few foreign visitors – people don’t seem to know about it, but it’s very easy to get to – right across the road from the Acropolis Metro station. Entrance is free, because it isn’t finished, but there is actually quite a lot to see – famous artefacts on loan from other museums and many items which have been ‘repatriated’ from other parts of the world – some of them stolen in antiquity. One of the best things is that there are glass panels in the floor, so as you walk round you’re looking down on extensive excavations of the ancient city. Great if you don’t have time to visit the Acropolis itself AND ‘O Psaras’ is just a few minutes’ walk away – I definitely support that recommendation too!

Brahmama

Hello Nicoletta,
I'm glad that you addressed this part about the new Acropolis Museum. The lady I spoke about did enjoy her visit and talked about the exhibit about the "repatriated" art. But then she said that this exhibit will close on the 31st of December.

Is there a website that might tell what would be open after then? Maybe another exhibit? Or at least the winter hours.

We actually visited the Acropolis on our first trip to Athens. Our mates will be going there but we'll probably hang out in the museums.

Telechik
I hate to admit it but I haven't read about the Benaki Museum, but I will. And thanks for the heads up about warm hat and mittens, jic. I will definitely be prepared!

johnnieb

Jan and BLL and Nik, are on spot!
you must try to see the new Acropolis Museum, even if its just to look at the building..fabulous reflection of the Acropolis, a beautiful mix..ancient and high style modern..it works! Have fun!

Nikki

I do not see any mention of the ancient agora on your itinerary for either your first trip or your proposed trip. I found this fascinating, strolling through the streets walked by Socrates, hunting through the ruins for the prison cell in which he died. The stunningly preserved temple of Hephaestus is there.