Athens has a hop on hop off as well. That said, if you’re staying near the Plaka, I’d say you don’t need to do the hop on hop off. Depends on the ages of the kids. 2 months ago the wife and I stayed in Hotel Phillipos just S of the Parthenon and the acropolis museum, and we walked everywhere. Granted it was just the two of us but the walking wasn’t bad at all. For a great view of the acropolis at night AND the temple of Zeus, check out the rooftop restaurant at Athens Gate hotel. The changing of the guard at the parliament is really cool if you like that kind of thing. The Ermou (Main Street that runs away from parliament) is cool as well.
The acropolis: GO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WHEN IT OPENS. I REPEAT, GO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING WHEN IT OPENS. The cruise ship crowds are insane as early as 2 hours after it opens. 1 way in 1 way out so it gets congested going in. Must see though.
The agora: if you’ve been to Rome, this is the equivalent of the Roman forum outside of the coliseum. Lots of good history here.
The Palma: “old city”. Cool spot to walk around but be prepared to be hounded by people selling shit. This is he touristy area.
Acropolis museum: if you’re into museums and whatnot, this is a good one.
Food: To Kati Alto. So good that wife and I ended up eating here like 4 times in 6 days. Funny thing is we’re that couple that likes to go to different places to eat every meal, but the pork at this place was without a doubt the best I’ve ever eaten. It’s along the street on the S side of the acropolis museum.
As far as barclona, was there 2 years ago so I don’t remember much off the top of my head. La rambla was a cool spot to take a “stroll” on. The waterfront is also really cool. Sagrada familia is BEAUTIFUL. We stayed at hotel reding chroma which was at a good spot. The best part about Spain was everything outside of the cities (Rhonda, arcos de la frontera, Grenada... etc). Milan and Barcelona were meh...
Nice coincidence, family and I stayed at the Phillipos in July 17.
OP. The location Phillipos is perfect for walking to almost all the major attractions in Athens. When heading up the Acropolis do it first thing, to beat the heat and the crowds. Then when you are descending you can smile as you pass the long lines of folks standing in the sun that look like they want to be anywhere but.
I never drove at all, booked all logistics ahead of time, to/from airport and to port to get on ferry to head to isles. Note we found that the lodging was quite expensive, but once there found the attractions, food and drink surprisingly cheap.
Also, went to Santorini and Naxos. Highly recommend both. On Santorini we stayed in a small quiet village vs Fira or Oia, which you will want to visit, but are quite busy. If up for a serious amazing walk, approx 9 miles with no shade, there is a path along the caldera from Fira to Oia. Naxos amazing laid back beach destination, was perfect ending to more busy city and Santorini.
Enjoy, someday we will go back and check out some of the other isles!
