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7 hour layover in Athens

Hello!
My husband and I have a 7 hour layover in Athens (from about 5:30pm-12:30am). We would love to get out in town to see part of Athens rather than waiting in the airport. Any suggestions of how to organize something with a company, hiring a taxi, or public transportation to make the most of our time. And what to focus on. We live in Spain, so we shouldn't have to go through customs on arrive which could buy us a little extra time.

Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Posted by
11037 posts

Depending on your budget, take taxi or metro into Athens and have dinner at a restaurant with a view of the Acropolis

Not sure how much "touring" you can do with limited time you have

Posted by
1383 posts

The metro to Monastiraki takes 40 minutes and runs every half hour. That'll probably be quicker than a taxi or bus, as it avoids traffic. If nothing else you'll then have time for a walk and a meal.

As you come out of Monastiraki metro you'll see the Acropolis up to your right. Walk towards it and then turn right on Adrianou. Walk down Adrianou for five minutes then turn left and keep walking uphill with the Acropolis to your left. When you reach the Acropolis Museum turn left again and down through Plaka back to Monastiraki. Basically you are doing a circuit round the Acropolis which takes around 45 minutes.

I would then stop for a meal in one of the kebab places opposite Monastiraki station. The Bairaktaris is our favourite. We've written up our impressions here

http://www.greekramblings.org.uk/Plaka_Monistiraki_Restaurants.html

Then metro back to the airport.

Have fun.

Alan

Posted by
15 posts

Thank you both!! Do you think it's a sufficient amount of time for a quick visit?

Posted by
11037 posts

"Assuming" your flight is on time and there are no random strikes or some such, then you should be OK for a 'quick visit'.

You will want to research where you want to go and how to get there. You do not have the luxury to 'wander around'

Posted by
1383 posts

I agree with Joe. Assuming everything is OK with the flight, and public transport is running, you should be OK. The metro is reliable and runs to schedule.

Monastiraki metro station is under the Acropolis so even if you only have an hour in the centre it would be possible to come out and sit and have a drink looking up at the Parthenon.

Alan