Get him to the Greek part 1: Athens.

Instead, there’s a hunger for something different than the usual, something that inspires and educates me at the same time, something that will send my tastebuds into a frenzy and treat my eyeballs to a feast of delights. My Greek experience is served up on a silver platter, with a side of Tzatziki, ticking all of those boxes, with a kiss on each cheek.Athens; before you go:
Before landing in Syntagma Square in the centre of Athens, my first piece of advice is to clear your mind of everything you’ve heard about modern day Greece. This is a city that can be misunderstood. Meditate on it… do Tai Chi in the Parliament House forecourt while bayonette-donned soldiers in traditional dress change guard, whatever it takes, just be sure to appreciate this city for the cultural heartland that it not only represents, but heavily embodies. 

Iconic architecture from the ancient period is infused in the city, you’ll see it in museums, ruins and modern infrastructure. There’s also visual expression on display in murals on building walls, creating colour in the cobblestoned backstreets. Any sports fans out there can be treated to the passion behind this paint-wielding expressiveness next to the Panathinaikos Stadium where the streets are tattooed in green shamrocks and the number ‘13’, identifying the diehard supporters’ gate at the ground.
That said, no matter how pretty or fanatical the modern art around the city is, nothing compares to the sight of the mighty Acropolis looking over the city. This can be enjoyed either with a cocktail in hand from the rooftop bar at St George Lycabettus Hotel, or at the ruins themselves, however if you’re going to make the climb to the Parthenon, the best way to truly appreciate it, from its rich and storied history, to the significance of an olive tree on the path to the top, is with a guided tour. There’s something special and even mind-blowing to be said about seeing these ruins firsthand.

 

This trip through time is only enhanced by a trip to the Acropolis Museum, where artefacts and sculptures spanning from the Ancient Times to the Neo-Classical period produce a walk through history that is as awe-inspiring as it is rare.

 

It’s said that in Greek culture, food is the language. It’s how they express love, gratitude and festivity and it’s a delicious language to speak at that! There is a range of cooking class activities on offer ,however I recommend taking a food tour with a local. This way, you’re taken to some of the finest local producers and delicatessens in the nooks of Athens. From pastries, to cured meats, to olive oil and wine, you’re in for a treat in more ways than one, just don’t break the plates!
See: The Acropolis & Museum
It would be a crime to go to Athens and not see the Parthenon – an experience that will blow you away and leave you feeling like your grasp on history is a little bit sharper! Athens Walking Tours provide excellent tours of both the ruins and the museum.

 

Do: Greek Food Tours
Dopios offers a locals-become-tour guides service that allows you to discover the real hidden gems of Athens. An Athens food tour takes you through the fresh fish, meat and produce markets frequented daily by families and chefs, to the hidden delicatessens, wine, cheese and olive merchants through the backstreets of the capital.

 

Eat: In Town
A modern restaurant in the centre of Athens with the atmosphere of an enchanted forest, the hospitality of a big Greek family gathering and the food… well, it’s like mama used to make! Affordable and authentic – the perfect combination.
Stay: New Hotel, Athens

 

One of the finest hotels you will ever stay in… and I’ve stayed in a few! New Hotel not only nails the basics of a good hotel, it blows them out of the water! The customer service here is next level from the second we walk through the door, with a beverage offering, escort to one of the plush couches in the lobby and provision of a book detailing the unique art projects that make up the hotel’s iconic décor.

 

Upon a friendly and informative check-in, we are given a tour of the hotel by the porter, plus a personalised introduction from our dedicated housekeeper. Our room is modern yet funky and is feature packed, but as I previously said about nailing the basics, the bed is the jewel in the crown. I could’ve slept for days! The hotel also has a rooftop bar area, the Art Lounge (with Acropolis views) and a unique, yet personal breakfast offering that leaves us spoilt for choice.

 

Drink: Brettos Bar
Eye-catching, social and delicious all in one! Brettos Bar is a vibrant cocktail bar tucked in the laneways near Syntagma Square. This hive of colour and activity is a great place to go for some traditional Ouzo, beer off the wood, a fine scotch or a flashy cocktail to get your night off to an exciting start.

 

Play: Technopolis
The former gasworks-now-art precinct is a summertime playground for the city’s young and fun, with gigs, comedy and other artistic performances on show each night throughout the summer months.
From its sometimes surreal beauty, often bolded, underlined and highlighted by its rich natural and cultural history, Greece is more than a ‘take some photos for the bucket list’ destination. It’s a place where we can connect with the origins of the world and relax while marvelling at both Mother Nature and the work of historic men. After all, the Greek Gods were the first real rock stars… and they got to the Greek in a big way.
Stay tuned for ‘Get him to the Greek, part 2: Santorini”

Have you been to Athens? Share your travel tips in the comments.

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