A Food Lovers Guide to Athens

We dedicated the majority of our first day to exploring ancient sites such as the Library of Hadrian and the Roman Forum of Athens before making our way to the main event — the Acropolis. The climb to the Acropolis was truly breathtaking and worth every step (tip: buy tickets ahead of time).

ACROPOLIS

An ancient citadel and the remains of several significant buildings are located on a up high on a rocky plateau above the city of Athens, Greece. Acropolis means highest point.

• Odeon of Herodes Atticus - the ancient theater

• Propylaea - monumental gates to the Acropolis

• Parthenon - temple dedicated to the goddess Athena

• Erechtheum - Old Temple of Athena

MUSEUM

Acropolis Museum: The modern and visually striking all-glass Acropolis Museum proved to be a must-visit, offering a close-up encounter with ancient sculptures that is truly unparalleled. It was built to house every artifact found on “the rock” from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. Drift around, enjoy the A/C. Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42, Greece

GARDEN

National Garden: For a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle, we found the National Garden to be a picturesque oasis, perfect for leisurely strolls and moments of shade away from the crowds. Address: Leof, Vasilisis Amalias 1, Athina 105 57, Greece

Stroll Evripidou Street

• Varvakios, Athens' Central Market: Foodies should not miss “the most fragrant street in Athens” and its indoor market, which has been open since 1886. Aisles of fresh fish and bustling butcher stalls offer visitors an authentic cultural experience deeply rooted in the history of this place. Address: 42 Athinas St Psirri, Athens, 105 51

• Elixir Spices and Herbs: Pick up some gorgeous dried oregano (still on the stem) and my favorite Greek mountain tea, which is collected from the hillsides all over Greece. Address: Evripidou 41, Athina 105 54, Greece

• Miran Deli: Opened in 1922, this is the place to find cured sausages to bring back home. A secret back patio serves as an impromptu restaurant to try any of the cold cuts and cheese in the case. Address: 45 Evripidou Street, Athina 105 54, Greece

Breakfast

Most hotels have wonderful breakfasts included, but if you feel like venturing out — these are our favorite spots.

• Koulouri tou Psyri: Many flights arrive super early in the morning, so if you are starting your day really early, make a stop at the 24-hour bakery, To Koulouri tou Psyrri, to savor the delicious Greek sesame bread rings known as Koulouri Thessalonikis. Address: 23 Karaiskaki, Psirri

• Picky Coffee Roasters & Brunch: Cute brunch spot located in the vibrant Psyri neighborhood. Address: Christokopídou 14, Athens 10554 Greece

Coffee

• Dope Roasting Co. - Pro tip: If your husband is a coffee snob (like mine) and is always looking for a good cup, this is the place. Large outdoor patio in the square. Address: Vissis 25, Athina 105 51, Greece

• The Bar in Front of the Bar - Address: Petraki 1, Athina 105 63, Greece

Lunch

• Louis Bistro: French cafe in the heart of downtown Athens. Perfect spot to recover from a hot day at the Acropolis, rehydrate with drinks, lunch and some people watching. Address: 3, Athens 10563, Greece

• Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani: Charming corner restaurant serving up traditional Greek and Middle Eastern fare. Memorable dishes such as Fried Cheese, Greek salad, Marinated Anchovies with herbs, Sausages and Candied Carrots on Yogurt left a lasting impression on our taste buds. Address: Sokratous 1 Evripidou 52, Athens 105 52 Greece

Wine Bar

• Materia Prima: Try local wines at this family-friendly neighborhood spot, which showcases wines chosen for their style, region, altitude or terroir and are paired with seasonal dishes. Address: Falirou 68, Athina 117 41, Greece

• BoBo “Boheme Bourgeois” Wine Bar: Come taste and discover Greek and international wines, wine-based cocktails and Greek beer. Address: 36 A. Zinni, Athens 117 42 Greece

Snack-on-the-go

• ZISIS: Choose your preferred seafood and order from the window at this “fried fish in a cone” spot, located in the old garment district. Address: Athinaidos 3, Athina 105 63, Greece

Dinner

• Gastone Athens: A “butcher tavern” where we dined on a delicious smoked eggplant dish, a rice bowl with crackling pig and finished with a plate of sweet and famous Loukoumades (bite-sized sweet honey donuts). Address: Praxitelous 43, Athina 105 60, Greece

Next time we are in Athens, we will be heading to Pharaoh, known for their wood-fire cooking, natural wine list and vinyl DJ sets. Also Linou Soumpasis k sia, for their legendary kakavia (fish soup) and candle shop.