A foodie break in Athens, Greece

Getting around: From the airport, a taxi is a fixed daytime rate of €35 (£25). Or take the metro – €8 (£6) one-way, or €14 (£10) for two people. Most sights are walkable, and much of the historical centre is pedestrianised. The metro is quick, clean and easy to use; the non-airport fare is €1.20 (£1) for a single journey. Taxis are easy to find and metered.

Where to stay:Hera Hotel is in Makrygianni, well situated close to the Acropolis. Some rooms have Acropolis views, as does the terrace bar and restaurant. Doubles from €130 (£93) B&B. AVA Hotel, luxurious boutique hotel in Plaka; all executive suites come with Acropolis view. Doubles from €185 (£132). City Circus eclectic ‘boutique hostel’ in the Psirri district, offers everything from 8-bed mixed dorms, to deluxe private rooms. En suite doubles from €60 (£42).

Where to eat: Mani Mani (down the road from Hera Hotel) Regional produce from Mani in the Peloponnese is used in innovative ways. Tzitzikas kai Mermigas (‘Cricket and the Ant’) has two locations, one of them just a block from Syntagma Square – popular and non-touristy modern Greek taverna. Acropolis Museum: On Friday nights the popular museum cafe stays open until midnight, offering a gourmet experience with views of the floodlit Acropolis. Service can be disengaged, but the food is good and the view magical.

Get out of the city for some fresh air and a seafood lunch. You could take a tour or public transport along the Athenian Riviera; a popular excursion is to Cape Sounion, home to the Sanctuary of Poseidon. Otherwise, head to an island. Book your return and outward ferry tickets at the same time – as ones coming back in the evening are fuller and you don’t want to get stranded for the night.

Take the metro to Piraeus and then a ferry or hydrofoil. The charming island of Hydra is traffic-free, but the ferries get booked up in advance, especially at weekends. You’ll probably have more success getting to Aegina, the nearest island to Athens, and famous for its pistachios. Meander the waterfront and back streets before a leisurely lunch.

Tsias is popular with Greek visitors, and offers the classics. Try the day’s fresh fish or the prawn saganaki. Kappos Etsi lacks a sea view but offers food with a more contemporary twist in its delightful courtyard.

Back in Athens, round off the day with a glass of vino at one of the city’s bars. Wine Point is near the Acropolis and offers 200 wines. By the Glass in Syntagma does what is says on the tin, with a range of sizes available.

Main image: Plaka restaurants (Shutterstock)