Athens Layover Tips
Updated: Mar 19, 2022
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Athens is one of the most popular destinations for millions of travelers around the world. Pilots and Cabin Crew have the opportunity to explore this magnificent city on their layovers. Although Athens is a tricky destination, as if you do not know the secrets of the locals you might not experience to its maximum during your short stay. This is why as a true Athenian i would like to share with you some tips for making your layover in Athens an unforgettable experience!
So let us begin... and stay till the end, there is a surprise!
Walk through the most beautiful neighborhoods of Athens and see everything in the shortest time possible. I have created for you a walking route which can be downloaded and opened with the free app MAPS.ME. Step by step guide to use the map:
Step 1 Download the app
Step 2 Download the map of Athens inside the application. (Requires internet)
Step 3 Download and open the file provided below and enjoy your walk!
The app has an offline mode as long as everything has been set up beforehand as per the guide above.
On your way you will come across many significant monuments and neighborhoods from the ancient times till the modern classic era. If you have some extra time you can visit the Acropolis museum (Next to the starting point) and the Parthenon on top of the Acropolis hill. For the museum lovers, in case you want to go off track, i suggest you visit the most important museum in Greece, The National Archaeological Museum. Location can be found here:
Tips for your walk:
Wake up early, Wear a hat and keep hydrated during the summer period and wear comfortable shoes... Lots of tiled pedestrian streets.
Greek food (Very important!):
As you all know Greeks are associated with food. We love to consume it the same way we love to offer it to visitors! Philoxenia (aka Hospitality) is our main characteristic, commanded by our ancient boss, the god of Olympus, Zeus.
You will not get disappointed in almost any food establishment, but as at any capital of the world there are some tourist traps that i will help you avoid with my suggestions.
Breakfast with Acropolis view: You can try one of my favorite spots for breakfast, coffee and also afternoon cocktails.
Couleur Locale Athens
Note that breakfast is not our strong offering in Greece. It is however a recent fashion for places to serve breakfast. If you want to grab something on the go you can visit one of many bakeries and get yourself a traditional Greek pita (puff pastry) filled with ANYTHING you can imagine! Like this one:
Coffee stop in Plaka area along the walk: You can try any of the many cafes along your route. Two of my favorite ones are 'Melina' and 'Giasemi', both located in the picturesque stairs of Plaka.
Melina Cafe :
Giasemi Cafe:
A must while walking around Athens is to try the world famous Souvlaki!
There are plenty of choices around the route however one of the locals favorite is 'KOSTAS'
Kostas Souvlaki (Mon- Sat 09:00am - 04:00pm):
Time for dinner!
Again plenty of choices along the route... One excellent choice both for its quality and prices and again locals favorite is the well hidden casual 'tavernaki' (small tavern) - Enastron Psirri
For those who are looking for a more fancy choice 'Kuzina' is a great restaurant to visit. Book or ask to be seated at the terrace it is a must!
Time for some drinks? Important note: Drink slowly and in moderation! Locals always drink slowly sitting around the table talking about philosophy ... Do the same for a fun and great time on the many options offered in Athens.
Cocktail enthusiasts:
Noel
Clumsies
You prefer a drink with a great view? Let's Go....
360 Cocktail Bar
A for Athens
Anglais
What about a bit of shopping? Ermou Street is a favorite for shopping and the Monastiraki flea market is a must too!
Ermou Street
Monastiraki Flea Market
The surprise! : Win a full free service from A Trip To Greece, to use it whenever you decide to visit Greece for longer than a layover, in 3 steps!
Step 1: Take 5 selfies at the following places:
1: On top of the Acropolis Hill with a Parthenon background
2: Having your drink or food at the terrace of Couleur Locale with Acropolis background.
3: Sitting on the stairs of Plaka.
4: Biting a juicy Souvlaki… Any background!
5: Take a selfie at Adrianou Str with the Stoa Of Attalos at the back… Make sure that you have selected the correct monument!
Step 2: Like and follow us on our social media
Step 3: Send us your selfies on a private message… Don’t forget to smile!
And together we will make your next vacation in Greece an amazing experience!
I hope you have the best Athens experience! Regardless from our little competition above, I would love to hear your thoughts and your feedback in my city. Also, if you feel you want to do something out of the ordinary and you don’t know where to find it, let me know and I will do my best to look it up.
Have a wonderful trip…
A Trip To Greece
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