Greek Adventures in Athens

Athens is one of the world's oldest cities and home to many important archaeological discoveries. It is a multi-cultural city with a rich, thriving metropolis. Athens is very dense and compact, that you can easily visit all of the major attractions in 3 days. If you have a passion for Greek culture, history, art and archeology, Athens is the place to go. The highlights of Athens is most notably the huge Acropolis that sits on top of the city. The National Archaeological Museum is home to some of the finest works of art. There are many worthwhile restaurants and cafe to savour the taste of Greek cuisine that Athens is simply a place not to be missed!

Quick Tips:

The one thing I learned about Athens is that the locals are simply not good at directions. Ask them a question about how to get from Point A to Point B, they tell you, "Just over there", "Not too far... make a left, I think"... and you just end up getting lost. It is important to keep a map on you at all times! Athens is very dense and there are many streets with confusing names that it can stress out a novice traveller. Make sure you know the neighborhoods and plan out your routes ahead of time.

Greek food is cheap. Almost too cheap. Try to avoid eating at restaurants that have an open kitchen. I learned that the hard way - by getting food poisoning! Do your research and go where the locals go.

Always carry sunscreen and a bottle of water with you. Athens can be unbearable during the summer. We were there for a total of 4 days in May and the weather was in the 20C's but as soon as we left for London, the temperatures soared into the 40C's.

There is a problem with the water and sewage systems in Athens. You'll find that there'll be a wastebasket next to the toilet. Be considerate and dump your toilet paper there instead of the toilet.

One of the best websites I've come across is Matt Barrett's Greece website. He has published amazing information about Athens, the islands and the rest of Greece. The link is: www.athensguide.com - Check it out before you go!

Best Way To Get Around:

Avoid renting a car in Athens. It's so dense and compact that it's not necessary. The metro system is clean, quick and efficient. Not to mention, it's really cheap. There are three metro lines at the moment: Red, Green and Blue. Tickets are cheap and cost €0.80 per ride (including transfers). For a 24 hour ticket, it costs €3. Stamp your tickets before getting on the metro and keep it with you at all times. People will be fined if they cannot show authorities their validated tickets.

Buses and tramsare cheaper and efficient as well. However, if you're not good at taking buses, stick to the metro. They're all over Athens and cost €0.50 per ride.

Athens is certainly a walkable city - at least within the neighborhoods. As I've mentioned before, carrying a map on you is always a great idea. Take the time and savour the daily life in Athens. It's an experience of a lifetime!

Dioskouros is a small hostel located in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens near Hadrian's Arch. Despite being in the Plaka neighborhood, the hostel is difficult to find and located on the edges of Plaka.

We booked a few months ahead of time for a twin room with a shared bathroom. We were appalled to find that upon arrival (after a lengthy walk from the Syntagma metro station), that our room was in the basement! There was one small window that was covered in dirt and spider webs. Our beds were unmade although they provided us with sheets and some weird blankets. The room was dirty and the carpet and ceiling looked mouldy but we were too afraid to look closer!

We were too tired to complain and were only in Athens for less than 12 hours before departing to London the next day. The bathroom was disgusting and was practically a construction site. The toilet and showers didn't work most of the time. The breakfast was okay and somewhat adequate for a hostel that provided continental breakfast.

Out of all the places I stayed in, this was definitely the lowest point. I wouldn't recommend Dioskouros to anyone. If you're on a budget and need a place to stay in Athens, you can try getting a room that is upstairs (which looked a lot nicer) that faces the street. Other than that, it's not worth it. Check out Hotel Neos Olympos - they were much better and a lot more friendlier.

Hotel Neos Olympos is a budget hotel located 5 minutes' walk of Larissa Train Station in Athens. There are rooms designed for 1, 2, 3 or 4 people and most of them have private balcony. Some rooms have private bathrooms and some must opt for a shared hall bathroom. We booked several months ahead and got a fabulous rate for a private twin room for $20 CAD per person but opted for a shared bathroom. Upon check-in, the attendant was absolutely friendly and gave us lots of helpful information on Athens and how to get around the city. There are no elevators in the building so you are resorted to lugging bags up several flights of stairs.

The hotel, despite being a budget hotel, was pretty and tastefully decorated in the Victorian style. It is bright, immaculately clean and full of guests of all ages. There is a cafe next door to the hotel where you can opt to pay 5 euros for a breakfast. On the top floor of the building, there is a computer with free internet access. The only downside is that there's only one computer for everyone to share. You'll most likely have to wait more than a few minutes, especially in the late morning and during nightime.

Our room was small for a private twin room but it was still roomy enough for us. We had daily housekeeping service in which our bed sheets were changed everyday and made up immaculately. Our room also had a small sink and also a large armoire for us to hang our clothes. The bathroom was down the hall from our room and it was a very large bathroom by Greek standards. There was a separate wet room (with door and lock) and also a separate room containing the toilet. The biggest disappointment was the shower. I know that Greek showers are quite odd by North American standards. But it was disheartening to take a shower in a room that was completely covered with water - making the floor dangerous to walk on. I was also annoyed about the fact that there were no hooks to hang clothes or towels on.

We did get a good night's sleep here and our balcony wasn't facing the street so noise wasn't a huge issue. Aside from the shower dilemma, I would definitely stay here again. Instead of getting a room with a shared bathroom, I'd opt for a private ensuite room and hope that the shower isn't as waterlogged as the one we endured!

People looking for a cheap hotel to stay - this is the right place. The price can't be beat and it's conveniently located near a train/metro station. While it's further away from Athens, it's just a short metro ride (4-5 stops) to get to the main attractions (i.e. Acropolis). There are also plenty of restaurants, cafes and shops within walking distance of the hotel.

If you're visiting Athens, there is no doubt that you'll be popping round the Acropolis which is the city's most popular sight. Built long before A.D., the Acropolis of Athens is made up of several notable sights with the Parthenon being its most famous. One of the reasons why I love the Parthenon is that when you're standing right next to it, you can see a nearly 360 panoramic view of Athens. It is also at that point where you can truly see how dense Athens is.

Many people go to Acropolis to see the Parthenon but there are several notable sights you should check out. The Temple of Athena Nike and the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus are just as spectacular. There are several smaller but worthwhile places around the Acropolis as well.

There are two downsides to the Acropolis: 1) The unbeatable crowds, and 2) the fact that it is still undergoing restoration. Much of the Parthenon is still covered with scaffolds despite an ongoing 20-year restoration project. Don't let it deter you from visiting - you may be able to get in some great photographic shots. The crowds are unmistakable because it is Athen's most popular place to visit. Visiting early in the morning will allow you to get a true experience. Much of Acropolis is open space so it is often very hot and by bringing sunscreen and a bottle of water, you'll be doing yourself a favour.

I was able to get free entry due to my hearing loss but regular admission (student rate) is €6 and for adults, €12. The ticket allows you to visit all sights below Acropolis, including the Ancient Agora and Hadrian's Arch, for a 48-hour period. The site is open daily from 8 AM to 7:30 PM in the high season and closes at 2:30 PM in the low season. Getting there is very simple - you should get off at "Akropolis" metro stop on the red line and from there, it is a short walk.

One tip for a visit: Check out the homeless cat sanctuary on the Acropolis grounds. You may be able to get in a rare photograph of one of these elusive cats!

The museum is right next to the Parthenon on the site of the Acropolis. It's a relatively small museum that is home to an exquisite collection of artifacts excavated on site. The museum closed down temporarily just after we visited and is due to re-open in early 2008.

Admission to the museum is limited and you will probably find yourself waiting in line with other people due to the small size of the building. I believe that no photography is allowed whatsoever despite seeing quite a few people taking flash photography.

The museum should definitely be part of your visit to the Acropolis. The highlight of my visit was the beautiful Caryatids which were originally part of the Erechtheion temple. I did not spend too much time at the museum due to time constraints but there was a lovely collection of bronze and marble sculptures that were very appealing.

My only disappointment about the museum was that the museum collection was lacking actual information about the artifacts. I do wish that the museum could have provided guidebooks or even brochures as part of the visit or for rent/sale. That would certainly have made my visit more enjoyable. Overall, I'd still recommend this museum - it's small, quick, efficient and hassle-free and part of your admission ticket to Acropolis.

The Ancient Agora lies below the Acropolis and is the ancient marketplace of Athens. There are few complete structures left standing however it's still worthwhile and can make for a nice relaxing walk after a busy morning at the Acropolis. There are two things that I enjoyed the most about the Agora: The beautiful church, Ayii Apostoloi, and the Temple of Hephaestus (Hephastion) which has beautiful friezes.

During our walk along the Agora, we encountered several turtles which we found fascinating. There's beautiful gardens and at the end of the Agora, the Stoa of Attalos houses artifacts collected from the grounds.

The Agora shares the same hours as Acropolis (High Season: 8-7:30 PM, Low Season: 8-2:30 PM) and admission is included in the Acropolis ticket (€6 for students, €12 for adults, free for disabled people, EU citizens and under 18's). You can visit the Agora after descending from the Acropolis and exiting the site near the Stoa of Attalos.

If you're in Athens for a short stay and you're in the city on a Sunday, visiting the Monastiraki Flea Market is an experience in itself. The flea market is huge and spans over a number of streets that border Syntagma and Plaka neighborhoods. There are many different shops - jewelry, fashion, books, food, wines, souvenirs, accessories and the odd strange thing!

There are several worthwhile jewelry stores that specialize in Greek jewelry at a decent price. There are several illegal practices that occur on a daily basis. Near Syntagma Square metro station, there is a group of African men that sell leather bags and wallets that are fakes... please do not attempt to buy anything from them. The police are always on the lookout for groups such as them.

One place I can recommend is Kukuruz (Mitropoleo 40). She sells beautiful silver jewelry. I picked up two pendants and a bracelet from her and my relatives have been wearing them ever since. The next time I return to Athens, I'm planning on going back to her shop and actually buying something from myself!

This museum is a must-see if you're planning to visit Athens, whether it's only for a day or not! The museum is home to some of the most important Greek artifacts. The most famous is the mask of Agamemnon which is a 16th century B.C. gold mask that was excavated in Mycenae.

There are beautiful marble statues of Greek gods and goddeses, bronze works, ornate jewerley, beautiful murals and pottery.

In the museum, there are helpful guides posted on the walls that describe the major eras in Greece and the notable events that helped influence the art and architecture.

The museum is open from 8 AM to 7:30 PM from Tuesday to Sundays. On Mondays, it is only open from 1 to 7:30 PM. On major holidays, it is closed earlier. Getting to the museum is easy by metro - get off at Victoria station and it is a short walk from there. There are many delicious cafes and Greek bakeries around the museum. Admission is €3 for students and seniors, €7 for adults and free for disabled people, EU citizens and under 19's.

There are many beautiful works of art, some of them extremely old. Please be respectful of the rules concerning photography. Photography is allowed for the most part but flash photography is forbidden.

The National Gardens, which is located next to Syntagma Square off Amalias, is one of Athens' hidden treasures. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds, just slip away into the Gardens and find yourself surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees.

There's a small zoo with a variety of domestic animals, an exotic fish pond and a turtle pond. There's a botanical museum in the gardens but it was closed indefinitely. There's a beautiful arbour with vines covering them and quite a few bird species to enjoy listening to.

I found it extremely relaxing and a way to beat the hot sun for most of the gardens are shaded. It's also another hotspot for amateur photographers as well.

Entry into the gardens is free and getting there requires you to head to Syntagma Square and walking a short distance from the metro station. At the end of the gardens is Hadrian's Arch and the Plaka neighborhood. Despite the garden being secluded in nature, it is a worthwhile place to visit and enjoy a picnic lunch! It was truly one of my favourite places in Athens to spend time in!

The Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) was opened in time for the 2004 Olympic Games. It is clean, modern and up to date.

The cheapest way to get to the airport is by bus. There are several buses:
X95 - To Syntagma Square (runs 24 hours a day)
X94 - To Pentagon Metro Station
X96 - To Piraeus (ferry port)

Tickets cost just slighty over €3 per person if you're taking the bus.

At the moment, the metro/train line (blue line) to the airport is closed till close to the end of 2008. When it re-opens, it costs €6 for 1 person or €10 for 2 persons to get into Athens. You'll likely have to transfer to either Syntagma or Monastiraki to get to your hotel. The cost of transfer is included in your original ticket. The metro is very clean and efficient. There is plenty of room for luggage and you won't have to worry about getting lost because the metro maps are displayed inside the cars and also provided in English.

As for now, taking the bus seems to be the best option although I've always used the blue line metro to get to the airport. This is just a temporary option till the rail line re-opens. If you have a late night or early morning flight, the X95 bus is your best option as it's 24 hour service.