november-2010

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GREECE Population 10,749,943 Currency Euro GDP
ATHENS
† €22,350 Dialling code +30
Airport code ATH Flight frequency Twice daily Average temp (Nov) 15°C
As Athens’ streets and
parks take on an
autumnal feel, the
National Archaeological
Museum (namuseum.gr)
hosts a groundbreaking
exhibition featuring the
reconstructed face of an
Athenian girl who lived in
the city around 2,500
years ago. Carole French
is our city guide
PLÁKA
Best known for being the steeply
sloping district crowned by
the ancient Acropolis, Pláka is
the historic heart of the city,
characterised by tiny streets
full of neoclassical homes.
SLEEP Head straight to the roof terrace,
which boasts views of the Acropolis, at
the Central Hotel (21 Apóllonos, tel. 210
323 4357, centralhotel.gr, rooms from
€80), a stylish boutique establishment.
CULTURE Be sure to put aside some
time to explore the Museum of Greek
Folk Art (17 Kydathinaion), to check out
the important Kyriazopoulos Collection
of folk pottery.
EAT Housed in an elaborate old building
and serving tasty local dishes such as
souvláki (shish kebab), Damigos (41
Kydathinaion, tel. 210 322 5084)
is one of the most popular eateries in
Pláka. Nearby is Daphne’s (4 Lysikrátous,
tel. 210 322 7971, daphnesrestaurant.
gr), an elegant gourmet restaurant that’s
hosted many celebrities.
LATER The long history of atmospheric
Melina Café (22 Lysioú) is depicted in the
fabulous photos that line its walls.
TIP If you’re visiting with children, pick
up a leaflet about the fun workshops on
offer at the Museum of Greek Folk Art.
EXÁRCHIA
Lying to the north of the Acropolis,
Exárchia is a bustling district full of
IMAGE KOILALOUS (ATEDCO)
INFO
Athens
International
Airport, Elfthérios
Venizélos, is
located about
33km from the city
centre, at Spáta.
Bus Airport
buses to Plateía
Syntágmatos
(Syntagma Square)
leave at 10-minute
intervals. The
journey time is
around 50 minutes,
costing €3,20.
Metro You can
catch the metro
and light railway
trains to Plateía
Syntágmatos,
which take about
35 minutes and
costs €6.
Taxi A taxi for the
same journey costs
around €25, taking
30 minutes.
Tourist offi ce
The main offi ce
can be found at
26 Amalias (tel. 210
331 0392, gnto.gr).
The Acropolis (‘high city’)
holds the most magnifi cent
buildings of ancient Greece
chic cafes, galleries and art shops
– the buzz may be due to the
number of students who live here.
SLEEP In one of Exárchia’s quieter spots,
the Dryades Hotel (4 Dryadon, tel. 210
382 7362, orion-dryades.com, rooms
from €55) is welcoming and good value.
CULTURE See this month’s Myrtis:
Face To Face With The Past exhibition,
along with the world’s finest collection
of ancient Greek artifacts, at the
National Archaeological Museum
(44 Patissíon, tel. 210 821 7724).
EAT The Circus Bar (11 Navarínou,
tel. 210 361 5255) is a place to relax
with friends and ‘be seen’.
TIP The tiny streets behind the
university are full of bookshops to
browse for new and second-hand books.
OMÓNOIA
Omónoia is a busy business and
shopping district of Athens, best
known for hosting festivals and
sports events in its main square
– which is the oldest in the city.
SLEEP Modern, with an elegant décor
of autumn shades, the Athens Acropol
Hotel (1 Piraeus, Omónoia Square, tel.
210 322 5891, rooms from €100) makes
a good base when on business.
CULTURE Overlooking one of the city’s
busiest markets, the Artower Agora (10
Armodíou) is an exhibition venue with
an eclectic mix of contemporary objets
d’art and paintings.
EAT In a lavish 19th-century mansion,
Neon Omónoia (1 Dorou, tel. 210 522
3201) offers a tempting selection of
pastries and pasta dishes.
SHOP Everything from jewellery and
leather goods to books and souvenirs
can be found in the department store
Hondos Center (Omónoia Square).
LATER Enjoy dinner and a show at The
Black Duck Multiparte (9a Christoú
Lada), a venue near the business district.
TIP The Omónoia metro station is
decorated with old photographs of the
square, offering a fascinating window
on the city’s recent past.
KOLONÁKI
For shopping and art galleries,
head for this leafy district at the
foot of Lycabettus Hill.
SLEEP The luxurious Hilton Athens (46
Vassilíssis Sofias, tel. 210 728 1000,
hilton.com, rooms from €150) has a spa,
gourmet restaurant and rooftop bar.
EAT Try the delicious kleftiko (slowcooked
lamb with herbs) at Prytaneion
(7-9 Milióni, tel. 210 364 3353), a supertraditional
taverna.
SHOP Head for Tsakalof Street for
great fashion shops – Gucci (number
27) and Sotris (corner of Tsakalof and
Voukouréstiou), which stocks Prada and
Dolce & Gabbana, are highlights.
LATER With its lavish décor, including
a disco ball, the Akrotiri Boutique (B5
Vassiléos Georgioú) offers dancing and
dining until dawn.
TIP The column (kolonaki) in Kolonáki
Square gave the district its name.
€139 *
FROM JUST
RETURN ALL-IN
Fly to Athens from
just €139* return all-in.
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Brussels Airlines b.there! magazine November 2010 109