Athens, Greece's capital, is where old and new come together. You'll see ancient ruins right next to busy neighborhoods, making for a one-of-a-kind city feel.

The nice weather and lively streets make Athens great for visitors who want to soak up culture, art, and cool experiences. Getting around is easy with good public transport and streets you can walk.

• Athens boasts a rich food scene mixing old recipes with new ideas
• The city's markets are goldmines for fresh produce and local favorites
• Eating on rooftops gives amazing sights of famous spots like the Acropolis

Why foodies love Athens

Athens takes food seriously. You can find all sorts of eats here, from old Greek recipes to new takes on classics. There's something for everyone, no matter what you like or how much you want to spend.

Greek food is all about fresh stuff, simple cooking, and big flavors. Athens has all of this in spades. The markets are full of colorful veggies, sweet-smelling herbs, and locally-made meats and cheeses.

A great way to get to know Athens' food scene is by going on a food walk. These tours take you around different areas, showing you tasty local bites and hidden spots.

Best spots for quick bites on the go

Eating on the street in Athens isn't just quick – it's a tasty adventure. You'll find sellers all over with things like souvlaki and koulouri.

Souvlaki might be the most famous Greek street food. It's meat (usually pork or chicken) cooked on a stick, wrapped in pita bread with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. For really good souvlaki, check out O Kostas in the middle of town.

Another must-try is koulouri, a bread ring covered in sesame seeds. It's great for breakfast or a quick snack. You'll see people selling these all over, especially near train stops.

If you want something sweet, look for loukoumades. These are little fried dough balls with honey and cinnamon on top. Krinos, an old shop in the heart of Athens, makes some of the best.

How to shop at Athens' food markets

The food markets in Athens are amazing to see, smell, and taste. The biggest one is the Central Market, also called Varvakios Agora. You can find everything here from fresh fish to cured meats and olives.

The market has different parts:

• Meat
• Fish
• Fruits and veggies
• Spices and dried goods

Go early to see the market when it's busiest. Don't be shy about asking to try things – most sellers are happy to let you taste.

For a newer market feel, try the Athens Food Market in the cool Gazi area. This indoor market has fancy food stalls and places to sit and eat with others.

Why you need to try Greek coffee

Greek coffee is a big part of life in Athens. It's like Turkish coffee – ground very fine and made in a small pot called a briki.

Here's how to ask for Greek coffee:

- Sketos: No sugar
- Metrios: A bit sweet
- Glykos: Very sweet

For a real Greek coffee experience, go to Mokka, one of the oldest coffee shops in Athens. They make their own coffee beans and serve coffee the old-fashioned way.

Remember, Greek coffee is for sipping slowly. It's not just a drink; it's a way to hang out with friends.

The scoop on Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt is famous all over now, but it's best to try it where it comes from. In Athens, you'll find yogurt that's thick, creamy, and a bit sour.

Many cafes and restaurants give you Greek yogurt with honey and walnuts for breakfast. For something special, try yiaourti me meli – yogurt in a clay pot with honey and nuts.

"Greek yogurt isn't just food; it's how we live in Athens." - Local saying

How to eat at a real Greek taverna

You can't go to Athens without eating at a traditional taverna. These casual places serve home-style Greek food in a relaxed setting.

When you eat at a taverna:

• Order lots of mezedes (small dishes) to share
• Try the house wine, often in metal jugs
• Take your time – meals are meant to be slow and fun

Some popular taverna dishes are moussaka (eggplant and meat casserole), dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), and horiatiki (Greek salad).

For a great taverna meal, try To Kafeneio in the Plaka area. They've been cooking traditional Greek food since 1836.

Best places to eat with a view

Athens has lots of hills, which means you can eat on rooftops with amazing views. Many restaurants let you see the Acropolis and the whole city while you eat.

For a meal with a great view, try:

• GB Roof Garden: Fancy food with Acropolis views
• A for Athens: Casual rooftop bar with good cocktails
• Orizontes: Nice dining on Lycabettus Hill

Make sure to book ahead, especially when it's busy with tourists.

How to eat well without spending too much

You don't need to spend a lot to eat well in Athens. There are plenty of cheap options that locals love.

Try these tips:

1. Go to the Central Market for cheap food
2. Find souvlatzidika (souvlaki shops) in areas where people live
3. Try peinirli, a boat-shaped pizza that locals like
4. Look in areas where students hang out, like Exarcheia, for cheap meals

Don't forget about bakeries. They often sell savory pies like spanakopita (spinach pie) and tyropita (cheese pie) which are cheap and filling.

What makes Athens' desserts special

Desserts in Athens mix old Greek sweets with new ideas. Many use honey, nuts, and thin pastry dough.

Some desserts you should try:

• Galaktoboureko: Custard pie with sweet syrup
• Baklava: Layers of pastry with nuts and honey
• Loukoumades: Little fried dough balls with honey and cinnamon

For a new take on Greek desserts, go to Serbetia. They make creative desserts based on traditional Greek flavors.

FAQs

When do people eat dinner in Athens?

People in Athens usually eat dinner late, around 9 PM or even later. Many restaurants don't open for dinner until 8 PM.

Can I drink the tap water in Athens?

Yes, you can drink the tap water in Athens. But many locals like bottled water better, especially in summer when the tap water might taste like chlorine.

Should I tip at restaurants in Athens?

You don't have to tip in Athens, but people like it when you do. If you're happy with the service, leaving 5-10% is normal.