Athens: Crisis, spring and old stones! – Part 1

A weekend in Athens

February 2015 – Left and right form a coalition in Greece and of course, we have to fly there! In the middle of the biggest crisis in history – there are smarter things to do. But is Athens somehow uglier or less interesting becaus of that? Are the people not so nice anymore? No, not at all!

A friend of ours stayed in Athens for three months for his job. So, a ‘local’ could show us the city. ‘Problem’ was, that we only had one weekend to go there (Arriving on Friday afternoon, returning on Sunday noon). So what can you do in one weekend?

Very much! IF you get your ass up and maybe take a deodorant with you. It’s really interesting to see how far your legs can carry you, if you want to! We had sore muscles even two days later. Whoever says, this isn’t fun, must be a fool – totally worth it!

Our hotel

Arriving at the two star Adam’s Hotel and getting refreshed: Being there in low season, we enjoyed a free upgrade and a huge balcony with an amazing view over Plaka and Akropolis. Location inside the Plaka district was just perfect.

We really couldn’t imagine, why this hotel only has two stars. It was cleaner than many expensive hotels and staff was really nice.

Sightseeing

Starting our tour, we discovered that the ‘Olympeion’ is only open until 3 pm in low season. We missed it, but you can see it from the outside as well.

Passing the Zappeion.

Beautiful National Garden between Zappeion and parliament.

Luckily we arrived for changing of the guards! Funny shoes.

Thanks to our ‚local‘, we enjoyed the sunset at the lonliest place this evening: Philopappos hill south of the Akropolis. From here, you have a great view on it!

The view on the other side of the city wasn´t to bad aswell. The sunset light gave its best. Philopappos hill is really nice.

Athens by night

Aeropag: From here you can also enjoy a great view. But be careful: Slippery even when not wet!

Being a bit warmer, you could take some Vino with you and enjoy the view.

Plaka district is just amazing. Some rotten houses combine perfectly with touristy places!

Thanks to our good friend, we had a marvellous dinner at ‚ManhManh‘ restaurant. Great wine, starters and main courses. Unfortunately, there was no space left in our stomach for dessert. But they had delicious olives!