36 Hours In Athens

 

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As you might already know, Thomas and I just returned from celebrating our wedding anniversary in Greece! We had an incredible time and in the next couple of weeks, I’ll be sharing travel guides for Santorini and Folegandros. I’m usually not one to hop around cities but for this trip I’m glad we did stay in Athens for 36 hours.  Athens to me was just like any other big city: overpopulated, grungy and rich in culture. We didn’t have much time to explore but hopefully we can go back soon – I particularly would want to hang around more and speak to the locals and get more of an idea of what everyday life is like.

STAY

Airbnb: We loved our apartment in Athens because it was in walking distance of everything ( the acropolis was literally 10 min away ). It was well decorated and had a lovely balcony looking out to the Acropolis – our host was very responsive before and during the trip! We would totally stay here again!!

Hotel Grande Bretagne: This is where I would’ve stayed if we didn’t do airbnb. This stunning luxury property which opened in 1874, is in central Athens and has that old world charm that I love so much. We went here for drinks on the rooftop which you should totally do during sunset since the rooftop faces the acropolis!!


EAT/DRINK

Brettos Bar: When I found out this was only two blocks away from our apartment – I made it a priority on our list of spots! Brettos is 100 years old and possibly one of the oldest bars in Greece ( some say second oldest in Europe – don’t think so but read that somewhere lol ).   I had a martini with their locally made aperitif Ouza and it was so good.

Varoulko:  I was very excited to have dinner at this Michelin rated restaurant and it didn’t disappoint! Located in the port area of Piraeus right on the water. The food was amazing – you must try the grilled squid as an appetizer….I’m still dreaming about it! Please note that they don’t serve cocktails, only wine.

GB Roof Garden: Talk about perfect views – this upscale rooftop offers uninterrupted views of the Acropolis! We came here for a nightcap but regret not having dinner because we heard it was really good. This rooftop is inside the hotel I recommended above – and because it’s so centrally located, you should totally pop in.

DO

Visit the Acropolis: Yes, it’s very touristy but YOU have to visit if you’re in Athens. It’s part of world history and will bring back memories of all the Greek mythology we learned in school….well at least it did for me! Haha! My biggest tip for you is to get there early – they open at 8AM so be there by that time so you avoid the crowds. We slept in and didn’t get there until 11 and even that was already bad! If you want to stroll and take pictures without having hundreds of people around you then be there early! Oh, and bring water – we were so dehydrated because no one sold water.

Walk the streets of Plaka: This is the area we stayed in and it couldn’t have been more perfect since we were only there for such a short period of time and it’s a pretty central area. Plaka is one of Athens old historical neighborhood with beautiful homes, cultural sites and good shopping.

Photos edited by: Paige Campbell Linden

36 Hours in Athens from lourdes martin on Vimeo.

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4 Comments

  1. Samapti Taylor
    September 11, 2017 / 11:23 am

    Ive been to some of these places- just totally forgot the names! glad you had a great time and your pics are stunning- can I please get some deets on that white dress?!

  2. September 11, 2017 / 2:16 pm

    Your pictures are stunning! This has been one of my favorite cities to visit, the food is amazing! Safe Travels!

  3. September 11, 2017 / 3:31 pm

    I cannot wait to visit! Your pictures are absolutely stunning and I love your gorgeous dress!

  4. September 17, 2017 / 1:48 pm

    Love the photos and the video made me feel like I was there with you! Thanks for the travel tips too! 🙂

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