7 hour layover in Athens
 

On our way from London to Santorini this week, and we're going to have a 7 hour layover (1:30-8:30pm) in Athens. I figure with this much time, we might as well go see something instead of sitting around the airport for hours. We've spent part of a day in Athens before, so we've already been to the Acropolis. Seeing that again would be nice, but would like to try something different. Any suggestions for a quick trip into the city? Considering the archeological museum, ancient agora, or plaka.

1/Take the bus to Syntagma Square, and go for a visit to the Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladid art (a few yards away)<BR>I consider these 2 museums as among the best in Europe.Then do not miss a lunch or a coffe break in one of their coffee shops (at the Benaki the restaurant in on the roof garden with a splendid view )<BR><BR>If you have some time for shopping and people watching your are right in the middle of kolonaki Square ( a passage at Da Capo's cafe is a must)<BR><BR>2/If the weather is fine and hot then go to Vouliagmeni for a sunbath and alfresco lunch at Lambro'sn tavern (you need a taxi to reach the resort from the airport.<BR><BR>Keep in mind that you should expect some trouble moving from the airport to the the city center due to the the EU summit(25 head of states or gvt are expexted to attend) from april 15 th to the 17 th!!!

I concur with mzani that the Benaki museum is one of the best anywhere but would not try to do two in that short time but maybe a stroll and lunch in the Plaka if you have not been there before. To get to Vouliagmeni as well as Athens would be quite a hike in such a short time and if the traffic is heavy a taxi would be your only option.

thanks for the help. We were planning on taking the Metro into Athens wherever we decided. Is this feasible?

From the airport take the express bus to Syntagma(with one stop ta Pantagonon) .<BR>These busses use special fast lanes that taxis do not use.<BR><BR>At the Pentagonon-30 min drive-(ministry of Defense)<BR>take the metro to syntagma that you will reach in less than 15 minutes.<BR><BR>Benaki, Cycladic art ,Kolonaki are within a 500 meters radius from Syntagma.

Bear in mind most museums, including the Benaki, are closed on Mondays.