Athens information for first time visitors
 

Hello,
Can anyone suggest a good reasonable hotel in a good area of Athens. We fly into Athens on our way to the Greek Islands ( stay 1 night)and then again before our flight home(1 night). We have never been to Athens and would also appreicate any suggestion as to what we could do during our visit. We arrive in the afternoon (around 1.00pm) both times. Is it worth trying to have a look at the beaches near Athens? Look forward to hearing from you

Hi

What is your hotel budget per night (in euro)? I stayed at Paleo Faliro. I wasn't that impressed with the beach - looked dirty. I believe Glyfada is much better. There is a tram running there now (we were there pre Olympics). Check out the details here - http://www.ametro.gr. I think the ride would be worth it if you wanted to check out the coast.

Thank you, the site is very helpful. We are still deciding which area would suit for the short amount of time we have in Athens. Of course we would like to stay reasonably cheaply probably around E60 - E90 per night. It will come down to what we actually want to see whilst we are there. Thanks again for your reply.

Hi again

We stayed at the Attalos Hotel - www.attalos.gr. The hotel is an good budget option - excellent location near the Plaka and Monastiraki metro is 20m away. By the way just a couple of hints. Have you checked to see if you're lucky enough to tee up your international flight to the domestic flight to the islands. Check Aegean or Olympic Airlines. That way you can end you trip with two nights in Athens. Also use the metro from the airport to the Monastiraki stop. It's cheap and avoids the traffic. About a 45 minute trip.

Excellent, thank you. Have had other people suggest the atalos. Yes our domestic flights have been booked.

My daughter and I are staying at the Attalos next week in Athens and I was wondering if the metor is easy with luggage or should we bite the bullet and take a cab there? Thanks!

metro-sorry did not double check spelling before I hit post.

The Metro is easy. Take it from the airport to the end of the line at the Monastiraki Metro Station. When you exit the station into the square in front of it you'll see the beginning of Athinas Street on the left at the stoplight. Walk down 3 blocks to the Attalos on the left.

Hi Dutyfree

Definitely take the metro. The Attalos is only 30-50 metres from the Monastiraki metro stop. There is floor space on the carriage to store your luggage and it is airconditioned.

This is a terrific website:www.greecetravel.com, connects
to all you need. www.athensguide.com/hotels.html
We just printed this out and it is a
free book.

Hi brotherleelove - we arrive in Athens at 2.00pm on a Sunday 23rd Sept). Have heard some tourist places close early. Can you please advise if this is the case and if so any suggestions as to what we could do for the afternoon. many thanks

The Plaka will be open, so you should have plenty to keep you occupied.

I was just wondering if the METRO in Athens was like Paris where there are no escalators and you have to go up quite a few stairs? Or is it more like London where you can get to each line by way of an escalator or elevator? Thanks!