Page 84 - ANDRONIS magazine #1

LIVE andronIs - santorInI

If you like to spend plenty of time
wandering around and getting
The Cheese ideal for you. Grab the chance to
a feel for a new place, Athens is

explore everything this eclectic
NurTurers city has to offer.

Text: Despoina Sampson

It’s almost lIke you are pretending that you live there and
you are just taking a day off to relax and enjoy yourself, getting
a little dose of history and culture and maybe a couple of iced
coffee drinks along the way. Live like an Athenian with our
top 5 suggestions.

Wander the streets of monastIrakI and Plaka
Head straight to the very heart of the city. Much of the action
is right behind the Monastiraki metro station. Expect live
music and dancing in the streets in the afternoons. Every day
except Sunday, Monastiraki is a market area full of small shops
selling antiques, art and records. Cross Ermou Street to find
the picturesque Psiri, a neighbourhood full of cafeterias, bars
and tavernas. For a dose of tranquillity, head to Plaka, on the
other side. In its narrow cobblestone streets stand beautiful
listed buildings, and there are endless alleyways to explore.

dIscover the acroPolIs and athens from above
A favourite Acropolis spot is right next to flag, on the northeast
corner, with views of Athens stretching out below. One can
5 Things to Do see the ceramic tiled roofs of the houses in the Plaka area,

Hadrian’s Arch and the giant Temple of Olympian Zeus – as
well as Zappeion, the National Garden and the First Cemetery
in Athens to Feel Like of Athens. Make sure you take in this bird’s eye view of the
historic Greek capital and marvel at all the monuments you
can see from this spot. Is it too hot to visit the Acropolis? In
Athens, that can certainly happen… So just head to the best
a Local PhOtO: YiORGiS YeROLYmbOS spots to see it from afar. No matter where you are in Plaka,
you are no more than a short walk away, and you can play
hide and seek with this wonder of the ancient world behind
the buildings. Alternatively, head to Philopappos Hill to
enjoy stunning sunset views of both Athens and Piraeus.
Once you’re there, you’ll watch the sun dive into the sea in
an explosion of warm orange, pink and red, and you’ll also
get a chance to visit the 9th century Byzantine chapel of St
Demetrios Loumbardiaris. Keep in mind that a number of
great rooftop bars can be found all over the city – and they
Designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano, the SNFCC houses both the National Library of Greece
and the Greek National Opera. are great for watching the sunset too! ‣

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