TRAVELING TO ATHENS GREECE: WHAT TO DO, SEE AND EAT
After my first visit last summer, I realize that Athens, and Greece overall, has impacted my style of traveling in positive yet unexpected ways. Usually I am the type of traveler who plans what to see, do and eat in a destination before arriving. But this time, I went into this trip with very little planned. Maybe it was the Greeks' go-with-the-flow, enjoy-the-moment philosophy that influenced me. Whatever the reason, I discovered an unfamiliar place with this refreshing childlike curiosity and no expectations. Not knowing what I'd encounter helped me to consciously make the experience my own. And I ended up finding places and living moments that gave me a unique perspective on one of the world's oldest cities. So here are some moments of my summer in Athens. (For a gorgeous island getaway close to Athens, check out my blog post about Agistri here.)
Arriving to Athens & Transportation
Airport: Athens International Airport (ATH) - Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport
Getting from the airport to the city center: Athens Airport Metro (5 minute walk from the terminal; 10 euro for a one-way ticket). Take the Blue Line (Metro Line 3) and reach the Monastiraki station in about 45 minutes.
Getting from the airport to Piraeus port: Using the metro, take the Blue Line to Monastiraki (about 45 minutes), switch to the Green Line, and ride it all the way until the end to Piraeus (about 25 minutes).
Find more information about transportation on the airport's website here.
The Acropolis
The early morning light during my visit helped me appreciate the ancient architecture, the vast landscape of white buildings, hills, and sea views. Even though there were several tour groups and other travelers present, I found a few peaceful moments as I was wandering alone. And nothing centers my mind and focuses my senses quite like the moments when I'm taking photos. So while I was observing my surroundings bathed in warm sunshine, I took a moment to understand just how old, yet impressively well-preserved these ruins of the Acropolis are. Like other ancient structures in the world, it's amazing to think how these buildings and artworks lasted through multiple civilizations, wars, and just thousands of years. Yet they still stand tall, the wear-and-tear of the experiences they endured adding to their timeless beauty and resilience.
A Photo Walk through Athens
Places to Eat
These food spots in Athens showcase a variety of choices, from essential dishes to try when traveling to Greece, to more modern eats. This introduction to Greek cuisine was short but sweet. Next time I return, I'll definitely be open to discovering more of this food culture!
Happy Blender
Ifestou 39, Athina 105 55, Greece
When traveling, I'm always looking for health-conscious options to balance out some of the heavier foods on my trip. And this all-vegan restaurant truly has everything to make a meal not only indulgent and satisfying, but also nutrient-packed and wholesome! Their menu offers an abundant variety of sweet and savory dishes, as well as drinks, sugar-free desserts, and ice cream. Not to mention the owners are incredibly friendly and sweet, which makes the atmosphere even more welcoming! I really enjoyed the pitaya berry & strawberry pink smoothie bowls, the Greek avo toast, and the strawberry delight smoothie.
Souvlaki: Street Souvlaki, Vegan Beat Athens
Street Souvlaki: Kolokotroni 30, Athina 105 62, Greece
Vegan Beat Athens: Perikleous 56, Athina 105 60, Greece
A 7-minute walk from Syntagma Square (and 3 minutes away from one another), these two casual eateries both serve delicious souvlaki pitas. Street Souvlaki serves traditional meats along with vegetarian and vegan options. While Vegan Beat Athens offers a fantastic plant-based alternative (made with oyster mushrooms!) at their vegan restaurant. This iconic fast food is the perfect quick meal to enjoy on the go while exploring the city!
Seafood & Greek Cuisine: Atlantikos, Apollonia Lyra
Atlantikos: Avliton 7, Athina 105 54, Greece
When traveling around Greece, you'll be able to find the freshest seafood in abundance, and Athens is no exception! So for seafood right in the city center, take a 5-minute walk from Monastiraki to the restaurant Atlantikos. It was actually right next to my Airbnb where I constantly saw people lining up for a table. A fried seafood platter of shrimp, mussels and calamari, spaghetti with prawns, and a side of greens was the most delicious feast to enjoy on the quiet terrace above the main dining floor.
Apollonia Lyra: Lisiou 12, Athina 105 56, Greece
For a little bit of traditional Greek cuisine, head to Apollonia Lyra in the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka. This taverna has a courtyard with outdoor seating, hanging lights, and local musicians playing live music! It was a lovely atmosphere to enjoy classic dishes like stuffed cabbage and grilled seafood.
The Makers Athens
Praxitelous 37, Athina 105 60, Greece
This concept store has such a cool vibe with the minimal interior decor, their own custom made apparel line, and curated menu of coffee, brunch specials and more. Lots of vegan and vegetarian options are available as well. My favorite breakfast bowl was the vegan coconut yogurt with granola, stewed berries, and fresh seasonal fruit.
Folk.
Vissis 2, Athina 105 51, Greece
Attached to the Blend Hotel, this cozy restaurant takes inspiration from the West Coast and serves foods influenced by various cultures. By taking the produce of Greece and creating fusion dishes, It's a bit like traveling without leaving Athens! Natural light floods into the space thanks to the large glass windows. And the wooden accents of the interior make the space feel modern. The buddha bowl was a nourishing and flavorful combination of falafel, sun-dried tomato hummus, avocado, cabbage salad, greens, pumpkin seeds & handmade naan.
Ice Cream: Kokkion, Oggi
Kokkion: Protogenous 2, Athina 105 54, Greece
Oggi: Voulis 17, Athina 105 63, Greece
To finish off any meal, dessert is always a must! Kokkion (4 minutes away from Monastiraki) serves handmade ice cream with fresh unique flavors! Pictured below are mango and red fruit sorbet. Another place for delicious ice cream is Oggi, a 6-minute walk from Syntagma Square. It's an Italian brand that takes pride in crafting artisanal gelato. Pictured below is their peach flavor, so refreshing to eat after exploring under the summer sun!
