Athens Awaits
I spent five days in Athens, and it turned out to be the perfect home base—especially with Jordan and Egypt just a short flight away. But what truly took me by surprise? The food. Athens’ food scene completely stole my heart. I ate exceptionally well. So warning: a big piece of this blog is dedicated to the unforgettable meals that made me fall in love with the city—one bite at a time.
Where to Stay in Athens
We stayed at two different hotels during our time in Athens, so here’s a quick breakdown:
Apollo Palm Hotel
This was our first stop and the view of the Acropolis from our room was nice. The area was just okay, but the hotel itself was clean, comfortable, and reasonably priced. If you’re looking for something budget-friendly with a great view, it’s a solid choice.
Golden Age Hotel
We stayed here for one night. It’s located in a more residential part of the city, which felt peaceful and local. It was also super affordable, making it a great option if you want something low-key and well-located.
The Dream Stay: The Dolli Hotel
While I didn’t stay here this time, The Dolli is my dream hotel in Athens. It’s modern, luxurious, and incredibly well-designed—perfect if you’re looking to splurge on a high-end experience. Also, the pool overlooks the acropolis. It’s stunning.
Must Do
Visit Acropolis
Changing of the guard at Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square. It’s a uniquely Greek tradition. The ceremony happens every hour, on the hour, but if you’re in Athens on a Sunday, go at 11 a.m. That’s when the full formal ceremony takes place, complete with traditional uniforms and a marching band.
Explore Athens Rivera
Ok, now let’s get into the good stuff. THE FOOD!
Papaioannou Restaurant Vouliagmeni Perfect option for seafood in Athens Rivera. Everything was so fresh & delicious! One of the best Greek salads i’ve ever had.
Dolli’s Everything was so good! The hotel is so stunning. You dine with the perfect view of the acropolis. I loved everything we ate. Salad, sushi, & pasta.
Wine is Fine This was super popular & recommended but I thought it was just ok.
Sarri’s Souvlaki Alot of skewers. Very good. Perfect if you want something cheap and fast.
Manari TavernaIf you’re a meat lover, run here. We went two nights in a row. Ask to sit at the bar—trust me. The vibe is intimate, and you’re practically in the kitchen watching the chefs work their magic. My man is a serious meat critic, and even he was impressed. I can’t remember the exact dish names (and good luck finding the menu online), but here’s what we had: a fresh salad, bone broth pasta, insanely juicy burgers, and a pistachio French toast dessert. Just go. You’ll get it.
360 Cocktail Bar Nice place to grab a drink with a view of the acropolis.
I’d love to return to Athens when it’s warmer and spend more time exploring the Athenian Riviera. Island hopping is definitely on my list too—Milos, Santorini, and Mykonos.