I love Heraklion - but remember it is a big city and not terribly picturesque!

To do - Archaeological Museum (I haven't, but I will do one day!), the fortress on the harbour, the market (buy your herbs), shopping!

To eat - snack on huge gyros near the Morosini fountain, for a more substantial mezes go to the sea front down at the end of 25 Augoustou, turn left and cross the road (carefully) - there is a whole rank of mezedepoleio (heavy on fish) - the Ippokambos (?) the first one you come to is good and cheap and of course you're beside the sea....roll on September, that's where we'll be eating on our last night!

You must visit Knossos and the Archaeological museum, although half a day is not really enough for both. Stick to Knossos. A visit there is more important than mere food.

This is where I show what a Philistine I am...never been to Knossos or the Archaeological Museum! Always have such good intentions, but the buzz of Heraklion life and the distraction of people watching always wins out.

(Been to Zakros Palace though....terrrapins were good in the lustral wells )

i'd say a good guided tour of Knossos is a must.

Around the square near the museum there are some great jewellers, and plenty to see around the narrow streets off the square.

The market is a must, Thursday or Saturday I believe, not certain.

Anopolis Water City is not too far away but go by bus, not taxi.

Greek Life is another thing not to miss.

Another recommendation for both the Archaeology Museum and Knossos from me. Both are fantastic and make a visit to Crete.

My only tip about the city itself is stick to the main streets. We wondered off down some side streets when last there and wish we hadn't. I saw more discarded syringes and graffiti there in half an hour than I had seen in nearly twenty years of lining in inner city London. No kidding.

the museum will be closed this year. it will open at around July. when it will open it will just be part of the main exibition and not everything in there.
its closed due to needed repares on the roof.

If anyone has more updated news please let all of us know. my information are a month old as it was on the local new papers

Thanks everyone for their tips so far..yes we also plan to visit Knossos, think will try and tie everything together this Bank Holiday weekend esp when it starts to rain!
Sokin, I think I did read somewhere on the web that the museum would be closed, that's a shame as it sounds like a great museum and I'm sure hubby would have loved going round it, oh well never mind! Saves something for next time as I'm sure we'll go back to Crete to explore the west side of the island.
Tinka14