It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the writer of Greece Travel Guide is planning a vacation in…Greece. And what do we do when we plan our vacations? Research!

Athens is the birth place of civilization and one of those cities which should be visited at least once in a lifetime. With that in mind, I set out to create an itinerary for a weekend in Athens.

And my research took me to a rather interesting article: The New York Time’s 36 Hours in Athens, Greece . Poking my nose in other fellow writers’ article is not only fun (I have to check out the competition, right?) but also very informative.

While the itinerary suggested is pretty good for a first time traveler to Athens, I think it can be done in a somewhat different way. Don’t get me wrong: I love the idea of visiting the Acropolis at sunset and of spending time in the gardens but they totally forget about one of the most beautiful things in Athens: changing of the guards at the Parliament.

The first thing to do when you get to Athens, after you go to the hotel and check in, is to get a map. Yes, get a map once you get to Athens, not before you leave. The reason is very simple: the information is always updated and you won’t have troubles finding what you need.

One of the easiest ways to save money on any vacation is to use the public transport. It’s useful to know that there are several tram lines as well as metro lines. If you plan to take the tram you can buy a special ticket for unlimited travel up to 5 stations during 90 minutes. It’s also worth it to ask for an unlimited travel ticket fro up to 48 hours (such options are available in all major capitals in Europe so Athens doesn’t make exception).

Being true to NYT’s article we’ll start our day on Friday at 5 PM (assuming we just checked in and got our map).

Friday

5 PM
Late Lunch / Early Dinner

How about starting your weekend in Athens by trying the local cuisine? Eat traditional Greek food at Filippou, in the Kolonaki district. This is one of the nicest districts in Athens and one which can easily be “negotiated” on foot. It’s filled with shops especially around Plateia Kolonaki and the surrounding small streets.

9 PM
Club Hopping in Psiri

I know, it’s cliché to go to Athens and dance the night away, but…I can’t help it. Psiri is one of those districts which has a really nice charm to it. Youngsters love it for the inexpensive cafeterias where you can buy ouzo and beer at really affordable prices, while the trendier crowds head to one of the clubs in the area. Experience both and then head to the hotel (Saturday is going to be very busy).

Saturday

8 AM
Souvlaki for Breakfast in Plaka

Wake up to the smell and taste of Greek cuisine. Plaka neighborhood is known for its authentic atmosphere. There are plenty of small places to eat, including three incredible places to eat souvlaki . Choose between Thanasis, Savvas and Bairaktaris. For about €9 you get a souvlaki to savor.

Once you’ve finished breakfast head to Adrianou (Hadrian) Street. It links the Acropolis to Plaka.

10 AM
Ancient Agora

Following the Adrianou (Hadrian) Street you’ll get to the Ancient Agora. In ancient times it was the political and administrative center of the city. Visit the Temple of Hephaestus and Stoa of Attalus (which is now a museum; entry fee €4)

12 AM
Roman Agora/Roman Forum

At the west end of Plaka you’ll find the Roman Forum with the Tower of the Winds. It’s an eight sided tower with a wind deity on each side. Visit the other Roman ruins as well. The ticket bought here is shared with the one for the Acropolis and costs €12.

2 PM
Museum of Greek Folk Art

This type of museum is often ignored by tourists but you shouldn’t be one of them. The museum displays primitive paintings, artifacts, costumes and embroidery.

4 PM
Lunch at Damigos

It’s one of the oldest tavernas in the area which servers authentic food and excellent wines (from the family vineyard).

5 PM
Sunset at the Acropolis

Ok, I admit, this is what I loved about the NYT’s article so I’m clearly keeping the idea.
With the ticket bought at the Roman Fort you can enter the Acropolis. Plan to spend at least 3-4 hours here. Enjoy and take photos!

9 PM
Dinner at Yantes (Omonia Square)

Head to the metro and get to Omonia square. Yantes ( 44 Valtetsiou st.) is among the few tavernas which serve organic food. It also has a lovely garden so this is the perfect setting for dinner. Enjoy the traditional Greek food and try the ouzo

11 PM
Dance the night away

The near-by square and streets are filled with clubs where you can spend your night dancing. Of course, you can go back to the hotel for a well deserved rest.

Sunday

11 AM
Syntagma Square/Parliament

The changing of the guards takes place every hour but on Sundays at 11 AM it’s performed by a larger group of Evzones. Before heading to the Parliament stop to grab some food (there are plenty of places to do that).

11:15 AM
National Gardens

The greenest place in the city is located right opposite the bus stop near Syntagma square. Spend some relaxing time walking in the beautiful garden. You can also visit the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.

1 PM
Piraues

Visit the harbor before leaving the city. Who knows, you might just hop on one of the ferries and start exploring a near-by island.

Other useful information:

» Athens – free things to do
» Cheap hotels in Athens