{"id":952,"date":"2012-12-12T10:04:25","date_gmt":"2012-12-12T10:04:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/2ndcupoftea.com\/?page_id=952"},"modified":"2020-02-01T15:46:25","modified_gmt":"2020-02-01T15:46:25","slug":"tg-tips-athens-greece","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/2ndcupoftea.com\/?page_id=952","title":{"rendered":"TG Tips – Athens"},"content":{"rendered":"

I love Athens, yes I mean that. Not just Greece, but even the capital Athens. I have heard countless times people share my sentiments about the surrounding country and of course the incredible, just incredible Greek islands. But equally I have heard so often that Athens is big, dirty, grey, polluted and generally only a jumping off point for everything else Greek.<\/p>\n

\"Athens

Athens Acropolis – The Most Beautiful City Skyline in The World?<\/p><\/div>\n

I have to disagree. I have been coming here since I was 20 and have fallen a little more in love with the city on each visit. Since starting work as a Tour Guide, I have pretty much been here at least once per season for 12 seasons. 2012 was the first season none of the agencies I worked for sent me here, so time on my hands, I decided to come under my own steam.<\/p>\n

I have rented an apartment for 5 weeks (from 10th Dec 2012 to 16th Jan 2013) and will be trying to discover the city beyond what I know from guiding (which does tend to be a little similar on each visit). This page is therefore currently a work in progress. In five weeks, hopefully there will be some good Athens tips for future visitors.<\/p>\n

Bars<\/strong><\/p>\n

Drunk Sinatra, Thisos<\/em> – There are so many very good bars in Athens, it is one of the highlights. Drunk Sinatra is just another one really. I visited on a Tuesday in deepest darkest recession time and the place was packed. Quite a young, good looking crowd.<\/p>\n

\"Drunk

Drunk Sinatra, cool place for cool people<\/p><\/div>\n

Drinks are reasonably priced, good atmosphere, both inside and out. Very close to the centre, but I doubt many tourists find it. DJ and cocktails. Certainly worth a stop on an Athens bar crawl. No website, but they are on facebook and twitter.<\/p>\n

Restaurants<\/strong><\/p>\n

Who doesn’t love Greek food? It’s almost right up there with Italian and perhaps only comes second due to slightly less variety? Something I aim to discover the truth of. Like bars, there are so many great places to eat in Athens and the prices have stayed reasonable compared to say, Italy. I will start with my oldest discovery – a place I have been coming to for more than 15 years and I am relieved to see, is still going strong…<\/p>\n

Scholarhio, Tripodon 14, Plaka<\/em> – A guide once told me it translates as something like ‘The scholar’. Makes sense as it is near the old university. It’s a great concept; the menu is \u20ac14 per person. They always have 18 meze dishes – which includes all the classics.<\/p>\n

\"Spoilt

Spoilt For Choice – The Meze Selection at Scholarhio<\/p><\/div>\n

Starting from a chocie of 2 per person, the quantity of dishes you can select increases in line with the number of diners. The more you are, the better you eat (also includes a drink, bread, water and a dessert). Have been so many times and will keep coming back Scholarhio Ouzeri Kouklis<\/a><\/p>\n

Random<\/strong><\/p>\n

Pain Thing Tattoo, Antinoros 7<\/em> – I am in no way advocating tattoos, I have a few and love them, but each to their own. However it has – perhaps rather stupidly – become a part of travel for many young people to get a tattoo. Not sure it is a wise idea on the road, but IF you are at least go to a good one, a clean one and why not also a friendly one? Lefteris and Leah are extremely friendly, professional and very talented. Check out their facebook page. Pain Thing Tattoo<\/a><\/p>\n

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