Two days of museums in Athens

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The National Archeological Museum is a must. If you only have time to visit one museum, this one should be it. There is a lot to see so plan at least two to three hours here. It isn't a bad idea to become acquainted with the museum's collections prior to visiting. This is the best way to explore Greece's history. After your visit to the museum, stop for lunch at Athinaikon or Ideal. Then walk up Panepistimiou street to see the National Library, the Academy of Athens, and the University of Athens. These three buildings are located right at the Panepistimio metro stop.

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Called the "three temples of learning", the National Library, the University of Athens and the Academy of Athens are outstanding examples of 19th century architecture - all in a row. All three buildings were constructed by Danish architects Theophil Freiherr von Hansen and Christian Hansen and each is set out on a city block. Unfortunately no one but officials and researchers are granted admission.

Closest metro is the Panepistimio station. Other points of interest nearby are the Numismatic museum, the museum of the City of Athens (Vouros-Eftaxias) and the National History Museum (Old Parliament).

Description:

The evening dinner/tour begins with a pleasant scenic drive through the illuminated boulevards of Athens, as far as Piraeus, Greece's principal commercial port. Continue to Marina Zea, one of the busiest yacht harbors in the Mediterranean and home port to many luxury pleasure yachts belonging to Greece's ship owning and international jet-set communities. From here, a short drive to Mikrolimano, another picturesque yacht and fishing boat harbor, home to the ex Royal Yacht Club and many fine waterfront seafood restaurants. Finally the tour returns to Athens and the renowned "Plaka" district, located around the base of the Acropolis, for dinner with live floor show at a typical Greek taverna. Bus pick up is at Hotel Amalia at 10 Amalias street.

Description:

Behind a vine-covered gate, in a romantic white mansion, eight thousand years of Greek history come alive. Enjoy prehistoric works of art, rare manuscripts, Byzantine icons, historic weapons and paintings. The greatest attraction is the reconstructions of 18th and 19th century living. The museum also features a Childhood and Toy Department (with 15,000 historic games and children's items from around the world), a Chinese Art Department (with ceramics as old as 4,000 years) and a Coptic Art Department where displays include rare textiles from Egypt.

Along with the standing collection, temporary exhibitions that spotlight artwork and culture are rotated on the top level. The museum shop offers upscale treasures like hand-embroidered linens, painted porcelain, silver, and a hefty selection of premium books on Greek culture. A cafe and roof garden is located on the top level, providing an excellent place for a light snack, tea or coffee with a stunning view of the Acropolis.

The striking building was designed by Greek architect Anastasios Metaxas who was also responsible for the restoration of the Panathenaic Stadium one block away.The Benaki has two additional museums worth visiting:... read more

Description:

The Nicholas P. Goulandris Foundation private museum houses a remarkable collection of objects dating back to the 3rd millennium. Among this collection which features art from ancient Greece, the Cycladic culture and Cyprus, what will imprint in the visitor's mind are the white marble Cycladic figurines and vessels. Of interest is also a permanent exhibition "Scenes from daily life in antiquity". An additional highlight are the temporary exhibitions in the Stathatos Mansion (Vasilissis Sophias Ave and 1 Irodotou St.), accessible via an internal passage way between the buildings. Don't miss touring this beautiful building, an outstanding example of 19th century Neoclassical architecture. In addition there are activities for children and museum reproductions at the museum shop. Exit the museum and head up into Kolonaki for a coffee or lunch. The closets metro stop is Evangelismos. Other museums in the vicinity are the Benaki Museum, National Gallery-Alexandros Soutzos Museum, War Museum and Byzantine Museum. If you want to escape the concrete and asphalt spent some time in the National Gardens.

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The National Gardens are located off Syntaga Square next to the Parliament building. This oasis in the city was originally the private gardens for the royal palace (now the Parliament). In the 1840s, Queen Amalia had horticulturalists bring in over 10,000 domestic and exotic plants, many of which still remain. The garden was opened to the public in 1923, however over time it fell into neglect. Efforts were made to restore the vegetation, paths, pond, etc. and prior to the 2004 Olympics the gardens were fully transformed. Winding paths lead past statues, fountains and a small bird sanctuary. There is also a botanical museum, duck pond and playground and a small zoo housing domestic animals. Nowadays joggers take to the paths and families bring their children to play. Tucked to one side is a small cafe (along Irodou Attikou street) and the southern entrance leads into the Zappeion Gardens.

Our Local Expert Says:

Authentic home cooking and fresh fish. Gets crowded weekday evenings and weekends.

Description:

On the ground level of an office complex in Kolonaki is the site of an eatery dedicated to ouzo, a traditional Greek liquor that is accompanied by a variety of tidbits, usually seafood. This place features a very large selection of ouzo and other traditional spirits in Athens. The menu includes a variety of flavorful dishes that make a perfect fit to this drink of choice. Diners will find meat, fish and vegetarian dishes.

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After 10 years of serving happy clients on the island of Paros, famed fish taverna Papadakis closed its doors only to open them in 2005 to the same faithful clients in the chic Kolonaki neighborhood of Athens. Tables have rarely been empty. Chef-owner Argyro Barbarigou, a Paros native, and chef George Kostas prepare innovative Greek dishes using fresh ingredients with a twist. The octopus simmered in a honey-wine sauce is a favorite along with the Papadakis salad and a number of the seafood-based risotto dishes. They have a good wine list and even make their own ice cream. A hit is the halva (sesame and honey) ice cream. Order the dessert first! Reservations recommended.