Heading to Athens and looking for great places to Eat? We just spent four days there and discovered some fantastic spots. Here are several of our favorites for you to try on your next trip.
As the heart of ancient civilization, Athens is rich in history and culture, boasting landmarks like the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The city is also a culinary haven for foodies. Although we had an Airbnb where we could have cooked, we decided to dine out for every meal during our stay, as this was the final leg of our Balkan trip and we weren’t in the mood for cooking.
We savored the Mediterranean cuisine, enjoying fresh seafood, hearty rizogalo, and succulent souvlaki. We dined at traditional tavernas for authentic Greek flavors while also exploring newer restaurants and bakeries that offered modern twists on classic dishes. We’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite spots for your trip.
Quick Tips To Consider When Visiting Athens:
- Transportation: Use the metro for efficient travel; it’s affordable and connects you to major sites. For taxis, we found requesting a taxi via Uber was more reliable than hailing one off the street. If you prefer to hail a taxi, look for bright yellow cabs with a “TAXI” sign to avoid scams. Always ensure the meter is running and set to the base fare of €1.80. Most places are within walking distance making it easy to get around and if you take Uber or taxi it costs around €5 – € 8 ($5.48 – $8.76).
- Stay Connected: Staying in touch with your loved ones just got easier with eSim.
- Cash vs. Card: While most places accept cards, carry some cash for small vendors and markets. We had about €150 (about $164) in cash which was more than enough.
- What To Pack: Our trip was at the end of May early June, the temperature was around 85 °F, which was hot but bearable. Make sure to pack light and focus on breathable fabrics like merino, linen, quick-drying underwear and comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Check out our go to packing list for additional tips.
- Dining/Tipping: The local dining time is later than usual, starting after 9PM. Tipping is not mandatory but generally rounding up taxi fares or leaving a small tip such as €2 – €5 ($2.19 – $5.48) for good service is appreciated.
- Safety: We felt safe while visiting Athens. However, be cautious at crosswalks; drivers don’t always yield to pedestrians. Be aware of potential scams, especially at the Acropolis and any crowded touristy areas.
How to Get From Athens Airport to the City Centre:
By Bus
- Route: X95 – to Syntagma Square
- Duration: Approximately 60 minutes
- Price: €5.5 (about $6.38)
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
By Metro/Train
- Line: Metro Line 3
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
- Price: €9 (about $10)
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes
By Uber/Taxi
- Duration: Approximately 40 minutes
- Price: €40 (daytime) / €55 (nighttime)
- Note: Flat fare applies during specified times
By Airport Transfer:
For a seamless travel experience consider arranging an airport transfer. This option allows you to be greeted by a local driver upon your arrival. To ensure availability, it’s best to make your arrangements in advance. Click here to view pricing and book your transfer.
Places To Stay in Athens:
Things To Do In Athens:
Where To Eat In Athens
Ατίταμος/Atitamos
On our first day in Athens, we eagerly searched for a place to experience authentic Greek cuisine and chose Atitamos based on its glowing reviews and convenient 15-minute walk from our accommodation. Centrally located, Atitamos is known for its traditional Greek dishes made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Their specialties include a variety of meat dishes, seafood, and many mouthwatering appetizers and desserts. Best of all, the prices are reasonable.
Highlights From Our Visit:
Trying dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) for the first time was a new experience for us. We opted for the vegetarian version, filled with rice and vegetables, and the first bite was unlike anything we had tasted before. Initially, the taste was surprising, but with each bite, we found ourselves enjoying them more, especially when dipped in the creamy tzatziki sauce. The combination of textures and flavors was a delightful starter to our dinner, showcasing the richness of Mediterranean flavors.
The freshly baked pita bread tasted so good with the high-quality olive oil. We also enjoyed the grilled sardines, which were delicious but required some caution due to their bones. Oscar particularly loved the free-range fried chicken with chips, but what truly wowed us was the grilled salmon and mushrooms drizzled in olive oil; it was perfectly cooked and bursting with flavor. Overall, we had a fantastic dinner at Atitamos, making it a must-try destination for anyone visiting Athens.
The Brunchers
The Brunchers is an excellent choice if you are visiting Athens, conveniently located near the Acropolis and various attractions. The restaurant atmosphere is vibrant with both indoor and outdoor seating. While it can get busy due to its location and popularity among tourists, we were lucky to secure a spot inside and enjoyed a nice meal.
Oscar tried the savory stack pancakes, they were decent but nothing special. In contrast to the vanilla milkshake and salmon benedict which were exceptional. All dishes, including the flat white, were affordably priced. The Bruncher is an ideal brunch spot for all tastes.
IKURA Sushi
IKURA Sushi in Athens continues to be a favorite for Korean cuisine. On our recent visit, we revisited dishes like tteok-bokki and Makgeolli, which we enjoyed in 2022. Although it was hot we sampled the kimchi-jjigae with steamed rice and the Lava Roll. The kimchi-jjigae was really good.
Notably, prices have risen since our last visit, likely reflecting broader economic trends. Overall, the ambiance was pleasant, and the meal was satisfying, making IKURA a great choice for Korean dining in the city.
High Five Brunch
On our last day in Athens, we planned to return to The Brunchers but found it too busy to wait. Instead, we discovered High Five Brunch, a pleasant surprise. This highly rated brunch spot features fluffy pancakes that truly impress. Oscar ordered the cinnamon roll pancakes topped with cream cheese frosting, cinnamon and vanilla ice cream on the side. I, on the other hand, enjoyed the fluffy pancakes with tiramisu cream, peanut butter salted caramel, glazed banana, and chocolate ice cream. Both dishes were incredibly soft and delicious.
We also sampled the unique Darjeeling black tea and a vanilla smoothie. The restaurant’s relaxed vibe and artsy decor made it a perfect place to unwind. We highly recommend it for the excellent food, presentation, and ambiance.
Shisan Sushi Bar
This lovely sushi fusion restaurant offers a diverse selection of rolls at fantastic prices. If you’re eager to try something new and aren’t focused on traditional sushi, it’s a great place to relax with drinks and appetizers.
We sampled the hangover tempura with sweet chili sauce, along with the storm roll and a combination of salmon and tuna rolls. Our favorite was the hangover roll, which stood out to us.
Street Souvlaki
Feeling hungry one night, we decided to grab a quick bite at Street Souvlaki. Oscar ordered the kebab, which came with pita bread, tomato, onions, and fries, and he thoroughly enjoyed it. This is a good place for Greek street food.
Bakery And Coffee
While exploring the city, we came across Bakery And Coffee and were excited to sample their treats. We picked up several items to enjoy at our Airbnb, including strawberry mousse, cherry cheesecake, a glazed donut, fruit tart, and Keik Karydas (coconut cake). Oscar loved the cherry cheesecake, and I loved the Keik Karydas.
The staff at the bakery were friendly and incredibly low prices made our experience even better. If you are looking to indulge in delicious pastries while in Athens, this is for you.
Share Wish
We were so happy when we came across Share Wish while browsing around Athens. This bubble tea spot is a must-try, offering unique flavors like lotus milk tea, red bean milk tea, and pistachio milk tea. Oscar chose the lotus milk tea with kanten jelly, while I opted for the mango orange cheese yogurt. We ended up swapping drinks, as we both preferred the other’s choice.
The mango orange cheese yogurt was creamy and sweet, while the lotus milk tea offered a delightful sweet and savory flavor. Prices for snacks range from $1.09 to $7.64 making it an affordable option for bubble tea lovers.
Useful Greece Facts:
Capital: Athens
Location: Southern Europe
Language: Greek is the official language
Currency: Euro (€)
Official Dish: Although Greek salad is widely recognized, Greek cuisine includes various dishes based on olive oil, vegetables, and meats.
Known For: Greece is known for its beautiful islands, ancient ruins, and contributions to democracy, philosophy, and the arts.
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