It's All Greek To Me

We planned an impromptu trip to Athens in March over the long weekend.  On our last trip in June 2010, we visited the Acropolis and other must see sights.  We also went on a day cruise of the Saronic Islands (Hydra, Poros and Aegina) and stayed in a beach resort outskirts of Athens.  This time around we stayed put in the city and found a gem of a boutique hotel called Hotel Ava (how cool is that) in the Plaka area (aka the neighborhood of gods).  The location was perfect and we could get to most places by foot.  


We ate (a lot), shopped and walked a fair bit.  We also made time for some fun kiddo activities that Ava thoroughly enjoyed.  This is always a MUST on our itinerary!  FYI - I scope out fun kids activities prior to our travel.  On this trip, we visited the Children's Museum which was located in Plaka, took the little sightseeing train that goes all around Plaka and visited the National Gardens where Ava got to try cotton candy for the first time.  The National Garden houses a small zoo, a duck pond, Botanical museum and a children's library and playground.  We even got to go on a romantic date night.  All in all, a fantastic trip!

Hotel Ava ranked in the Top 25 Hotels in Europe by the Travelers' Choice Hotel Awards for 2011 and 2010. 

Crash Course in Greek - anyone?

Greek Children's Museum, Plaka Area

Experimenting with water always a fun project

Bubble Room

Syntagma Square and Ermou Street

One of the many cool cafes in Kolonaki

Fielder Family Recommendations:

HOTEL: 

• Hotel Ava for a short-weekend getaway

RESTAURANTS: 

• Psarra
• Strofi
• Eat at Milton's
• Jimmy and the Fish
• Tzitsikas and Mermingas. 

SHOPPING: 

• Spices for Greek Salad, Tzatziki and Mousakka
• Byzantine jewellery
• Olive oil, Red Vinegar.

CAFES: 

• Rooftop cafe at the Public store at Syntagma Square
• Acropolis Museum Cafe (beautiful view of the Acropolis)
• Paul's Boulangerie in trendy Kolonaki

NEIGHBORHOODS OF INTEREST: 

• Plaka (the most picturesque and oldest section of Athens, very TOURISTY but fun!)
• Monastiraki (shop on Ermou Street and the Flea Market on Sunday) 
• Kolonaki (trendy neighborhood - best for people watching and high-end retailers)
• Syntagma Square (watch the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament building, explore the National Gardens.)