One Day in Athens for Meals and Tradition

Trying to plan the right itinerary for sooner or later in Athens for foodies? We’ve bought you lined.

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

I’m fairly completely satisfied this was all the time 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 checklist.

Earlier than leaping in to share my ideas for spending sooner or later in Athens having fun with one of the best meals and tradition, I wish 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 dad and mom’ curiosity and exploration of the world positively continued with my passions. In a while, I developed my very own touring strategy and magnificence, pursuing and mixing my passions for nature, mountaineering, cultures, and folks.

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

Right here is an summary:

How Did I Develop into an Athens Skilled?

After touring in Asia, residing in Japan, and touring extra in Europe, my ardour for mountaineering led me to reside in Greece—however not in Athens. The truth is, I reside 4 hours away from the town, and that’s why I really feel prefer it’s the right place for me to present ideas and tips to each traveler, particularly in the case of meals—if you go to usually however sometimes, you grow to be an knowledgeable!

So, let’s go from begin to end for spending sooner or later in Athens. In fact, you don’t have to do it when you have extra time within the metropolis.

Associated learn: A Information to Athens, Greece

Foodie Itinerary for One Day in Athens

Prepare for a scrumptious and busy day in Athens.

Associated learn: Issues 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 right relative is the Turkish burek, however let’s go along with pies.

These recent, home-made, spinach and cheese pies could be present in any café and bakery within the metropolis. After they’re made within the morning, sizzling from the oven, they’re at their finest. They’re a mixture of flavors you gained’t discover elsewhere. You’ll be able to attempt making them your self, however you positively want greater than a recipe—you will have the native contact steering.

For me, one of the best neighborhood for this morning stroll to seek out the right pie is Exarchia—the ‘rise up’ neighborhood of central Athens, the place younger locals get pleasure from their time between cool cafés and bars in slender alleys. I preferred that the mornings are fairly quiet, and on the identical 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 all the time 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 seek out a few of the well-known cafés of Athens. On the way in which 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: Learn how to Order Espresso in Greece

Lunch: Go native!

After visiting Psiri and getting your urge for food working due to all the great vacationer presents, it’s time to go to the Athens Central Meals Market. This market has every little thing you’ll be able to consider – spices, fish, meat, nuts, espresso, and fruits. Exploring the market is a journey in itself. You’ll be able to 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 so much to supply, so it’s nice to decide on native. Strive to not fall into the traditional vacationer traps (regardless that they’re scrumptious, as effectively), and select native. Discover meals experiences with native specialists or, since we’re speaking about lunchtime – taking a meals tour is an ideal approach 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. Plenty of them are literally utilizing the market’s items and they’re simply open for lunch.

The presents are infinite, however as all the time, I assist ordering a number of small dishes so you’ll be able to attempt every little thing (and don’t miss the Greek ‘Gignates’—large beans in tomato sauce).

Associated learn: A Information to the Greatest Road Meals in Athens

Be part of This Lunchtime Meals Tour

Embark on a culinary journey by means of the center 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 steering of Pascal, a passionate host desirous to share his high foodie spots. Include an urge for food and depart with a wealthy style of Athenian tradition.

Value: €61/ visitor
Begin time: 1:30 pm
Assembly deal with to be supplied as soon as the reserving is confirmed

Ebook this tour straight 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 powerful 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 environment. 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 infinite choices round these areas could be overwhelming, however what higher approach to make certain of an important night coming than selecting a spot with a view to the Acropolis?

Athens presents fairly just a few 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 environment and one of the best views of Athens!

There’s a lot extra!

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

The explanation for that’s that Athens is actually particular and distinctive simply to stroll round in. Town heart is sufficiently small to stroll in every single place and discover all one of the best spots. And in the case of meals, let the locals information you. They’re actually specialists in flavors.

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