Start your foodie journey by wandering around the quaint streets of Plaka neighborhood. Stop by various kiosks to taste the popular souvlaki, spanakopita, and tiropita. Then head to the central market for a rich assortment of cheeses, olives, and meat products. Try 'pastourma,' an air-dried beef delicacy, and sample the 'fyllo' dough pastries with honey and nuts.
Visit the local 'tsipouradika,' the meze-style taverns perfect for pairing the Greek national drink, tsipouro or ouzo, with fresh seafood plates. Try the popular Greek-style mussels, grilled octopus, or 'saganaki' cheese with honey. Also, don't miss the 'gemista' stuffed vegetables and the eggplant spread, 'melitzanosalata,' as side dishes.
Finish your foodie journey in the hip neighborhood of Psyrri, known for its urban artwork, quaint bars, and top-notch restaurants. Sample traditional dishes like 'revythokeftedes' (chickpea balls), 'kreatopita' (meat pie), and 'kokoretsi' (grilled offal). Pair them with a selected Greek wine from the vast wine list of local wine bars like 'Oinoscent' or 'By The Glass Wine Bar.'
Most of the spots mentioned above are within a scenic walking distance from each other. Taxis are also a convenient and safe way to travel around the city, with prices ranging from 10€ to 20€ depending on the distance. Athens also boasts an efficient transit network consisting of buses, metro, and tram, with tickets starting from 1.5€.
If you have more time, consider taking a 30-minute drive to the suburb of Kifisia, known for its upscale restaurants and stylish cafes. For visitors with less time, it's recommended to start with the popular street food stalls around Monastiraki Square and narrow streets of Athens' historic center, like Athinas or Ermou street.
Athens International Airport (ATH) is the only airport serving the city, located around 20 miles to the east of Athens. The airport is well-connected with a 24-hour metro, with a travel time of approximately 45 minutes from the city center.