MUST do in Athens?
 

Hi, <BR><BR>I will be in Athens for 1 1/2 days, what must I see/do? Acropolis is first on list, is there anything else? thanks<BR><BR>Chris

Get some guide books (Fodors, Frommers, Eywitness)and decide what will suit your interests, Chris.

Do the text search first.

I'd visit the Acropolis the earliest possible in the morning, specially in summer when one has to swet it out. To me, though, what one shouldn't miss is the Archaeological museum. One doesn't have to mention Plaka, since you'll end up there for sure in the only evening you'll have.

Do anything you want

Brush teeth, bathe.

While in the area of the Acropolis and the Plaka take a walk through Anafiotika with its Cycladic-style houses. And watch the Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near Syntagma Sq. The Fodor's guidebook has some good walking tours.

Lycabettus is spectacular. Take the funicular to the top and you will have an amazing view of the city! There are even two restaurants up there which will make for an unforgettable evening.

Acropolis and the main museum are about the only things worthwhile. I agree, get to Acropolis early. Hope you can get to the islands - that's the REAL Greece.

I think Ken's view is incredibly shortsighted. And I agree with the recommendation of Lykavittos Hill. But I wouldn't eat there. I would eat in the Plaka. Athens is a tough nut to chew but worth the effort. Check out Matt Barrett's website www.greektravel.com Also, check out what Yahoo travel has to say about Athens. It has a good synopsis of what's interesting.

I thought the National Gardens was a wonderful break from all the hustle and bustle of the city.

No offense but the National Gardens are definately not a must see.. Go to Daphne Restaurant (pretty sure of the spelling) for a wonderful meal and atmosphere. Finally don't be afraid of all the stray dogs!!

I enjoyed visiting the presidential palace where you will see the changing of the guards in skirts and also visiting the first ever olympic stadium which is right in the heart of the city.

I think it is sad when people don't take time to discover the treasures of Athens. The Parthenon, the Plaka, the Archaeological Museum, and Lycabettus are top attractions, but there are many other wonderful small museums, and surprising neighborhoods. <BR><BR>Earlier I offered to e-mail an article I wrote for a magazine about what to do in Athens for a short stay. If you would like to receive it, e-mail me directly.

Sure the National Gardens aren't that great but they do provide a nice break from the heat and the traffic. You can go there before or after watching the Evzones because it's right next door.

I agree with Acropolis early in the morning, maybe lunch in Plaka since it's nearby. <BR><BR>If it's Sunday, go to see the evzones (guards of the Presidential Palace) in their parade at 10:30am. If not, on the hour is fine.<BR><BR>National Gardens are not a must. Yuk! Overpriced cafes, flashers and other unsavory characters in the park, and unkempt areas!<BR><BR>Lykavitos Hill is great at sunset! But I agree with the above, don't eat there! The food is middle of the road and overpriced!<BR><BR>If museums are important to you, the Archealogical one is a good choice, otherwise just skip it and walk around to find some nice places you wouldn't otherwise. <BR><BR>Eat somewhere where you see Greeks, not a bunch of tourists. And don't let anyone convince you to eat anywhere or see anything. Do what you feel is right!<BR><BR>K

The Daphne restaurant is superb. Not cheap...