With Radio Days Europe ’25 fast approaching, the conference schedule has shaped up to be a packed event from early morning til late night for the conference days.
But if you fly in early or stay a little longer, here are some suggestions of how to spend an extra day in Athens from a well known radio industry local.
Weekend morning show presenter Anna Stamatiadou from Talk Radio 98.9 welcomes you to Athens, “the city that combines culture, gastronomy and nightlife with absolute safety and freedom.”
We asked Anna to give us her recommendations of what to do in Athens for anyone coming in for Radio Days. She recommends not wasting a minute:
Start the day with sightseeing…
First stop: Acropolis!
It is at the top of the list of Athens attractions, in the heart of the Greek capital. Walking in the famous monument of the city that dives into history, you will feel like going back in time; built 2500 years ago, during the golden age of Pericles. When you climb the rock, Athens will be at your feet; this incredible view is the perfect backdrop for selfies – Book tickets HERE
Below the monument, on Dionysiou Areopagitou street you will meet street musicians, “koulourades” (selling koulouri-try it) and the amazing Acropolis Museum. The statues and all its cultural treasures will enchant you – Book tickets HERE
“Dug” into the rocky southern part of the Acropolis hill, you will encounter one of the oldest and most magnificent open-air theatres in the world: Odeon of Herodes Atticus (called also Herodion). This jewel, whose construction was completed in AD 161 , has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra and Sting to Maria Callas!
Coffee spots and brunch:
How about a stop for coffee? Athens is full of cafes, each with its own style, all with great flavours and very good prices. In Syntagma, check out Kaya. If you like your coffee with milk, then try cappuccino at Anana Coffee Food in Monastiraki. Petite Fleur is famous for its chocolates, while in Portatif the pastry chef makes magical croissants and tarts!
More sights, favourite places, insider tips…
Athens is a museum city. There are many works of art: Panathenaic Stadium, Ancient Agora, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Hephaestus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, all in the heart of the city. With a Hop-on hop-off bus you can see everything in a short time with tickets starting from 10 euros. The starting point is at Syntagma and the finish at Kotzia Square.
If the weather is good, take your friends up to Lycabettus Hill, which combines nature and relaxation with a cable car! The starting point is at the end of Ploutarchou Street, just a few minutes from the “Evangelismos” metro station. The ride is short and runs every 30 minutes. At peak hours, the routes run more frequently. Close to it, you will discover small and wonderful squares like Mavilis Square and Dexamenis Square.
Lunch:
Walking whets the appetite! How about traditional gyros, souvlaki and moussaka? In the Monastiraki square, you will find “Bairaktaris”. It combines delicious dishes and good prices. A heritage souvlaki spot of the center is also Kostas on Pentelis Street, in Syntagma. It is worth waiting in line.
At Ilia’s Haunt in Thissio, try the ribs and sliced potatoes, and at Rini, order the ragout dish of minced rooster, with pasta shells and Syros gruyere. Also, Koutsou & co is a modern eatery; its menu includes lemon zucchini with fresh oregano potatoes and trachana (flumenty) with Tinos sausage; zigouri (young sheep) with potatoes and beans with fried rabbit. If you’re addicted to pizza and want to try different flavors during your travel, you’ll be thrilled at Granello.
Time for a walk..
If you’re a nature lover, take a walk in the National Garden in Syntagma or climb to Filopappou Hill, behind the Acropolis. For a picnic, choose the incredible outdoor space of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC), in Faliro the new landmark in the South. There are bicycles for a nice ride, fountains, guided tours, dining venues and many events with Greek and foreign artists. Take a look here
Now for some shopping…
Going back to the city’s neighbourhoods, you can find small, imaginative boutiques and shops with souvenirs, clothes or beach accessories by emerging Greek designers and modern jewellery inspired by antiquity. Your walk will be even sweeter, eating a traditional Greek delicacy, such as loukoumades. At Aiolou 21 in Monastiraki, “Lucumades” maybe serves the best loukoumades.
Nightlife, cocktails, dancing….
Athens is a city that never sleeps. Kerameikos and Gazi (where the RDE ’25 Monday night event will take place) are great for clubbing and cater more to a young crowd. Monastiraki and Thissio are full of rooftop bars and restaurants with beautiful views, such as the Cocktail Bar. Keep the names of the bars I’m dropping here: Baba au Rum, Barreldier, Barro Negro, The Clumsies, To Lokali, Bar in front of the bar. Take a stroll there and you won’t miss out!
If you want a five-star stroll, then you can drink your cocktail on the roof-garden of a 5-star hotel with a view of the Acropolis. On the seventh floor of Academias Hotel Athens, at Nyx, you will taste delicious Japanese delicacies and handmade cocktails with a backdrop of the absolute view of the Acropolis.
On the seventh floor of the Novotel hotel in the centre of Athens, you may enjoy cocktails and various Mediterranean flavours. Also, The Zillers Roof Garden offers haute cuisine with a more relaxed style, while at the Mappemonde Bar & Lounge restaurant of the Athens Capital Hotel you will be surrounded by works of art.
One of the most beautiful districts in the centre of Athens is Kolonaki. Famous, with timeless class and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. I have chosen some bars for you: Zurbaran, Forte, Adele, Rook and Bronco.
How about a typical Greek night out: dancing tsifteteli, throwing flowers, while listening to live music? Have you really heard of the Greek phenomenon called “bouzouki”? If not, it’s time to experience it! We are talking about big nightclubs, where the residents are well-known Greek artists, who sing live, accompanied with a live orchestra and ballets with programs that start after 11 at night until the morning! You can just drop by for a drink, but if you want to enjoy the whole experience, then book a table; just remember that the prices for a bottle range from 150 to 200 euros depending on the place. Enastron, Anodos, Cabaret, Yton, Athens Center are at the top of the list.
Time to relax…
14 km far from Athens is the “Athenian Riviera”, an earthly paradise with sea, shops, cafes and restaurants. One of the areas that stands out is the city of Glyfada. You can easily go there by bus, subway, tram or taxi; this spot will remind you of an island.
If you are brave enough and want to visit some of the famous Greek islands: Aegina is the closest islands to Athens with long history, style and elegant visitors, it’s ideal for short getaways all year round. You take a ferry from the port of Piraeus. Single ticket for the Piraeus – Aegina route costs from 10.50€ to 19.50€. High-speed ferries to Aegina take about 30-40 minutes, while with a conventional ferry, the journey takes almost 1.5 hours. Book a ticket HERE
Enjoy your stay! Have a great time
Anna Stamatiadou presents a talk program every Saturday and Sunday morning with Spyros Lambros on Talk Radio 98.9. Their audience from all over the country call to share their news and also get help when needed.