Athens Visitor Guide

1. Transportation Tips

• Metro (Athens Metro Line 3 – Blue Line): Connects Athens Airport with Syntagma Square (city centre), about a 40-minute journey. Trains run every 30 minutes from ~6:30 am to ~11:30 pm. Cost: €9 one-way, €16 round trip, or €20 for a 3-day tourist ticket (includes airport return and unlimited metro/bus/tram use). Validate tickets at turnstiles and keep them.
• Express Buses (X-lines): X95 (Syntagma), X96 (Piraeus), X93 (Kifissos/Liosion bus terminals), X97 (Elliniko metro). Fare ~€5.50–6. They run 24/7, making them ideal for early or late arrivals.
• Taxis & Private Transfers: Fixed fare €40 (day), €55 (midnight–5 am). Private transfers like Welcome Pickups offer English-speaking drivers and flight monitoring.
• Uber: Available in Athens as Uber Taxi only. It connects you to licensed city taxis. Fares are the same as regular taxis, but the app provides cashless payment, fare transparency, and GPS tracking.
• Local Transport Overview: Integrated metro, bus, tram, and suburban rail system with the same ATH.ENA Ticket. A single urban trip costs ~€1.20 (valid 90 minutes). 3-Day tourist passes are good value for frequent travel.

2. Accommodation near House of Lucie (4 Charalampi Sotiriou)

• Athens Relax Apartment (8 Charalampi Sotiriou) – Comfortable apartment ~1.4 km from the centre; convenient to National Archaeological Museum, Lycabettus Hill, and Ambelokipi metro station.
• Nearby Hotels:
  • Luwian Athens Boutique Hotel – 4-star with excellent reviews (~3-min walk from Omonoia).
  • Belle Athenes – Luxury Rooms at Monastiraki Station – excellent for exploring ancient sites.
  • The Athenaeum Luxury Hotel and Okupa – centrally located and well-rated.
• Stylish / Luxury Options in City Centre:
  • The Dolli at Acropolis – neoclassical hotel with rooftop pool and Acropolis views.
  • Xenodocheio Milos, ERGON House Athens, Anthology of Athens, Not Hotel – boutique design hotels with strong culinary focus.

3. Local Activities & Attractions

• Cultural Highlights:
  • Acropolis & Parthenon – iconic historical site; best early morning or evening.
  • Museum of Cycladic Art – prehistoric Greek art.
  • Benaki Museum & Ghika Gallery – diverse Greek cultural and modernist art.
  • Herakleidon Museum – interactive blend of art, science, and technology.
  • Municipal Gallery of Athens – free entry, Greek 19th–20th-century art.
  • Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum – unique jewelry and decorative arts.
• Walkable Gems:
  • National Garden – peaceful escape next to Syntagma.
  • Panathenaic Stadium – historic marble Olympic stadium with audio tours.
  • Technopolis (Gazi) – cultural hub with concerts and exhibitions.
  • Ermou Street – pedestrian shopping street linking Monastiraki to Syntagma.
  • Plaka & Monastiraki – picturesque neighborhoods for strolling, cafés, and souvenirs.
• Day Trips & Tours:
  • Guided Acropolis & museum tours, Greek food walks, or day cruises (Aegina, Hydra, Poros).
  • Cape Sounio – stunning sunset views and seaside dining.

4. Local Restaurants (Well-Reviewed)

• Moderni Kairi (Ambelokipi): Beloved for its grilled meats and hearty Greek dishes.
• Oinomageirio to Trifyli (Ambelokipi): Classic taverna since 1967 with comfort food like crispy meatballs and dolmades.
• Diporto (near central market): Iconic basement taverna with no menu—simple, authentic daily dishes.
• Avli (Psyri): Secret courtyard spot with meze plates and relaxed island-style ambiance.
• Karamanlidika tou Fani (Omonia): Known for Byzantine-inspired cured meats, cheeses, and small plates.
• Seychelles (Metaxourgeio): Trendy meze bar with creative twists on traditional dishes and a great natural wine list.