This is probably the best time of the year to visit the Acropolis, Thissio and Monastiraki areas in Athens. The weather is ideal, not too hot, not too cold, while the tourism activity is mild.
Home-base tourism
Try and live the tourist experience in your home town. But don’t head up to the Acropolis. Instead, take off very early in the morning and visit the Ancient Agora’s archaeological site, a location Athenians often pass by during Sunday walks in the area, without ever actually visiting.
The vibe at the Ancient Agora is truly special. Besides the archaeological bounty, this spot offers unique tranquility, despite the vibrant activity in the nearby area. At this location, the Temple of Hephaestus, popularly known as “Thiseio”, gave the wider area its name. It is probably the best-preserved temple of antiquity, which can be explained by its use as a Christian church over a long period of time.
This is where Otto I, modern Greece’s first king, was officially welcomed, in 1834. During ancient times, Hephaestus, the patron god of metal working, craftsmanship and fire, was worshipped here. Pottery workshops in the area remain active to this very day. After enjoying the temple, settle in the area, weather permitting, for a sunrise experience, arguably the finest spot in Athens during autumn.
A largely neglected yet superb construction, the Byzantine-era Agion Apostolon church is situated within the Ancient Agora’s archaeological site, on the eastern side. Built in the 10th century, it is the oldest-surviving Byzantine church in Athens. Impressively, it has remained virtually unharmed over its 1,000-year history.
Old bazaar
As cliché as it may seem, the Monastiraki area’s bazaar at Avisynnias square, between Ermou and Ifestou streets, is a place where you can find all sorts of treasures from the past, including antiques, old records, books, magazines, oddities, even old family photos.
Though the trading activity here has quietened down considerably compared to the past, this is one of the few parts of Athens where everything continues to be done just like in the past. The vendors here are generally extroverted, so visitors can expect to learn a few things about the bazaar’s past.
Food at Kuzina
Situated in the Temple of Hephaestus area, on picturesque Adrianou, a pedestrian street, the Kuzina restaurant, housed at an old mansion of magnificent architecture, also has an additional surprise in store, a superb view of the Acropolis from its rooftop space, open between April and October. Kuzina’s amazingly situated rooftop earned the place a top-ten place on a BBC international list for restaurants offering the best view. But we wouldn’t recommend a restaurant simply on the strength of its view.
Kuzina offers a unique gastronomic experience based on modern Greek cuisine with fusion influences, curated by established chef Aris Tsanaklidis. The restaurant is recommended by the Michelin and Gogobot guides. The menu offers a wide range of choices. Indicatively – purely indicatively – we recommend the lamb shanks slow-cooked in the oven with a mix of potatoes, mushrooms and rosemary sauce. Fish enthusiasts may want to try the spiced tuna with ginger and wasabi sauce with tahini, also recommended. Complete your meal with one of many special desserts. What could be more charming than offering a loved one a 90-euro gift voucher for a dining experience at this fabulous restaurant.
Different kind of museum
Numerous museums and art spaces are located in the area. If you have children, we recommend that you spend some time at the Herakleidon Museum. Housed at two impressive buildings on Apostolou Pavlou and Iraklidon streets, the museum offers details on sciences, mathematics and technology of ancient times and how this knowledge continues to be applied to this very day.
The museum’s interactive presentation makes it appealing for visitors of all ages.
From Makrygianni to Plato’s Academy
A longish walk requiring roughly one hour to cover, the route from the Makrygianni area and Dionysiou Areopagitou st, and further on to pedestrianised Apostolou Pavlou st, is worth the effort. Chances are you may have walked this route on a number of occasions, but this does not take away from the beauty of covering it again. Pay attention to the superb buildings along the route, with the Acropolis high above, while, walking the downhill stretch of Apostolou Pavlou st features the Thissio cinema, hailed by CNN as Europe’s finest. From there, carry on for Ermou St.
If feeling a little tired, take the opportunity to stop at Goody’s Burger Spot, on 109 Ermou st, in Monastiraki. The place serves juicy burgers with three different beef patty varieties, fresh salads, fulfilling club sandwiches and a range of other selections.
We recommend you take your food order for a picnic at Plato’s Academy, an archaeological park about a 20-minute walk away. This lush space is an attraction for children, pets, families and street artists.
Reading and cycling under the Acropolis
Athens continues to be blessed with sunny weather in November. Try leaving your mobile phone at home for a day. Take a book you haven’t managed to finish reading or weren’t able to start during your summer holidays and head up to Pnyx hill, an official meeting place of the Athenian democratic assembly during antiquity, or to the National Observatory of Athens. Enjoy the view during your break from reading. These are terrific reading spots in Athens.
