Do you know Athens? Is it a 'complete shithole'?

[Fuckoffeverything]

I read this on another thread. I've never been there. Have you been there? Is it really a complete shithole? What are your opinions on it?

Dont get me wrong...its gritty but I absolutely loved it.

Im a history buff so seeing the sites there was amazing.

We found the people friendly, the food very good, the rooftop bars are great.

Its a fantastic long weekend location.

I've had great times in Athens and really like the city but we were careful where we stayed and did feel a bit uncomfortable in a couple of areas we went to.

I haven’t been for nearly 20 years but I loved it - so historic.

Yeah it is. Other than the acropolis it's tough as. Loads of wild dogs too (not a euphemism).

*rough as

I've been to Athens, primarily for fertility treatment but stayed four days in total.

I adore Greece and the Greek Islands but I'll happily admit my first thought was 'what a dump' However after 24 hours I was in love with the place! The acropolis in particular was just absolutely awe inspiring.

Big thumbs up for Athens from me.

We stayed in the most beautiful hotel in Athens, we went out for food in the evenings and loved every minute

I would 100% go back

No - it's lovely. Fascinating archaeological sites, of course, and the new museum. Surprisingly green in the city centre around the Acropolis. Great cafes & restaurants in the Plaka district, & reasonably priced. We were very pleasantly surprised when we went in 2019.

I'm very familiar with Athens.

There are some areas north of Omonia station which feel a bit edgy/dodgy, but there's no reason to go there, unless your hotel is there.

In general the city is great, with amazing architecture, great rooftop bars, lovely food, friendly people, great parks, open air cinemas etc.

It's not all "spruced up) and there is a bit of graffiti in some places, but lots of lovely areas - Kolonaki for shopping, Glyfada (30 mins drive east), Kiffisia (to the north), beaches at Vougliameni.
I really recommend Athens.

It can be a shock when you first arrive but it has a huge soul and definitely grows on you! I find in Athens its the little things, walking through a neighbourhood late at night and hearing young people playing bouzouki and singing traditional songs, watching an old man take huge pleasure feeding the stray cats and calling them all cute names! I feel like everytime I turn a corner there is something to see/feel/experience.
There is a gritty side and the concrete and graffiti can feel overwhelming at first but break through that and it's glorious. I would try and stay somewhere central, maybe in plaka which is full of history and character. Oh and take a day trip to an island, especially if you are going in the summer. Aegina and Agistri are super close and have wonderful swimming and that Greek island feel!
Let me know if you need any advice 😊

Yep it's a shit hole. I'd never go back.

My 8yo and I had a lovely time there in Feb half term. Would highly recommend.

I like it.

It's so not a shithole 😁

I loved it. I mean, it's not glossy but it's a real good place at least. It's awesome.

I backpacked around the Greek Islands and ended up in Athens several days before my flight home,plans changed due to bad weather,otherwise I wouldn’t have planned to be in Athens.

I loved it,it’s a fabulous City.I suspect people who don’t like Athens wouldn’t like Naples,another favourite City of mine.

I thought it was amazing. We stuck to the tourist hot spots. Some areas we went through were gritty but it was amazing overall.

Anyone calling Athens a 'shithole' is just showing their ignorance.

When I went I remember it being posh with lots of glass outdoor restaurants and well kept parks as well as the expected tavernas, history, museums etc. lots of dogs though.

We spent three days there last week and are now on one of the Greek islands. We liked it though we stayed at the beach and got the hop on hop off bus into the city centre and to the sights. Our hotel was nice and had a rooftop pool and a beach right in front of it though was also on a busy road and we had rooms not overlooking the sea as they were a lot quieter.

Our experience of it was shitty but I can't imagine we got a well rounded view of it in the 7 days that we were there. The men were pretty awful ( dismissive towards me and downright intimidating) The heat was unbearable too.

Athens is one of my favorite cities, though it's true that the area round Omonia where there are a lot of cheap hotels is a bit rough. But there are lots of really lovely, not too expensive hotels as well.

We go often and I really love it. It has dodgy areas, an awful lot of concrete and some people aren’t lovely (as you will find in many places) but there are wonderful old places, you can find historical finds everywhere (train stations, just in the street), there’s great shopping both little boutique types and high street, and amazing food and restaurants from little taverns with traditional food, newer more modern food places etc and the people are overwhelmingly friendly, helpful and generous. The place has an amazing spirit. We don’t stay in the centre but always go for a day or two

To those of you who have been recently, would you go as a single female traveller? Athens and Rome are 2 of my dream destinations and if ever I get enough money I want to go exploring landmark cities... but now keep coming across posts saying they are totally dangerous and unsafe!

Loved Athens, admittedly stayed in the touristy bit right by Acropolis - would recommend. The history is unbeatable, the Athens museum is incredible. Did a few days then taxied to Piraeus for a ferry and a few weeks island hopping 👍

@glebaisaword please don’t be put off! Athens and Rome are standout favourite cities of mine, do your research, plan the trip and enjoy if you go!