When you have just about a whole day in Athens…
The first time I went to Athens, I was a junior in high school. Our family’s annual trip led us to the Mediterranean where we explored Egypt, Turkey and Greece in one sweltering summer. From riding the camels in the desert in Giza to snapping photos in front of the Trojan Horse in Turkey, the entire voyage landed on an exhilarating exclamation point when we finally arrived in Greece where I had a chance to geek out on a plethora of Gods that I memorized through Homer’s The Iliad and The Odyssey. These stories resided in a special pocket in my heart, since they were the first novels I fully understood after learning English at the age of eleven.
On our Mediterranean trip, Athens was the last stop so my father offered to buy souvenirs at several gift shops. Every store we entered, there were massive collections of my teenage self’s spirit animal: dolphin. There were dolphin snow globes, key chains, T-shirts, candles, picture frames….you name it. Since my father was being his usual generous self, I stocked up on a different dolphin item at every shop. Our guide explained to me that: in ancient Greek beliefs, dolphins symbolize good luck. And that, I certainly felt.
Twenty-three years later, I found myself back in the same place. This time, for work. Again, Athens was our last stop after a hilarious trip through the Cyclades. By the time we stopped by Greece’s capital city, there was one singular day to consume all the cultural offerings this ancient metropolis exuded beyond its rough edges. Handmade rugs, cocktail bars, humid strolls, quick grub, customized sandals, and a stylish dinner. This time, there was a lot less sightseeing (except for the Acropolis,) but I still kept my eye out for a lucky dolphin.
Sometimes, childhood memories live on for decades. Sometimes, it’s even more nostalgic when they resurface in different parts of the world.
SEE
Acropolis
Athens 105 58, Greece
The grandaddy of all the landmarks in the city must be the Acropolis of Athens, which is an ancient citadel situated on the hilltop. Throughout centuries, this was the home to kings and the Gods. In addition, it has also survived vandalism and major earthquakes. Above all, both the Acropolis and the Parthenon symbolize Greek civilization, the start of Westernization and a token of European culture.
SHOP
Plaka
Surrounding the slopes near the Acropolis is the neighborhood of Plaka, where you can find tons of local shops and flea markets perfect for souvenirs to bring home. Since it’s so close to the Acropolis, Plaka is often referred to as “neighborhood of the Gods,” and is considered as one of the most beautiful areas in Athens.
Melissinos Art -The Poet Sandal Maker
Tzireon 16, Athina 117 42, Greece
The Melissinos sandal man (not Sandman,) is a third generation leather sandal-maker. From the royals, celebrities to travelers like us, Melissinos handcrafts and customizes each pair so that they fit perfectly and comfortably. Stop by his shop, where the walls are covered with stars who have worn his sandals, and you’ll be fitted for a bespoke pair of gladiators. I can’t think of a better self-gift to bring home!
Buy handmade textiles
When in Greece, support handmade products like traditional Greek textiles, rugs or carpets. You’ll find various stores throughout Athens’ main shopping areas, but we made our stop at Yannis Michalopoulos Hand Made Rugs. You’ll probably want either furry Flokati or the Greek key which exudes contemporary designs.
EAT
Quick Pitta
Mitropoleos 78, Athina 105 63, Greece
Quick Pitta is a fun spot for a, well, quick lunch. Greek salads, gyros, souvlakia…the menu features traditional Greek dishes at affordable prices. This modern restaurant is known for gyros (pita wraps of cooked meat from a vertical rotisserie,) and souvlakia (small pieces of meat grilled on a skewer.)
The Albion
Omirou 6, Neo Psichiko 154 51, Greece
The Albion is a luxurious restaurant located in the northern part of Athens. The stylish décor captivates a posh crowd who wants to enjoy a tasty evening out on the restaurant’s colorful patio. Start your meal with delicious cocktails, then make your way through a delightful menu which highlights all the seafood freshness that Mediterranean and Italian gastronomy delivers. The desserts are not to be missed, make sure to try as many as you can!
DRINK
The Clumsies
Praxitelous 30, Athina 105 61, Greece
As one of the World’s 50 Best Bars, The Clumsies is an all-day bar inside an Athenian townhouse illuminated by natural light, giving the ambiance a sense of casual cool. The menu can only be read under UV light, meanwhile the cocktails are just as inventive, typically made with Greek fermented or dehydrated ingredients.
STAY
Life Gallery Athens
Leof. Thiseos 103, Athina 145 78, Greece
Life Gallery Athens is definitely unique from all other options in the city. The beautiful and modern hotel sits atop a plot of luscious green land surrounding by vegetation, a fairly rare sight for the streets of this ancient city. The hotel is built with sleek lines and filled with futuristic décor, making you feel more like James Bond than a humble tourist.
