A day in Athens: Brunch, history & Acropolis view
Planning a city break with atmosphere instead of everyday stress? Then check out our day in Athens – with a stylish brunch, charming alleyways, sightseeing, and an unforgettable dinner with a view of the Acropolis. Perfect for recreating!
Today is a special day – our first full day in Athens and also the birthday of Laura, my wife's sister. The morning begins relaxed: Stella and I get an authentic Greek frappé early – around 8 a.m. – from a small café on a quiet side street. At that hour, there's hardly anyone around, a real stroke of luck, as the café is already open.
Back at the holiday apartment, we celebrate Laura's birthday and toast with four frappés. The atmosphere is lively, and we set off for breakfast in high spirits.
Brunch in Athens: Stylish and delicious
Athens surprises us with a multitude of brunch spots. We opt for "The Makers Athens," a popular breakfast restaurant with a stylish atmosphere. We're lucky and get a large table right away. The music inside is a bit loud, but our anticipation of the food outweighs that.
Fresh juices, coffee, salmon on bruschetta, chocolate porridge, ciabatta with roast beef, açai bowl, and pulled pork toast – breakfast was a complete success. At €15 per person, it was absolutely fair. We could even have done some clothes shopping on the side, as the café feels like a mini concept store. A start to the day that would make any Berlin hipster envious.
Sightseeing with Turbopass: Practical and versatile
Refreshed and energized, we begin our sightseeing. With the Turbopass, we head to our first attraction: the Museum of Illusions. The rooms play with light, perspective, and mirrors – perfect for taking vacation photos. Without the Turbopass (normally €12), the visit would probably have been too expensive for us, but it's well worth it. In 40 minutes, we've seen everything and can briefly escape the midday heat – especially welcome for our youngest, who is even more sensitive to heat than I am.
Strolling through Plaka: History meets the present
Next stop: Plaka, the oldest quarter of Athens. We stroll along the city's oldest commercial street, which has been in continuous use since antiquity. The merchandise has naturally changed, but the charm remains.
In a small shop called "Mona Lisa," we treat ourselves to some ice cream. The flavors look amazing—perfect for Instagram—but are a bit too sweet for my taste. No problem, though, because we soon discover a leafy alleyway with "To Kafeneio," a small Greek restaurant. There, we enjoy wine, beer, and water in the shaded courtyard. The view of an old stone staircase and the tranquil atmosphere almost make us forget that we're in the middle of a metropolis.
Taking the hop-on hop-off bus through Athens
After a short stroll through the streets of Athens, we buy snacks and water and board the hop-on hop-off bus – also included in the Turbopass. We manage to snag seats upstairs, protected by a light canopy. We also have the stroller with us, which makes boarding a bit tricky, but we're prepared.
During the journey we will see, among other things, the Acropolis, the Greek Parliament with the changing of the guard and the National Archaeological Museum – many highlights in a short time and in a very relaxed manner.
Birthday dinner with a view of the Acropolis
The evening brings the day's highlight: dinner at the GH Attikos Restaurant with a view of the Acropolis. We reserved a table here to celebrate Laura's birthday – and it was well worth it.
The selection of food and drinks is fantastic: cocktails, beer, and wine accompany sophisticated appetizers such as olives, fried calamari rings with peppers, and feta with dates. We were particularly impressed by the feta – so much so that we'll try to recreate it later when we're back in Zakynthos.
The main courses – from bifteki and lamb to moussaka and spaghetti – were also absolutely delicious. The service was warm and attentive; they even provided pens and paper for our youngest. The view of the illuminated Acropolis made the evening unforgettable.
Outlook for the next day
Tomorrow we're visiting the Acropolis itself – we already have tickets. We're looking forward to more impressions and will of course share them with you. It's going to be exciting!
Conclusion: Athens is a surprise across the board.
Athens captivates with a unique blend of history, culinary delights, and atmosphere. Whether exploring quiet alleyways, enjoying culinary highlights, or visiting impressive landmarks – this day is a truly memorable experience.
My tip: Take your time, stroll through the neighborhoods, sample the cuisine, and savor the little moments. Athens has more to offer than you might initially think.