Five days in Athens...and Ready to Explore!
Sep 29th, 2008, 03:48 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Five days in Athens...and Ready to Explore!
My boyfriend and I will be spending about five days in Athens (as part of a Rome and Athens two-week trip) in the second week of December. We've never been before, and while I've been checking out a recommended site (http://www.greektravel.com/athens.htm) for some ideas, I would love to hear some suggestions from some travelers who have been there recently.
My boyfriend is currently stationed in Iraq, and I am also in the Navy, so this will also be a reunion for us and a time to relax and enjoy each other...not a fast-paced "try to fit it all in" trip. (Thus the visit to only two cities.) So if there are any "must-see's" you have to recommend, I'd be grateful for your advice.
Thanks in advance!
My boyfriend is currently stationed in Iraq, and I am also in the Navy, so this will also be a reunion for us and a time to relax and enjoy each other...not a fast-paced "try to fit it all in" trip. (Thus the visit to only two cities.) So if there are any "must-see's" you have to recommend, I'd be grateful for your advice.
Thanks in advance!
Sep 30th, 2008, 06:46 AM
#2
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,607
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I was in Athens in May and really enjoyed it. We only had one full day to explore the highlights, but we felt really rushed -- I think we could have easily filled up 5 days.
The usual must-sees:
Acropolis
National Archaelogical Museum
Walking around Plaka
Ancient Agora
Hadrian's Arch/Temple of Zeus
Lycabettus Hill
Central Market
National Gardens
I would have loved to have spent hours just wandering around the ancient Agora, it was very interesting.
We ate at a lot of good places in the Plaka (Byzantino was good), but one good place that stood out is O Tzitzikas ke O Mermingas on Mitropoleos street, near Syntagma Square. It's on a busy shopping street and there is no view but the food was good.
The usual must-sees:
Acropolis
National Archaelogical Museum
Walking around Plaka
Ancient Agora
Hadrian's Arch/Temple of Zeus
Lycabettus Hill
Central Market
National Gardens
I would have loved to have spent hours just wandering around the ancient Agora, it was very interesting.
We ate at a lot of good places in the Plaka (Byzantino was good), but one good place that stood out is O Tzitzikas ke O Mermingas on Mitropoleos street, near Syntagma Square. It's on a busy shopping street and there is no view but the food was good.
Sep 30th, 2008, 06:46 AM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Michelle, it is wonderful to hear that you and your bf will get to spend some time together in 2 wonderful cities ... and god keep you safe until then, and afterwards. We all owe you a LOT.
Rather than type reams, I ask you to email me, and I have a MS word doc with a list of ideas and links that work for a short visit--will save u some research, and are really tested; I've been in Athens 10+ times.
Also, let this Forum know if you already have a hotel booked & if not, what your BUDGET LIMIT is, so we can give u good AFFORDABLE leads. (if u don't give a €figure, people tend to recommend places they like that are too pricey).
LAST TIP: Immediately go to TRIP ADVISOR Greece Forum and also post your request there. Fodor's Forum people (bless 'em) are mainly US/UK warm-weather travelers. TA, by contrast has lots of wonderful "regulars" (some Greek, some not) who are Athens RESIDENTS, who can give you on-the-spot and real-time suggestions for terrific things to do and enjoy during the holiday season.
THey know all the best wintertime night-life ideas for music etc -- and the best spots just to sit, relax and watch the passing parade (without spending the earth!) The TA folks will joyfully advise you: tell them travelerjan sent you!
Rather than type reams, I ask you to email me, and I have a MS word doc with a list of ideas and links that work for a short visit--will save u some research, and are really tested; I've been in Athens 10+ times.
Also, let this Forum know if you already have a hotel booked & if not, what your BUDGET LIMIT is, so we can give u good AFFORDABLE leads. (if u don't give a €figure, people tend to recommend places they like that are too pricey).
LAST TIP: Immediately go to TRIP ADVISOR Greece Forum and also post your request there. Fodor's Forum people (bless 'em) are mainly US/UK warm-weather travelers. TA, by contrast has lots of wonderful "regulars" (some Greek, some not) who are Athens RESIDENTS, who can give you on-the-spot and real-time suggestions for terrific things to do and enjoy during the holiday season.
THey know all the best wintertime night-life ideas for music etc -- and the best spots just to sit, relax and watch the passing parade (without spending the earth!) The TA folks will joyfully advise you: tell them travelerjan sent you!
Sep 30th, 2008, 08:12 AM
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 12,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi Michelle. I was a first-timer when we visited Athens earlier this year. Our stay was shorter than yours, but we managed to get a lot in. I think cheryl's list is a pretty good starting point for you.
Most of our trip was spent elsewhere in Greece. But if you'd like to read the part about Athens, it starts here on page 8 and continues for a couple more pages...
http://www.onelittleworld.com/greece_8.html
Enjoy your trip!
Most of our trip was spent elsewhere in Greece. But if you'd like to read the part about Athens, it starts here on page 8 and continues for a couple more pages...
http://www.onelittleworld.com/greece_8.html
Enjoy your trip!
Sep 30th, 2008, 09:13 PM
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The ANAFIOTIKA residential sub-section of Plaka is absolutely charming. Anafiotika is located on the steep northern & eastern hillsides of the Acropolis, and is above the traditional Plaka district. All the streets are quite narrow and pedestrian-only.
South of the Acropolis, the Pnyx and Filappo (sp?) Hills are relatively off the beaten path. Serene , peaceful paths snake through the trees, with fine views of the Acropolis. Many of the postcard views of the Acropolis, appear to be taken from this vantage point.
Although many say it's too 'touristy', I especially enjoyed dining at www.sholarhio.gr , in the Plaka. The menu & presentation consists largely of a steady stream of 'mezedes' that are constantly being brought out by the waiters. Delicious
Brettos (pronounced 'Vrettos') Bar & Distillery, featuring home-made ouzo & brandies, is a wonderful little place to relax in the late afternoon or early evening, before heading out to dinner. Wife & I stopped there nearly every day of our 5 days in Athens ;-)
Located near the intersection of Kydatheneon & Adrianou streets (I think). No outdoor tables, but the small bar inside is traditional & inviting.
South of the Acropolis, the Pnyx and Filappo (sp?) Hills are relatively off the beaten path. Serene , peaceful paths snake through the trees, with fine views of the Acropolis. Many of the postcard views of the Acropolis, appear to be taken from this vantage point.
Although many say it's too 'touristy', I especially enjoyed dining at www.sholarhio.gr , in the Plaka. The menu & presentation consists largely of a steady stream of 'mezedes' that are constantly being brought out by the waiters. Delicious
Brettos (pronounced 'Vrettos') Bar & Distillery, featuring home-made ouzo & brandies, is a wonderful little place to relax in the late afternoon or early evening, before heading out to dinner. Wife & I stopped there nearly every day of our 5 days in Athens ;-)
Located near the intersection of Kydatheneon & Adrianou streets (I think). No outdoor tables, but the small bar inside is traditional & inviting.
Oct 2nd, 2008, 08:25 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Michelle, you didn't come back to this forum... so we don't know if we answered your questions. We'd like to be helpful to our service people who are doing so much -- to enjoy Athens on their precious time away from duty.
Let us know what specifics we can supply.
Let us know what specifics we can supply.
Nov 7th, 2008, 07:19 AM
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks to all the responses...I've been moving duty stations (this trip is also a bit of a vacation from moving cross-country!), but thank you all for the input. I've checked out the recommended "greektravel.com" site, and it is fabulous. Thanks so much for the insight. Only three weeks to go!
Nov 7th, 2008, 08:41 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tom h
I just wanted to make a comment on your recommendation on Sholarhio. We have dined there on two occasions and I can attest to your comment that the food is excellent.
Their food is also very well priced with the waiters bringing bulging platters of food on a regular basis.
One word of warning however.
The typical Greek dining experience has many courses with large gaps between each course to allow one to talk and interact. The Greek art of eating, takes time.
While I would recommend Sholarhio for quality and price ( as a budget traveler something I highly value)I hesitate to recommend them because they tend to force you to take most of your choices all at once. We could not stop them from bringing our main dishes at the same time as we were enjoying our Greek salad course.
For a North American used to restaurants who live on turnover, no problem but for an experienced Greek traveler it is an unsettling experience.
We will certainly go back there for the quality and value but I can assure you it will only be on an occasion where we are in a hurry.
I just wanted to make a comment on your recommendation on Sholarhio. We have dined there on two occasions and I can attest to your comment that the food is excellent.
Their food is also very well priced with the waiters bringing bulging platters of food on a regular basis.
One word of warning however.
The typical Greek dining experience has many courses with large gaps between each course to allow one to talk and interact. The Greek art of eating, takes time.
While I would recommend Sholarhio for quality and price ( as a budget traveler something I highly value)I hesitate to recommend them because they tend to force you to take most of your choices all at once. We could not stop them from bringing our main dishes at the same time as we were enjoying our Greek salad course.
For a North American used to restaurants who live on turnover, no problem but for an experienced Greek traveler it is an unsettling experience.
We will certainly go back there for the quality and value but I can assure you it will only be on an occasion where we are in a hurry.
Nov 7th, 2008, 08:50 PM
#9
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Michelle
I know you do not want to maximize your time together and do not want to waste time traveling, however I would suggest you consider visiting Naphlion. It is about two and a half hours from Athens and many Athenians go their on their weekends off.
It has three Venetian era fortresses dominating the town and a fascinating old town area. While I have never been there in the winter it is a wonderfully romantic place to spend a couple of nights in May.
Perhaps someone else has experience in winter who can confirm my thoughts (or not)
I know you do not want to maximize your time together and do not want to waste time traveling, however I would suggest you consider visiting Naphlion. It is about two and a half hours from Athens and many Athenians go their on their weekends off.
It has three Venetian era fortresses dominating the town and a fascinating old town area. While I have never been there in the winter it is a wonderfully romantic place to spend a couple of nights in May.
Perhaps someone else has experience in winter who can confirm my thoughts (or not)
Nov 8th, 2008, 06:57 AM
#10
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Michelle
In my previous post I meant to say I know you want to maximize your time together and not waste time traveling from one location to another city.
I still think that Naphlion is a perfect get away with so many romantic small hotels with ocean views.
In my previous post I meant to say I know you want to maximize your time together and not waste time traveling from one location to another city.
I still think that Naphlion is a perfect get away with so many romantic small hotels with ocean views.
Nov 8th, 2008, 07:19 AM
#11
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stanbr is too modest to append the link to his STUNNING slide-show of Nafplio ... it truly shows the beauty of this World Heritage Town!
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/551991579dJbWvh
The argument for this place in your visit to Greece is that it's QUICK to reach (2.5hrs on express bus, goes hourly on half-hour all day long, only 11.5&euro
. Unlike island ferries, no delays due to December storms & rough seas. ALSO, unlike on islands, there's SO much to do/see even if weather is bad. AND...along the harborside u can even enjoy gorgeous sunsets because outdoor cafes have plastic walls and heaters!
FOr nice romantic rooms w. balcony view down on town, try Pension Eleni, Hotel Leto, Pension Lygeia, all less than 60E off-season.
My suggestion: 3 1/2 days Athens,staying in PLaka-area hotel, take taxi to KTEL Bus station, for 3 1/2 days Nafplio. You won't be disappointed!
http://travel.webshots.com/slideshow/551991579dJbWvh
The argument for this place in your visit to Greece is that it's QUICK to reach (2.5hrs on express bus, goes hourly on half-hour all day long, only 11.5&euro
. Unlike island ferries, no delays due to December storms & rough seas. ALSO, unlike on islands, there's SO much to do/see even if weather is bad. AND...along the harborside u can even enjoy gorgeous sunsets because outdoor cafes have plastic walls and heaters!FOr nice romantic rooms w. balcony view down on town, try Pension Eleni, Hotel Leto, Pension Lygeia, all less than 60E off-season.
My suggestion: 3 1/2 days Athens,staying in PLaka-area hotel, take taxi to KTEL Bus station, for 3 1/2 days Nafplio. You won't be disappointed!
Nov 9th, 2008, 07:19 AM
#12
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 392
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
stanbr,
re: Greek art of eating
You make very good points!
Perhaps my most memorable dinner a couple years ago, was a long leisurely dinner in a taverna, right next to the beach, in Kardamili (outer Mani).
So peaceful.
re: Greek art of eating
You make very good points!
Perhaps my most memorable dinner a couple years ago, was a long leisurely dinner in a taverna, right next to the beach, in Kardamili (outer Mani).
So peaceful.
Nov 9th, 2008, 01:03 PM
#13
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,439
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tom H
There are so many things that keep us coming back to Greece but I think you really hit it with your description of that evening dinner experience in the Mani.
In Greece at dinner, time seems to be suspended and I get a feeling of peace and everything focuses on who I am with and where we are. It is like everything else simply doesn't matter.
I am looking forward to going back.
There are so many things that keep us coming back to Greece but I think you really hit it with your description of that evening dinner experience in the Mani.
In Greece at dinner, time seems to be suspended and I get a feeling of peace and everything focuses on who I am with and where we are. It is like everything else simply doesn't matter.
I am looking forward to going back.
Nov 20th, 2008, 05:58 PM
#14
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2008
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, it sounds like I will have to keep my mind open about visiting some other spots besides Athens while in Greece. I'm SO excited! Counting down the days...thanks again for all the great recommendations and links.
Nov 21st, 2008, 07:41 AM
#15
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 4,205
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And thank YOU Michelle for returning to the thread to acknowledge --- so often we post advice and never know if the original inquirer saw it all ...
Have a glorious time with your Honey --- and if time hangs heavy on your hands later on , at sea, give us a little "trip report" about what you loved/hated, etc.
Kahlo Taxidi (Good trip!)
Have a glorious time with your Honey --- and if time hangs heavy on your hands later on , at sea, give us a little "trip report" about what you loved/hated, etc.
Kahlo Taxidi (Good trip!)
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ms_go
Europe
67
Oct 8th, 2021 12:12 PM
