A couple days in Athens

[Jbo]

Hey CP...

I'm going to a trip to Italy/Greek Islands/Turkey and I have a couple days in Athens before I go hit the islands. I have not really done much travelling in Europe and of all the places I am going seem to be a little nervous about this city.

Lots of stories about the cab drivers, pickpockets, general shadiness.

Im looking for accounts of members here on any advice from getting from the airport, good and safe hotels or hostels (50-60 Euros max) and best things to see...(obvious stuff aside)

Any advice or experiences would be appreciated!

[Bunk]

Originally Posted by J-bo09

Hey CP...

I'm going to a trip to Italy/Greek Islands/Turkey and I have a couple days in Athens before I go hit the islands. I have not really done much travelling in Europe and of all the places I am going seem to be a little nervous about this city.

Lots of stories about the cab drivers, pickpockets, general shadiness.

Im looking for accounts of members here on any advice from getting from the airport, good and safe hotels or hostels (50-60 Euros max) and best things to see...(obvious stuff aside)

Any advice or experiences would be appreciated!

Athens is not the most pleasent city, but I don't think you'll feel unsafe or too uncomfortable. The historic sites are certainly great - seeing the Parthenon is one of those very surreal moments - it's especially stunning at night. I would stick to the touristy areas around the Acropolis and other famous ruins. The downtown area near the Greek Parliament/ Syntagma Square is also quite nice.

One thing that's really nice in Athens is the metro. Very new and clean.

The airport is also new - but you can have trouble with "limo" drivers being very aggressive to get you in their vehicle. Always, always negotiate the price of the ride before you ever get in.

The port in Athens is also a bit of a mess and quite disorganized, difficult to orient yourself. The Greek are also not that keen on keeping with schedules. Ferries are routinely late, that kind of thing.

[pepper24]

The cab stories are true. My first time in Athens I took a cab from the airport to my hotel on business. The cabby spoke good english and said it was a flat rate, something like $30 Euro. Seemed fair.

After a day of meetings, I went back to the airport and asked about a flat rate. The cabbie knew no english so he just used his meter. It came out to something like $7 Euro. I've been back since for personal and it's a decent city. I enjoyed Turkey more.

Plako was a cool area. Great food and entertainment. It's a big spreadout city so I'd stick with the tourist areas as there are some shady places.

[StormShadow]

Disclamer (it was 2006 when I was there as a backpacker)
A few things matter in Athens.

Can you barter? A girl I met in athens talk down a guy selling knock off purses from 50 EU to 4 EU.
Cabs are the same way. Agree to a price before you go. Leave yourself a bit of extra time to call another cab if you need to.

How are you travelling? Backpacker? Tourist with a wife? PM me if you want and I can relay a bit more info about my experience.

I never once felt unsafe in any country (including sleeping on benches and such in certain countries) while travelling. No one will risk robbing a fairly large guy for a backpack full of dirty underwear.
If you are travelling in nice clothing with your wife its a different story.

The area just north of the acropolis "mythranaki"? was the "it" place for tourists while I was there. The transit stop north (north west maybe) of there used to be the "it" place but drugs/gangs/prostitutes moved in. At that time I got an amazing hostel in the old area for like 6 EU a night and ended up drinking with another person and the owner until the wee hours, great night.

If your find yourself in a pinch, remember two things...

ABC - Always Be Cool
MYOB - Mind Your Own Business

[troutman]

When in Athens, do what the Athenites do.

[3 Justin 3]

Acropolis was cool to check out, but other than that Athens is really a s*** hole. Wasn't a very nice place to visit, although the food was good.

[SeeBass]

The national museum is so worth your time.

If you are on Crete they have a real good one in Heraklion (sp)

At least do one of them.

[Jbo]

Thanks everyone for the recommendations/tips.

Im in Athens for basically 2 1/2 days total. First night I have something in Plaka, which I hear is a good area to stay. When I get back from Island hopping im at the Presidents Hotel, which looks kind of away from everything, but also has decent reviews.

Are the taxi drivers really as bad as it is made out? Seems like the cab drivers are hit and miss and you risk getting robbed in the metro