3 Days in Athens: Food, History & Unforgettable Views
Athens totally stole my heart. It’s the kind of city that somehow balances ancient ruins with rooftop cocktails, Olympic legends with lively food tours, and quiet catacombs with buzzing markets. I spent three unforgettable days soaking it all in—and eating everything in sight—before heading off to Paros. Here’s how it went down:
Day 1
First stop: Kostas for souvlaki. It’s supposedly the best in Athens—and after one bite, I was sold. Soft pita, juicy meat, simple perfection.
Next up, I walked over to Parliament and caught the changing of the guards in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It’s ceremonial, fascinating, and surprisingly moving.
To shake off the jet lag, I wandered through the National Garden (lush, peaceful, and full of shade—bless). Then it was off to the Panathenaic Stadium, home of the first modern Olympics. Bonus: the museum has every single Olympic torch, which is weirdly thrilling to see in person.
The evening started with a drink at Brettos, one of the oldest bars in Athens. The shelves glow with colorful bottles and the vibe is pure charm.
Dinner? A serious highlight. A Little Taste of Home had amazing food and some of the warmest service I’ve ever experienced. They weren’t kidding with the name.
Day 2
Today was all about the Acropolis. I finally got to see the Parthenon in real life, and yep—it’s every bit as impressive as you imagine. The Acropolis Museum is sleek, fascinating, and gives you so much context (plus: air conditioning!).
I also explored the Theater of Dionysus, basically the OG of all theaters, and the outdoor amphitheater nearby. Standing there imagining ancient performances? Kind of mind-blowing.
Lunch was next-level at Ergon House, a Michelin-starred spot where Greek food gets a modern twist. It was one of those meals you don’t want to end.
Later, I wandered through the Varvakios Market, where locals shop for everything from olives to octopus. And by total luck, I caught part of the Red Bull Show Run—yes, a full-on F1 simulation event right in the heart of Athens.
For dinner, I headed to Elysium Rooftop for cocktails and a meal overlooking the glowing Acropolis. The view? Unreal. The vibe? 10/10. The perfect ending to a legendary day.
Day 3
Started my last full day with a food tour led by Nassos, a local who’s passionate about Athens, its food, and its stories. We had strong Greek coffee, sweet loukoumades with honey and chocolate, and wrapped it all up with a proper Greek feast. I left full—in every sense.
Later, I hiked up to St. George’s Church, which might just offer the best views in all of Athens. The climb is worth every step. I also stumbled into the catacombs of an old church, quiet and full of history.
To end the trip, I had dinner with live music at Ionos. Great food, great wine, and that authentic Athenian energy you just can’t fake.
Next Up: Island Life in Paros
Athens gave me culture, carbs, and core memories—and now it’s time to hit the beach. Stay tuned for all the sun, sand, and sea coming up next from Paros.