When our friend came to town last month, Phil wrote this wonderful guide to Athens. He's like Rick Steves, without the $10 million net worth.
To see everything he's listed for Athens proper, you'll need about 3 days. To see everything he's listed in total, you'll need 8-9 days, plus a driver (or ferry) to take you to the places outside of Athens. If you're with us, you could probably guilt, bribe, blackmail, or otherwise convince us to drive you. Here's a scan of Phil's list, followed by a typed version, if you're too fancy for handwritten.
Phil's Guide to Athens
Things to see:
All prices are approximate. You can get discounts in some places with a student ID. Some of these sites are linked to blog posts I've written about them. Click, if interested.
(plan for approx. 3 days; download the TfA ticket app for android or apple if you're planning to use public transportation; wear good walking shoes)
Acropolis and Mars Hill (Areopagus)
20 euros for combo ticket from April-October
Go as early as possible.
If you don't go as early as possible, go to Temple of Zeus/Hadrian's Arch site first and buy your combo ticket there.
Acropolis Museum
Ancient and Roman Agora
Monastiraki and Plaka streets/markets
Souvenir central. Also, pickpocket central.
Plaka is a great place to take very Greek-looking photos to show off on instagram
Monastiraki is a great place for gyros
Temple of Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
Panathenaic Stadium
Syntagma Square, Parliament, National Gardens
National Archaeological Museum
Separate entrance fee, 10 euros
Between Victoria and Omonio metro stations
Not the nicest neighborhood
Lykavittos Hill
Free to explore.
Great views of the city. There's an old Orthodox church on top, and a restaurant.
You can walk, or pay to take a funicular (about 8 euros). It's a steep hill, and a hard walk in the heat.
Free to explore.
Interesting place to walk around, if you're in the northeastern suburbs.
Close to The Mall Athens, if you want to see a movie, or shop for U.S. brands at European prices.
Outside of Athens:
(would need 5-6 days, and a driver or ferry to see all of this at a brisk pace)
2.5 hour drive from Athens
Ancient site of the Delphi oracle (about 8 euros)
Gorgeous mountain views
Touristy ski town
Definitely an all-day trip
Day Trip Islands
(prices vary, depending on ferry service; you can get a combo ticket and see all three in a day for under 100 euros)
Hydra
1-2 hour ferry
Rick Steves' favorite
No cars on island
Poros
Peloponnese Sites
1.5 hour drive from Athens
About 8 euros
Ancient fortress with definitely haunted cistern
On site museum included in entrance fee
Plan on spending 2 hours here
1.5 hour drive from Athens
About 4 euros
2 sites included in ticket: ancient Olympic stadium, and Temple of Zeus
Short add-on trip when looking at other nearby sites
2 hour drive from Athens
3 ancient fortresses: the big one is about 5 euros, the second biggest is free, the third is on a tiny island off the port, and probably not worth the ferry ride.
Fantastic gelato
Can spend most of the day here
Epidavros
2 hour drive from Athens
Site of an ancient theater
Best seen with a ticket to one of the summer productions they have at the site, or as an add-on when visiting other sites nearby
Corinth
1 hour drive from Athens
Site of the Corinth Canal (free)
Ancient Corinth archaeological sites (about 8 euros)
Plan a half day, at least
Places to Eat:
Traditional Greek tavernas often won't open for dinner until 8pm. Some close for the month of August while the owners vacation. You should always be able to find something open downtown in the tourist areas of Plaka and Monistiraki. McDonald's is across the street from Syntagma. No judgements.
Greek Food:
Baikraktoris
Karavitis Taverna
Oikeio
Taverna in Kolonaki, near Lykavittos Hill
Address: Ploutarchou 15 Athina, 10675
Filippou
Taverna in Kolonaki, near Lykavittos Hill
Address: Xenokratous 19 Athina, 10675
Dipylo Restaurant
Tzizikas & Mermigas
Marmitas
"Paper Chicken" (See Phil's photo for Greek name)
Khokhlidaki
Taverna Kissos
Fantastic, small taverna in a quiet neighborhood in Chalandri (northeast suburb)
Address: Roumelis 28 Chalandri
Pizza
Flower Pizza
Near U.S. Embassy
Salads, Naples-style pizza, and (for some reason) omelettes
Address: Dorylaiou 2 Athina 11521
Burgers
The Burger Joint
Sandwiches
New York Sandwich
Hole Bagels
Mexican
Taqueria Maya
California Grill
Chalandri (northeast suburb)
Address: Kolokotponi 10 Chalandri 15233
ALSO OFFER BRUNCH, INCLUDING SUNDAY BRUNCH
Spanish
Para Siempre
Enjoy, friends!