Diego Ferrari

ITA|ENG

Does it ever happen to you to visit a city and wonder why you didn’t do it sooner? That is exactly what happened to me with Athens. To make up for lost time, I now return at least twice a year: once for the Athens Bar Show — in my opinion, the best industry event in the world — and a second time to enjoy the city and its monuments.

Perfect for a long weekend, the sunny Greek capital is just over a two-hour flight from Milan. From the airport, an affordable and very convenient train takes you to the heart of the city in about 40 minutes. Every time I book, I try to stay in Monastiraki Square or its immediate surroundings: it’s the direct link to the airport and the central hub from which, just a few steps away, you can admire the wonders of ancient Greece, beautiful Orthodox churches, typical markets, and cocktail bars ranked in the Top 500 and 50 Best Bars.

One of my favorite hotels is the 360, located on the left side of the square, featuring super trendy and comfortable rooms.

If you arrive in the morning, as is often the case, leave your bags in the room, dress comfortably, and walk towards the Parthenon. Wander through the narrow streets and be prepared to climb a few steps, but know that you’ll be in good company: Athens, like all of Greece, is full of super-friendly street cats.

With a ticket costing around €10, you can admire the grandeur of the Parthenon, as well as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion, famous for its Caryatids (the female statues that serve as columns). These are actually replicas: the originals are housed in the Acropolis Museum, located just a short distance away, which I absolutely recommend visiting. Before heading back down, however, stop for five minutes and admire the view from above: Athens is there, below you, in all its splendor.

Once you reach the Acropolis Museum, prepare yourself for an incredible collection of ancient Greek artifacts. The exhibition is meticulously curated, and the structure is worthy of its historical importance. Stop for a coffee or a drink on the museum’s terrace: admiring the Acropolis rising majestically from below is an experience worth the trip alone.

It’s time for an aperitif and a bit of relaxation. If you followed my advice and stayed near Monastiraki, go to the terrace of A for Athens for a breathtaking front-facing view of the Acropolis. Take your time until evening falls, as the lights begin to caress the city and the square below comes to life.

For dinner, if you want to eat like a local, I suggest booking at Taverna Manari. Forget the usual tourist traps: here, the kitchen is all about local products and the grill. To start, I recommend trying their Tirokafteri (spicy feta and green pepper dip) or the original Mutton Patties served with seasonal vegetables. If you’re looking for something more unique, the Lamb Kidneys on sourdough bread are exceptional.

But the true heart of Manari is the open-fire grill. You cannot leave without ordering the Lamb “Païdakia” chops or, for those who love intense flavors, the Mutton “Païdakia” chops. If you prefer slow-cooked dishes, their Slow Cooked Mutton Youvetsi with manestra pasta and fresh herbs is a true journey into authentic Greek flavors. It’s a genuine, high-quality experience. For those who prefer an even more rustic atmosphere, a quick stop at Diporto is always a must.

And after dinner? Here, the choice is incredible, with cocktail bars at the top of the world rankings. Stop by Baba au Rum, home of the legendary Thanos Prunarus, an institution of Greek mixology where you’ll find exceptional drinks (rum-based, but not only). Just a short distance away, visit Nik at The Clumsies, an international benchmark led by “startenders” Nikos Bakoulis and Vasilis Kyritsis. This magic duo recently opened Line Athens, an incredible spot where food, drinks, and great wine go hand in hand; here you’ll find Aimilia Bagia who, along with her team, welcomes dozens of local and international guests every day.

But it doesn’t end there. If you love the bar world, Athens boasts other globally established names like The Bar in Front of the Bar, Barro Negro, or The 7 Jokers. And if you’re looking for a great coffee the next day? Note these names: ANÄNA Coffee Roasters and The Underdog.

If you experience it as I have, you will find Athens to be a permanent fixture in your travels—the perfect place to escape for a couple of days, knowing you’ll find polite, friendly, and extraordinarily hospitable people.

Salute!