For travelers coming from Europe or even the U.S., a weekend in Athens can be quite the experience. In fact, it makes for a great few days’ stop, before heading to your next destination. In this post, I’ll show you five ways to make the most of a long weekend in Athens.
1. Bespoke Hotels To Stay In: King George | Grande Bretagne
When you are planning a trip, one of the most important decisions you will have to make is where to stay. Choosing the right hotel can make all the difference in your travel experience. Your hotel is your home away from home while you are traveling. It needs to fit your needs and preferences. Do you value comfort and privacy? Look for a hotel with spacious rooms and a quiet location. Do you want to easily reach places of interest? Stay in a centrally located hotel.
Five-star hotels like the ones I mention below offer something special beyond basic amenities. Look forward to personalized service, unique design elements and attention to detail that can make a stay truly memorable. They also tend to be located in prime locations, with breathtaking views or easy access to local attractions. All of these factors and many more can contribute to a truly indulgent and memorable travel experience.
But let me let you in on a little secret. One of the benefits of using my personal travel service is my VIP experience, which can take your stay at the hotel to a whole new level. These include special perks (subject to availability) such as room upgrades, complimentary breakfast, spa/resort credits, early check-in, late check-out and much more.
Hotel Grande Bretagne
My Walkthrough Tours of Suites & Amenities in Grande Bretagne
(Click Top Right To View Playlist)
Imagine a breakfast buffet in a rooftop restaurant with a gorgeous view of Syntagma Square and the Acropolis. That is just about everything you could imagine for a good morning. But that’s not all Hotel Grande Bretagne has to offer. The perfect combination of exquisite service, attention to detail, in-house spa, and storied history makes this hotel one of the best places to stay in Athens.
Thanks to its prime location in the heart of Athens, the main sights, the National Gardens and the museums of the city are just a stone’s throw away
Throughout the hotel, you will find original artwork and various restored antiques. Not to mention, the hotel’s suites feature 24-hour butler service and luxurious bed and bath amenities such as Frette linens and Acqua di Parma bath products.
King George Hotel
My Walkthrough Tours of Suites in King George Hotel
(Scroll to the Bottom of the Playlist)
King George Hotel is a grand five-star hotel located right on Syntagma Square in central Athens. It towers over the surrounding buildings like a castle, but with all the modern amenities. Opened in 1930 and renovated in 2013, the hotel still exudes Old World glam with its neoclassical interior, decorative columns, marble floors, and huge crystal chandeliers. There’s no doubt King George embodies the vibrant culture of Athens as well as the extravagant cityscape that surrounds it.
One of King George’s main selling points is its unparalleled views of the Acropolis. Each room opens to a balcony or window overlooking the Acropolis or the tranquil inner courtyard. The Presidential Suite certainly offers one of the best views in all of Athens. It features floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious terrace with a private swimming pool and dining area for up to ten guests!
2. Attractions To Visit: Acropolis | Archaeological Museum of Athens | Syntagma Square
Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is an iconic landmark of Athens. Spread across a series of hills and plateaus, overlooking the city of Athens and the Aegean Sea, the site has served as the center of Greek life and the place where the entire Athenian government was based during the 5th century BC. Remnants of several buildings from this period stand today, the most famous being the Parthenon.
This stunning Doric-style temple, built in honor of the goddess Athena, testifies to greatness in every aspect of its design, with massive columns and a ceiling height of nearly 100 feet! Other architectural marvels of the period included the Erechtheum and the Propylaea, which was literally formed as a grand entrance to Athens.
Soak in the breathtaking views from atop these ruins remembering that the mighty columns you gaze up to were built by the hands of designers who lived more than 2,500 years ago!
Ancient myths abound about Hera, Athena, and Poseidon all competing to decide where to build their temples. Choose your favorite among these myths and sit at their feet as you take in all that surrounds you! The Acropolis is one of the most popular places to visit in Athens. So expect large crowds, especially at midday. The best time to visit is either around the opening and the last two hours before closing.
The National Archeological Museum
The National Archeological Museum of Athens is one of the most important archeological museums in the world and home to artifacts from all over Greece. A visit to the museum is a great place to learn more about ancient civilizations and archeological sites you will visit on your Greece itinerary. The museum displays an extensive collection of ancient marble and bronze statues, mosaics, coins, helmets, and spearheads.
Among them, are the Artemision bronze statue of a Greek god, which was found in the sea off the coast of the Greek island of Kea in 1866. There’s also the Antikythera mechanism, which is arguably the oldest analog computer ever invented, and the Gold Death-Mask, also known as the Mask of Agamemnon.
In addition to the exhibition galleries, there are thousands of other artifacts laying in storage for lack of space, reflecting the diversity and richness of ancient Greek civilization. You can also visit galleries of ancient Egyptian and Cypriot antiquities.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square has been the heart of Athens and the epicenter of democracy since the city became the capital of the modern Greek state.
It is inextricably linked to the historical events that have taken place in Greece over the last two centuries – it has been a place of social upheaval and protest demonstrations. One of the most significant was the demonstration of September 3, 1843, which forced King Otto to yield to the Greek people who had gathered in front of the palace to demand a constitution.
Today, Syntagma Square is one of the most famous squares in Europe and the perfect central location for sightseeing.
Numerous sights such as the Acropolis of Athens, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are within walking distance from here.
Next to the square, you will find some iconic landmarks, such as the Greek Parliament building (once the royal palace ) and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place daily.
Next to Syntagma Square is the National Garden, which together with the Zappeion Hall Garden covers 24 hectares full of rare flowers, plants and trees. Taking just a few steps into the garden, you’ll find an oasis that allows you to completely escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
3. Neighborhoods To Explore: Plaka | Kolonaki | Monastiraki
Plaka
On the northeastern slope of the Acropolis and its ancient temples, you’ll find the Plaka district. It is one of the oldest historic neighborhoods in Athens and certainly has that laid-back, old-world charm to it.
The best way to explore Plaka is on foot as you wander through the small cobblestone streets lined with century-old buildings Here you find family-owned businesses selling clothes, trinkets, jewelry and ceramics. There are numerous cafes (kafeneio, as the Greeks call them) and traditional Greek tavernas where you can grab refreshments before heading out again. This neighborhood is extremely popular with locals and visitors alike.
Kolonaki
Kolonaki is one of the most prestigious neighborhoods in Athens. You can think of it as the gourmet and fashion center of Athens. And rightly so! With its chic boutiques (think Gucci and Armani), high-end restaurants and luxurious art galleries, Kolonaki can easily be mistaken for an affluent Parisian arrondissement.
It is, however, distinctly Greek with its mosaic sidewalks, towering neoclassical buildings, and graceful wide tree-lined avenues. In this neighborhood you will find some of the best places to eat in Athens – classic Greek cuisine, gourmet modern dishes, farm-to-table meals, brunch, delicious seafood, and classic Greek meals – it’s all here.
History buffs will be glad to hear that Kolonaki is also home to the Benaki Museum and the Goulandris Museum of Cycladic Art, two of the best private collections in Greece.
Monastiraki
Monastiraki is another central district of Athens with a different vibe from its neighbors. The heart of it is the market – a flea market that operates every day where you can buy almost anything – clothes, jewelry, pottery, artwork, sweets, baked goods, electronics, and antiques. Expect the smell of baked goods to immediately entice you the moment you step into the narrow alleyways.
In Monastiraki, you will also find Ermou Street, the main shopping street of Athens. The one-and-a-half-kilometer-long street, which is only accessible to pedestrians, is a good place to pick up a few souvenirs. It also offers many of the usual stores that you will find in any major shopping street in European cities. You will also find all types of street performances from clowns, musicians, and mimes. At night, Ermou Street comes alive. In my opinion, it is one of the best places to go in Athens for nightlife.
Related: Top London Neighborhoods To Visit
4. Dishes & Drinks To Savor: Moussaka, Meze, Greek Wine, and Much More
Greek cuisine is Mediterranean and focuses on simple, fresh ingredients. Many of the best local dishes from Athens contain a healthy dose of olive oil with sharp, crumbly feta cheese, made from sheep and goat milk. Both taste fabulous on salads, meat dishes, and vegetarian staples.
But that’s not all. There is so much more to try in the Greek capital.
Souvlaki is just one of the many delicious Greek spit-roasted and charcoal-grilled meat dishes. It consists of skewered pieces of pork served with pita bread or gyros stuffed with onions and chopped tomatoes.
Another popular classic Greek dish is moussaka, a baked dish of sautéed eggplant, and ground beef cooked with tomatoes, creamy bechamel sauce and garnished with a fluffy layer of cheese.
If you are feeling bold, take a shot of ouzo, the traditional Greek liquor. It has a licorice flavor and is said to aid digestion.
If you love wine, you’ll be spoiled for choice at Athens Wine tasting, which offers private wine tastings and excursions of the ancient vineyards of Attica.
For those who love snacks, try meze and loukoumades. Mezedopoleio – or meze, as it’s known internationally – is Greek-style tapas of small hearty dishes (cold or hot) served to share and complement drinks. Lukumádes are round, crispy Greek dough balls traditionally served with honey and cinnamon. They can be taken to an indulgent next level and come with a dazzling array of fillings and sweet toppings.
Related: Ten Popular Culinary Tours Worth Checking Out
5. Activities To Enjoy: Odeon of Herodes Atticus Show | Changing of the Guard | Greek Wedding Show
Odeon Herodes Atticus Events
How would you like the idea of watching a show in a 2,000-year-old theater under the night sky of Athens? Enjoy an unforgettable evening at the magnificent amphitheater, Odeon Herodes Atticus. The ancient Roman theater in Epidaurus has been preserved to look like it did when it was built back in 161 AD. Today it hosts music concerts and other art performances every summer during the Athens-Epidaurus Festival.
Change of the Guard
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded 24 hours a day by two Evzones, members of the Presidential Guard, a specially selected elite unit of the Greek Army. Every hour the Evzones perform the Change of the Guard” at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. However, the Sunday changing of the guard at 11 a.m. is a more ornate ceremony in which a group of soldiers marches to the tomb, accompanied by a band playing traditional Greek military songs. To get the full experience, try to see not only the hourly changing of the guard but also the Sunday ceremony.
Greek Wedding Show
Something extra for the fun-loving and adventurous travellers.
Greek weddings are known all over the world for their fun and extravagance, but if you do not know any Greeks getting married, you can still experience all the fun: with the Greek Wedding Show. Staged in a centuries-old building, you get to take part in a (fictitious) wedding as a real guest. This show consists of an interactive performance with costumes, singing, dancing and traditional live music, as well as a traditional dinner with Greek tapas and wines. You even get to smash some plates!
Related: The Best Local Annual Festivals in Portugal
Plan The Perfect Weekend in Athens
I hope you’ve enjoyed my ultimate guide to a long weekend in Athens!
While 2-3 days may not seem like enough, it still gives you plenty of time to enjoy a taste of everything the city has to offer. The key thing is to arrive early enough on Friday and leave as late as you can on Sunday or even Monday morning.
If you need help planning the perfect Athens weekend gateway or have any questions, feel free to contact me.
As a personal travel consultant, I help my clients plan once-in-a-lifetime trips that often include a weekend stay in historic cities like Athens. With such a short time and so much to do and see, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s where it pays to have someone well-versed in international travel planning holding your hand all the way from the start to the end of your trip.
All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy your trip. I’ll take care of everything else.
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