Ok, so I think this will be my last post before our first trip to Greece. I have been through old posts on the subject, but I thought I'd just give one more shot at suggestions because you all are so great at providing info. (And yes, I am trying to reciprocate on the forum for my local area.)

We arrive in Athens in about 2 weeks on the noon flight from Santorini. We are staying at the Hilton because we're using points. We'll be there two nights, leaving the third day at noon. Is it possible to walk from there to the Plaka area, etc? If not, is there a "metro" pass system in Athens? We are on a budget and will take public transportation over cabs most of the time.

We plan to do a guided half-day tour of the Acropolis the second morning. We are not experts in history and will get more from a tour. I couldn't find an afternoon tour - suggestions?

Other suggestions? We may be a bit tired of 'too many ruins' but that point of our trip, but we love street markets, traditional food, people watching, street performers, and will probably go to the National Museum as others have suggested.

We may splurge for our last dinner at Orizontes (suggested by BLL); I assume we would need reservations? Suggestions for our first night dinner? Probably a taverna in the Plaka but I don't want to get ripped off in a tourist trap.

Cindy, you posted twice?? I answered your tour question on your other post. No dice on afternoon tour, so I suggest you spend first afternoon at the Archeological Museum And do the Athens walking tour AM of Day #2.

As for Restaurants
- SPLURGE --, my knowledgeable friends at Trip Advisor (who LIVE in Athens) suggest that you try this restaurant -- on the pedestrianized walkway behind Acropolis, ask for a seat on the terrace for the best view of Parthenon; they usually don't take reservations 2-3 weeks ahead, call immediately when u arrive at Hilton.

PLAKA RELIABLES --
(1) Tou Psara: one of oldest tavernas in the district, still reliable, moderate prices, sometimes music in the evenings
http://www.psaras-taverna.gr/en/

(2)Vyzantino: Right in the busy "restaurant square" in mid-Plaka, but frequented by Greeks who know good value; I never miss eating here when I come to Athens (10x and counting);
http://www.athensguide.com/restaurants.html

Oops! forgot to give the link for the restaurant my Athens friends recommend:

Filoistron--
http://www.filoistron.gr/index-en.htm

Thank you very much, the suggestions are very helpful. Can I assume that we wouldn't need a reservation in the Plaka restaurants? I also checked the websites and did not see prices, but could we assume something like 50 euros for 2 persons with a carafe of wine?

Since you love street markets nad people watching, if you are there on Sunday, you can check out the Monastiraki flea market.

The Central Market is also interesting.

that's right cindyj, they are open air cafes, lst come 1st served. If u are like most US folks, u come at 7 or 7:30 and NO crowds, Greeks eat at 9

At Vyzantino (Byzantino) I always choose a table under the tree by the kiosk because they are all tables for 2 or 4, whereas in the other areas they sometimes set up for 8 or 10 and it's noisier.

As for price, you will have to EAT HEARTY to reach that price. 2 mains + a Greek salad to share = 25E, plus a liter of house wine @6? 8?

Hi,

Walk around the Kolonaki area. There are lovely shops and places to stop for a drink. Also take the funicular up Lykivittos Hill. Great views and also places to get a drink and stare. Have a great trip.

Yipper