Driving in athens
 

I'll rent a car for the new years eve weekend.
I notice that driving in Athens could be a bad experience.
What about weekends? Is it better?
And about parking in the center? Is it easy to find?
Thanks for helping.
Nuno

I didn't even like having to cross the road in Athens. I REALLY wouldn't recomment driving there. You won't need a car anyway.

I agree with Nona1, at least in the city center. In the three days I was there, Syntagama Square was blocked by street demonstrations one day and a bike race the other. Traffic closed down except for a few daredevils. It's a wonderful city but not driveable.

Well, IMO you can drive there (no worse than some other places I've driven) but I also question the need for such.

I am assuming you are going to have a car, regardless when you go. If not, then don't rent anything until you get out of the city.

Agree with Dukey.

The city has a reasonable metro system, adequate buses and generally cheap taxis. So there's really no point for most visitors in having a car.

Parking is mostly a case of keeping your eyes open. But it's mental energy you could be better using on looking at the city.

If you have to have a car for going somewhere else, the Attica motorway system is OK and reasonmablty accessible from most of the city (map at www.tiny.cc/E2Wzn).

But, even at weekends, not worth bothering with if the tube can get you where you want to be.

I can't think of any major city in Europe where driving is necessary, as most cities have great public transportation. But Athens, YIKES!!

Use the buses or the metro.

&quot;<i>I'll rent a car for the new years eve weekend.</i>&quot;

Why??

Do you mean for getting out of Athens and just need to park it one night in the city before heading out? Or do you mean to actually travel around in Athens? You definitely do not want or need a car in Athens.

Give the car a miss and stay central if possible. Driving isn't too bad but parki9ng is a challenge! Also, traffic can actually be greater at weekends, especially in the evenings.
Carolena