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Two days of museums in Athens
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On this tour you will visit several of the most important museums in Athens. On the first day you will spend half of your day visiting the National Archeological Museum followed by lunch at Athinaikon which serves ouzomezedes, traditional Greek appetizers that go well with ouzo, Greece’s national drink. Next you will visit three beautiful neoclassical marvels: the National Library, the Academy of Athens, and the University of Athens. Two dinner options: Athens tour by night and dinner in Plaka or an ancient Greek dining experience. On the second day you will the Benaki museum and the museum of Cycladic Art and stroll through the National Gardens. Lunch in chic Kolonaki. Ask your hotel to make your dining reservations and book your tour.
 Day Note
Begin this tour at the National Archeological Museum. Take a cab directly to the museum or else go by metro and exit at the Omonia station. Walk to Patision Avenue (aka 28 Octovriou) and head west until you see the National Archeological museum on your right (10 minute walk). When you buy your ticket ask for a museum map so that you can plan your tour. There is a lot to see so give yourself time. The lower level of the museum houses a gift shop and cafe that opens into an outdoor courtyard (Tu-Sun 8:30am-3pm and M 10:30am-5pm). After your visit to the museum, stop for lunch at Athinaikon (located on the corner of Panepistimiou street and the pedestrianized section of Themistokleous street). This taverna is about a 15 minute walk from the museum (back in the direction of Omonia Square). Please note that Athinaikon is closed on Sunday, so if you take this tour on a Sunday, then go to Ideal for lunch (46 Panepistimiou street). After lunch 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. They are noteworthy for their neoclassical architecture. A section of the National Library is open to the public (M-Th 9am-8pm, F,Sa 9am-2pm. In July M-Sa 9am-2pm, August closed). There is a great bookstore, Eleftheroudakis (17 Panepistimiou street, M-F 9am-9pm, Sa 9am-6pm) just one block away from the library which has an extensive collection of English language books. There is also a bookstore cafe which serves great pastries, light fare and refreshments. Two dinner options: for a unique dinner dining experience go to Archaion Gefsis and sample ancient Greek cuisine (Tu-Sat 5pm-1am, Su 12:30pm-5:30pm, M closed). It is easiest to go by taxi as the neighborhood is a little tricky. Or enjoy a bus tour, Athens by Night Tour by CHAT Tours, which includes dinner at a taverna in the historic district of Plaka (bus departs at 8:30pm).
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.
This bistro in the center of Athens is one of the city's oldest restaurants. The old-world charm of its decor, the large selection of food and the affordable prices have made it a very popular eatery for both lunch and dinner. The mainly Greek cuisine features all classic dishes such as moussaka, stuffed tomatoes and eggplant with minced meat, as well as the whole range of Greek appetizers and salads. International dishes and tempting desserts are also served.
The ancient Greeks were not just good at science, philosophy and the arts. They also had a reputation for more mundane pleasures, such as good food and wine. Some 2,300 year old uncovered recipes are proof of their skills in preparing very sophisticated dishes which are not just tasty but also very healthy. These recipes (which were found in ancient books) can be savoured at the beautifully decorated Archaion Gefsis near Omonia Square (a short walk from the Metaxourgio metro stop). Enjoy a unique dining experience with a spoon and knife only! The restaurant does not serve potatoes, tomatoes, lemon, rice or sugar as they did not exist in Ancient Greece.
Athinaikon is one of the best places to sample ‘mezedes', the traditional Greek appetizers that come in a large variety. Operating since 1932, the taverna is located just a stone's throw from Omonia Square. You have a choice among seafood bites such as grilled squid, anchovies or mussels baked in cheese and several fish dishes including salmon, swordfish and cod. Vegetarians should skip the kebap, baked sausages and stuffed spleen to try out the traditional giant beans, the Greek cheeses or the fresh salads on offer. This hearty fare is best washed down either with Greek aperitifs like Ouzo and Tsipouro or wine. Please note that they do not accept credit cards.
Dating back to 1889, this majestic building houses one of the world's greatest museums. An exceptional collection of Minoan, Cycladic, Mycenean and Classical Greek art are exhibited in an enormous exhibition space. The Cycladic idols, the tall Kouros statues and the splendid classical sculptures stand out for their beauty. Among the most popular exhibits is the 3,600 year old gold mask of Agamemnon. There is even an ancient device from the first century BC, which is considered to be the world's oldest computer. A section of the museum also contains exhibits from Ancient Egypt.
Three splendid examples of 19th-century architecture can be found on Panepistimiou Street, a short walk from Omonia and Syntagma squares. The University of Athens, the Academy of Athens and the National Library form the so-called trilogy of neo-classical architecture which brought about a revival of this Ancient Greek building style. The university, constructed between 1839 and 1864, stands in the middle and features a facade with splendid wall paintings and an arcade modeled on the Propylaea of the Acropolis. The graceful academy was built between 1859 and 1885, and stands to the right of the University. It features beautiful statues and an entrance inspired by the Erechthion Temple of the Acropolis. The National Library (1887-1902) stands out for its monumental staircase.
Day Note
On this tour you will visit two museums, have lunch in the Kolonaki district and stroll through the National Gardens. Begin your day at the Benaki museum located on Vassilis Sofias Avenue, a short walk from Syntagma Square. This museum has an outstanding collection of art spanning 8,000 years of Greek history. Check out the museum café located on the upper level. The café opens out onto a terrace which overlooks the National Gardens. The menu includes lighter fare, desserts and refreshments (M, W, F, Sat 9a-5p, Sun 9-3pm, Th 9-midnight). On your way out visit the gift shop which sells very good quality museum reproductions, jewelry, toys for children, books and note cards. Next stop is the Museum of Cycladic Art two blocks away. This museum is a five minute walk from Kolonaki Square which is surrounded by cafes and restaurants. A favorite, To Ouzadiko, is several blocks from the square. You'll find it on the lower level of an office building. It serves wonderful Greek appetizers and you guessed it, ouzo. If you are in the mood for Greek island flavors then Papadakis Tavern is a must. Reservations are recommended for both. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon digestive walk through the National Gardens. If you've want to change flavors for your dinner, try fancy Asian fare at Far East on Stadiou street (one block from Syntagma Square) or Furin Kazan for more casual Asia fare (2 Apollonos Street, Syntagma Square, +210 322 9170).
A most tempting alternative to the fast-food chains present at Syntagma Square is the Furin Kazan. Just a three-minute walk away from the square, this Japanese restaurant is the right place for both a quick bite or a leisurely dinner after a full day of sightseeing in the city. The main draw of Furin Kazan is sushi. There is a variety of maki sushi and nigiri sushi as well as a range of other Japanese delicacies.
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.
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.
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.
Among the most unusual forms of art around are the prehistoric idols found on the Cycladic Islands. These strange-looking statues dating back to the 4th and 3rd millennium BC are of an almost extra-terrestrial beauty. Splendid samples of this art form can be found at the Museum of Cycladic Art. The museum also includes a collection of ancient art dating from the 2nd millennium BC to the 4th century AD with sculptures, pottery, jewelry, coins and other items. Reproductions of Cycladic idols can be bought at the museum shop.
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. A museum shop and a roof garden with a restaurant are available to visitors. The Benaki has two additional museums worth visiting: the Museum of Islamic Art and the Benaki Pireos Street Annexe.
The Far East is one of the oldest Asian restaurants of the city and the best place for Chinese, Korean and other Asian specialties in central Athens. Hidden inside a small arcade, the elegant dining room is decorated in the traditional style of Chinese eateries. Its cuisine features all the mainstays of Asian cuisine such as spring rolls, won ton, soups and teppanyaki. The Far East is just a short stroll from Syntagma Square. Sister restaurants of the same name can be found in the southern suburb of Glyfada and in Kifissia to the north.
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