Where to stay in Athens

See

At first glance, Athens seems entirely to be composed of unremarkable, four- to six-story concrete buildings, lacking character and badly in need of a paint job. But if you look beyond that, you will find little gems tucked in among the grey. The areas at the foot of the Acropolis, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio are home to many wonderful Neoclassical buildings, trendy and traditional cafes and shops, narrow winding streets, and incredible views of the Acropolis. Little Greek Orthodox churches are tucked in among the concrete, often in the most unexpected places.

• Acropolis of Athens
• Propylaea
• Parthenon
• Erectheion
• Theatre of Dionysus
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Acropolis Museum
• Pnyx
• Ancient Agora
• Temple of Hephaestus
• Stoa of Attalus
• Church of the Holy Apostles

Do

• Philopappos hill
• Ardettos hill
• National Gardens
• Pedion tou Areos
• Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street
• Parnitha National Park
• Athens Festival
• Athens Concert Hall
• Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre

Eat

The districts Kolonaki and Plaka are especially good areas for dining out. For a quick, decent and low-budget meal, try a souvlaki (σουβλάκι, soo-VLAH-kee), meat (usually pork or chicken) grilled on a skewer. They are typically served with tomato, onion and tzatziki (τζατζίκι, tzah-TZEE-khee), yogurt enriched with garlic and cucumber, wrapped inside a pita (πίτα, PEE-tah), a thin pan bread. Prices of souvlaki vary according to the confidence and/or nerve of the cornershop owner, but usually cost from €1.70 to €3, and another €5 for drink, salad and French fries for a total no more than €7. Take away is cheaper than if you sit at a table.

Drink

Greeks love to socialize, and Athens buzzes long after its other European counterparts have laid their heads down to sleep. 20:00 is the earliest most Greeks will consider going to eat out, and clubbers start to get ready at about midnight. Many Athens clubs relocate to the beach during the summer months. Cafes spill onto the streets and the sound of lively conversation is everywhere in the evenings. Go to the Psyrrí area (Monastiraki or Thissio station, Lines 1 and 3 and Line 1 respectively) for a number of smart bars and small clubs. It is the area immediately north of Ermou street between these two metro stops.

Stay safe

Athens is generally a safe city. There are many police officers and security guards around the city. Many places have CCTV. Street crime is rare. Violent crime against tourists is rare. There are pickpockets on the Metro (especially at the interchanges with the line from the Airport), buses and in other crowded areas, including Plaka. You will notice that natives travel with their hands on their bags and pockets, and keep their bag in front rather than on their side or back, which unfortunately is not without reason. If any pocket, purse, or backpack is visible as you travel on the Metro, assume it will be targeted by pickpockets.