Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1
PIREÁS
Piraeus Dream
Fílonos 79-81 & Notára 78-80, Pireás
T
210 411 0555,
W
piraeusdream.gr; Metro Pireás; map
p.60.
It's easy to get from the centre to Pireás, but if you do
have a very early departure this friendly hotel, handy for
ferries, has quiet, recently refurbished rooms (wi
th sp
ectacular
lighting), a/c and TV. Buffet breakfast included.
€70
HOSTELS
Ì
Athens Backpackers
Mákri 12
T
210 922 4044,
W
backpackers.gr; Metro Akrópoli; map p.66.
Very central
Athenian-Australian-run hostel with few frills, but clean
rooms, communal kitchen, internet access, b
ar,
fabulous
rooftop view and great atmosphere. Dorms from
€22
Pagration Athens Youth Hostel
Dhamáreos 75,
Pangráti
T
210 751 9530,
W
athens-yhostel.com;
trolleys #2 and #11 from Omónia via Sýndagma, bus
#203 or #204 or (15-20min walk) Metro Evangelismós;
map p.60.
A bit out of the way but friendly and good value,
in a decent, quiet neighbourhood with plenty of local
restaurants and lively nightlife. Free use of kitchen and
communal area with TV; charge for washing machine and
hot water. T
here'
s no sign on the door, so look for the green
gate. Dorms
€15
AIRPORT
Peri's Hotel & Apartments
Sarandapórou and Margéti,
Loútsa
T
22940 83763,
W
perishotelapt.gr.
It's only about
40min by train or metro to the centre of Athens, but if you
need to stay near the airport this simple modern rooms- and-
apartment complex (free shuttle bus 7am-11pm) is far better
value than the outrageously expensive
Sofitel
right
in t
he
airport complex; rates include a/c, wi-fi and breakfast.
€80
EATING AND DRINKING
Athens has the best and the most varied
restaurants
and
tavernas
in Greece - and many places are sources not just of
good food but of a good night out too. Fast-food and takeaway places are also plentiful - the usual international chains
keep a relatively low profile, and there are plenty of more authentic alternatives. Reservations are rarely necessary -
indeed the simpler places probably won't have a reservation system (they can usually squeeze in an extra table if necessary)
- but it is worth calling ahead at the fancier restaurants, or if you're planning a special trip across town.
better value and traditional food, it's well worth striking
out into the ring of neighbourhoods
around, all of which
have plenty of local tavernas: Exárhia, Neápoli, Áno
Petrálona, Pangráti, Koukáki or the more upmarket
Kolonáki are all good bets. On the coast the big attraction,
not surprisingly, is fish. The pleasure harbours of Pireás,
especially, are a favourite Sunday lunchtime destination.
WHERE TO EAT
While Pláka's hills and narrow lanes can provide a pleasant,
romantic evening setting, they also tend to be marred by
high prices, aggressive touts and general tourist hype. Still
in the centre, areas like Psyrrí, Monastiráki and Thissío (or
Gázi a little further afield) are where the locals go for a
meal out; lively and fashionable. Omónia is business
territory, a great place to grab a quick (or a long) lunch. For
ETHNIC EATS
Greek people like to eat Greek food and until recently, even in the capital, it was very hard to
find anything else. You'd have to say that they have a point; many of the city's ethnic
restaurants are a pale imitation of the real thing. Athens' increasing multiculturalism, however,
is at last being reflected in its food. These are our favourites:
Fu-Rin-Ka-Zan
Apóllonos 2, Sýndagma
T
210 322
9170; map p.66.
Busy Japanese restaurant - especially
so at lunchtimes - with sushi, sashimi, yakisoba and
the like at reasonable prices. Sushi and sashimi mixed
plates €17-22.
Mon-Fri 1-5pm & 7-11.30pm, Sat &
Sun 6-11.30pm.
Godzilla
Ríga Palamídhou 5, Psyrrí
T
210 322 1086;
map p.66.
Good-value sushi bar in a little street off
Platía Ayíon Anaryíron. Mostly a late-night joint.
Tues-
Sun 8pm-1am.
Indian Masala
Ermoú 129, Monastiráki
T
210 321
9412; map p.66.
If you're craving Indian, this is the
place to come, with a menu and atmosphere much like
a UK curry house, plus a few Greek twists. Meat dishes
around €8, vegetable curries €6-7, house thal €10.
Daily 6pm-12.30am.
Meson el Mirador
Ayisiláou 88, cnr Salamínos,
Keramikós
T
210 342 0007; map p.60.
Authentic
Mexican restaurant in an elegant restored mansion in
Keramikós, with some tables on a lovely roof terrace.
Gets enjoyably rowdy later on.
Mon-Fri 7.30pm-1am,
Sat & Sun 1pm-1am.
Noodle Bar
Apóllonos 11, Pláka
T
210 331 8585;
map p.66.
One of a growing local chain of Asian fast-
food restaurants - predominantly Thai but also with
Indian, Chinese and Indonesian flavours; noodle dishes
€7-8. Simple decor with plastic tables and a roaring
takeaway trade.
Mon-Sat all day.
