One Day in Athens for Food and Culture

Trying to plan the right itinerary for in the future in Athens for foodies? We’ve bought 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) endless summers. The nation of solar, rest, and pleasure.

I’m fairly blissful this was at all times the creativeness and the tales I’ve heard in regards to 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 in the future in Athens having fun with one of the best meals and tradition, I need to give just a little background on me as a traveler. To be truthful, my travels began as a younger child—not on my own, in fact, however my mother and father’ curiosity and exploration of the world positively continued with my passions. In a while, I developed my very own touring method and elegance, pursuing and mixing my passions for nature, mountaineering, cultures, and other people.

It was at all times the combo 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 summary:

How Did I Turn into an Athens Skilled?

After touring in Asia, residing in Japan, and touring extra in Europe, my ardour for mountaineering led me to dwell in Greece—however not in Athens. The truth is, I dwell 4 hours away from the town, and that’s why I really feel prefer it’s the right place for me to offer ideas and methods to each traveler, particularly in terms of meals—once you go to often however often, you change into an skilled!

So, let’s go from begin to end for spending in the future in Athens. In fact, you don’t must do it unexpectedly you probably 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 recognized 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 suppose the right relative is the Turkish burek, however let’s go along with pies.

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

For me, one of the best neighborhood for this morning stroll to search out the right pie is Exarchia—the ‘insurrection’ neighborhood of central Athens, the place younger locals get pleasure from their time between cool cafés and bars in slim alleys. I appreciated 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 in regards to the vibrant tradition of the town and the neighborhood. 

Speaking in regards to the mornings, they at all times include a espresso, don’t they?

In Greece, Freddo Espresso is nearly a should. We’re speaking about an ice-mixed espresso that gives an distinctive espresso expertise, whereas one of the best one I had was at an Athens native’s dwelling. Stroll out from Exarchia and go up the primary street to search out among the well-known cafés of Athens. On the best way to the Psiri neighborhood and the Athens meals market, in direction of lunchtime, with the primary views of the day in 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 due to all the good vacationer provides, it’s time to go to the Athens Central Meals Market. This market has every thing you possibly can 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 elements, and perceive the native delicacies and the way it turned so well-known for its number of flavors, recent elements and distinctive use of legumes, salads, and all these scrumptious delights. 

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

The provides are infinite, however as at all times, I help ordering loads of small dishes so you possibly can attempt every thing (and don’t miss the Greek ‘Gignates’—large beans in tomato sauce).

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

Be part of This Lunchtime Meals Tour

Embark on a culinary journey by way of the guts of Athens, the place you’ll discover the 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 outdated.

Take pleasure in an array of Greek culinary delights—savor snacks, cheeses, chilly cuts, olives, and sip on native wine, culminating in a conventional 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 high foodie spots. Include an urge for food and go away with a wealthy style of Athenian tradition.

Worth: €61/ guest
Begin time: 1:30 pm
Assembly handle to be supplied 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 high of the hill is that this historical construction with a robust presence, particularly at night time 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 got walked rather a lot – it’s time to eat!

The infinite choices round these areas may be overwhelming, however what higher means to make certain of an awesome night coming than selecting a spot with a view to the Acropolis?

Athens provides fairly a number of rooftop eating spots to get pleasure from one of the best view of the 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 maintain 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 one of the best views of Athens!

There’s a lot extra!

Whereas scripting this tip, I puzzled 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 middle is sufficiently small to stroll all over the place and discover all one of the best spots. And in terms of meals, let the locals information you. They’re really consultants in flavors.

So, my most important tip could be to join with the locals by way of meals and tradition. The remaining will occur.