Acropolis, the edge of town or the beginning?
As any dedicated citizen of the world, you simply have to visit the Acropolis, period. Whether out of interest in history and civilization or because you will have to face all friends and family at home who are bound to ask (and give you a "tsk-tsk" look if you dare to say you skipped the visit), a trip to Acropolis (literally, "the edge of town") is definitely rewarding. You can take the metro, using the Red Line and get off at the station conveniently named "Acropolis". From there, you can walk on probably Athens' best (if not sole) pedestrian road, Dionyssiou Aeropagitou Street, created in 2001, which also leads to the Herodus Atticus open-air theater (most commonly known as "Herodeion", built around the 2nd century A.C. and hosting the Hellenic Festival every summer, where you can see as diverse choices of artists such as Pavaroti, The Bolshoi Ballet but also Stomp or modern musicals ). Next to Herodeion you'll find the gate of Acropolis. You'll need a sling to carry your baby there, and definitely hats for everyone. It's better to go early in the morning, especially in the summer months, to avoid crowds and heat.
If you feel hungry after too much culture, the closest spot is "Dionyssos" Restaurant, right oposite the Acropolis gate. It's pricey but it serves excellent home-made food and has a very dedicated staff. If you like, you can walk towards Thisseion, the walk offers a great view of the ancient rock and other antiuqities, and you can reach Adrianou Street, where practically every building is a restaurant or a coffee house. My favourites are "To Kouti" (literally, "The Box" ) and "Kuzina" ("Kitchen"), both speciallizing in innovative greek cuisine. If you're by then too tired to walk and need to return home, you can take either the metro or the train from Monastiraki Station and reach practically every destination.
If you're feeling like walking up towards Syndagma Square and get pictures with the traditional guards in skirts in front of the Greek Parliament, you just walk up Ermou Street (the shopping district). There, you can find many international baby brands (such as Mothercare, Prenatal, Lapin) as well as great stuff for grown-ups too (Accessorize, Marks and Spencer and Zara). If shopping makes you hungry, definitely try "Tzitzikas kai Mermigas" (literally, "The Cicada and the Ant", the pair from the famous Aesop fable) at Mitropoleos Street (parallel to Ermou Street). It has plenty of room outside with ample shade for the hot summer aftrernoons and some very interesting plates. Try the "mastihato", chicken bites sitting on a bed of kataifi pastry with mastic sauce, yummi! And have a glass of the excellent house wine, red or white!
