Anyone travelling in or out via Athens is in for a treat - although it's not a classically beautiful city, it has amazing culture, food and nightlife.

Getting into the city

If you fly into the main Athens airport, taxis and Ubers have a set price into the city (though they may ask you for a few euros to pay the toll on the motorway). We usually just take the metro though - cross the road outside the airport and then tap your phone to enter the station. Go to the platform saying the trains are for "Δημ Θέατρο". For the city it's worth downloading Share now - a cheaper Uber alternative for yellow cabs.

Where to stay:

Whenever we go to Athens we stay in a neighbourhood called Kolonaki, which is just below the iconic Lycabettus Hill, which provides great views over the city. This is an upscale and relatively quiet neighborhood, slightly off the tourist track, with nice restaurants and bars. The trade-off is it's about 20 mins walk, or a short (5 mins) metro ride into the centre.

If you want to stay nearer the action (and the acropolis) choose Plaka for classic, walkable history and picturesque streets, or Monastiraki or Psiri for lively nightlife and more budget options. If you want a fancy hotel, we would always put ministers in The Grand Bretagne.

You could also consider Exarchia, which is a trendy and more bohemian neighborhood with great outdoor cafes and bars, cheap street food and abundant street art. It has a student/anarchist culture (including regular demonstrations). I would avoid the Omonoia neighbourhood.

What to do

- sunset or sunrise at the acropolis (worth a guided tour in my opinion) - beat the heat and better views

- watch a movie at one of the many outdoor cinemas in the city

- go dancing at our favourite salsa bar - Dos Gardenias

- late night at GhostHouse Karaoke

- get a freddo espresso / cappuccino ("sk- ieto" for no sugar)

- try mastica (ma-stee-kah) liqueur - Cam's favourite drink! Order a glass at a restaurant and put in a few ice cubes. No need for a mixer.

- visit a hammam to get scrubbed to within an inch of your life (in a good way)

- go to a rooftop bar for views of the acropolis - Attic is super touristy but I still quite like it

- climb (or take the funicular up) Lycabettus Hill

- try greek wines at Tanini Agapi Mou or Cinque wine bar.

- buy baklava - https://maps.app.goo.gl/nwWGG5wXxkdn5G7E8?g_st=ac

Our favourite places to eat and drink (but you can't really go wrong)

- με Kolonaki - (me Kolonaki) Great for healthy and flavourful breakfast and smoothies

- Dexamani - simple food, sat outside with great vibes

- Ama Lachei - good for the greek classics

- Pharaoh - trendy option for dinner so book ahead

- Cookomela grill - the BEST vegan gyros ("yee-roh")

- LUKUMΑΔΕΣ - satiate any late night sweet cravings with donut balls (a significant upgrade on TimBits, I promise)

- National Garden cafe - cute for a coffee in the park, though don't forget your bug spray

- The Clumsies and/or Baba au Rum - both multi-award winning bars with creative cocktails

- Brunello - Italian

- Oikeio - translating to "cosy" in greek, classic greek dishes