Athens for Indian Travellers: Acropolis, Food and Islands
Description
The Acropolis and 2,500 years of history, Greek food that is easy for vegetarians, and the ferry port for Santorini and Mykonos: the gateway to every Greece trip.
Athens is where Indian travellers start a Greece trip, usually before flying or sailing to Santorini and Mykonos. Two nights is enough for the highlights: the Acropolis and the Parthenon early in the morning, the excellent Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and evenings in the lanes of Plaka and Monastiraki with the lit-up Acropolis above.
Greek food is among the easiest in Europe for vegetarians. Greek salad, spanakopita (spinach pie), gemista (stuffed tomatoes and peppers), fava, chickpea dishes, grilled halloumi and yoghurt with honey are everywhere. During the Orthodox fasting periods many tavernas offer "nistisima" dishes that contain no meat, dairy or egg.
Book the Acropolis online for the first slot of the day: by noon in summer it is hot, crowded and the marble is slippery. Athens is cheaper than the Greek islands, so it is a good place to spend a night longer. Ferries to the islands leave from Piraeus, and short flights are often quicker for Santorini.
Activities
-
Acropolis of AthensIconic ancient citadel perched majestically above the city.Book
-
Temple of HephaestusRemarkably intact Doric temple on the edge of the Ancient Agora.Book
-
Stoa of AttalosReconstructed two-storey colonnade in the Ancient Agora that houses the Agora Museum.Book
-
Roman AgoraSmaller Roman-era market next to Plaka; much less well preserved than the Ancient Agora.Book
-
Hadrian's ArchRoman triumphal arch marking the old and new city, framing the view to the Acropolis.Book
Book buttons open GetYourGuide. They are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Top things to do in Athens
Gallery
What others say
“there's a rooftop bar with great views of the Acropolis.”
“the Parthenon is now clear of scaffolding.”
“I never had any real safety concerns.”
Where to eat
Mid-range Vegan Beat
A vegan street-food spot since 2018, with wraps, burgers and vegan gyros.
Fully vegetarian- 370 m from Monastiraki Square
- 410 m from Roman Agora
Mid-range Veganaki
Simple eatery with a terrace serving vegan Mediterranean meals & gluten-free options.
Fully vegetarian- 210 m from Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion)
- 670 m from The Parthenon
Mid-range A Little Taste of Home Restaurant
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Athens, rated 4.8 on Google by 2,781 guests.
Vegetarian options- 170 m from Monastiraki Flea Market
- 220 m from The Ancient Agora
Mid-range Cookoomela Grill
Vegetarian souvlaki built around mushrooms, with a lentil kebab and avocado options.
Fully vegetarian- 360 m from National Archaeological Museum
- 800 m from Varvakios Central Market
Mid-range Mama Tierra Acropolis - Vegan street food
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Athens, rated 4.9 on Google by 1,108 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 350 m from Temple of Olympian Zeus (Olympieion)
- 510 m from The Parthenon
Mid-range Winners Vegan
An entirely plant-based menu features at this trendy haunt with cocktails & outdoor tables.
Fully vegetarian- 270 m from Syntagma Square
- 340 m from Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Mid-range Nancy's Sweet Home
Popular dessert spot known for its cakes and sweets.
Fully vegetarian- 350 m from Anafiotika
- 390 m from Syntagma Square
Mid-range Vegan Stories by Konstantinos
Vegetarian-friendly restaurant in Athens, rated 4.9 on Google by 334 guests.
Fully vegetarian- 340 m from National Archaeological Museum
- 730 m from Varvakios Central Market
Mid-range To Steki tou Ilia
Thiseio grill famed for lamb chops and mutton; there are two restaurants with the same name.
Mid-range Opos Palia
Relaxed sidewalk taverna steps from the Acropolis Museum with classics like moussaka and beef in tomato sauce.
Mid-range Klimataria
Old-school family taverna with barrels and checked tablecloths and live rebetiko music on selected evenings.
Budget
Where to stay
Bedbox Athens
Pared-back dorms at in a simple hostel featuring a lobby bar & a roof terrace with city views.
City Circus Athens Hostel
Cozy dorms & private rooms in a refined hostel offering a vibrant restaurant & a rooftop terrace.
Athens Capital Center Hotel
Five-star MGallery hotel a few minutes from Syntagma with a rooftop pool.
Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
Refined quarters in an upmarket hotel offering dining, a spa & a rooftop terrace, plus free Wi-Fi.
King George Hotel
Elegant five-star boutique hotel on Syntagma Square with Acropolis views and the Michelin-starred Tudor Hall.
AthensWas Hotel
Five-star boutique hotel on Dionysiou Areopagitou, two minutes from the Acropolis Museum.
Grand Hyatt Athens
Five-star hotel on Syngrou Avenue with a rooftop pool and rooftop restaurant.