Getting Around Athens???
Feb 3rd, 2008, 06:28 PM
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Getting Around Athens???
It will be our first time in Athens this coming October, and would like some feedback on whether it is possible to walk to most sites in Athens or should we arrange for a taxi or tour guide to take us around the city.
Feb 3rd, 2008, 08:12 PM
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If staying in or near Plaka, Monastiraki, or Syntagma districts, all the major Athens sites are a reasonably easy walks , except for the National Archaeological Museum.
The Museum is easily reached within 10 minutes from Monastiraki via subway (Victoria Station exit, I think).
IMO, the Omonia district, about 1 mile north of Syntagma Square, is seedy and should be avoided as a hotel location.
October brings mild weather, so walking should be quite pleasant.
The Museum is easily reached within 10 minutes from Monastiraki via subway (Victoria Station exit, I think).
IMO, the Omonia district, about 1 mile north of Syntagma Square, is seedy and should be avoided as a hotel location.
October brings mild weather, so walking should be quite pleasant.
Feb 8th, 2008, 07:19 PM
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Between walking and the subway, it's fairly easy to get around.
It is Victoria for the NAM, a pretty easy walk of about 6-7 blocks (which vary a bit in length).
Omonia isn't the greatest place to stay, but it's a lot less seedy than it used to be. If you end up in a hotel on the circle it will be convenient to two major subway lines. But there are plenty of better locations I'd try first.
On one business trip, I was in the Novotel, which was between Omonia and Larissa while a colleague was in the Syntagma Amalia. It was classic tradeoff of comfort vs. location.
Novotel was cheaper but much nicer with a rooftop pool and dining. Not much to see out the door -- some colleagues felt the area was a bit sketchy. (Did not have any troubles.) Amalia was a two-star hotel with a four-star location -- hard beds, minimal breakfasts, small rooms and tiny elevator.
I'm not recommending the area, just pointing out that one should really do their homework.
It is Victoria for the NAM, a pretty easy walk of about 6-7 blocks (which vary a bit in length).
Omonia isn't the greatest place to stay, but it's a lot less seedy than it used to be. If you end up in a hotel on the circle it will be convenient to two major subway lines. But there are plenty of better locations I'd try first.
On one business trip, I was in the Novotel, which was between Omonia and Larissa while a colleague was in the Syntagma Amalia. It was classic tradeoff of comfort vs. location.
Novotel was cheaper but much nicer with a rooftop pool and dining. Not much to see out the door -- some colleagues felt the area was a bit sketchy. (Did not have any troubles.) Amalia was a two-star hotel with a four-star location -- hard beds, minimal breakfasts, small rooms and tiny elevator.
I'm not recommending the area, just pointing out that one should really do their homework.
Feb 9th, 2008, 04:06 AM
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repete
My usual hotel in Athens is the Novotel. I've stayed there a good few times now.
I actually enjoy lodging here very much. Good rooms plus the pool and rooftoop area are very nice, especially in the evenings.
In the last few years I've used some of the local, more traditional restaurants and loved them. The great thing is that you aren't paying city centre prices for what is very good food.
The metro (and mainline station) is reasonably close to the hotel.
I used to always stay in hotels in the Syntagma area but now I much prefer the Novotel and it's location.
My usual hotel in Athens is the Novotel. I've stayed there a good few times now.
I actually enjoy lodging here very much. Good rooms plus the pool and rooftoop area are very nice, especially in the evenings.
In the last few years I've used some of the local, more traditional restaurants and loved them. The great thing is that you aren't paying city centre prices for what is very good food.
The metro (and mainline station) is reasonably close to the hotel.
I used to always stay in hotels in the Syntagma area but now I much prefer the Novotel and it's location.
Feb 9th, 2008, 05:53 AM
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Billbarr,
I would definitely stay there again. For me, I'd much rather have the comfortable bed, great pool and other amenities and be a little further from tourist sites and a somewhat less attractive area. It was a tradeoff I'd gladly make.
My caution was for folks with different priorities, especially those who like to stay in the heart of the tourist center.
I enjoyed getting to know the area and was there about a month. I particularly enjoyed a bakery up the street and the walk to Victoria, which had some nice restaurants. Another plus was the Suburban rail from Larissa to the airport.
I would definitely stay there again. For me, I'd much rather have the comfortable bed, great pool and other amenities and be a little further from tourist sites and a somewhat less attractive area. It was a tradeoff I'd gladly make.
My caution was for folks with different priorities, especially those who like to stay in the heart of the tourist center.
I enjoyed getting to know the area and was there about a month. I particularly enjoyed a bakery up the street and the walk to Victoria, which had some nice restaurants. Another plus was the Suburban rail from Larissa to the airport.
Feb 9th, 2008, 01:24 PM
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hi repete
Yes, I understood your caution and agreed with it.
Last summer I found a terrific little restaurant (out from front door the Novotel, turn right and walk to the road that leads down to Larissa staion. Just on that corner and almost hidden, I found a little gem of a place.
Superb traditional Greek food and nice ambience inside. Folks there were so friendly and when I left I thanked them for such good food and service. The young man smiled and said it was nice to see someone that wasn't a local!
I wish I could remember its name...it's an age thing with me these days LOL
bill
Yes, I understood your caution and agreed with it.
Last summer I found a terrific little restaurant (out from front door the Novotel, turn right and walk to the road that leads down to Larissa staion. Just on that corner and almost hidden, I found a little gem of a place.
Superb traditional Greek food and nice ambience inside. Folks there were so friendly and when I left I thanked them for such good food and service. The young man smiled and said it was nice to see someone that wasn't a local!
I wish I could remember its name...it's an age thing with me these days LOL
bill
