UltimateMama and her kids thought Greece was the perfect blend of education and relaxation. Although it was extremely hot in early June at 95 degree F, Athens was an absolute delight of a city. A few tips to enjoy Athens with kids:
-Stay at the Hotel Grande Bretagne as it is central to everything. The rooftop pool is perfect for a late afternoon dip and the spa/indoor pool is truly a pleasure. In the evening hours one has a wonderful view of the Acropolis lit up from the hotel’s lovely restaurant. The Syntagma Square was ideal for touring, eating, and catching the underground subway.
-Stroll the National Gardens, right in Syntagma Square!
-Have a quick lunch at Kosmikon in the Plaka area (and grab some inexpensive souvenirs afterwards).
-Watch the changing of the guards across the street at the Parliament Building (in Syntagma Square). Just make sure you ask your hotel for the exact times.
-For dinner visit Erato restaurant café in the Plaka area and then browse the silver jewelry in the Monastiraki flea market.
-Visit the Acropolis Museum BEFORE touring the Acropolis. Grab a kids guide scavenger hunt to keep your children engaged!
-If you need a great kebab place try Thanasis in the Monastiraki which is near the Plaka area
-Near the Acropolis at an outdoor booth window purchase a 5 day special ticket for 30 Euro for adults (as of June 2018) which includes admission to must visit locations such as: Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman Agora of Athens, South Slope of Acropolis
-Arrange a guided tour of the Acropolis through Context Travel, including the Parthenon, Acropolis, and the Agora. UltimateMama’s kids enjoyed the “Acropolis for Families: Drama and Sacrifice in Ancient Athens” 3 hour long tour. The tour begins with a visit to the theater of Dionysus on the south slope of the Acropolis and goes from there!
-Have dinner in Kolonaki at OIKEIO which was a superb, traditional Greek food experience with home style cooking at the address: Ploutarchou 15
-Visit and tour the stadium of the first modern Olympic games, the Panathenaic Stadium and be amazed at all the beautiful marble that was used in its creation.
-Walk around the War Museum in Athens and see the collection.
-UltimateMama was rushed for time so briefly visited the Byzantine and Christian Museum
-A favorite dinner spot was in Kolonaki at Barbounaki which was a traditional fish tavern. Definitely a must do!
-Take the cable car to Mount Lycabettus which is the highest hill in Athens (the gift shop at the bottom was a nice surprise as was the restaurant at the top which we didn’t try but were tempted).
-Walk around the Temple of Olympian Zeus in central Athens, a spectacular temple.
-Head to an Italian dinner in Kolonaki at Malconi’s which has a chic and trendy vibe.
