SEKAI Explorer Guide Athens (2011)

Wiki-travelers are members of a world-wide community and contribute to the Wikitravel (a collaborative travel guide). We are passionate about travel, and about sharing our impressions, tips and knowledge with other. This allows you to make the most out of your vacation, finding and enjoying the most amazing places. No other travel guide can provide you with more interesting places.

This book was created to allow Kindle reader a optimized version of the associated Wikitravel article and is published under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Generic License. For further License information please visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ and for user contribution please see next page.

Wikitravel is not associated with this book and we assumes no liability and make no guarantee of accurarcy. Use this ebook at your own risk and fun.

Contributor

This book would not be as it is without the great effort of all supporting Wikitravel user. People who are directly involved in this work are:

Andreas Routsias, Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel, Borislav Ivanov, Charis Theocharous, Colin Jensen, Daniel, Darren Kirby, David, Denis Yurkin, dgd, Dimitrios Symeonidis, Eric G, Fotis, Giannis, Gobbler, Henry Cheung, Jakub Friedl, Jani Patokallio, Jim Nicholson, John Henne, Johny Canal, Kevin Gabbert, Lee Moore, Matthew Reames, Meghan Dwyer, Modus, Naiem Megrisi, Niels Elgaard Larsen, Peter Fitzgerald, Raphael Haase, Ryan Holliday, Sofia, Stefan Ertmann, Swissbelg, Todd VerBeek, Ulf Harnhammar, Wendy, Wikitravel user CarbonCopy, Wikitravel user Ginohhh, Wikitravel user Global orange40, Wikitravel user Moeb, Wikitravel user Sailsetter, Wikitravel user Sicklyman, Wikitravel user Whatsinaname, Yann Forget, Yannick Saunier, Yannis .

Table of Content:

• Districts

Acropolis

Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio

Kifissia

Nea Smyrni

Kolonaki

Omonia and Exarheia

Pangrati and Mets

Piraeus

Psiri

Syntagma Square

Zografou

• Understand

Olympic Games

Architecture

Climate

• Get in

By plane

The airport

From the airport to the city

By regional coach

By train

By boat

• Get around

By metro

By suburban rail

By tram

By bus

By taxi

By bicycle

On foot

Talk

• See

Landmarks

Museums and Galleries

Arts and Culture

Parks

Disabled Access

• Do

Entertainment

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

Clubbing & Night Life

• Sleep

• Contact

• Stay safe

• Cope

Embassies and consulates

• Get out

Districts

The sprawling city is bounded on three sides by Mt Ymettos, Mt Parnitha and Mt Pendeli; whilst inside Athens are twelve hills [the seven historical are: Acropolis, Areopagus, Hill of Philopappus, Observatory Hill (Muses Hill), Pnyx, Lycabettus, Tourkovounia (Anchesmus)], the Acropolis and Lykavittos being the most prominent. These hills provide a refuge from the noise and commotion of the crowded city streets, offering amazing views down to Saronic Gulf, Athens' boundary with the Aegean Sea on its southern side. The streets of Athens (clearly signposted in Greek and English) now meld imperceptibly into Piraeus, the city's ancient (and still bustling) port.

Places of interest to travellers can be found within a relatively small area surrounding the city centre at Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos). This epicentre is surrounded by the districts of the Plaka to the south, Monastiraki to the west, Kolonaki to the east and Omonia to the north. Further afield is the port of Athens, the Piraeus.

- The Acropolis— The ancient "high city" of Athens, crowned by marble temples sacred to the city's goddess Athena.

- Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio— Charming historic districts at the foot of the Acropolis, with restored 19th century neoclassical homes, pedestrianized streets, shops and restaurants, and picturesque ruins from the city's Roman era.

- Kifissia— The northern part of Athens, rarely visited by tourists.

- Nea Smyrni— The southern part of Athens, it is a modern European district.

- Kolonaki— Upscale residential area with many cafes, boutiques and galleries.

- Omonia and Exarheia— Formerly seedy district, it is now home to Greece's students, anarchists and the National Archeaological Museum, somewhat revitalized by the metro.

- Pangrati and Mets— These adjoining pleasant residential neighborhoods south of Lycabettos and east of the National Garden are rarely frequented by tourists, but they do include a few hotels and a number of good traditional tavernas.

- Piraeus— The ancient port of Athens, Piraeus is today an independent, heavily industrial municipality located southwest of Athens, whose modern-day port serves almost all of Attica's ferry connections to Crete and the Aegean Islands.

- Psiri— Former industrial district, now full of trendy and alternative restaurants, cafés, bars, small luxury hotels and shops.

- Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos)— Dominated by the old Royal Palace, Syntagma Square is the business district of Athens, complete with major hotels, banks, restaurants and airline offices.

- Zografou— Residential district on the slopes of Imitos, many university buildings are located here and there are several quirky bars and tavernas dotted around.

Understand

The first pre-historic settlements was constructed in 3000 BC around the hill of Acropolis. The legend says that the King of Athens, Theseus unified the ten tribes of early Athens into one kingdom (c. 1230 BC). This process of synoikismos – bringing together in one home – created the largest and wealthiest state on the Greek mainland, but it also created a larger class of people excluded from political life by the nobility. By the 7th century BC, social unrest had become widespread, and the Areopagus appointed Draco to draft a strict new lawcode (hence "draconian"). When this failed, they appointed Solon, with a mandate to create a new constitution (594). This was the great beginning of a new social revolution, which was the result of the democracy under Clisthenes (508 BC). During the Middle Ages, Athens experienced a decline, but re-emerged under Byzantian rule. Athens was thriving and prosperous during the Crusades, actually benefitting from the Italian trade during this period. However, this fruitful period was shortlived, as Greece suffered badly under the Ottoman Empire, only to recover in the 19th century as the capital of independent Greece.

Olympic Games

Athens hosted the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. While most of the sporting venues were located outside the city proper -in various locations throughout Attica- the entire urban area of Athens underwent major lasting changes that have improved the quality of life for visitors and residents alike. Aside from the excellent transportation infrastructure that was completed in time for the 2004 Olympics (from new freeways to light rail systems), the city's historic center underwent serious renovation. Most notable among the city's facelift projects are the Unification of Archaelogical Sites -which connects the city's classical-era ruins and monuments to each other through a network of pleasant pedestrianized streets- and the restoration of the picturesque neoclassical Thissio and Pláka districts.

Architecture

Athens was just a small provincial village when it was chosen in the 1830s to serve as the national capital of the modern Greek State. Although it had a prestigious past, the city's political, economic, and cultural importance had declined over the centuries, leaving behind only its classical ruins as a reminder of better times. With the decision to move the national capital from Nafplio to Athens, architects and city planners were hired to build a new city next to the classical ruins, with grand neoclassical homes and public buildings, large city squares, green spaces, and wide avenues, making a conscious, decisive turn from the city's Ottoman past. The city regained its importance in Greek civilization, and by 1900 had evolved into a very attractive cosmopolitan city, with abundant neoclassical architecture harking to the nation's past.

The 20th century however, marked the rapid development of Athens. The city suffered minor damage during WWII, and suffered extensive urban planning in the decades that followed, as the nation rapidly industrialized and urbanized. In the 1960s and 1970s, many 19th century neoclassical buildings, often small and private, were demolished to make way for office buildings, often designed by great Greek architects. The city also expanded outward through rash development, particularly towards the west, as its population grew by absorbing job-seekers from the provinces. With the onset of the automobile, public officials reduced the city's public transportation services without foreseeing the traffic gridlock and smog that would menace the city by the 1980s.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, the city's reality led to a rude awakening among local and national officials and, coupled with the country's newfound remarkable prosperity, large scale projects began to slowly regenerate the city and undo some of the damages of recent decades. Over the course of the next 15 years, money was poured into new transportation infrastructure projects, the restoration of surviving neoclassical buildings, the gentrification of the city's historical center and the renovation of many former industrial areas and the city's coastline. The restoration of charming neoclassical buildings in the city's historical center has been accompanied by the construction of attractive post-modern buildings in newer districts; both of which have begun to improve the aesthetic essence of the city. Athens today is ever evolving, forging a brand new identity for the 21st century.

Climate

Spring and late autumn are the best times to visit Athens. Summer can be extremely hot and dry during heatwaves, but this rarely happens. Winter is definitely low season, with the occasional rainy or snowy day, but also an ideal time to save money while enjoying the city without countless other travelers and tourists.

Whilst peak traffic hour can be a bit smoggy on the main roads, on most sunny days the skies are azure blue. The main reason attributed for the pollution of Athens is because the city is enclosed by mountains in a basin which does not let the smog leave. The government's ban on diesel vehicles within Athens and the early 1990s initiatives to improve car emissions have greatly contributed to better atmospheric conditions in the basin.

Get in

By plane

Athens airport is a major hub in the Aegean, Balkan and East Mediterranean regions. Air Canada, Continental, Delta and Olympic maintain non-stop flights from North America, while a large number of European carriers fly direct into Athens.

The airport

The new Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport [1] 27 km (17 miles) east of the city center, near the suburb of Spáta, opened in 2001 as part of the infrastructure improvements in preparation for the Olympics and is now one of the more attractive and efficient major European airports, though some old Athenian hands say they miss the "Port Said" atmosphere of the old Hellenikon. The airport has excellent public transit connections to the city (see below) and the usual array of food stands, duty-free shops, and other airport services.

There is a Tourist information station in Arrivals that will have the latest literature put out by the Tourist Information Department; this is useful for getting information of arranged local festivities in Athens and Attica. They will also have a printed brochure of Ferry information from Piraeus and other Attica ports.

There is also a small museum on the top floor that has an interesting history on Athens as well as a space put aside for temporary exhibits.

You are going to need euro coins if you want a trolley for your luggage; trolleys are available at the airport, you will find them in the baggage hall on arrival and they use coins the same way supermarket trolleys do. You insert your coin, and you get it back by placing the trolley back to its original position.

If you stay in Athens for a short time, consider leaving part of your luggage in a baggage storage. It is run by Pacific Travel [2], and is located in the end of left-hand wing, arrivals level. Storage time differentiates between 6 to 36 hours and sizes vary from small to large. The only inconvenience is that the same queue is used for collecting and for leaving – allow extra time before your flight. No automatic lockers can be found in the airport.

If your schedule has you arriving on a long flight with some fatigue likely, you might use the decent Sofitel hotel at the airport, just a short walk from the arrivals hall. As a popular business hotel, you'd best reserve your room in-advance, and ask for a non-smoking room if important.

There is Free WiFi in the Airport, which is limited to 45 minutes, with no promise of security.

From the airport to the city

Be aware, recent strike activity has caused mayhem for tourists trying to get from the airport to Athens city centre. Combinations of local trains, buses, taxis and little old walking that take hours have been they way of the strike effected traveller to get to there accommodation in the city. So check before departure to see what the latest situation is.

From the airport you can reach the city:

- By Metro [3] to the city center for €8. Group tickets (2 or 3 persons) are also available and they provide some discount (see below). The airport Metro line is an extension of Line 3 (blue line) that takes you to the downtown Syntagma and Monastiráki stations.

Don't forget to validate your ticket before going down to the platform and boarding a train (there are validation machines at the top of the escalators in the ticket hall). Failure to validate your ticket at the start of the journey can mean a fine of up to €120. The ticket inspectors are rigorous and won't hesitate to call for police assistance if you start to object.

Those taking the Metro from Athens to the airport should note that not all trains go to the airport; typically the airport trains run every half hour, while trains in the intervals don't go the whole route. Airport trains are indicated on the schedule and by an airplane logo on the front of the train, they are also announced by the signs on the metro platform. It's useful to go to the Metro station the day before, explain to the agent (most speak English) when you need to be at the airport, and ask what time you should catch the airport train from that station. You can also get this information at the airport metro station, which has a desk staffed most hours by someone who speaks English. It's possible but not necessary to buy your ticket in advance; buying in advance though means you won't risk missing your train if you find at the last minute you don't have change for the ticket machines and have to stand in a line to buy it from the agent.

- By suburban railway to Larissis Railway Station for € 6 via change at Ano Liossia Station. Change from there to Line 2 of the subway that takes you to:

- the downtown Omónia and Syntagma stations.

- Northern Greece and the Peloponnese, by train.

- By bus: X92 to Kifissia, X93 to Kifissos Coach Station, X94 to Ethniki Amyna metro station (subway Line 3), X95 to Syntagma Square (subway Lines 2 and 3), X96 to Piraeus (subway Line 1) and X97 to Dafni metro station (subway Line 2) for €3.20. It takes 45 min to 1.5 hrs depending on traffic. Buses, unlike Metro, operate 24 hours a day.

- By taxi for € 30-35: If you take a taxi be careful. Make sure that the meter is switched on and shows tariff 1 (tariff 2 applies after midnight and is twice as expensive).

It is advisable to grab a free copy of city transport map in the airport – in the city it is extremely helpful.

By regional coach

Regional coaches (KTEL) connect Athens to other cities in Greece. The fleet of buses has recently been upgraded, which makes the journey pleasant and safe. For some destinations one can also use the buses of the railroad company (OSE, see next paragraph) that might be international, but can also be used for in-country transport. At times there are collaborations with companies from adjacent countries such as Turkey, Bulgaria, Macedonia and Albania, so your best move will always be to ask on both the bus and the train companies about your available options.

By train

The national rail service, Trainose, [4] connects Athens to other cities in Greece -however, do not expect the diversity and complexity of railroads you usually find in other European countries; the national railroad system is poor in Greece, in effect having only two train lines. One goes south to the Pelopponese and the other to the north, connecting Athens with the second major city in Greece, Thessaloniki. From there the line continues further to the north and all the way to the east, passing through many other cities of northern Greece and eventually reaching Istanbul. Be advised that there are two kinds of train you can use; normal, slow, type of train equipped with beds, and the so called new 'Intercity' type which is more expensive because of a 'quality supplement fee' that grows with distance. For example, travelling from Athens to Thessaloniki by the 'Intercity' type will save you one hour at most, but the ticket will be almost double the price. 'Intercity' tends to be more reliable, yet more 'bumpy' than the normal train.

By boat

The port of Piraeus acts as the marine gateway to Athens, and is served by many ferries. Cruise ships also regularly visit, especially during warm months. Generally, pedestrian ferry users will be closer than cruisers to the Metro station providing access to Athens, though walking distances can be non-trivial.

Cruise passengers usually reach the main cruise terminal by port shuttle bus. From there, they face a walk of well over a mile to the Metro station; taxis are readily available from the port terminal, and are not inexpensive. However a quick check on your favorite map application will show from Piraeus metro station to most ferries is a little over 100M.

Get around

Public transport in Athens has improved by leaps and bounds in the last ten years. The simple €1,40 ("integrated") ticket lets you travel on any means of transport — metro, suburban trains, trams, trolleybuses, buses — with unlimited transfers anywhere within Athens (except the metro airport line east of Doukissis Plakentias and the airport buses) for 90 minutes, and you can also get a €3 ticket valid for 24 hours or a €10 weekly ticket.

Alternatively there is a 3 day (72 hours from validation) "Tourist Ticket" priced at €15 which allows unlimited use of buses, tram, metro (including the airport line). This can be bought from the ticket office or the automatic ticket machines at the airport metro station.

By metro

The new Athens Metro system [5], opened in 2001 (and followed by a restoration of the old Line 1) and currently being extended, is a wonder to behold, and puts many better-known metro systems to shame. Many metro stations resemble museums as they exhibit artifacts found during excavations for the system (i.e. Syntagma). Greeks are very proud about the new subway system, so do not even think about littering and by all means avoid any urge for graffiti- you will be intercepted by security at once. You are also not allowed to consume food or drink in the subway system. During rush hour, it can become very crowded and you must leave personal space at the door. There are three lines:

- Line 1 (Μ1 – ISAP): Piraeus – Kifissia, connects the port of Piraeus and the northern suburbs of Athens via the city centre. Note that during 2010 there is major disruption at the use of this line due to renovation works of the train tracks. Make sure you are informed on which stations are closed. Be sure that you keep an eye on your personal stuff when using this line and be prepared for people getting in the train and asking for money. Note that line 1 is a rather old line (lines 2 & 3 are the new subway system of Athens).

- Line 2 (M2 – [6] Attiko Metro]): Agios Antonios – Agios Dimitrios connects western and southern Athens.

- Line 3 (M3 – [7]): Egaleo – Doukissis Plakentias – International Airport connects the south-western suburbs with the northern suburbs (Halandri and Doukissis Plakentias stations) and the International Airport.

Validate your ticket at the validation machines upon entering the station. Failure to do so will entail a hefty fine if you are caught by ticket inspectors. The standard metro fare is €1.40 (as of May 2011) for trips between all stations except the Airport line, east of Doukissis Plakentias. This allows travel with all means of public transport and unlimited transfers for 90 minutes. If you validate your ticket a second time just before your last trip, you may finish this last trip even after the 90 minutes expired.

For €3 (price outdated), you can buy a 24-hour ticket for all public transport in Athens, apart from the Airport line. This needs to be validated only once, at the start of the first journey. The standard fare to or from the Airport is €8 (as of May 2011), €10 (price outdated) for a return trip within 48 hours, €14 (as of May 2011) for a one-way trip for a 2-person group and €15 (price outdated) for a one-way trip for a 3-person group.

Bear in mind that there are often multiple entrances to the stations and often they go straight to the platform, so remember which entrance is for which. It is open from 5am to midnight.

By suburban rail

The Suburban Railway [8] (Proastiakos by Trainose) is a new addition to Athens's network. The main line starts from Piraeus, passes through the main line train station of Larissis in Athens, and forks at Neratziotissa west to Kiato and Corinth and east towards the Airport.

By tram

The new Athens Tram [9] connects the city centre with the southern suburbs and has connections with the metro lines. There are three tram lines:

- Line 1 (T1): Syntagma – Palaio Faliro – Neo Faliro connects the city centre with the Peace and Friendship Stadium.

- Line 2 (T2): Syntagma – Palaio Faliro – Glyfada connects the city centre with the coastal zone.

- Line 3 (T3): Neo Faliro – Palaio Faliro – Glyfada runs along the coastal zone.

A single ticket costs 60 cents.

By bus

Athens is served by a network of diesel buses, natural gas buses and electric trolley buses run by the Athens Urban Transport Organisation [10]. A standard bus ticket costs €1. It is called the Integrated ticket and allows for multiple trips within 90 minutes, and it's available in most kiosks. Use a €3.20 ticket to travel to or from the airport. If you tend to stay for more than a week then a weekly pass for €10 is the most cost-effective. It gives you unlimited rides on almost all public transit (bus, tram, train, subway) for 7 days. You only need to validate once, before first use. Buses will not stop unless you signal the driver by raising your arm.

Night buses. As of March 2006 the night bus routes are:

- X14 Syntagma Square to Kifissia.

- 11 Ano Patissia – Neo Pangrati – Nea Elvetia (trolley bus).

- 040 Piraeus to Syntagma Square.

- 500 Piraeus – Kifissia (night only).

- X92, X93, X95, X96, X97 (the airport buses).

At the airport you can pick up a multitude of public transport maps, especially for buses, tram and trolleys that cover the whole of Athens, and parts of Attica like Sounio and other ports. These maps can be found in display stands. They are blue and marked with big Numbers, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 in different colors.

By taxi

Canary yellow taxis are a common sight in Athens and are a reasonably priced way of getting around (if you can avoid the traffic jams). The starting fee is €1, after which the meter ticks up at €0.34/km ("rate 1") or €0.64/km ("rate 2"), with a minimum fare of €3.10. Rate 1 applies through Athens city limits, including the airport, while rate 2 applies outside the city and from midnight to 5 AM. Legal surcharges apply for calling a cab by radio (€1.60), trips to or from the airport (€3.20) and heavy bags (€0.32). Tipping is not necessary, although it's common to round up to the nearest full euro.

Taxi fare fraud is not as widespread as it used to be, but it still happens, so insist on the meter and make sure the rate is correct. At busy tourist locations cab drivers can try and con you with a set rate that is ridiculously high (e.g. 20€ for a short trip). In these cases it is best to find another and again insist on the charge shown on the meter. If you feel you have been overcharged, ask for a receipt (they are obliged to give one) and take the plate number, then phone the tourist police to report the driver on 171.

Be aware that the taxi drivers rarely obey all of the rules of the road. Expect that if you are leaving Athens on an early flight, that the driver will likely drive aggressively to get you there as quickly as possible.

Taxis are considered as fairly cheap in Athens. As such you can expect to share the ride during rush hours if you can find one, and at night after the Metro has shutdown. As such if you hail a taxi which is already occupied (Free Taxis have a brightly lit TAXI sign on top of the cab) the driver will ask where you want to go to before he will let you in to join the other customers. Strikes by cabbies and public transit are common so be prepared and watch the local news.

By bicycle

Athens is certainly not the city to go around with a bicycle, as it does not have much bicycle lanes and the car drivers tend to drive quite aggressively. Nevertheless (or maybe because of this) riding a bicycle in Athens has become lately some sort of a political (counter-)action, especially by young people with an alternative lifestyle. In general, tourists not familiar with the terrible Athenian traffic are not advised to use a bicycle as a principal means of transport. Small rides are safe though in the long network of pedestrian streets around the Historical Centre of the city and can be quite enjoyable indeed.

The initiative My City with a Bike [11] taken by the General Secretariat for The Youth [12] and several NGO's offers free conducted tours with free bikes every Saturday and Sunday from 10AM to 3PM all year round except for the rainy days. All you have to do is book 10 days in advance either by email (admin@anthropos.gr) or phone (8011 19 19 00).

On foot

Athens offers some of the best and worst urban walking in Europe. Several major streets have been recently pedestrianized, and a mostly car-free archeological walk which starts at Vasilisis Amalias Street, passes in front of the New Acropolis Museum, Acropolis, Herodion Theatre, Thiseio (Apostolou Pavlou Str), Ermou Street and ends at the popular area of Kerameikos (Gkazi) where numerous bars and clubs are located. Pleasant walking can also be had in Plaka, especially its upper reaches, and in much of Kolonaki, and the National Garden can provide a welcome respite from the heat and noise of the city center. On the other hand, Athens' horrendous traffic can make crossing the street in many areas a hair-raising proposition, and even walking down many major streets can be an unpleasant experience of noise and pollution. Cars and motorbikes parked blocking the sidewalks (illegal but ubiquitous) can also make a stroll difficult. Fortunately, much of the traffic-plagued area of the city can be avoided by judicious use of the new Metro, which goes most places a visitor would want to see or to walk around in.

You can now visit the Acropolis, walk along the picturesque streets of Plaka or the hills around the Acropolis at your own pace, with i Pod Pocket tours audioguides [13]. It’s informative and fun! They are available for rent at Athens Hilton Hotel, Sofitel Athens Airport, King George Palace and Baby Grand Hotel.

Talk

While Greek is the main language used in Athens, most Athenians speak English and those in the tourist industry are likely to speak French and German too. Notices, menus and road signs are written in both English and Greek.

See

Athens is a huge city, so all individual listings should be moved to the appropriate district articles, and this section should contain a brief overview. Please help to move listings if you are familiar with this city.

At first glance, Athens seems entirely to be composed of nasty, four- to six-story concrete buildings, lacking character and badly in need of a paint, but if you look beyond that, you will find little gems tucked in amongst 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 amongst the concrete, often in the most unexpected places. These are usually beautifully decorated with icons and brass fixtures inside, but make sure you're appropriately dressed (no short sleeves or bare legs is a good rule of thumb, as a mark of respect).

- For the best views of Athens, head to the top of Lycavittos Hill. You can either walk from Kolonaki (the path starts 15 minutes from Evangelismos metro stop, and will take 30 minutes to talk up the winding, but paved and not steep, path) or you can take the funicular railway (6.5€ for a 2 way trip) from the top of Ploutarchou Street in Kolonaki. Either way, be sure to wear flat shoes, and bring lots of water in the summer! From the top you can see the whole city, the port of Piraeus and, on a clear day, the island of Aegina and the Peloponnese. Have a drink at the cafe there, and pay a visit to the chapel of St George.

- If you're lucky enough to be in Athens for the Easter Weekend, you'll see the spectacular sight of hundreds of people making their candlelit way down the hill on Easter Saturday night as part of the Easter Vigil procession.

- There is a ticket available at relevant sites that give admission to the most popular sites such as the Acropolis and Temple of Olypian Zeus for €12. If you're a student, almost all admission costs are waived; but the cards are properly looked at and one out-of-date won't pass.

Landmarks

- The Acropolis, a Unesco World Heritage Site, [14] was the ancient fortified town of Athens, dating back to the Late Bronze Age, and the site of the best buildings of the Greek Classical age: the Parthenon, the Erectheion, the Temple of Athena Nike. Acropolis dominates the Athenian sky and symbolizes the foundation of modern culture and civilization. As the most famous landmark of entire Greece, Acropolis is the eternal symbol of democracy, education and inspiration. If you attend a university in the European Union, bring your ID and you can enter for free. The normal entrance price is 12 euros. This ticket also gives you entry to the Kerameikos, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Roman Agora, Ancient Agora, and the nearby Theatre of Dionysus. If possible, get there early to avoid heavy crowds, and summer heat when relevant.

- The Ancient Agora— The site of the Ancient Agora in a very green space and a very beautiful view of the Acropolis. You will see the Temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved ancient Greek temple, the Attalos Stoa, the museum of the agora which is a reconstructed ancient building. From the agora you can walk towards Acropolis. Extension of the agora is the Roman Forum.

- Syntagma Square— Check out the Parliament building and the newly-restored Grande Bretagne Hotel. Also, catch the changing of the guards in front of the Parliament every hour on the hour. Their uniforms and walking style is fun to see but make sure you don't stand on the wrong side of them if you want to take a picture. If you accidentally do so, they will knock their gun and, as they are not allowed to speak, someone else from the guard will kindly ask you to change position.

- The Kerameikos— The site of the ancient cemetery of Athens. It also houses the Dipylon Gate, where the Panathenaic procession would begin. It has a museum showcasing many of the grave stele and other archaeological items found on the grounds.

- The Temple of Olympian Zeus— Only the ruins remain today. The column that has fallen and can still be seen on pieces was brought down during a thunderstorm about a century ago. The 1896 Olympic Stadium and Hadrian's Arch are located nearby,

- Panathinaiko Stadium— The stadium that housed the first modern day Olympic Games of 1896. Its an enormous, white, marble stadium, with a horseshoe configuration stadium.

- Lycabettus Hill— A 200m hill bordering the Kolonaki district. You can reach the top by walking or by a funicular railway [small ticket charge]. There is a cafe-restaurant with a great view of Athens towards the sea. From halfway up looking towards the sea there are astonishing views of the Parthenon with the blue of the sea glimpsed between its columns.

Museums and Galleries

Because of its antiquity and influence, Athens is full of museums and galleries. The major ones are the National Archeological Museum near Omonia, the New Acropolis Museum by the Acropolis, the Benaki and Cycladic Art Museums in Kolonaki, the Agora Museum near Monastiraki, and the Kanellopoulos and Folk Art Museums in Plaka. Details of these and others will be found in the district sections.

Arts and Culture

The visual arts enjoy a big share in the Athenian cultural and everyday life. Next to big institutions such as the National Gallery and the Benaki Museum, a big number of small private galleries are spread within the city centre and the surrounding areas, hosting the works of contemporary visual and media artists. In recent years a number of bar galleries have sprung up, where you can have a drink or a coffee whilst visiting an exhibition.

- The National Art Gallery is located at Michalakopoulou Street, close to Evangelismos metro station and is one of Greece's main art institutions and features paintings and works of art from some of Greece's and Europe's best from the 19th and 20th centuries. Emphasis is given to popular Greek contemporary artists including Giannis Tsarouchis, Domenikos Theotokopoulos (a.k.a. El Greco), Theodors Vrizakis, Nikolaos Kounelakis, Nikiforos Litras, Konstantinos Parthenis, Maleas, Giannis Moralis and others

- The City of Athens Technopolis, an industrial museum of incomparable architecture - among the most interesting in the world, has been transformed into a multipurpose cultural space. The centre has assisted in the upgrading of a historic Athens district and the creation of yet another positive element in Athens' cultural identity. Technopolis is located at Peiraios Avenue & Persefonis Street, right next to the Kerameikos metro station (line 3).

Parks

Parnitha National Park has well-marked paths, gorges, springs, torrents and caves do the protected area. Hiking and mountain-biking in all four mountains remain popular outdoor activities for many residents of the city. The National Garden of Athens is a peaceful and beautiful park in the centre of Athens, where visitors can enjoy their walk and spend hours of relaxation. The Garden encloses luxuriant vegetation, plenty of flowers, some ancient ruins, two duck ponds and a small zoo. In addition, there is a children’s playground and a café as well. It's located between the Parliament and Zappeion buildings.The landmark Dionysiou Aeropagitou street has been pedestrianised, forming a scenic route. The route starts from the Temple of Olympian Zeus at Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, continues under the southern slopes of the Acropolis near Plaka, and finishes just beyond the Temple of Hephaestus in Thiseio. The route in its entirety provides visitors with views of the Parthenon and the Agora (the meeting point of ancient Athenians), away from the busy city centre.The hills of Athens provide also green space. Lycabettus, Philopappos hill and the area around it including Pnyx and Ardettos hill are all planted with pines and other trees and they are more like small forests than typical urban parks. There is also Pedion tou Areos (Field of Mars) of 27.7 hectares near National Archaeological Museum which is currently under renovation.

Disabled Access

Most Athens attractions offer free or discounted ticket prices for disabled person living in European Union (badge or card is required). The discount is not advertised and you have to ask staff to get information. You will also be offered assistance and lifts access if necessary.

Do

- Near Athens in Glyfada (50 min by tram from the center), there is the Sea Turtle Rescue Society Archelon. They are regularly looking for volunteers who are willing to work on their own costs and are able to take care of injured sea turtles.

- Attend an event at the Athens and Epidaurus Festival [15]. It runs during the summer and offers a wide spectrum of events covering almost every taste. Try to attend a performance at the ancient theater of Epidaurus -a truly unforgetable experience.

- Every Sat/Sun you can join a free bike tour of the old area of Athens. To take part in this, you should contact the NGO Anthropos[16] or call 210 8838914 but you can just turn up if you aren't able to contact them in advance. Groups meet at 10:40AM outside Thissio metro station.

- If the weather is good, head out of town on buses A2, B2 or E22 from metro station Sygrou, or the tram from Syntagma to the beaches to the south of Athens. Just get off wherever the sea takes your fancy. Be aware though that beach-side cafes can hit you hard with prices of food and drinks. If you are the only person getting on the bus, be aware that you need to flag the bus down to get it to stop or it will just fly on by.

- EasyCruise, Syngrou Avenue 362, Kallithea , 176 74 Athinai, phone +30 211 2116211. The infamous cheap flight company now runs a variety of cruises from Greece [Athens] to Turkey and surrounding islands such as Mykonos, Paros and Syros. For the classic enthusiast, their tour company visits Acropolis, Epidavros, Nemea, Mycenae, Corinth, Olympia and Delphi.

Entertainment

Theater and Performing Arts

Athens is home to 148 theatrical stages, more than any other city in the world, including the famous ancient Herodes Atticus Theatre, home to the Athens Festival, which runs from May to October each year. In addition to a large number of multiplexes, Athens plays host to a variety of romantic, open air garden cinemas. The city also supports a vast number of music venues, including the Athens Concert Hall, known as the "Mégaron Musikis", which attracts world-famous artists all year round.

Buy

Although a huge city, Athens has relatively few shopping malls or large department stores; the small, family run shop still conquers all. Souvenirs are of course available everywhere that tourists go. Other shopping opportunities are antiques, museum reproductions, embroideries and other folk art goods, and Greek food and drink products. Here is an overview of the Athens shopping scene; detailed listings will be found on the relevant district pages:

- Plaka is lined with souvenir shops, most of them selling cheap souvenir knick-nacks, though there are a few higher-quality shops here and there. Prices can be high for quality items.

- Kolonaki is the upscale, hip, and artistic shopping area. Another is Kifissia.

- For a more reasonable price tag, try Ermou Street, beside Syntagma Square. Turn right off Ermou at the MAC makeup shop and you'll find yourself on Aghiou Markou and other small streets which are home to incredibly cheap shoes, bags, jewellery, gifts, homewares, and so on.

- The Mall at the Metro Station "Neratziotissa" (Line 1) is the biggest shopping mall in Athens with a large variety of shops, cafés and restaurants and, arguably, one of the most "hi tec" cinemas in the city.

- The Golden Hall is a shopping mall at Kifissias avenue in Maroussi and includes shops with luxury brands, as well as luxury cafés, bars and restaurants.

- The Athens Heart is a shopping mall close to the center of Athens.

- Street vendors, with their wares laid out on blankets on the pavement, can be found in many places where tourists congregate, especially in Plaka and Monastiraki. Their goods are mostly forgeries, cheap knock-offs, and illegal CDs. These vendors are unlicensed, which is in violation of Greek law, and you may notice them vanishing as soon as a policeman is in sight, to reappear the instant the police have gone. They are best ignored. (This warning doesn't apply to vendors of fruit, nuts, etc. from street carts, who are usually legitimate.)

Eat

- For quick, decent and low-budget meals that do not fall into the commercialized fast food category, try a souvlaki' (pronounced soo- VLAH-kee), mainly grilled meat (pork, chicken, it's your choice) vegetables (tomato and onion slices) and greek 'tzatziki' (pronounced tzah-TZEE-khee) which is yogurt enriched with garlic and cucumber. All the above (often accompanied by french fries) are wrapped inside a thin slice of pan bread, named 'pita' (PEE-tah). Prices of 'souvlaki' vary according to the confidence and/or nerve of the cornershop owner, but usually you can get one from €1.70 to €2.20; add some soda, salad and french fries and you can have lunch for no more than €7 - if you ask for a take away, the price is considerably cheaper than if you sit at a table. You can get souvlaki just about everywhere, especially where tourists roam, though they are a bit more expensive in those regions. The best souvlaki stands in central Athens are both in Monastiraki, adjacent to each other and just off the main square in front of the Metro stop: Savvas at Mitropoleas 86-88 and O Thanasis at Mitropoleos 69.

- If you're interested in a sandwich, cheese pie, spinach pie or the equivalent of a fast snack, try Grigoris (Γρηγόρης) or Everest, two chains of fast food to be found in most districts of Athens and the rest of Greece. Goody's is the Greek equivalent of McDonald's and offers a fair variety of tasty meals, including pasta, different salads, burgers etc.

For listings of specific restaurants, see the individual district sections, especially Kolonaki and Plaka.

Drink

- Greeks love to socialize, and Athens buzzes long after its other European counterparts have laid their heads down to sleep. 8PM is the earliest most Greeks will consider going to eat out, and clubbers start to get ready at about midnight. Note that 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.

- Have a frappé, the delicious Greek version of cold coffee. Being a Greek invention, it is absolutely nothing like the frappé you find in other countries of the world. Served sweet, medium, or without sugar, with or without milk. Delicious with Bailey's too.

- A 'club zone' is located in the coastal zone, running to the east- if you go there and you are lucky, you can actually get to listen to non-Greek music. There are also many clubs and pubs in the center of Athens.

- Go to the Psyrrí area (Monastiraki or Thisseio stop, 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.

- The area north of Ermou street between Monastiraki and Syntagma has seen a considerably rise in the number and quality of bars during recent years. Aiolou and Kolokotroni streets both offer a fair variety of cafés and bars. Magazé, 6dogs, Booze and all the bars on Karytsi square (a small square at the end of Christou Lada street, behind Klafthmonos square on Stadiou avenue) can get very busy on Fridays and Saturdays, with visitors having their drinks even on the streets outside from spring through autumn, when the weather is nice.

- The area around the Kerameikos station, called Gazi (Γκάζι, gas) has been the gay village of Athens for quite a few years. Since the opening of the metro station, in 2007, the neighbourhood has attracted all kinds of crowds. This is a home to dozens of bars, cafés and clubs, gay or not, as well as to small theatrical scenes, the latter one especially to the northeast of the area, towards Metaxourgeio.

- Balux, Vassileos Georgiou B No. 58 Asteria, Glyfada,, [17]. Arguably one of the best bars in Athens for the specific style, to call it a bar is an understaement. Balux is large complex set right on the water in Glyfada, one of the trendiest neighborhoods in the city. It is open during the summer for swimming in the ocean or pool all day and turns into a lounge and full club at night. Where Athen's wealthy go to party.

Clubbing & Night Life

Athens is famous for its vibrant nightlife. The Athenians like to party and will do so almost every night of the week. The choices are plenty and they appeal to all tastes and lifestyles. In general, things get started pretty late: after midnight for bars and clubbing and after 10:00 p.m. for dinner at the city's tavernas, Athens Restaurants and bar-restaurants.

Hip areas include Gazi, Psirri, Metaxourgio, Exarcheia, Monastiraki, Theseion and Kolonaki. Traditional Greek evenings can be spent in Plaka.

At Psirri you will find some of Athens' hottest clubs and bars. Large and small, they play all types of music from Greek, rock and ethnic to Latin, pop and jazz. Psirri has become an Athenian favourite. A tour to Athens nightlife would not be complete without a visit to the industrial district of Gazi. Most of the galleries, mainstream bars, restaurants, clubs and Greek nightclubs here (featuring live Greek pop singers), are trademarked by their industrial design as many of them are housed in remodelled -- and once abandoned -- factories. Gazi is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods of Athens nightlife. Plaka - Monastiraki are two ancient, historic and all-time classic Athenian neighborhoods popular with visitors, they do not have many big dance clubs and bars, but offer lively, traditional places to enjoy Greek culture year-round as well as several rock and jazz clubs.

You will find plenty nightclubs with live Greek music along Syggrou Avenue and at the industrial strips of Iera Odos and Pireos Street in Gazi. In the summer months, the action moves to Poseidon Avenue and the coastal towns of Glyfada, Voula and Vouliagmeni. Kolonaki is a staple dining and entertainment destination, catering to the city's urban working professionals who enjoy an after work cocktail at many of its bars that are open - and busy - until after midnight, even on weekdays. The clubs here are also very chic. Exarchia is where to go for smaller more bohemian style haunts that cater to artists and college students. At the foot of Strefi Hill is where you will find most of the bars and clubs, many of which play rock music. An alternative option of Athens nightlife.

Sleep

Athens has a wide variety of accommodation options, from camping and hostels, right up to 5 star luxury hotels. For listings of specific hotels, see the individual district sections.

Contact

There are many free wireless hotspots across the city. Wi-Fi internet connection is available at Syntagma Square, Kotzia Square and Theseion. Alternatively, you can go to one of the many internet cafés located in the center of the city. Many bars, restaurants and cafes offer free wi-fi for their guests.

The mobile network (3G/GPRS/GSM) covers the whole city. Also, public phones are found all over the city and phone cards are available from most kiosks.

Stay safe

While Athens is generally a very safe city, there have been a huge number reports of pickpockets on the Metro (also the line from Airport), buses and in other crowded areas, including Plaka. You will notice that natives travel with their hands on their bags and pockets, which unfortunately is not without reason. You will probably be warned about pickpockets by hotel staff and friendly waiters, but this may be too late. Be extremely cautious and split all your documents, cards and money into different places. Street crime is rare; when it happens, it's most commonly purse-snatching from women walking away from banks and ATM machines.

The friendly stranger bar scam has been reported from areas of central Athens frequented by travelers, including Omonia, Syntagma, and Plaka. Recently, there have been some reports of fraud. Usually, someone will stop you and ask for directions. A couple of other guys then show up claiming to be police, showing a badge (obviously a fake one). They ask if you were getting drugs from the other guy and then ask for your passport and wallet for verification. While you are busy trying to convince them that your passport is valid, one of them sneaks out some money from your wallet.

Another danger recently reported, especially by travelers boarding the Airport Express Bus in Piraeus, is pickpocket gangs operating buses used by tourists. As the bus is boarding, a large group traveling together (who are reported often to be of various nationalities other than Greek) will divide itself in two, with half of them going on board and then stopping in the aisle to cause a jam-up among passengers trying to board through the door behind them, the other half then offering to help the jammed passengers lift their luggage on board. Just before the bus leaves, the half of this group on the bus gets off. Then, joining the other half outside the door, they all quickly disperse.

What has happened, of course, is that the passengers who were being "helped" with their luggage by some of this group were being pick-pocketed by others. The theft is particularly effective because it's directed at travelers who are leaving the country and are thus not likely to report it--many victims don't realize they've been robbed until they get to the airport or even until after they get on the plane. Some travelers have claimed that certain bus drivers are party to these crimes by neglecting to open the rear door of the bus for boarding passengers, thus ensuring a tighter and more confused crowd of jammed passengers trying to board through the center door, making the criminals' job easier.

Athenians hold negative perceptions for the areas from Omonoia Square to Karaiskaki Square and the area near Larissis train station (in the western areas of the city proper), and locals advise you to avoid these areas late at night.

There are many beggars and homeless people who walk around the streets asking for money or food. Often they use children as sympathy tools. Places to avoid are Vathis Square (can be populated by druggies using even at 5 o'clock in the afternoon), the roads on the right of the National Archaelogical Museum (almost a gathering place for the beggars of the city - the density is enormous) and the south end of 3 September Street.

The back streets of Piraeus are probably also places where its unwise to wander around late at night. More recently, Sofokleous Street (a major street south of Omonia), especially the western part near Pireos Street, has gotten a reputation for crime and drugs; some Athenians will advise you to avoid it even during the daytime. Some may also argue that wandering around the Zappeio gardens and the Pedion Areos parks at night time may not be wise.

Special care should be taken in crossing streets in Athens' chaotic traffic, even if you have the walk light. Alot of the time, even if the green man is showing, there are cars with their green light showing they can drive through that way.

Athens is one of the most political cities in Europe. Demonstrations and riots are common and accepted as part of everyday life and democracy by most Athenians. Keep abreast of news of demonstrations, and avoid them if you don't want to run the risk of being arrested or tear-gassed.

Anarchist and leftist groups often target police, government, and corporate targets during the night. It is unlikely that tourists would be hurt, as the anarchists usually take care to damage only property as opposed to people. Nonetheless, parking by a McDonald's, police station, or bank could get your car damaged.

In addition, you should be aware that Athens has many stray dogs. Though the large dogs are usually friendly, they may be alarming and unusual upon your first arriving into the city. Athenians feed and take care of them, and it is not unusual to see a shop owner offering plastic plates full of leftovers to the dogs on the street.

Cope

Embassies and consulates

- Australia, Level 6, Thon Building, Kifissias & Alexandras Ave, +30 2108704000 (ae.athens@dfat.gov.au, fax: +30 2108704111), [18].

- Austria, Vass. Sofias Avenue 4, +30 2107257270 (athen-ob@bmei.gv.at, fax: +30 2107257292).

- Brazil, Platia Filikis Eterias 14, +30 2107213039, +30 2107234450 (embragre@embratenas.gr, fax: +30 2107244731), [19].

- Bulgaria, Stratigou Kallari 33A, Psychiko, +30 2106748106, +30 2106748107, +30 2106748108 (embassbg@otenet.gr, fax: +30 2106748130).

- Canada, Ioannou Gennadiou 4, +30 2107273400 (athns@international.gc.ca, fax: +30 2107273480), [20].

- China, Dimokratias 10-12, Psychiko, +30 2106783840 (chinaemb_gr@mfa.gov.cn, fax: +30 2106723819), [21].

- Croatia, Tzavela 4, Psychiko, +30 2106777033, +30 2106777037, +30 2106777049 (croemb.athens@mvpei.hr, fax: +30 2106711208).

- Denmark, Mourouzi 10, +30 2107256440 (athamb@um.dk, fax: +30 2107256473), [22].

- Estonia, Messoghion Ave, Athens Tower Bldg 2-4, +30 2107475660 (embassy.athens@mfa.ee, fax: +30 2107475661), [23].

- Finland, Hatziyianni Mexi 5, +30 2107255860 (sanomat.ate@formin.fi, fax: +30 2107255864), [24].

- France, Vass.Sofias Ave 7, +30 2103391000 (ambafran@first.gr, fax: +30 2103391009), [25].

- Germany, Karaoli & Dimitriou 3, +30 2107285111 (info@athen.diplo.de, fax: +30 2107285335), [26].

- Hungary, Karneadou 25-29, +30 2107256800 (mission.ath@kum.hu, fax: +30 2107256840), [27].

- India, Kleanthous 3, +30 2107216481, +30 2107216227 (indembassy@ath.forthnet.gr, fax: +30 2107211252), [28].

- Ireland, Vass.Constantinou Ave 7, +30 2107232771, +30 2107238645, +30 2107232405 (athensembassy@dfa.ie, fax: +30 2107293383), [29].

- Israel, Marathonodromon 1, Psychiko, +30 2106705500 (ambass-sec@athens.mfa.gov.il, fax: +30 2106705555), [30].

- Italy, Sekeri 2, +30 2103617260, +30 2103617261, +30 2103617262 (ambasciata.atene@esteri.it, fax: +30 2103617330), [31].

- Japan, Ethnikis Andistaseos 46, Chalandri, +30 2106709900 (embjapan@otenet.gr, fax: +30 2106709980), [32].

- Macedonia, Papadiamanti 4, P. Psychico, +30 210 674 9585 (athens@mfa.gov.mk, fax: +30 210 674 9572), [33].

- Malta Embassy, Vass.Sofias Avenue 96, +30 2107785138 (maltaembassy.athens@gov.mt, fax: +30 2107785242).

- Netherlands, Vass.Konstantinou Avenue 5-7, +30 2107254900 (ath@minbuza.nl, fax: +30 2107254907), [34].

- Norway, Vass.Sofias Ave 23, +30 2107246173 (emb.athens@mfa.no, fax: +30 2107244989), [35].

- Portugal, Vass.Sofias Ave 23, +30 2107236784, +30 2107290096, +30 2107257505 (embportg@otenet.gr, fax: +30 2107290955).

- Romania, Emmanuel Benaki 7, +30 2106728875, +30 2106728876 (romaniaembassy@romadsl.ondsl.gr, fax: +30 2106728883), [36].

- Russia, Nikiforou Litra 28, Psychiko, +30 2106725235, +30 2106726130 (embraf@otenet.gr, fax: +30 2106749708), [37].

- Saudi Arabia, Marathonodromon 71, Psychiko, +30 2106716911, +30 2106716912, +30 2106716913 (gremb@mofa.gov.sa, fax: +30 2106749833).

- Serbia, 106, Vassilissis Sophias Ave, Consulate 25, Evrou St, +30 210 / 777-43-44, 777-43-55 (beograd@hol.gr, fax: +30 2106749833), [38].

- South Africa, Kifissias Ave 60, Maroussi, +30 2106106645 (embassy@southafrica.gr, fax: +30 2106106640), [39].

- Spain, Dion.Areopagitou 21, +30 2109213123, +30 2109213237, +302109213238 (emb-esp@otenet.gr, fax: +30 2109213090).

- Sweden, Vass.Konstantinou Ave 7, +30 2107266100 (ambassaden.athen@foreign.ministry.se, fax: +30 2107266150), [40].

- Switzerland, Iassiou 2, +30 2107230364, +30 2107230366, +302107299471 (vertretung@ath.rep.admin.ch, fax: +30 2107249209), [41].

- Turkey, Vass.Georgiou II 8, +30 2107263000 (info@tutkishembasy.ondsl.gr, fax: +30 2107229597).

- United Kingdom, Ploutarchou 1, +30 2107272600 (info@fco.gov.uk, fax: +30 2107272723), [42].

- United States, Vass.Sofias Ave 91, +30 2107212951, +30 2107294301 (usembassy@usembassy.gr, fax: +30 2106456282), [43].

Get out

Piraeus, the harbour of Athens, and Rafina (on the east coast of Attica) are the departure points for a large number of ferry services to the Greek Islands and other destinations in the eastern Mediterranean, including ports in Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Israel and Cyprus. Fast hydrofoil, catamaran or helicopter services also take you to the Greek Islands. Italy is easily approached by boat from Patras (take a train or a bus to Patras).

The port of Lavrion in southern Attica is being increasingly developed as a ferry port, especially for (some) Cyclades routes. Rafina and, especially, Piraeus remain, however, the main hubs for the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

The closest islands, suitable for a day trip from Piraeus, are located in the Argosaronic (or Saronic) gulf: Hydra, Aegina, Poros, Spetses and Salamina. Kea (also pronounced Tzia) is a very nearby destination, too, less than two hours from the port of Lavrio. If what you are thinking is an island further away from Piraeus, like Paros, Naxos, Ios, Santorini or any of the Dodecanese or Northern Aegean isles, you should probably consider with extra days off Athens because of their distance from the mainland. Flying is, ofcourse, also an option to many of the more distant islands.

Day trips to the Corinth Canal, the ancient theatre at Epidaurus and to the ancient sites of Olympia, Delphi and Mycenae are easy with a rental car. Other towns along the Peloponnese such as Nafplion are charming and worthwhile.

District Acropolis Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

Ancient Buildings

On the Acropolis

On the South Side

Museums

• Buy

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Get in
toc

The Acropolis of Athens is open daily. Summer opening times: 8AM-7PM, Winter opening times: 8AM - sunset. Telephone: +30 210 3214172. Get there as early as possible to avoid heavy crowds, and summer heat when relevant.

General admission is €12 but excellent concessions are available, as is free access to many categories of individuals, especially under-18s and European university students - check the official web site [1]. There are also a limited number of free days for the public listed each year; again, check the website.

The entrance to the Acropolis is off Theorias Street. From the Akropoli metro stop and New Acropolis Museum, walk west along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and take the first right on to Theorias; from the Thissio metro stop west of Monastiraki, walk west to Apostolou Pavlou Street, turn left on it, and walk south to turn left on Theorias. From Plaka, you can walk south up steep Mnisikleous Street as far as you can go and turn right on Theorias.

The main archaeological site is surrounded by a large public area, a plethora of trees with beautiful stone-paved paths (designed by the great Greek architect Pikionis). A canteen with a wide range of food and drink is reached before you get to the ticket kiosk - but beware: refreshments are available only at exorbitant prices. You will definitely need a bottle of water with you in the hot summer, so either bring it with you or buy it from the kiosk on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, just outside the entrance. There are water fountains within the site, but the water isn't always cold. Guides can nearly always be found offering to show you around - at a price - at the point where tickets are checked. An alternative will be a printed version of this article (info not yet added), or ask for the free leaflet published by the Archaeological Resources Fund (includes a ground plan of the site and valuable information on the various monuments).

Some views will be marred by scaffolding. Many portions of the site are undergoing major, needed renovations.

Following European regulations, disabled access to the Acropolis can be gained by means of special paths and a purpose-built lift [2] on the north face of the hill. Apparently this is only for the use of those in wheelchairs.

See
toc

Ancient Buildings
toc

On the Acropolis
toc

- The Parthenon— The largest temple on the Acropolis, originally dedicated to the goddess of

the city, Athena, later converted to a church and then a mosque. Built between 447 and 438 BCE at the height of the Classical period. Original home to what some refer to as the "Elgin Marbles", now in London's British Museum.

- The Temple of Athena Nike— First temple on the Acropolis to be built in the Ionic style, and one of the few exemplars of an amphiprostyle temple in all of Greece: what made it truly unique was the unit by which it was planned, which turns out to be the Egyptian foot of 300 mm.

- The Erectheion— Dedicated to the worship of the two principal gods of Attica, Athena and Poseidon-Erechtheus.

- The Propylea— The ancient monumental gateway to the Acropolis.

On the South Side
toc

- The Odeon of Herodes Atticus: This ancient theatre is still used today for concerts and plays.

- The Theatre of Dionysis

Museums
toc

- New Acropolis Museum [3]. Designed by Swiss star architect Bernard Tschumi at a site south of the Acropolis, this long-overdue replacement for the musty old museum opened in June 2009. Located in Makryanni just below the Acropolis, it's easily accessed from the Acropolis station of the Metro. Entry is €5.

Buy
toc

For students of the European Union, entrance is free.

Sleep
toc

Budget
toc

- Athens Backpackers, 12 Makri Street - Makryanni, Athens, +30 210 32 25 891. Standard backpacking hostel offering clean and comfortable beds, 24 hr receptions access, and discounted wi fi access. Great spot to meet other travellers.

- Hostel Dioskouros, 6 Pittakou street, 0030 210 3248165 (hoteldioskouros@gmail.com). Tel: Right beneath the Acropolis. 1 minute walk from the Acropolis Museum. Getting to Dioskouros: From Airport You can either take the Metro or Bus (E95). Both leave you at Syntagma SQ on Amalias avenue. Walk to number 38 and turn in right onto Periandrou street. When on Periandrou street take the 1st left and you will see Dioscouros in front of you Or you can get a taxi, which will cost between 30 - 40 euros. Port: Train. Get the train to Monastiraki (green Line). From there change to the blue line and its one stop to Syntagma. This leaves you on on Amalias avenue. Walk to number 38 and turn in right onto Periandrou street. When on Periandrou street take the 1st left and you will see Dioscouros in front of you 20.

- Tony Hotel: 26Zaharitsa Str., Koukaki, +30 210 9235761, +30 210 9230561, fax +30 210 9236370, tony@hoteltony.gr, [4].

Mid-range
toc

- Acropolis View Hotel Athens, Webster street 10, Athens, +30 210 32 25 891. Attention to detail is catered for in this hotel, with most rooms having a fresh lick of paint on them every year. Rooms are also equipped with central heating and A/C, private baths and mini fridges and some units have balconies. Price from €88 for a single room in high season.

District Plaka, Monastiraki and Thissio Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

Museums and galleries

• Buy

• Eat

Budget

Mid-range

Expensive

• Drink

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-rate

Splurge

• Contact

Understand
toc

Gentrified during the 1990s and now very popular with tourists, Plaka is a charming historic district at the foot of the Acropolis, with its restored 19th century neoclassical homes, pedestrianized streets, shops and restaurants, and picturesque ruins from the city's Roman era. Thissio, to the west side of the Acropolis, is very similar and now houses many restaurants and cafes. Between the two is Monastiraki, a very bohemian district increasingly popular with tourists, with stores selling a variety of items including antiques, cookware, souvenirs, arts and crafts, movie posters, punk culture, funky clothing, and pretty much anything you can think of. Another part of Plaka is Anafiotika and is located on the northermost place. There you will find the first university of Athens before it was relocated in central Athens. Its an oasis of calm and quietness, and there are many green spaces which are part of the green space of Acropolis.

Plaka's boundaries are not precisely defined. Clear borders are the Ancient Agora and Plateia Monastiraki on the west, the Acropolis and Dhionysiou Areopayitou street on the south, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Leoforos Amalias on the south-east, and the west part of Mitropoleos street, up to the cathedral on the north (but Mitropoleos street and Leoforos Amalias, though boundaries, shouldn't be considered part of Plaka, since they have a modern and fairly non-descript atmosphere). The north-eastern and eastern boundaries are a bit less well defined, but if you're south of Apollonos street and west of Nikis street you'll probably feel like you're still in Plaka.

Get in
toc

Monastiraki station is served by both Metro lines 1 and 3, and serves as the best access point for Plaka and Psiri, although walking from Acropoli station on line 2 to Plaka is also a possibility. Driving and parking in this area is difficult.

See
toc

Though many visitors come to Plaka for its authentic atmosphere, there are also a number of individual attractions in the neighborhood which will interest many visitors.

- The Roman Agora/Roman Forum [1] at the west end of Plaka, houses the Tower of the Winds, an eight sided tower with a different wind deity on each side. Also located here are the remains of ancient shops and a fountain. Shared ticket with Acropolis (€12).

- The Ancient Agora [2], just to the west of Plaka and easily walked to by following the pleasant section of Hadrian (Adrianou) Street leading west from Hadrian's Library, was formerly a political and administrative center of ancient Athens. The Temple of Hephaestus (5th century BC) is found here. The Stoa of Attalus has been turned into a museum [3] housing relics found in the Agora. One of the oldest churches in Athens, Agias Apostoli (11th century), stands near the agora. Shared ticket with Acropolis (€12).

Museums and galleries
toc

- Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, 22 Ag. Asomaton & 12 Dipilou Streets – Kerameikos [4]. An excellent collection which anyone interested in Islamic art will want to see. The museum was opened in 2004 as a branch of the Benaki, but is in a different part of town in two connected buildings.

- Kanellopoulos Museum, 12 Theorias & Panos Streets, Plaka [5]. Tues-Sun 8:30AM-3PM. A small but excellent museum displays artifacts from Mycenean Greece on, and includes some wonderful Persian artifacts.

- Museum of Greek Popular Musical Instruments, 1-3 Dioyenous, Plaka [6]. A very interesting museum which includes exhibits of traditional Greek musical instruments, with recordings of most of them.

- Museum of Greek Folk Art, 17 Kydathineon [7]. An excellent museum of its type. Too often neglected by visitors to Athens, even though it is in the heavily touristed Plaka neighborhood. Artifacts, tools, primitive painting, folk pottery, and interior decor are only some of the arts featured, and it is particularly strong on costume and embroidery.

Buy
toc

- In Athens, the Flea Market has two meanings. The sign next to Monastiraki station at the beginning of Ifaistou Street claims that you are entering "the Flea Market of Athens." Actually, that street is lined with second-hand and surplus shops of every description. Few of them are of much interest to the visitor, though towards the west end of the street there are some interesting shops selling old books, posters, and Greek and other music recordings. The real Flea Market is held on Sunday mornings in Plateia Avissinia at the western end of Ifaistou Street. There you will find an incredible assortment of used objects, antiques, and junk.

- Vrettos distillery (see below, under Drink) sells bottles of its own ouzo and other liqueurs.

- Among all the souvenir and second-hand stores in the area, Martinos at 50 Pandrossou (tel. 210/321-3110)stands out as a genuine antique shop, offering top quality items from Greece and the Eastern Mediterranean. Prices are also top of the line, so this is a shop for knowledgable antique buyers in the market to do some serious spending. Remember that taking antiques out of Greece and into your own country may be subject to the laws of both countries and be sure you're familiar with them before taking anything old home.

- See also the shop in the Oréa Ellás cafe listed below in Drink.

Eat
toc

Plaka offers innumerable restaurants, most of them packed with tourists and few of them very noteworthy. The following can be recommended:

Budget
toc

- Κωστας (Kostas), 5 Pentelis (take Metropolis from Syntagma Square, turn left on Pentelis). Kostas was recommend by a local as "the best Souvlaki in Athens." We went twice while we were there, and the simplicity of the location let the quality of the food shine on its own. It was delicious, and cheap compared even to other Souvlaki we had.

At the end of Mitropoleos, just around the corner from the Metro station, is a trio of famous souvlaki shops — Thanasis, Savvas and Bairaktaris (Μπαϊρακτάρης) — which are, depending on who you ask, the Mecca or the Hades of souvlaki lovers. At any of the three, if you take a seat and ask for a souvlaki, you'll be served a plate with meat, pita, and chips and expected to pay upwards of €9 for the privilege. On the other hand, if you just walk up to the cashier and order a pita-souvlaki, you'll get the same stuff in a sandwich to take away and will pay only around €1.70 for it. If you have to pick just one of the three, Thanasis probably has a slight edge: they spice up their meat with a secret house blend and use a mustard-based condiment instead of the usual tzatziki.

Adrianou, which runs along the north side of the Acropolis from Thissio in the west to Plaka in the east, is packed with tavernas. Many are touristy and a little on the pricy side, so try to pick one that also has locals as customers. Expect to pay a little extra at any place that has views of the Acropolis!

Just behind the Cathedral (Mitropolis) try PALLS (30 Apollonos st. / 2103246008) for original falafel and bagel

Mid-range
toc

- Vyzantino, at Kydathineon and Adrianou, at the epicenter of the Plaka tourist-quake, is significantly better and more authentic than the seemingly identical restaurants which line the streets of this intersection. Large portions of traditional Greek fare served in a pleasant outdoor seating area. Service is generally fast but can slow down when the tour groups crowd in.

- Platanos (4 Dioyenous, tel 210 322 1065) is one of the oldest tavernas in Plaka with a pleasant outdoor terrace under a huge plane tree, though some old Athens hands have complained that the food has gotten lackluster recently.

- Damigos, also called Ta Bakaliarakia (which means "codcakes") (41 Kydathineon, tel. 210 322 5048), claims to date back to 1865 and though it's recently been refurbished, it still looks very old. This is a really good, traditional, simple restaurant with authentic food, specializing in the eponymous codcakes, and serving excellent wine from the family vineyards. Formerly it was mostly closed in the summer months, but it has recently been found open in June.

- Zeus Xenios (pronounced and sometimes spelled Zefs in modern Greek), at the very top of Mnesikleous Street, literally in the shadow of the Acropolis, offers quieter and less expensive dining than the many touristy tavernas lining Mnesikleous whose touts will try to snare you as you walk up the hill. The view isn't as spectacular as you might expect, but the outdoor seating is very pleasant and the traditional Greek dishes include some unusual ones, like grilled peppers in yogurt sauce. The cover charge includes a bottle of water, an appetizer plate, and garlic bread.

Expensive
toc

Neighboring Plaka is the rather rough and tumble Monastiraki neighborhood, immediately to the west of the Metro station of the same name.

- Cafe Avissinia [8] is quite a remarkable restaurant, serving refined and creative innovations on traditional Greek dishes in a chic setting. Located on the square of the same name which is the venue of the main Athens flea market, this is an interesting place to come for lunch, where you can sit enjoying the upscale food and ambiance while looking out on the gritty bazaar of the Flea Market. Moderately expensive, and unfortunately no open wine, though they do have a short but well-chosen list of Greek bottled wines. Open for lunch and dinner. Those considering walking there for dinner from Plaka or the Monastiraki Metro should be aware that the intervening area, while fine by day and not known to be particularly dangerous even at night, it does take on an uncomfortable "Bladerunner" atmosphere after dark.

Drink
toc

- Oréa Ellás ("Beautiful Greece") with two entrances 59 Mitropóleos and 36 Pandhróssou, Monastiráki (but just a minute's walk from Plaka; the cafe is upstairs) is a combination cafe and gift shop, both of which ought to be better known than they are. The cafe, open all day but not after 6:00 pm, offers coffees and alcoholic drinks and a limited range of snacks and sweets, in a wonderful old fashioned setting with stunning views of the Acropolis out the windows. The shop, which has its own name of Kendro Ellinikis Paradosis (Center of Greek Tradition) is an excellent place to buy souvenirs, which are more expensive but vastly better than the tourist knick-knacks offered by the cheek-by-jowl tourist shops lining the street outside.

- Ydria, 68 Adhrianoú, +30-210-3251619, [9]. This sprawling cafe-restaurant that takes up a large part of Platía Paliás Agorás along Adhrianoú St. at the western end of Plaka, is a good place for daytime coffee or a before or after dinner drink. They also serve food, though if you're there for a meal you'll be directed to a different seating area, so tell the waiter when you arrive if you just want a drink. This is the most pleasant cafe in a square packed with them; despite the Plaka location it's relatively quiet, with snatches of views of antiquity from the mostly outdoor seating. Particularly popular with younger Greeks, though all ages and nationalities will feel comfortable. Prices average or slightly below for Plaka, which still means not cheap, though the ouzo comes in hefty shots, and if you order the giant "ouzo platter" (€25) of appetizers with them, it will easily suffice for three people.

- Vrettos at 41 Kydathineon, Plaka is a very atmospheric 100 year old distillery which makes its own ouzo, brandy, and liqueurs, and sets up a bar at night where you can order them by the glass. They also offer wine tastings selected from 100s of Greek wines between 1000-1600.

Sleep
toc

Plaka proper has a dozen or so hotels -- fewer than might be expected, considering what a tourist center it is. The good value ones tend to be well known and therefore fill up well in advance. It should be noted that some hotel advertisements and web sites use a flexible definition of "in Plaka;" if you want to stay in the neighborhood itself, it would be useful to look at the Plaka boundaries described on this page under Understand in conjunction with a street map.

Budget
toc

- Hotel Dioskouros Athens, 6 Pittakou Street, Plaka , Athens, +30 210 3248 165 (hoteldioskouros@gmail.com, fax: 0030 210 3233359), [10]. Offers simple accommodation and clean in a central location. Eur 15 - 20 per person in high season.

Mid-rate
toc

- Hotel Acropolis House 6-8 Kodrou, Plaka, tel +30210 3226241, +30210 3222344-45, fax +30210 3244143 e-mail htlacrhs@otenet.gr or hotel@acropolishouse.gr [11]. The staff are very friendly and the hotel will hold your baggage if you are departing later in the day. Some of the older, more expensive rooms are very atmospheric; others are rather drab. Price for a room for two, bathroom ensuite is €87 (includes breakfast).

- Athos Patrou 3, tel: +30 210 3221977-9 [12]. Nice hotel in Plaka with roof-garden with a view of the Acropolis.

- Central Hotel, Apollonas St, Plaka, Athens, +30 210 32 25 891. Designed by architect Stelios Demos, this hotel fuses modern art design with a classical Greek touch. Restaurant, daily buffet breakfast. Priced from €128 for a standard room in the high season.

- O&B Athens Boutique Hotel [13]. A small boutique hotel in the center of Athens, close to sightseeing, shopping, and entertainment.

- Hotel Omiros Athens, 15 Apollonos Str, Athens, +30 210 32 25 891. Totally renovated in 2004, each of the 40 rooms feature air conditioning, a television and a mini fridge.

Splurge
toc

- The Electra Palace Hotel 18-20, N.Nikodimou Str 10557 Tel : +30 210 33 70 000 Fax: + 30 210 32 41 875 [14] is in a restored neoclassical building in Plaka with 135 rooms and 20 suites, some with a view of the Acropolis.

- Royal Olympic Hotel, 28-34 Diakou Athanasiou, 210-928-8400, [15]. Situated right in front of the Temple of Zeus and just a few steps away from Plaka. Outdoor swimming pool, rooftop garden restaurant. Free wi fi and conference room available.

Contact
toc

District Kifissia Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Budget

Mid range

Splurge

• Contact

Understand
toc

Kifissia is one of the first suburbs of Athens and has always been an elite one. You will notice many mansions and villas and expensive apartments. Now, Kifissia has become an expensive shopping district along with Kolonaki. There are also many cafes and luxurious hotels especially in an upper district of Kifissia, Kefalari.

Get in
toc

- Do as the locals do and go to Kifissia on the metro line 1 [1]. Kifisia is currently the last station of the the train.

- You can also drive through the National Road if you use your car. The main avenue that will get you there there is Kifisias Avenue which starts from the center of Athens.

See
toc

The mansions which were build at the beggining of the 20th century as well as big villas which are situated at Kefalari (Κεφαλάρι), Politia (Πολιτεία) or Strofili (Στροφύλι).

Do
toc

You can do many things at Kifisia, shopping, eating, watch movies and even play bowling.

Buy
toc

Kifisia is one of the main shoping centers of the Greater Athens Area, with plenty of shops which fullfill all tastes and desires: bookshops, shops with electronic material and of course clothing. Max out your credit card at the high end luxury boutiques such as Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Ralph Lauren and others and worry about your credit card bill later.

Eat
toc

In Kifissia and Kefalari you will find restaurants from fast-food restaurants, many bistrots and expensive restaurants.

Drink
toc

Again nearly everything: from quiet bistros to trendy bars / cafeterias and rock bars.

Sleep
toc

Kifissia has two camping grounds:

- Nea Kifissia Camping, Potamou str. n° 60, tel. +30 210 8075579, fax +30 210 8075579.

- Dionissotis Camping, on the road that leads to Varibobi/Tatoi (Parnitha), tel. +30 210 8001496, fax +30 210 8001512, cell. +30 6977-261615, email: dionissiotis@hol.gr. Capienza massima:400 posti, [2]. It has a hall for breakfast, a minimarket, a swimming pool and a playground for the children.

Budget
toc

Mid range
toc

- Twentyone Hotel, Kolokotroni n°21. tel. +30 210 6233521, fax +30 210 6233821, email: info@twentyone.gr, [3]. Hotel category "B".

- The Y Hotel, Mykonou n° 3, tel. +30 210 8018495, fax +30 210 8015218, [4]. Hotel category "C" composed one of 37 rooms and 9 apartments.

- Des Roses, Miltiadou n° 4, tel. +30 210 8019952, 8018025, fax +30 +30 210 8018074. Hotel category "C" with 37 rooms.

- Hotel Chris, Potamou n° 6, tel. +30 210 6204463, 6204467, fax +30 210 6254728, [5]. Hotel category "C" with 25 rooms.

- Lida Hotel, Tatoiou n° 103, tel. +30 210 6205252, fax +30 210 8142939. Hotel category "C" with 22 rooms.

- Hotel Pines, Artemidos, to the crossing with Chelidonous, tel. +30 210 6205011-3, fax +30 210 8079564, [6]. Hotel category "C" with 69 rooms.

- Neos Olympos, Diligianni Theodorou 38, tel. +30 210 5223433. Hotel category "D".

- Nafsika, Pellis n° 6, tel. +30 210 8018027, fax +30 210 8013556, email: info@nafsika.gr, [7]. Hotel category "B" (Prices from €70 - €100 per night)

- Hotel Star, 20, Eleftheron, tel. +30 210 8071474, +30 210 8142939. Hotel category "D".

Splurge
toc

- Pentelikon, tel. +30 210 6230650-6, 6281400, 6281668, fax +30 210 8010314, 8019223, [8]. Luxury hotel in traditional style.

- Grand Chalet, Kokinara n° 38, tel. +30 210 6286000, 6233120, fax +30 210 8085426, [9]. A hotel of 46 rooms, classified in "B" but between the best ones of Athens.

- Kefalari Suites, Pentelis 1,& Kolokotroni, tel. +30 210 6233333, fax +30 210 6233330, [10]. Furnished apartments.

- Semiramis, Trikoupi Charilaou 48, Kefalari 14562. tel. +30 210 6284400, fax +30 210 6284499, [11]. Luxury hotel

- Theoxenia Palace Hotel, Philadelfeos n° 3. tel. +30 210 6233622, fax +30 210 6231675, [12]. Luxury hotel with 67 rooms and 4 suites.

- Life Gallery Athens, tel. +30 210 6260400" [13]. Deluxe Design Hotel - Meeting and Conference Facilities [14]- Ananea Spa [15]. Member of Bluegr Hotels [16]

Contact
toc

District Nea Smyrni Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Get in
toc

Tram (both lines) from Syntagma Square will take you here. You can also take the metro from Syntagma or Omonoia (the line Ag. Antonios - Ag Dimitrios) until the stop Neos Kosmos and then take the tram just outside the metro station for a couple stops. Another pretty fast option is to take the buslines 134, 135, 136, 137 from the old parliament at Stadiou Street near Syntagma Square and go till the alsos of Nea Smyrni.

See
toc

- Walk at the park, visit the church Agia Fotini and see the Estia building near the square.

Do
toc

Shopping

Eat
toc

Many restaurants with cuisine from all around the world.

Drink
toc

Frappe at a cafeteria beside the fountains.

Sleep
toc

Many hotels and furnished apartments

District Kolonaki Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Moderate

Splurge

• Contact

Get in
toc

The Metro stop for Kolonaki is Evangelismos - upon exiting the station, turn north and walk uphill. Walking to Kolonaki takes about twenty minutes from Syntagma and a half hour from Plaka, though much of the walk is along congested, difficult to cross streets.

See
toc

- National War Museum, 2 Rizari, 729-0543. Strictly speaking not in Kolonaki, but just across the street, the National War Museum is the only significant surviving public project of the military dictatorship which ruled Greece 1967 - 1974. Very interesting to enthusiasts of military history.

- Benaki Museum [3]— Visit the beautiful Neoclassical main building which houses collections of Greek art, from ancient times through the Byzantine period and the modern state. Open late and for free on Thursday evenings. The museum shop is a good place to buy souvenirs. There is a small selection at high prices but the quality is excellent.

- Museum of Cycladic Art [4]— Houses a magnificent collection of artifacts on Cycladic art.

- Greek National Gallery [5]— Located just south of Kolonaki proper, this museum exhibits Greek art from the 18th to 20th Centuries as well as some El Greco and Post-Byzantine art.

Do
toc

Walking Tour:

Kolonaki used to be one of the nicest areas of Athens to walk around in, but in recent years the auto traffic on its narrow lanes has gotten congested beyond belief, especially on its lower slopes, making crossing the street anywhere in the district an unpleasant and even dangerous experience. Still, if you can choose a relatively low traffic period, a walk through the district might be worthwhile. Start off in Plateia Kolonaki and Plateia Dexameni, the main shopping street of Patriarchou Ioakim, and investigate the parallel streets up from it, such as Haritos, with its mixture of old neoclassical houses, upscale modern flats, and art galleries. Speusippou, which turns into quiet Souidias, is the home of the Gennadius Library. Further up the streets, climb steeply to the Lycavettos funicular station. If you're ambitious and energetic, you can climb to the top streets which to your left circle the rim of Lykavettos, which are successively Aristippou, then Il. Rogkaku. On this path, from the cross streets and some spaces where there are no buildings, you can glimpse spectacular views of Athens, some of them including the Acropolis. If you keep going around you'll reach Sarantapichou Street, but by this time you've left Kolonaki and are looking down on the student district of Exarcheia.

Buy
toc

Kolonaki offers the usual range of shops you would expect from an upscale neighborhood; art galleries, hip clothing boutiques, and antique stores are thick on the ground. Since the area is small, and the boutiques especially tend to come and go, rather than make a list of promising shops the traveler is interested in, you may find it preferable to just walk around and discover the stores on your own, especially around Plateia Kolonaki and the small streets north of it, including Skoufa, Anagnostopoulo, and the pedestrianized Tsakaloff. Walking along Patriarchou Ioakim and Haritos streets and their cross streets, there are plenty of stores to wander in and out of.

Eat
toc

- Filippou, 19 Xenokratous, tel 210 72 16 390. A very long-established taverna whose simplicity disguises some of the best and most authentic food you can get in Athens. Seating is indoors and outdoors, though it's hard to find a seat in the latter during pleasant weather.

- To Kioupi on Platía Kolonakíou, tel, 210 36 14 033. Known among some American expatriates as "the hole in the ground," this is a basement taverna which has been around forever, serving authentic, inexpensive traditional Greek fare.

Drink
toc

Kolonaki Square (Plateia Kolonaki; its official name is Plateia Filikis Etaireias, but no one ever uses it) is bordered with cafes whose customers tend to be drawn from the class of mature Athenian movers and shakers for whom the neighborhood is the traditional in-town home. Most of these cafes serve desserts and/or light meals as well as drinks, and most of them are expensive. They tend to be liveliest late at night. One of the best established, and most prestigious, is Lykovrisi. Not many foreigners show up in these cafes, but the visitor may find they make for interesting people-watching.

- Showroom, Milioni 2 & Irakleitou, [6]. Nice cafe/restaurant. €5 for a beer.

Sleep
toc

Moderate
toc

- Periscope Hotel[7] 22 Charitos Street, 10675 Athens Greece is an upscale (with prices to match) hip boutique hotel with an excellent Kolonaki location. The glossy, minimalist decor will please people who like that style. [Note: this hotel was formerly The Athenian Inn, and that name may still be found in some Athens hotel listings in guidebooks, but the former hotel has been so completely refurbished that it is now a totally different establishment.]

Splurge
toc

- The St George Lycabettus Hotel Athens, 2 Kleomenous Street, 106 75 Athens, Greece, +30 210 7290711 19 (info@sglycabettus.gr, fax: +30 210 7290439), [8]. The St George Lycabettus Hotel Athens is ideally located in Kolonaki, in Central Athens. This Athens boutique hotel offers great views of the Acropolis.

- Hilton Athens, [9]. Located technically just south of the Kolonaki district, this is the biggest hotel with the biggest pool in Athens. Fourteen floors and wonderful views everywhere you look. Also the "Milos Restaurant", located onsite, is one of the best seafood restaurants in the world.

Contact
toc

District Omonia and Exarheia Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

By metro

By taxi

• Get around

• See

Monuments

Museums and galleries

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Budget

Mid-range

Splurge

• Stay safe

• Get out

Understand
toc

Get in
toc

Omonia Square is an important transport hub, especially for buses.

By metro
toc

Omonia is served by Line 1 going from Kifissia to the port of Pireaus, as well as Line 2.

By taxi
toc

Adjacent to the Omonoia Square is a taxi waiting area. Taxis line up and work on "first comes first goes" basis

Get around
toc

See
toc

The only true great attraction of Omonia is the National Archaeological Museum in its traditional sense but the area near Omonoia is buzzing with life. A mixture of all cultures can be found there. It is not advisable for foreigners (or even locals) to wander around at night, but during the day the whole area is a feast for the eyes.

Near the square are a nunber of small flea markets, and some nice small stteets with restaurants and cafes.

Near the square are a nunber of small flea markets, and some nice small stteets with restaurants and cafes.

Monuments
toc

- National Theater [1], Agiou Konstantinou 22. A low but imposing building erected between 1882 and 1890 by architect Ernst Ziller in the eclectic style of that age, commissioned by King George I.

Museums and galleries
toc

- Athens Art Gallery (Pinakothiki), On Pireos n° 51, near the Koumoundourou public square, tel. +30 210 3231841. Timetable: Monday - Friday 9AM to 1PM and from 5PM to 9PM. Paintings of Greek painters of the half XX century are displayed.

- National Archaeological Museum of Athens [2] - This is the largest and most popular of Athens' many museums, and is usually very crowded. Its vast collection includes treasures unearthed from Mycenae by Heinrich Schliemann; a staggering array of sculpture including the earliest known Greek figurines dating from around 2,000 BC; frescoes from the volcanic island of Santorini; as well as remains of Antikythera mechanism, the oldest known mechanical computer; and so much more that it is recommended visitors make several visits to absorb it all.

Do
toc

Buy
toc

Eat
toc

- Barba Yannis, Emmanouíl Benáki 94, 210 33 00 185. Old fashioned simple taverna, popular with students and working people; seems to be always open.

- Lefka, Mavromiháli 121, 10 36 14 038. Some would put this place technically in Neapoli rather than Exarcheia. It's a traditional taverna with spacious outdoor seating that's been around forever. Closed Sundays.

- Ideal (also spelled Inteal), Panepistimiou 46, tel. +30 210 3303000. A restaurant where local employees go during lunch break, therefore try to go before the closing of the offices.

- Rosalia, Valtetsiou 58, - Exarxeia, tel. +30 210 3302933. A tavern that serves simple plates in the purest Greek tradition.

- Yantes, Valtetsiou 44 - Exarxeia, tel. +30 210 3301369. A tavern with a garden. It serves organic dishes.

Drink
toc

The Plateia Exarcheia square and nearby streets like Solomou have lots of clubs and bars. You don't have to be a left-leaning student to feel welcome.

- Taximi, Cnr. Harilaou Trikoupi and Isavron, 210-363-9919.

- Rebetiki Istoria, 181 Ippokratous, 210 2587455. One of best rebetica clubs, often open in summer when most others are closed.

Sleep
toc

Budget
toc

- Athens House. It has a great kitchen that is surprisingly well equipped with double stove top, heaps of pots and pans, plenty of plates, cutlery and ample fridge/freezer space. The rooms are extremely clean and tidy, some have TVs. Free very fast and reliable WiFi Internet is available in all rooms. One terminal is located in the common area, but it is also used by the receptionist and she may be hesitant to give it up. The toilets and showers are clean, although the showers are rather small and the hot water isn't completely reliable. Travellers should be advised that in the Omonia area street prostitution and drug dealing/use is common place, particularly in front of this hostel. Although this activity poses little danger to tourists (unless you're indebted to them!), it may be confronting to some people. All in all, this is a great hostel for the price and in its own way has a unique charm. If you stay here on your first nights in Greece before heading to the islands, and your last nights before departing, the staff will gladly remember your face when you return. Cheap at €10 per person for 4 bed shared accommodation, €25 for 3 bed private rooms..

- Hostel Aprodite (Aphrodite), 12 Einardou and Michail Voda corner 65, Athena 10440, Greece, +210-8810589 (info@hostelaphrodite.com), [3]. Low-budget backpackers' hangout not too far from Larissa train station and Victoria Square, a bit north of the Omonia district. €12 for a 6 bed dorm, €14 for a 4 bed dorm, and more. Air conditioning €3 extra per person..

- Arta, Nikitara St., a few steps north-east from Omonia, [4]. €35 for a double with ensuite; possible to negotiate discounts.

- Hotel Elite Athens, 23 Pireos str Athens, +30 210 32 25 891. Located 10 minutes away Monastiraki; simple, decorated rooms with air conditioning and television. There is also a bar and coffee shop on the ground floor.

Mid-range
toc

- Elysium (BestWestern chain) [5] elysium_hotel@yahoo.gr. Cheap-and-chic boutique hotel, 16 rooms. For those needing official booking confirmation for arrangement of visa, the only way is to book via the BestWestern official website.

- Zinon (BestWestern chain) [6] Decent choice when everything else booked in advance: huge and impersonal hotel; quite old building with recently refurbished interiors and western management results in low rates and a good service. But it's Omonia--don't plan to leave your room in evenings, it's quite dirty and the only Russians-run food outlets are nearby. Travellers mix: majority are elder, retired people (and families) from US / Canada / Australia.Internet connection is declared to work for every room. WiFi is good strength but very unstable. LAN outlet is in every room--but not supported, according to reception (and not tried). Single €60, double €80 (breakfast included). For those needing official booking confirmation for arrangement of visa, the hotel itself can't provide it--you can only print email confirmation of booking from BW chain's global web site.

- Fresh Design Hotel [7] A superb designer hotel within easy walking distance of the Acropolis in the centre of Athens. The rooftop bar and swimming pool has breathtaking views of the Acropolis - the perfect way to end the day's sightseeing or business. Online booking.

Splurge
toc

- Park Hotel, 10 Alexandras Ave, Athens 10682, 0030 210 8894500. 5 star hotel offering high speed internet access and express mail, late check out and foreign currency exchange.

Stay safe
toc

Omonia is notorious for pickpockets and prostitutes, so keep an eye on your belongings.

There are many people who use drugs in the open even during the day and can be a harrowing site for those not used to it. It is strongly advised not to bring children here for too long. Particular places to avoid are roads right of the National Archaelogical Museum and the south end of 3 September St.

Get out
toc

District Pangrati and Mets Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Get in
toc

See
toc

Do
toc

Buy
toc

Eat
toc

The neighborhood offers many restaurants which haven't yet been overrun with tourists.

- Anatolitiki Kebap, corner of Formionos and Ymmitou, Pangrati. Neighborhood taverna offering kebaps (traditional and Armenian style), chicken gyros (gyro koutopoulo), other wonderful foods from Oriental Greek cooking. The Giaourtlou Kebap is a unique dish originating in Turkey, it is a must try at this restaurant. The owner goes weekly to buy the freshest Dodoni feta from Preveza. The horiatiki salads are worth the visit! very reasonable.

- Another good choice here is Karavitis at 33 Arktínou, near Pafsaníou tel 210 75 15 155, a severely traditional taverna where the speciality is stamnaki, or beef, potatoes and cheese cooked in tomato sauce in an individual clay pot. The fried zucchini here are also always good. Mostly patronized by Greeks, but there is an English-language menu.

Drink
toc

Sleep
toc

- President Hotel Athens, 43 Kifissias Avenue, 11523, Athens (Nearest metro station is Ambelokipoi, which is on Alexandras avenue. 5 min walk from Alexandras avenue is Kifissias avenue, and the hotel is located 5 min walk from that junction.), +30 2106989000, [1]. checkin: noon; checkout: noon. President is a 4 star hotel renovated in 2004 with a lovely terrace bar and pool, 3 restaurants with view of the Lycabetus hill, and very accommodating personnel. The hotel is in an ideal location for catching the bus or the metro for the north suberbs of athens, e.g. Kifisia, Marousi, Chalandri, etc.. Acropolis, Lycabetus hill, Syntagma square are all withing 5 to 15 min taxi drive. Cost: c.Euro 80 per night for a double bed room.

Contact
toc

District Piraeus Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

• Get around

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

Stay Safe

Understand
toc

Piraeus occupies a huge territory. Check your gate number [1] in advance so you know where to go (it may take 15 minutes of driving / 30 minutes of walking to reach one end of the port from the other).

Since privatisation of the Port of Piraeus Authority [2] passenger facilities have improved greatly. Air conditioned tents have been set up at departure locations around the port and free wi-fi internet access is now available.

Sailings (arrivals and departures) are posted outside the Coast Guard Building at Karaiskaki Square, the main bus terminal for the Piraeus suburbs. Sailings are also available online [3] from the Ministry of Merchant Marine [4].

The area can become hectic, especially during the summer period, so allow plenty of time to navigate to the correct departure point.

Get in
toc

Most travellers arriving in Piraeus from Athens make use of the very convenient Metro [5]. Line 1 terminates at the Port, from there it's a short walk to the Saronic Gulf ferries, hydrofoils and catamarans, or a free shuttle-bus ride to the ships sailing to Crete and the Dodecanses. Central Cyclades ferries conveniently sail from just across the metro station. Metro ticket costs €1.00 and allows unlimited connections on all modes of transport within 90 minutes.

Direct Airport Express buses [6] run 24 hours between the port of Piraeus and Athens International Airport [7]. Allow 90 minutes for the trip. The Airport is also accessible via the Metro, with a connection at Monastiraki. Bus tickets to the airport, available from the driver, cost €3.20; Metro tickets to the airport are €6.00.

Other public buses connect Piraeus with its outlying suburbs, the southern coastal zone and with central Athens. Bus and trolley-bus tickets cost €1.00 and are valid for unlimited connections(including metro) within 90 minutes. They must be bought in advance (generally from kiosks or inside metro stations) and validated once on board.

Get around
toc

The centre of Piraeus and the Port can be negoatiated easily on foot if you are not carrying luggage. Yellow trolley buses (trolley bus no 20) are useful for the run from the Port to Passalimani and then follow the very scenic route around the hill of Castella, terminating at the Line 1 Metro station of Neon Phaleron (Neo Faliro), near the Peace & Friendship and Karaiskaki Stadiums.

Free shuttle buses inside the Port run from across the Metro Line 1 Terminal Station, around the north side of the port to the ships sailing for Crete, the Eastern Aegean and the Dodecanese.

See
toc

- Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, 31 Ch. Trikoupi Street, [8]. Established in 1935 and expanded in 1966, the Piraeus Museum is small in size, yet holds a number of significant pieces in its collection. These included bronze statues of Apollo and Athena from the Archaic and Classical periods of Greek art, as well as a fine collection of funerary stelae.

Do
toc

The most important thing to do is to take a ferry to the Greek Islands. You also can have a nice walk in the Pasalimani/Mikrolimano area and look at many amazing yachts and ships.

Another major option is to take the Metro to various parts of Athens (see map of routes on main Athens page). Cost is very modest, and service is very frequent.

Buy
toc

There isn't much to buy in Piraeus. Wait until you get to your destination to begin purchasing souvenirs. However, there are many shops and cafes along the harbor front, especially toward the cruise terminal from and near the Metro station.

Eat
toc

Delfino Restaurant [9]60, Akti Koumoundourou, Mikrolimano, Piraeus, tel. +302104120388. Located in Mikrolimano, a cosy bay with hundreds of sailing boats. Excellent seafood restaurant - try the fresh fish on the grill and fresh lobster with linguini. Warm and profesional service. Amazing the indoor and outdoor areas. For mid/high budgets.

Drink
toc

Good cafes are very scarce in the port.

- Coffee Right: next to the metro station, around Pireaus gate E8. Recommended by employees of the port. Cozy place, great pastries and coffee -- but unfriendly and sometimes overcomplicated service. Only few speak English, coffee and pastries served (and paid for) from three(!) different counters.

Sleep
toc

- Ionion Hotel [10]. The hotel is run by Mr Takis A. Saxionis, who responds personally to emails. The hotel is a very short walk from the X96 bus drop off, and near to departing ferries. The hotel is an excellent location to spend the night if you're catching an early ferry. Hotel cost is approximately €50 per night for a room for two persons (bathroom en suite). Most rooms have air conditioning and balconies.

Stay Safe
toc

Piraeus is a rather chaotic place with traffic that's horrendous even for Greece. Particular caution should be used when crossing the street, or when walking along the pavement by the ferry quays where cars, taxis, and trucks often drive randomly among the crowds of travelers walking to and from the boats.

Piraeus is a huge port filled with sailors, and parts of it are about as tough as you'd expect such a place to be. The areas right by the ferry quays are safe enough, but avoid wandering around the rest of Piraeus, especially at night, unless you know your way around.

Unlicensed taxi drivers often meet arriving ferries. Unlike in some countries, these taxis have a bad reputation and should not be considered as a cheap alternative to licensed cabs.

Pickpocketing gangs have been reported working on the Piraeus-Airport bus; for a full description see the Athens Stay Safe section.

One scam you may encounter in Piraeus is a rather subtle one. A man will walk up to you while you are waiting with your luggage in line to board a ferry. This gentleman is a consummate actor: though he doesn't actually claim to be working for the boat or port, his demeanor and behavior imply strongly that he is. He'll pick up your luggage, brushing aside any objections, and usher you with it to the head of the line, at which point he'll demand a hefty tip. In one reported case the bite was €7.00 (our respondent decided the performance was worth €2.00)

District Psiri Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Get in
toc

You can use the Monastiraki subway station as the Psiri area is right next to the Monastiraki area. Go to the Anargyron street, which is right in the middle of the action.

See
toc

You can see the Greek youth in crowds walking up and down in the former poor and industrialized part of Athens center. The place is full of contradictions. There are some inexpensive cafeterias which serve beer, wine and ouzo until very late at night which attract the more bohemian part of Greek youth. There are also some very stylish clubs, bars and cafeterias which attract the more trendy and fashionable part of Greek youth. There are also expensive restaurants with live music which attract older crowds. All these people are crowded in the small and old pavements of Psiri among an industrialized environment of the past decades. It is worth visiting if someone wants to see how Greeks spend their nights out and is right next to Monastiraki so it can be included in a walk in the Athens center.

Do
toc

Buy
toc

Eat
toc

There are a lot of restaurants with live music but bare in mind that they can be quite expensive. Even the restaurants without live music can be expensive so check the prices before you enter a restaurant in Psiri, especially if it looks very stylish and trendy. In Psiri, you may also find some really good gourmet restaurants.

- Avalon, Leokoriou 20 (at corner with Sarri street) - Psiri, tel. +30 210 3310572. Open until 1:30AM.

- Pairs Keròs, Taki 16 (on Psiri square). Tel: +30 210 3212858. Refining "mezedopolio" with live music every evening. Open also on lunch hours.

- Orea Penteli, on Psiri square, tel. +30 2103218627. Another "mezedopolio" with live music in an old restored building.

- Skolion, Katsikogianni 5. On Agii Anargiri square -- Psiri, tel. +30 210 3246098. A "mezedopolio" where local singers sing rempetika music.

- O&B Athens All Day Bar Restaurant [1], Leokoriou 7 - Psiri - Thisio. Next to Ermou Street, tel. +30 210 3312950. The Bar - Restaurant of the O&B Athens Boutique Hotel, offers gourmet Mediterranean Cuisine and all day food and coffee choices (breakfast, lunch, dinner, coffee, cocktails).

Drink
toc

There are many great clubs such as Envy, Candy Bar, Saloon Oriental, Venti, Fetish, Luv, Liosporos and many smaller ones.

Sleep
toc

There are only a few hotels in Psiri, area, but most of them are well designed and offer great service.

- O&B Athens Boutique Hotel, Leokoriou 7, Psiri, tel. +30 210 3312940. A small cozy design boutique hotel in the centre of the city, next to all the major sightseeing points of Athens.

Contact
toc

District Syntagma Square Table of Contents

• Understand

• Get in

By metro

By bus

• Get around

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Get out

Understand
toc

Syntagma Square is named after the Greek constitution (syntagma) that was proclaimed from the balcony of the royal palace that overlooks the square on 3 September 1843. The former palace has housed the Greek parliament since 1935.

Syntagma Square is a good point from which to begin your orientation in the city - its also much better in appearance than it used to be even a few years ago: the manic Athenian traffic has been re-routed and a concerted effort at beautification has been in place - with some good results. Points of convenience include numerous cafes, restaurants and all the usual fast food outlets, a new metro stop, a host of airline offices, etcetera.

The square serves as an occasional rallying place for demonstrations and public celebrations.

Get in
toc

Syntagma Square is the ideal place to disembark from your airport bus or taxi - the very core of the modern city and within easy striking distance of the Plaka and other areas of central interest to travellers.

By metro
toc

Syntagma has its own stop on the new metro line - perhaps one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world. Numerous excavations are demonstrated just in its halls, behind the glass.

By bus
toc

If you are staying in Syntagma or in the nearby Plaka district, get off the airport bus at the stop opposite the National Gardens (to your right) before you reach the square itself.

Get around
toc

See
toc

- The Hellenic Parliament Building — Formerly the royal palace, lining the eastern side of the square and guarded by kilted and pom-pommed soldiers - the evzones (ev-zone-ees).

- The Hotel Grand Bretagne — Facing the northern edge of the square, the first and last word in opulence for Athenian accommodation, the result of many a world leader passing through Athens.

- National Historical Museum[1] — Situated in the old parliament building on Stadiou Street a little northwest of Sytagma Square, this museum contains a large collection of historic documents such as the first constitution of Greece, furniture, equipment from the revolution. If you are lucky you may see the old session room.

- Numismatic Museum [2] — Situations just north of Syntagma Square, the building of the museum is one of the most beautiful in Athens, and was built by Ernst Ziller and was used as the residence in Athens of Schliemann. The collection contains thousands of ancient coins and ancient Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Medieval figurines.

Do
toc

- The National Gardens, behind the Parliament building. dawn-dusk. Easily the coolest place to go to in order to hide from the blazing summer sun. Wander around, check out the quirky art that seems to sprout up every now and again, look on in disbelief at the "zoo", sit on one of the benches, marvel at the turtle pond, have a frappe in the cafe, and spot one of the resident tortoises exploring... it's a fun place to hang out.

Buy
toc

- Public, Sintagma Square, [3]. Mahoosive shop selling CDs, DVDs, PCs, electronics,books, comics, stationary etc.

Eat
toc

- McDonalds. It's the same everywhere, but here it has a slight Greek slant on things. Like, don't expect to be able to eat much meat in the weeks leading up to Πάσχα (Easter)...

Drink
toc

- Costa. Standard stuff, but has a nice air conditioned and quiet upstairs seating area overlooking the square. €3-€4 for a coffee.

- Pure Bliss, Romvis 24A, 10562 Athens, 210 3250360 -2, [4]. A fun and quirky cafe tucked away in the back streets off Ermou. Fantastic decor, a kind of cross between a traditional English tea room, and some trippy journey into a fairy grove. Friendly staff. Tables, or cushions on the floor. Coffee from around €3.

Sleep
toc

- Grande Bretagne Hotel Syntagma square, tel 30 210 3330000. Traditonally the "best hotel in town," this historic luxury hotel with gilded woods, fine fabrics, and chandeliers in the public areas has long been the accommodation of choice for visiting diplomats and power players. Prices from €300 ($470).

- King George Palace [5] 3 Vassileos Georgiou A' St, Syntagma Square, tel 30.210.32.22.210. The King George delivers class and elegance throughout each of its 112 rooms. Some rooms have a view of the Acropolis, and the Royal Presidential Suite has a private outdoor pool. Wi fi access is available for business travelers. The Tudor restaurant on the 7th floor has views of the Acropolis.

Get out
toc

District Zografou Table of Contents

• Get in

• See

• Do

• Buy

• Eat

• Drink

• Sleep

• Contact

Get in
toc

See
toc

Do
toc

- Kaseriani Monastery and Gardens, Kaseriani Monastery (It's easiest to take a taxi.), +30 210 723 6619. A nice escape from the city in the foothills of Imitos. Walking trails. There's a functional monastery one can walk in, and several ruined chapels or basilicas up on the walks.

Buy
toc

- Laiki (People's market), Divaki Pindou and Ioanni Theologou. A fruit, vegetable and fish market. Good fun.

Eat
toc

- Ta Duo Adelfia (Τα δύο αδέλφια), Papagou. The best souvlaki in this part of Athens. A guro will cost around €2.

- Thanasis, Grigori Kousidi. Good souvlaki, try there "pitta kalamaki kotopoulo me sauce" (Chicken kebab wrapped in a pitta with sauce), because it tastes fantastic! A guro will cost about €2.20.

Drink
toc

There are a whole bunch of standard cafes here which cater the hordes of students that study here, and the large numbers of old men who sit around all day drinking ελληνικούς (Greek coffees). But there are a few gems worth trying out if you want something different.

- Playce, Str. Papagou 128, [1]. A really nice cafe where you can play board games whilst drinking your coffee. Has a very anime feel to it. Very popular.

Sleep
toc

Contact
toc