After exploring the islands of Greece, we were ready to hit the mainland. With only one day, we were ready to tackle the capital of modern Greece. Today, it’s still dominated by 5th-century-BC landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon temple. Athens is, however, a very contemporary city, with plenty to do in the wake of good restaurants and bars! On our agenda: National Gardens, Acropolis and Monastiraki Square.

• 11:30am – Board the quick, 40-minute flight from Mykonos to Athens (ATH)
• 12:00pm – When you arrive, take an Uber or Taxi to the city (same price // 35 min drive). We took an Uber who gave us a few recommendations of places to check out (38 EUR).
• 1:30pm – Check into the hotel. We stayed at the 360 Degrees Hotel in Monastiraki. The location is excellent, right in the center of the bustling Monastiraki square, walking distance to dozens of bars, restaurants and is humming with local Greeks. Additionally, the hotel features the 360 degree cocktail bar which has a stellar view of the Acropolis (specifically when lit up at night). The also gave us a bottle of wine upon our arrival.

• 2:00pm – Head south from the square, along Adrianou Street. Its full of shops and restaurants, a perfect place to stroll and stop for a Gyro or a Coffee. After walking for about 10 minutes, you’ll hit the Acropolis Museum. We certainly recommend spending an hour here. It’s an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens (recently remodeled). On a hot summer day, it is a perfect place to help cool down!

• 3:00pm – Immediately head to the Acropolis (300 meters from the Museum) and check out both the Theater of Dionysos and of course, walk up to the top of the Acropolis for a stunning panoramic view of the ancient and modern Greece. You’ll want to take plenty of pictures of the Parthenon. The ticket required for entry to the Acropolis will also include entry to several other historic sites.

• 5:00pm – Have an Aperol at the King George Hotel which features a great view for acknowledging the hike you just completed up the Acropolis! From here, you will also be able to see the historic Changing of the Guard at the Greek Parliament Building (occurs at the top of every hour)
• 6:00pm – Take a stroll through the National Gardens, a beautiful public park of 15.5 hectares in the center of the Greek capital. You’ll instantly feel at the bustle of the city disappear in the park as you walk through the tree-covered pathways. You can easily make it through in about 20 minutes if you take a straight-shot, and as you head southward, check out the Panathenaic Stadium, the structure which hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

• 7:00pm – Take a twilight stroll through Kolonaki on the way back to the hotel (considered the most elegant and trendy neighborhood of Athens, with many high end boutiques, distinguished bars and chic restaurants) and plan to have dinner back near Monastiraki square. We had dinner at I Palia Taverna Tou Psarra a historic restaurant on the steps where we were greeted by kittens when Eric dropped his bread crumbs!

• 9:00pm – Plenty of places to have a night-cap in the Square. We recommend at least having a drink at 360 Cocktailbar, featuring a sexy, lounge-like atmosphere filled with local Greeks and a stunning night-time view of the Acropolis.
• 10:30pm – We got in a 10-minute and Uber  headed to MoMix, a well known, molecular mixology bar in Athens. When you walk in, you’ll actually feel like your heading through a science lab! There are dozens multi-colored flasks that are either bubbling or smoking (given the dry ice)! You’ll be greeted by a very friendly staff and the most creative drinks we’ve ever had. We recommend having your cocktail of choice outside on the patio. Don’t forget to try MoMix’s take on the “Jello Shot”. Something for everyone here!