If you don’t manage to have a good time in London, you just haven’t done it right!

On arrival, promise me you do one thing. Just let go. Let the city and its people absorb you. Throw out all the judgemental thoughts about the weather and comparisons you make with the coffee the city serves, and just let go. Once you do that, London will be a city you will not want to leave.

The post could go on forever, so I have concentrated mostly on central and northern London. Part 2 will delve further into this great cities food, pub and bar scene focusing on the south and east.

But for now, below is a guide to some of the standout eateries, around north and central London.

If you find yourself in Athens and the temperature is soaring, why not skip the cost of a sun bed at a hotel pool or at the Athenian Rivera (yes that is a thing!) and do what the locals do. Visit one of the many islands close to the Athenian coast.

Agistri is one such island. It is a tiny island that sits within the Saronic Islands. Its a 55 minute hydrofoil from Piraeus and its a great little getaway for a day trip or even a short stay for a night or two.

Melitzanosalata dip has been a staple dish for centuries around the South Mediterranean and the Middle East (known as baba ganoush). From the Greeks to the Turks this easy to prepare dish is not only a tasty dip, but also a healthy. Its a versatile dip that goes well with bread, meat or fish.

See this simple recipe below.

I have recently become obsessed with beetroot. Its a great healthy root vegetable high in source of iron and folate and has been known to even lower blood pressure.

Below is a simple recipe for a beetroot salad

Athens is an ugly city. There I said it. The countries last triumph was winning the Euro football competition and holding a unsuccessful Summer Olympic games in 2004. Since then, its been nothing but downhill for the country and its people. The financial crisis of 2008 sent the country back to the dark ages due to the national sport of not paying ones taxes. However,  out of this hardship, slowly, this is all changing.

Out of this doom and gloom, Athens has continued to grow. New hotels, cafes, bars and restaurants have been constantly opening throughout the years. Some survived, others vanished as quickly as they had opened. This constant revolving door of hospitality, along with the cities energetic people, creates a buzz though-out the city where anything goes. Whether its new rooftop bar or swanky brunch spot in the backstreets of of this ancient city, Athens has you covered.

Below is a guide for a short stay in Athens. Some great cheap eats, bars, a couple of up market eating options and a few sites worth seeing.