| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 08/10/01 |
| Author: | Page Number: 44 |
| Copyright: Other |
Athens
Ignore advice to “get out of Athens as soon as you arrive” and spend a couple of days here.
The Plaka district is the oldest part of Athens which has been rejuvenated in recent years. Its main attraction is the bazaar area. Athens’ most important attraction, the Acropolis, is a 10-minute walk from here.
It’s advisable to visit the monument early in the morning (it opens at 9am) to avoid both the heat and the bus tours.
Much of the cuisine in this area is traditional Greek, but the Eden restaurant serves purely vegetarian food complete with organic wine and beer. A meal here costs about £20 a head.
Nearby Monastiraki metro station has links to Athens’ main port, Piraeus.
Athens is also a good base to visit the historical sites Delphi and Olympia.
good for: shoppers and history buffs.
Recommendations: buses run from Athens airport to Syntagma Square every half an hour. The square is 10 minutes’ walk from the Plaka district and within easy reach of accommodation to suit all budgets. Expect to pay a minimum of £30 for a double room in a hostel, such as the Metropolis, three minutes from the square.