Athens is worth a peek! |
 15 votes |
|
I'd heard all sorts of warnings from friends about the pollution, traffic and overall crowd in Athens but it didn't stop me from spending a couple days there to take in a bit of the Athenian experience. It is a big urban sprawl and not a very attractive one when you're in the middle of a busy sidewalk. However, there is beauty to be found in Athens away from the day-to-day work life and shopping districts. The tourist area around Plaka is worth a peek for perhaps an evening, just to get a view of the grand Acropolis illuminated, up high on craggy rocks. Make no mistake, Athens, like any big city is full of life and with that comes litter, noise and pollution. But, with the right attitude, and careful choices, you can throughly enjoy a stop in this historic capital city.
|
|
| Favourite spots: |
|
PLAKA district! I loved walking around the streets in this area just for the feel of it. As you get closer to the Acropolis, you will find quieter lanes and prettier architecture. The ACROPOLIS! Need I say more? It is not only a monumental piece of history, it is a majestic looking architectural wonder that continues to withstand the ravages of time. On a sunny day, go early and enjoy a few hours exploring the grounds surrounding the Acropolis. The views of Athens from up there may make you change your mind about the esthetic beauty of the capital city of Greece.
|
|
| What's really great: |
Greek food, greek dancing, greek music. For me, it was a treat to be immersed in it all. Yes, Greeks eat a more varied diet than calamari, greek salad, and moussaka but I just adored eating it all during my visit to Athens. Couldn't eat like that for the rest of my life but it was a special treat for me while I was there.
|
|
| Sights: |
ACROPOLIS and environs
PLAKA area
ERMOU street for shopping
NATIONAL ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM is impressive.
LYKAVITTOS HILL for the views of Athens.
|
|
| Accommodations: |
Plaka Hotel is a comfortable hotel in the Plaka district and breakfast is included in the price. The hotel seems to attract a fair number of business travellers too. Very convenient for sightseeing as it's not far from the Acropolis. I also stayed in a cheaper hotel called Cecil Hotel on Athinas Street and found it to be quite acceptable. Cecil Hotel is half the price of the Plaka Hotel with private bathroom and basics provided. Clean too.
|
|
| Restaurants: |
My favourite place to eat was Eden Vegetarian Restaurant in the Plaka area. The ambience was perfect for an afternoon lunch, pretty yellows and rusts and great general decor. The food was wonderful considering it was vegetarian. It was a nice break from the heavy use of olive oil and meats that are often featured in Greek cuisine. Two thumbs up!
|
|
| Other recommendations: |
I'd recommend anyone visiting Greece should plan a day or two to see Athens at the start or end of your visit to Greece. It's not a holiday kind of place but it is interesting in its own way. Oh, and hailing a taxi in Athens is not always as easy as you'd think. Happy travels!
|
|
Published on Sunday May 11th, 2003 by hially
|
|
|
|
Read comments (4)
|
|
|
 |
|
|
| |
| More reports on Athens |
|
|
| Travel tips for Athens |
|
|
|
