One Day in Athens for Meals and Tradition

Seeking to plan the proper itinerary for someday in Athens for foodies? We’ve acquired you coated.

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 happy this was all the time the creativeness and the tales I’ve heard concerning 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 someday in Athens having fun with the very best meals and tradition, I wish to give a bit of background on me as a traveler. To be truthful, my travels began as a younger child—not on my own, after all, however my mother and father’ curiosity and exploration of the world positively continued with my passions. Afterward, I developed my very own touring method and elegance, pursuing and mixing my passions for nature, mountain climbing, cultures, and other people.

It was all the time the combination 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 outline:

How Did I Turn out to be an Athens Professional?

After touring in Asia, residing in Japan, and touring extra in Europe, my ardour for mountain climbing led me to reside in Greece—however not in Athens. The truth is, I reside 4 hours away from town, and that’s why I really feel prefer it’s the proper place for me to offer ideas and tips to each traveler, particularly in terms of meals—if you go to often however sometimes, you develop into an knowledgeable!

So, let’s go from begin to end for spending someday in Athens. After all, you don’t must do it abruptly 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 recognized for his or her baguettes and croissants, Athens, or any Greek city, to be truthful, is understood for its pies. These pies are totally different from the pies we think about, and I assume the right relative is the Turkish burek, however let’s go together with pies.

These recent, home-made, spinach and cheese pies might be present in any café and bakery within the metropolis. After they’re made within the morning, scorching 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 have to the native contact steering.

For me, the very best neighborhood for this morning stroll to search out the proper pie is Exarchia—the ‘rebel’ neighborhood of central Athens, the place younger locals get pleasure from their time between cool cafés and bars in slender alleys. I favored 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 concerning the vibrant tradition of town and the neighborhood. 

Speaking concerning the mornings, they all the time include a espresso, don’t they?

In Greece, Freddo Espresso is sort of a should. We’re speaking about an ice-mixed espresso that gives an distinctive espresso expertise, whereas the very best one I had was at an Athens native’s house. Stroll out from Exarchia and go up the principle street to search out a number of 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: The way to Order Espresso in Greece

Lunch: Go native!

After visiting Psiri and getting your urge for food working due to all the great vacationer affords, it’s time to go to the Athens Central Meals Market. This market has every part 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, odor and see the elements, and perceive the native delicacies and the way it grew to become so well-known for its number of flavors, recent elements and distinctive use of legumes, salads, and all these scrumptious delights. 

Greece has quite a bit to supply, so it’s nice to decide on native. Strive to not fall into the basic vacationer traps (regardless that they’re scrumptious, as nicely), 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 another choice is simply to enter these market eating places that look correctly native. Numerous them are literally utilizing the market’s items and they’re simply open for lunch.

The affords are countless, however as all the time, I assist ordering a whole lot of small dishes so you possibly can attempt every part (and don’t miss the Greek ‘Gignates’—big beans in tomato sauce).

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

Be part of This Lunchtime Meals Tour

Embark on a culinary journey by the center of Athens, the place you’ll discover 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 wanting to share his prime 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 handle to be offered as soon as the reserving is confirmed

E book this tour straight with the operator!

Dinner: Dine within the Finest Setting

The well-known Acropolis of Athens has a real magic to it—standing on prime of the hill is that this historic construction with a powerful 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 environment. 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 countless choices round these areas might be overwhelming, however what higher means to make sure of an ideal night coming than selecting a spot with a view to the Acropolis?

Athens affords fairly a number of rooftop eating spots to get pleasure from the very best view of 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 the very 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. Nicely, 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 heart is sufficiently small to stroll all over the place and discover all the very best spots. And in terms of meals, let the locals information you. They’re really specialists in flavors.

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