Athens Tourist Guide has chosen the best hotels ranging from the luxury suites to the more economical ones. There was a mass makeover of most of the hotels in the city because of the Olympic Games. Accommodation is available for the elite who want to indulge in luxury and there are provisions of dormitories or hostels for the more economic ones. Summer season and festival times see the advent of overflowing tourists. So to avoid being shelter-less it is advisable to book well in advance. There are over 700 categories of lodging in Athens and Greater Athens area which includes Piraeus, Attica and the suburbs. Athens Tourist Guide brings you some of the best hotels in the city with amenities, so that you can plan your trip accordingly

The Hotel Grande Bretagne of Athens

This hotel was nominated the best city hotel in 2007. It has been around for over 130 years. During the Olympic games this hotel had the honor of accommodating its participants. The Hotel Grande Bretagne is situated in the best location in Athens with a stupendous view of the Acropolis. The special treatment to all the guests from The Hotel Grande Bretagne is the spa treatment which rejuvenates mind, body and soul. This hotel is known for its luxurious setting and prompt service.

Athens Inter-continental Hotel

This 5 star hotel is a luxury seat in the centre of Athens with easy accessibility to business and financial district. So this is the one of the most sought after hotels by the wealthy. Its proximity from Athens International Airport which is only 36 km away and the metro and tram stations being next to it, its one of the best places to be. The Athens Inter-continental hotel was awarded the winner of Greece’s leading hotels in 2005 by the World Travel Organization.

Electra Palace Hotel

The Electra Palace Hotel is just a short distance from the commercial and business districts and is under Acropolis’ shadow. It has 131 guestrooms, 9 junior suites and 10 suites. The junior suites are furnished with Jacuzzi bathtubs and separate showers while the superior suites have balconies to view the spectacular Acropolis. It has 3 non smoking floors, 24/7 room service, laundry service, restaurant, bar, business centre, garden, underground garage, a spa centre with indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath, a gym and a massage room.

Best Western Elysium Design Hotel

Athens Tourist Guide brings you one of the affordable hotels in the city This hotel was spruced up and revamped before the commencement of the 2004 Olympics. It is a comparatively inexpensive hotel with an elegant look. It has introduced one of the popular Wi-Fi internet access to all the guests for them to stay in touch with family and friends. This hotel has 16 twin rooms, not elaborate, nevertheless with all the essential facilities. The features include chairs specially designed by Philippe Starke, furniture made exclusively, jet/hydro massage showers, satellite TV, and phones which can be dialed directly from individual rooms.

Economy Hotel

This hotel is located in an area where you can easily access the major attractive tourist spots which were the major places of importance during ancient Athens such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Erechteion and other resplendent structures Thus it is a recommended hotel for families. Athens Tourist Guide recommends this hotel for those who want to enjoy proper lodging facilities without burning a hole in the pocket. It has the Old Town Hall as its neighbor, and lots of attractive places within easy reach. The Plaka area here is one of the oldest locations with cafes and bars, souvenir shops to cater to your needs. You can get some good stuff in the flea market at Monastiraki.

The best time to visit Athens would be in July and August where summers are really fun, with islands teeming with people and a scarcity of accommodation due to the heavy influx. The nightlife is in full swing with lovely beaches. The days are quite hot but late afternoons are comfortable. August can be pretty warm so it is advisable that you choose an air-conditioned room.

From May to June and September to October there is a lull and its lot quieter than the summer months. There is a smattering of rainfall sometimes. Since most of the islands are free of tourists this is an ideal time to take a tour of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini Islands. You would need something warm if you decide to visit this place during late summer and early spring.

This is the perfect weather for having dinners in restaurants, while your time in open cafes, visit the beaches, climb the Acropolis to explore the city. This is a favorable time to go exploring the countryside also. The weather is warm throughout the year excepting from December beginning but sometimes winters are also slightly warm with an occasional rain now and then.

The period from November to March is unpredictable. Sometimes it can be rainy and sometimes it can be cold like the Indian summers. This is the appropriate time to head for nightlife. Though there is snowfall in Greece, it’s not likely to here or any of the islands. Surprisingly, there is so much snow in the mountains that you can ski.

The cooler month of February does have a fair amount of rainfall. They have an extended spring resembling conditions also known as halcyons. The winters are mild especially, and in Plaka, Psiri and Thission, during Apokreas which is a somewhat like a Mardi Gras or Carnival there are people reveling and merry making, blowing horns as well as scattering confetti along the way. It’s almost like New Year celebrations with taverns, bars and cafes overflowing with people.

April is the time when there is color and vibrancy in the surroundings with plants, trees and wildflowers in full bloom. It is also Easter time and people enjoy their Easter with family and friends visiting the churches, preparing sumptuous meals and everyone drowning in the true spirit of Easter.

Athens Tourist Guide helps you in knowing the various ways of commuting, for this city does not follow an orderly system of traffic rules. However, the city has one of the most dependable and varied transport systems to choose from. You will be spoilt for choice- from buses to taxis, to trams, to trolley buses, to metros to suburban trains connecting you with ease to any corner of Athens. The streets of Athens are not conducive for bicycling as the wayward drivers drive recklessly. Athens Tourist Guide brings you a brief description of each mode of transport to help you reach your destination with the least hassle and on time.

By Air

The airport in Athens is called Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport an started in April 2001 and is located on the eastern side of the city centre 27 km away. This airport was built for the convenience of the European travelers. Athens is the main centre in the Aegean, Balkan and Mediterranean regions for a major portion of international flights from North America while a major chunk of European flights head direct for Athens. The airport has several bus and metro services to the city.

By Bus

Athens has regional coaches which connects other cities in Greece. These buses have been revamped to provide more comfort and ensure safety of the passengers. You can even board the buses of the rail company for some chosen destinations. Some of these buses are operated by neighboring countries which are also used within the country but it is advisable to enquire about the bus destinations and routes about the choices.
The Athens Urban Transport Organization has large fleets of diesel buses, natural gas buses, trolley buses running on electricity.

By Metro

The Athens Metro System is perhaps the world’s best subway systems and is maintained by public as well as the personnel. Athens Tourist Guide recommends a good mode of travelling as most of the stations display excavated items which gives the metro the look of a museum. The Greeks are very particular about the cleanliness and do not allow any food or beverages inside the station. There are 3 lines operating- line 1 operates from Piraeus to Kifissia via the city centre. Line 2 operates from Agios Antonios to Agios Dimitrios on the western and southern sides. Line 3 operates Egaleo to Doukissis Plakentias to the International Airport thereby covering the south western and northern suburbs

By Taxi

Athens Tourist Guide advises you to be alert while hailing taxis in the city. Taxis in Athens are a reasonable mode of transport if you do not get stuck in a traffic jam. The starting fee is 1 Euro which could go up to 2.65 Euros depending on the rates specified i.e. Euros 0.34/km(rate 1) which applies while traveling within the city and Euros 0.64/km(rate 2) for areas outside the city and from midnight to 5 a.m. There are surcharges for traveling to and from the airport, heavy luggage or calling cabs by radio. Tips are not prevalent. Usually taxis are safe but you can ask for the meter to check on the rates if you feel you are being overcharged. If need arises you can ask for a receipt or report the plate number to the tourist police if he denies it.

Shopping in Athens is a fun experience and latest developments have taken place ever since the Olympics, which has led to a great demand for shopping centers. Efforts have gone in to improve the infrastructure for the pedestrians to feast their eyes on the wares displayed There are luxurious shopping malls along with the traditional small shops. There are specified boutiques for exclusive items in Kifissia, Kolonaki and Glifada areas. For shopping in cheaper places Odos Eolou and Omonoia square are highly recommended. There are some ethnic quarters like Psiri which is the abode of blacksmiths, cobblers, old craft workshops. Plaka is renowned for its souvenirs and goldsmiths. All this and much more brought to you by Athens Tourist Guide for a fulfilling shopping experience.

The Agora Athens Central Market

Athens Tourist Guide highlights the Agora Athens Central Market as one of the primary shopping areas. This market is known for its meat, fish and vegetables. The market has had some healthy changes with rules enforced such as preservation of meat in refrigerators. You get a variety of fish in all forms, fresh and frozen. It’s a real cacophony with the vendors yelling the prices of the fish. The fish market is surrounded on 3 sides by the meat market and just across the street fresh fruits and vegetables are sold where you will get the biggest lemons, peaches and colorful fruits.

Athens Georgia Shopping

Downtown Athens has clusters of shops selling special items, art galleries, and eateries in Victorian type buildings There are some great music stores like Wuxtry, Lo Yo Yo Stuff and School kids Records. Clayton Street has a store known for selling anything from combat boots to insect eating plants. There are bicycle rental shops. On the west side of the town, off Atlanta Highway there are more than 115 retail shops. There is the Athens Antique Mall to plunder if you are an antique lover. This place also boasts of some fine dining joints such as the Weaver’s D Fine Foods and the Bluebird.

Monastiraki Flea Market

This flea market is something to reckon with. It’s a hover of activity on Sundays where buying and selling takes place with equal fervor. Its advisable to visit this place before 11 in the morning as the place becomes overcrowded. Here there are shops selling almost anything. There are quite a number of used bookstores selling paperbacks at a cheap rate. Its amazing to find old coins and stamp shops, mini army stores where you can purchase the actual machine guns during the Nazi times.

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos At Spata

This is the new airport in Athens and has a wide range of shopping items. This shop is open day and night. The total area of this shopping mall is 3000 square meters and has a large variety of shops. Special mention goes to the duty free area which covers around 1000 square meters and items on sale are cosmetics, toiletries, liquors, jewellery, tobacco products, Greek delicacies and gift items.

Byzantino Jewelry

Greece has cheap labor. Thus handcrafted gold is affordable. It’s a steal if you can strike up the right bargain. The designs by Byzantino in Plaka is one of the finest and not so expensive. Byzantino was contracted by The Olympic Committee of Greece to make some jewellery which were worn during the closing ceremony in Australia. These were in the form of bracelets, earrings and pendants and the women wearing these ornaments lit the flames with the original logos.

Athens Tourist Guide brings you an array of attractions that will live up to your expectations if you are a traveler expecting to see a beautiful well laid city with its looming heritage structures. The beauty of the city is that in its maze of concrete jungle you will find some quaint attractions in pockets of the city. You will encounter some beautiful neoclassical buildings, narrow streets snaking through the city, old fashioned cafes and Greek orthodox churches which will leave you awestruck. You can soak in the spirit of the city when you view this city from the top of Ploutarchou Street in Kolanaki by boarding the funicular railway. If you are one of the lucky few to remain on Easter Weekend you can experience the panoramic view of hundreds of people descending the hill in a procession with candles in their hands.

The Acropolis

The Acropolis is one of the must see attractions which rank the highest in the travelers book. It is also a UNESCO Heritage Site and a place full of structures belonging to the Classical age like the temple of Athena Nike the Erectheion and the Parthenon. The entry fee is 12 euros which includes a tour of the temple of Olympian Zeus, Kerameikos, Roman Agora, Theatre of Dionysus and the Ancient Agora. Students with a valid ID card from European Union Universities are allowed a free entry.

The Syntagma

Athens Tourist Guide brings you the picturesque Syntagma where the parliament is located. The old relic was a palace built in between 1836 and 1840 for the first Greek king Otto after the end of the Turkish rule. However after a few years it was converted to the Hellenic Parliament because of its desertion by the royal family and till date remains the same where parliamentary affairs are conducted. Also there is a changing of guards every hour in front of the parliament and their uniforms and walking is an amusing sight.

Lycabettus Hill

This is a 200m hill on the borders of the Kolonaki district. Its fun to reach the top either on foot or by availing the funicular railway which costs a nominal charge. There are lots of restaurants and cafes and a spectacular view of Athens. The Parthenon presents a panoramic view halfway up towards the sea with the scenic blue in between the white columns.

National Archaeological Museum

Athens Tourist Guide has chosen the National Archaeological Museum as one of the attractions not to be missed. This is a major crowd puller rated as one of the biggest museums which is always packed. The exhibits here are the treasures discovered by Heinrich Schliemann, displays of Greek sculptures and figures which dates back to 2000 BC. Their collection of murals from Santorini, the volcanic island and the remnants of Antikythera mechanism which built one of the olderst mechanical computer are not to be missed.

The Attica Zoological Park

The zoological park with has many various species of birds, reptiles and animals. This park was originally one of the Bird Sanctuaries opened in May 2000 and, has the 3rd largest bird collection in the world. They have 1100 birds of 300 species, animals bred in farms for the young visitors, and 3 distinct aviaries each for birds from 3 continents of Asia, Africa and America. In April 2001 a section called ‘World of Reptiles’ was introduced having a collection of pythons, boas, crocodiles and several other reptile species. July 2002 opened another new division called ‘Greek Fauna’ where the major attractions were Wild Cats, Wolves, Bears, Foxes etc., and February 2003 brought in the ‘African Savannah ‘ comprising of Giraffes, Zebras, Antelopes, lamas, Jaguars, Snow Leopards, the rare White Lions and several others.

It’s a known fact in Athens that you should go to a tavern which is filled with the locals. They are the connoisseurs for the best taverns for their choice is based on price, taste and mood as Athenians are known for their affinity for food and drink. Do not step into a place where you are being forced to go. Its best not to ask for the delicacies from the hotel staff. Do check the prices of the dishes for they can come at an exorbitant rate. Fresh fish and wine are known not to be cheap. Some of the restaurants Athens Tourist Guide helps you with are.

Bairaktaris

This is one of the best places to try and please your taste buds. Its run by a family for over a century. The attractions of this place are the wine barrels which have been painted with photographs of olden days Greek stars. This eating hole has a very delectable beef kokkinislo in the menu- it’s a stew served with a reddish sauce which is irresistible, or delicious gyro platter is another must haves. They have a variety of appetizers like mini cheese pies and fried zucchini with garlic dip.

Archaion Gefseis

This is perhaps one of the joints whose owners have done extensive research through ancient history to prepare food in its authentic method. Their painstaking endeavors have even helped them to research into the culinary art of ancient and Modern Greek Era. One of the classic examples on the menu is pancetta with a tempering of thyme. The ambience is uniquely appealing with gardens illuminated with torches, reclining couches and waiters garbed in elegant chitons. Tables have to be reserved well in advance and Sundays they are closed.

Aristera Dexsia

The chef come owner is known for trying his hand at fusion cuisine and the change from industrial space to a highly elegant and trendy ambience has made him quite popular. The dishes to be tried are pheasant sausage and parsnips in madeira, pork tenderloin cooked with apricot and ginger. There are partitions in the restaurant which aptly gives the name ‘left-Right’. You can view the wine cellar from above through a glass strip. A change in pattern in summer is brought with tables moved outside and the prices are fairly brought down. Reservation is a must.

Taverna Xinos

This restaurant started in 1935 and have a very loyal clientele. Its usually haunted by locals after 10pm for digging into the local fare and with the departure of most of the tourists. Some of the delicacies served here are lamb viouvetsi, tomatoes and tiny pasta baked in clay pots, livers marinated and cooked in vinegar and oregano. Summers are perfect for courtyard dining and in winters a small stove keeps the room comfortably warm. You can request for some melodious music by tipping the musicians present there.

Dimokritos

As you ascend the steps leading to the dining area your attention will be drawn towards the refrigerator with a glass door adjacent to the kitchen with taramosalata, egg plant dip and several salads along with spreads. As you proceed towards your table you can have a look at the inside. The place neither boasts of a plush décor nor any innovative dishes, but the meal is good and service is prompt. Some delicacies to be tried are hand rolled pastries stuffed with spinach pie, lemony beef casserole and gigantes.