Do's and Don'ts of a Summer Vacation in Athens

Do's

1. Do go for a walk in Athens' centrum in a summer afternoon, enjoy the shopping at Ermou and Stadiou str., drink a frappe at Thyseion and have lunch at Plaka..
2. Do enjoy a concert at Lycabettus theatre and drinks afterwards at Gazi.
3. Do try some of the traditional greek dishes, like gyros, mousakas, papoutsakia, seafood, best enjoyable by the seaside.. 
4. Do enjoy Athens by night, in the night clubs and bars at the centrum and Psyrri.
5. Do go to bouzoukia (live greek musik) at Paraliaki (Poseidonos av.)!
6. Do visit Epidauros Ancient Theatre preferably when a play is on (buy ticket in advance, usually it's sold out).
7. Do take the opportunity to visit the small islands close to Athens, like Hydra and Spetses.
8. Do buy beautiful presents from the local markets.
9. Do enjoy a sightseeing tour! It's fun!
10. Do take the metro to Voula and make a stop at Glyfada for shopping, coffee or lunch by the sea.

Don'ts

1. Don't go to Athens' centrum, Syntagma, during a strike, unless you are prepared to walk your way there and you enjoy throwing molotov cocktails or the suspense trying to avoid them..
2. Don't eat fast food -vromiko- in places that no locals have recommended.
3. Don't get into a bus between 7 and 8 in the morning and 3 to 4 in the afternoon. There is a high risk that you'll have your ass grabbed, your wallet stolen, and even if those exciting things don't happen, you will certainly be sweating like a pig!
4. Don't try any beach activities between Pireaus and Glyfada. No need to explain why..
5. Don't bet. Greeks usually win..
6. Don't buy things from Monastiraki before you talk down the price.
7. Don't give money to beggars. They'll be back. Actually, their wifes, children and the entire family will be back asking for more..
8. Don't go out during daytime without sunglasses, suncream, hat and a bottle of water.
9. Don't start your journey back home before you visit at least three of the following sightseeing attractions: a. Parthenon, b. Acropolis, c. Lycabettus (the night view is amazing!), d. the National Archeological Museum, e. Plaka, f. Kallimarmaro, g. National Art Gallery, h. Zappeion (and so much more)
10. Don't rent a motorbike unless you're a pro. Greeks, like all other mediterraneans, drive like maniacs!

In conclusion, do go for a summer vacation in Athens, even during this tough period, these awful scenes of violence are actually rare and basically restricted to Syntagma square..

From a native Athenian