Can anyone give me some guidance about Athens?

[MrsFogi]

We have two weeks booked off in October/November and are thinking of going to Athens. Can anyone give me an idiot's guide? In particular - which area is the best one to stay in, any hotel recs, how many days to have a really good visit, anywhere else we should think about going whilst we are there? In fact anything at all - we've never done a holiday abroad (apart from skiing).

2 weeks is a long time to spend in Athens! I've been twice (once as a kid) and it's a busy, sprawling and rather dirty city. I'd go again to take the DD up to the Acropolis as she's into Greek Gods (or at least, she's into Percy Jackson books!) and it's a pretty spectacular place but other than that and some of the winding alleys in the older part of town, it really didn't have a huge amout of charm for me. We stayed in a hotel with a rooftop pool with a view over the Acropolis - the name escapes me so just did a google and while it wasn't one of these, a hotel with a view of the Parthenon would be great if you're going - www.themostperfectview.com/athens-hotel-views. We did day trips to the ruins in Delphi, what's left of the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion & a one day Island cruise that went around a couple of very pretty islands - we enjoyed all of them! It really is just my opinion though but honestly, if you've not done a holiday abroad other than skiing, unless you've a particular reason to want to go to Athens there are lots of other countries and places if I had 2 weeks I'd want to go to first.

I spend a fair amount of time in Greece. Near Syntagma is busy, but good and you can find everything. Main shopping street is Ermou and there is even a shop called..... pink pussy that sells perfume and clothes! 😂

You can buy a 5 day pass for the metro. Its €9 I think.

Food is cheap and good. Souvlaki everywhere. If you are a big coffee fan try frappe. You can order gliko (sweet) or metrio average sugar. Remember those words as they come in quite handy. You can buy coffee, milk, yogurt, pitas etc at the fourno, bakery in other words.

Bring non slippery shoes if you go to the acropolis.

Thanks for the pointers. Would a week be enough/a good amount of time?

Yes, it would. I forgot to mention yesterday that 28 October is a big holiday here and everything is closed. I think this year it's on a Sunday, so things are closed anyway on Sundays here. But just so you know. That's another thing, if you want food in your room, like to put in your fridge, supermarkets are closed on Sundays. I am in Greece at the moment so if you want to know something else, you can always message me. I will help with what I can. You mentioned that you had two weeks, and of October 1 week in November, since 17 November is an event too as it marks the day the students of the politechnic were kiled during the dictatorship in the late 60s and early 70s and its kind of a day of protest so police will be everywhere. Just so your aware if you were here. Also, remember 1 November, I think last year everything was closed for that as well. If I can think of anything else, I will post. Maybe have a look online and see if any special events are going on while you will be here, you could always go to one of the islands. By the way, Greene does get cold! 😂😂 I spent quite a bit of time in the north, and last year it nearly snowed. Someone in the UK asked me if I was in my bikini. If you come to northern Greece in early November, it starts to get cold and you will need warmer clothes.

Here, you can keep your ion there is a great flights with blocks of things, but it's only in Greek. But you can find a lot of things on sites like this. Also, many people speak english so don't hesitate to ask locals for information.

One other thing, if you go by taxi, they are very cheap, but ask them for a receipt. I have been charged €100 and for example, if they wait for you, it's only 12 euro 50 per hour.

www.xpatathens.com/what-s-on/events-in-athens