Europe Travel Guide bliss list

Athens

1. Ancient Agora: Lots of visitors walk right by what was once the heart of Ancient Athens. Everyone from Socrates to Protagoras was here along with everyday citizens, all in the center of the city.  A visit here allows you to explore the ruins of the ancient city and unlike the Acropolis, you can get up close and personal to many of them. Don’t miss a walk to the best-preserved ancient temple in Greece, The Temple of Hephaestus. The Agora has a great museum and the outdoor space is great for kids!.

2. The Benaki Museum: This beautiful space is the oldest established museum in Greece with an incredible collection from all periods of Greek history. Built around what was once a private mansion dating from 1895, The Benaki is one of the hidden secrets of the city. It’s also located just across the street from the National Gardens, another hidden spot often bypassed by visitors.

3. Athens Happy Train: Forget the big buses. Forget the crazy prices. If you want to connect to Athens in a truly unique, fun and affordable way, hop on board the Happy Train! The 40 minute tour (at only 5 euros!) takes you past many of the main sights including the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Parliament, Syntagma Square and more. The train runs from 900AM – 1030PM daily and you can hop on and off all day.

4. Sunset Cocktails, Rooftop of the Electra Palace: Athens is a city of many great rooftop bars and restaurants. But our all time favorite is the Electra Palace offering the perfect view across the city to the Acropolis with Piraeus in the distance. And after cocktails, they offer a great dinner at the rooftop restaurant or at the brand new Zohos, featuring products from local farmers, fisherman and bakers.

5. Athens Riviera: A quick 30 minute drive from the city center, is the stunning Athens Riviera and glamours Glyfada. Restaurants, boutiques, and stunning beaches make this location a must visit for those seeking another side of Athens. And don’t miss an opportunity to visit the brand new, five star, One & Only Aesthesis for a stay, cocktails or dinner. 

6. Cine Paris: On a warm summer night, nothing is a glorious as a visit to the outdoor cinema in the heart of Plaka, Cine Paris. Operating as an open air theater since the 1920’s, this is a truly once in a lifetime experience. Movies with the Acropolis as a backdrop. Note: Due to construction, the theater is set to reopen later this year.

7. Hondos Center Ermou: The last thing we want you to do on a visit to Athens is visit a shopping center, but this one is worth it. Located on Athens’ famous shopping street, Ermou, Hondos Center offers floors of international skincare, makeup, fragrances and sun care from women, men and children (and lots more).

8. Lukumades: There may be no better place to experience this famous Greek fried dough, than here. Located across the city (we like the one on at Aghia Irini Church) they serve everything from the traditional honey and cinnamon (all crafted from homemade dough and Greek honey of course) to more adventuresome “injected” versions adding a range of flavor options. Grab an order and a cup of coffee and enjoy!

9. Wooden Bike Tours: Join a group of likeminded adventurers and explore the city on an ergonomic and ecological wooden bicycle. Coco-Mat.bike has a number of really exciting touring and rental options that make seeing Athens (and many other cities) a really unique experience. And best of all, the tours are with a professional, licensed guide, so you won’t miss a thing! Perfect for those who like to bring a little fitness to their holiday.

10. Taverna Platinos: Our team never misses the opportunity to eat at Taverna Platinos. One of the oldest family run restaurants, you won’t find any fancy or fussy food here. Simply fresh and authentic homestyle Greek cooking, served beneath the shadow of ancient trees.