A Perfect Day in Athens
A day in Athens – one day is never enough for any city, and definitely not for Athens. Packed with amazing historical sites, each where one can spend a full day at, Athens also spoils you when it comes to its legendary cuisine and exciting nightlife. But if there is one day you’ve got, then here goes!
Walk your way through Athens Tourist Guide – On your way to the Acropolis, cross the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Gate. Each of these sites is a beauty, but since time is of the essence, admire these wonders as you walk by. At the Acropolis, start with the Theatre of Dionysus, one of Athens’ earliest preserved open-air theatres. Carry on to the now restored Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theatre that was built for music concerts in 161 AD and even today hosts performances and concerts.
To the north side of the Acropolis is the Erechtheum built in honor of King Erechtheus who is supposed to be buried close by. On the south side lies the Porch of the Maidens. This dramatically constructed structure stands on six pillars, which are actually figures of six maidens whose slender necks support the weight of the porch. Finally, watch out for the world famous Parthenon, dedicated to Athena, the patron of the people of Athens. The temple built in her honor at this site was destroyed in 480 BC. The present one was made between 447 and 438 BC. That’s a lot of column watching for one day.
All that walking and sightseeing can built up quite an appetite. Head to Abyssinia Café for a quick bite of traditional Greek fare. This quaint café in a ramshackle building throws up quite the surprise. Though the menu is very reasonably priced, you can end up with quite a large bill since everything on it is so delicious! Hot tip – book a table on the mezzanine for a quiet experience and beautiful views.
The best way to see a city in a day is not by cramming everything into your itinerary. It is a better idea to pick and choose thereby enjoying whatever little you get to cover. An Athens tourist guide will still insist though on a round of the MCA, or the Museum of Cycladic Art, a great idea since no trip to Athens is complete without it. It is not for nothing that Athens is known as the cradle of Western Civilization. Small and very prestigious, the museum has galleries filled with art from different time periods. The museum is home to one of the most notable collections of Cycladic art along with Ancient Greek and Cypriot art as well. A visit here will easily take up a few well-spent hours.
Give your day the grand finale by gravitating towards Athens’ coolest nightspot – Gazi. An old gasworks precinct, it has been converted into a mixed-use culture centre that is surrounded by eateries and watering holes. Before you let your hair down in the bars, explore the area’s myriad cafes, music venues and art spaces. Settle down for a bite at the Butcher Shop, a stylish roast house that will serve you a memorable meal. And yes, don’t forget to venture up to the rooftop bar at Gazarte ; the perfect ending to a perfect day!