One Day in Athens for Food and Culture

Trying to plan the proper itinerary for someday in Athens for foodies? We’ve received you coated.

Throughout my childhood, Greece existed as a fantasy realm, with its crystal-clear waters and sandy seashores. The well-known vacation spot at all times introduced up a smile, with the (supposedly) unending summers. The nation of solar, leisure, and pleasure.

I’m fairly completely happy this was at all times the creativeness and the tales I’ve heard concerning the nation as a result of years later, as an avid traveler, Greece entered simply into my bucket listing.

Earlier than leaping in to share my ideas for spending someday in Athens having fun with the perfect meals and tradition, I need to give a little bit background on me as a traveler. To be truthful, my travels began as a younger child—not on my own, after all, however my mother and father’ curiosity and exploration of the world undoubtedly continued with my passions. In a while, I developed my very own touring strategy and elegance, pursuing and mixing my passions for nature, mountaineering, cultures, and other people.

It was at all times the combination of sustainable travels, being surrounded by locals and vacationers, and ‘searching’ for these native gems that not each traveler will get to see.

Right here is an outline:

How Did I Turn into an Athens Skilled?

After touring in Asia, dwelling in Japan, and touring extra in Europe, my ardour for mountaineering led me to dwell in Greece—however not in Athens. In actual fact, I dwell 4 hours away from town, and that’s why I really feel prefer it’s the proper place for me to offer ideas and tips to each traveler, particularly in relation to meals—whenever you go to recurrently however often, you turn into an knowledgeable!

So, let’s go from begin to end for spending someday in Athens. After all, you don’t have to do it abruptly in case you have extra time within the metropolis.

Associated learn: A Guide to Athens, Greece

Foodie Itinerary for One Day in Athens

Prepare for a scrumptious and busy day in Athens.

Associated learn: Things to Do in Athens

Morning: Begin With a Freddo Espresso and SpanaKopita (Spinach pie)

If French cities are identified for his or her baguettes and croissants, Athens, or any Greek city, to be truthful, is understood for its pies. These pies are completely different from the pies we think about, and I assume the correct relative is the Turkish burek, however let’s go together with pies.

These recent, home-made, spinach and cheese pies may be present in any café and bakery within the metropolis. After they’re made within the morning, scorching from the oven, they’re at their finest. They’re a mixture of flavors you gained’t discover elsewhere. You possibly can attempt making them your self, however you undoubtedly want greater than a recipe—you will want the native contact steerage.

For me, the perfect neighborhood for this morning stroll to search out the proper pie is Exarchia—the ‘revolt’ neighborhood of central Athens, the place younger locals take pleasure in their time between cool cafés and bars in slender alleys. I preferred that the mornings are fairly quiet, and on the similar time, they permit a pleasant view of the locals’ morning hangouts whereas studying a bit concerning the vibrant tradition of town and the neighborhood. 

Speaking concerning the mornings, they at all times include a espresso, don’t they?

In Greece, Freddo Espresso is sort of a should. We’re speaking about an ice-mixed espresso that gives an distinctive espresso expertise, whereas the perfect one I had was at an Athens native’s house. Stroll out from Exarchia and go up the principle street to search out a number of the well-known cafés of Athens. On the best way to the Psiri neighborhood and the Athens meals market, in the direction of lunchtime, with the primary views of the day in the direction of the Acropolis. 

Associated learn: How to Order Coffee in Greece

Lunch: Go native!

After visiting Psiri and getting your urge for food working because of all the great vacationer affords, it’s time to go to the Athens Central Meals Market. This market has all the things you’ll be able to consider – spices, fish, meat, nuts, espresso, and fruits. Exploring the market is a journey in itself. You possibly can stroll across the market, scent and see the substances, and perceive the native delicacies and the way it grew to become so well-known for its number of flavors, recent substances and distinctive use of legumes, salads, and all these scrumptious delights. 

Greece has quite a bit to supply, so it’s nice to decide on native. Attempt to not fall into the basic vacationer traps (regardless that they’re scrumptious, as nicely), and select native. Discover meals experiences with native consultants or, since we’re speaking about lunchtime – taking a meals tour is an ideal option to fill your urge for food and study one thing new, whereas another choice is simply to enter these market eating places that look correctly native. Numerous them are literally utilizing the market’s items and they’re simply open for lunch.

The affords are countless, however as at all times, I help ordering loads of small dishes so you’ll be able to attempt all the things (and don’t miss the Greek ‘Gignates’—large beans in tomato sauce).

Associated learn: A Guide to the Best Street Food in Athens

Be a part of This Lunchtime Meals Tour

Embark on a culinary journey via the guts of Athens, the place you’ll discover town’s vibrant meals scene. This strolling tour will lead you to iconic native spots, together with the bustling central meals market and storied delis, some over a century previous.

Take pleasure in an array of Greek culinary delights—savor snacks, cheeses, chilly cuts, olives, and sip on native wine, culminating in a standard lunch at a scenic Greek taverna.

This expertise is lauded for its inclusive feast of meals and wine, alternatives to mingle with the locals, and the steerage of Pascal, a passionate host wanting to share his prime foodie spots. Include an urge for food and depart with a wealthy style of Athenian tradition.

Worth: €61/ guest
Begin time: 1:30 pm
Assembly tackle to be offered as soon as the reserving is confirmed

Book this tour directly with the operator!

Dinner: Dine within the Greatest Setting

The well-known Acropolis of Athens has a real magic to it—standing on prime of the hill is that this historical construction with a robust presence, particularly at evening or within the night. The hill is lightened, and that provides it the ‘wow’ impact.

Begin your afternoon strolling across the older neighborhoods surrounding the hill, absorbing the particular ambiance. As you get additional, visit the Monastiraki neighborhood and the open-air flea market.

Now that you’ve walked rather a lot – it’s time to eat!

The countless choices round these areas may be overwhelming, however what higher manner to make sure of an amazing night coming than selecting a spot with a view to the Acropolis?

Athens affords fairly just a few rooftop eating spots to take pleasure in the perfect view of town. Many locals are conscious of that, so it’d even be a real native expertise! The Greeks are well-known for his or her hospitality and kindness, so preserve your eyes open and prepare to benefit from the one and solely Greek combine (it’s feta cheese with recent greens)—nice meals, nice alcohol, nice ambiance and the perfect views of Athens!

There’s a lot extra!

Whereas scripting this tip, I questioned if I ought to share particular dishes or simply let the readers discover. Effectively, I made a decision to allow you to discover!

The rationale for that’s that Athens is actually particular and distinctive simply to stroll round in. The town heart is sufficiently small to stroll in every single place and discover all the perfect spots. And in relation to meals, let the locals information you. They’re really consultants in flavors.

So, my principal tip can be to join with the locals via meals and tradition. The remainder will occur.