Page 135 - ANDRONIS_2020

Stay in Athens Alongside the foot of the Acropolis,

It’s almost lIke you are pretending that you live walking the pedestrianised city centre streets
there and you are just taking a day off to relax and enjoy is akin to visiting an open-air museum.
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 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 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 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
are great for watching the sunset too! ‣

Head straight to the very heart of the city. Much of the action is
right behind the Monastiraki metro station.

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