Anyone been to Athens and any recommendations

[SalamanderOnHoliday]

Got a weekend, never been before...any hints and tips? Like old stuff, good food, walking, and a tiny bit of 7nterssting shopping,

There is actually surprisingly little to do in Athens! My friend and I finished our month long backpacking trip with 4 days there and wished we hadn’t allowed so long. This is fine if you’ve just got a weekend though. Obviously, do the Parthenon and museums around there. This takes about half a day. There are some lovely cafes at the bottom of the hill leading up there. The port area is pretty swanky and good for a look around too.

I did a free walking tour ( you give a tip at the end) and that was really good. Lots of intresting history and good cheap food too. The historical sites are a must! Some areas are a bit run down and dodgy so just be streetwise! Also stray cats everywhere but they come over in restaurants if you are sitting outside for food. Also some nice outdoor markets.

I really like Athens. There is actually a fair bit to do if you like history (although can get a bit samey if you try to do 5 sites in a day).

The Agora and Acropolis are the must dos and will fill a day between them. Pay for the Acropolis museum (it is a fair bit, but worth it), and go there first before walking up to look at the ruins. There's a combo ticket for loads of sites, which you should look into if you want to see more than those two.

The National Archaeological Museum is also fantastic. There's a wonderful restaurant fairly close by in a pretty garden called Ama Lachei, which I highly recommend.

For food also check out the Petralona area (lovely walk from Parthenon area over the Filopappou hill), which is a nice, slightly hipstery neighbourhood with loads of good restaurants and not many tourists - have a look on Google or just walk around and pick whatever looks good.

Not a huge shopper, but Monastiraki flea is fun if you like random antiques, vinyl etc.