Athens
based on 5 votes
list of places to see that aren't normally in guide books
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Athens
- Category: Recent trip
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Traveler type: Shopping
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Appeals to: Singles, Families with teenagers, Students, Budget travelers, Tourists
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
- Tags: museum, interactive, history, kids, shopping, restaurants
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| This place is fantastic. An Imax like theater where you can see films like the history of the Ancient Agora with computer graphics building for each period and interactive voting by the audience; a virtual reality theater with films like The Olympics and an exhibit about Ancient Math which has the history and activities for all about math-even if you don't like math (like me) you'll love this-and maybe learn all that stuff that never made sense in school. If you're a math whiz, like my son, you'll love it. They have computers with internet access with lots of game as well and a small cafeteria. Plan to spend seeral hours and you can buy tickets for the individual events/exhibits. Staff speaks English. See the link and the link at the bottom of it for directions (it's about a 15 minute ride by Metro from Syntagma station (Athens) to Kallithea. |
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| OK, I don't usually recommend that people ride the metro but this one isfantastic. Built for the Olympics it is still pristine. The trains run often and on time and unless you have tons of luggage I would recommend it even from the airport. You can buy tickets from th agent or if the window is closed, the machines-press the British flag icon for English screen display. The tickets are 0.70-0.80 euros except from/to the airport. The stations announcements are clear and made in Greek and English for each station and transfer points are announced as well. There are 3 lines (see the map at the URL) and they go pretty much anywhere you might want to. NOTE: Be sure to have your ticket validated by the machine as you enter. The routes are marked clearly (once again in Greek and English) both on the walls and in the trains. In Syntagma station make sure to take time to look at the displays of artifacts that were unearthed when they started digging the tunnels-like a museum and one wall which shows the layers of periods-including Christian graves and an actual grave, and an aqueduct line- fascinating. |
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3. Monastiraki Flea Market/Psirri
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| There is no link for this place so I posted a link to a good guide for stuff to do as well. The alleys twist and wind throgh the Monastiraki area and on Sundays the market is big-though you can find stuff every day. It's fun to see all the stuff that is offered - old phonograph players, musical instruments, etc. and the surrounding area in Psirri is also fun to see. There are shop after shop of chain saws or knives or hardware, etc. This area nis up and coming but still a place where you see "real" Greeks and it's not too touristy yet. But, don't worry,everyone speaks at least some English. |
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Ave price:
$154
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Although the rooms are not the grandest, they are extremely clean and comfortable. The bathrooms are actually quite large-though there is limited counter space in both rooms and also clean. We stayed in winter so had the windows closed and had no noise from the street below. Our room looked out on a church and from the roof top terrace you have a great view of the Acropolis. Breakfast is included and there are lots of offerings. Internet is available (1 computer) for 5 euros per hour and there is TV in the rooms. The desk staff is very nice and helpful and the cleaning women and breakfast room staff are wonderful. Beds are comfortable though a bit firmer perhaps than many like. If you like a really soft pillow-travel with one. Hotel is conveniently located (about 5 minute walk from the Monastiraki metro station) and 3 minutes walk from the Platia Iroon where there are several good restaurants and tavernas. |
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5. Changing of the Guard (Evzones) at the Parliament Building
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| You can read all about it at the link. The Sunday show is more involved but if you can't make it the other times (every hour) is just as good. There are also lots of pigeons at the square and nuts for sale for 1 euro. If you hold the nuts in your hand the birds will land on your arm and eat-lots of fun for bigger kids. You can also take your picture standing right next to the Evzone. |
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6. Platia Iroon Restaurant
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| Good food, reasonable prices, excellent service and entertainment very often while you eat. In winter you sit inside but duirng warmer times the tables are out in the square. Try the Naxos Salad-like a Greek Sald but with Naxos cheese (the owner is from the island of Naxos) instead. It's delicious. Their house red wine is also good. |
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7. George Dolkas TShirt and Gift Shop
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| This is a great place for T shirts if you never cared for the ones that you find in every tourist spot with the name changed for the region. Neither my son nor I could decide on just one so we each got 2 though my husband was able to limit himself. There are lots of Tshirt shops on Adrianou St but this one is right on a corner and the Swatch shop is right next door. The staff is helpful and if you see something you like and don't buy it you can order through their website. |
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8. Dimitri Ganas Traditional rugs
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| There is no website for this store-so the URL is for Matt Barrett's Survical Guide which has a lot of good information. Tjis shop is one of the many on Adrianou St but I liked their selection best and we bought two pillow covers. They are hand embroidered in wool or silk, have traditional kilim, flower designs or some more scenic but all with great colors. The owner is very nice and will spend lots of time with you showing his offerings. The prices are reasonable-12 euros for a 18"X18" wool embroidered pillow cover, 14 for a silk one. |
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Compliment cruciangirl
cruciangirl
recent trip
