Greece - Korina Miller [65]
METS & PANGRATI ΜΕΤΣ & ΠΑΓΚΡΑΤΙ
To the east of the Acropolis, opposite the Zappeio Gardens, is the district of Mets, which is characterised by some delightful old Turkish houses. Mets runs behind the imposing old Olympic Stadium, built into Ardettos Hill. Leoforos Vasileos Konstantinou leads to the National Art Gallery, while to the east is Pangrati, a pleasant residential neighbourhood with interesting music clubs, cafes and restaurants.
Outer Athens
GLYFADA ΓΛΥΦΑΔΑ
Once Attica’s principal beach-resort town, these days Glyfada (off Map), 12km southeast of Athens, is a chic seaside suburb popular with expats. In summer Athenians descend on Glyfada, drawn by its beaches, bars and restaurants – and sea breezes. Glyfada marks the beginning of a stretch of coastline known as the Apollo Coast (and the Athens Riviera), which has a string of fine beaches and upmarket resorts running south to Cape Sounion.
KIFISIA ΚΗΦΙΣΙΑ
Leafy Kifisia (off Map) was once a cool northern retreat where rich Athenians had their villas. The rich and famous still monopolise this elite suburb, whose lovely tree-lined streets, mansions and gardens couldn’t be further from the hustle and bustle of downtown Athens. Kifisia has some of the city’s best shopping, fine restaurants and most chic hotels in town. It is the last stop on metro line 1.
Maps
The free map handed out by the tourist office is fine for central Athens. To seriously explore beyond the centre, buy a copy of the Athens-Piraeus street directory (in Greek), available at most bookshops and stationery stores.
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INFORMATION
Bookshops
Anavasi (Map; 210 321 8104; www.anavasi.gr; Stoa Arsakiou, Panepistimiou) Travel bookstore with extensive range of Greece maps, and walking and activity guides.
Compendium (Map; 210 322 1248; Navarhou Nikodimou 5, cnr Nikis, Plaka) Specialises in books in English, and has a popular secondhand section.
Eleftheroudakis Syntagma (Map; 210 331 4180; Panepistimiou 17); Plaka (Map; 210 322 9388; Nikis 20) The seven-floor Panepistimiou store is the biggest bookshop in Athens, with a level dedicated to English-language books.
Road Editions (Map; 210 361 3242; www.road.gr; Solonos 71, Exarhia) Wide range of travel literature and all the Road Editions maps.
Emergency
Athens central police station (Map; 210 770 5711/17; Leoforos Alexandras 173, Ambelokipi)
ELPA road assistance ( 10400)
Police ( 100)
Tourist police (Map; 24hr 171, 210 920 0724; Veïkou 43-45, Koukaki; 8am-10pm)
Visitor emergency assistance ( 112) Toll-free 24-hour service in English.
Internet Access
Most hotels have lobby and in-room internet access and are increasingly installing wi-fi. There are free wireless hot spots at Syntagma, Thisio, Gazi, Plateia Kotzia and the port of Piraeus (with more neighbourhoods coming online). Internet cafes charge €2 to €4 per hour.
Bits & Bytes Internet Café (Map; 210 382 2545; Kapnikareas 19, Monastiraki; per hr €2.50; 24hr)
Cyberzone (Map; 210 520 3939; Satovrianidou 7, Omonia; per hr €2; 24hr) Cheaper rates of €1.50 per hour apply between midnight and 8am.
Ivis Internet (Map; Mitropoleos 3, Syntagma; per hr €3; 24hr)
Public (Map; 210 324 6210; Karageorgi Servias 1, Syntagma; 9am-9pm Mon-Sat) Free internet on the third floor.
Internet Resources
www.breathtakingathens.gr Official visitor site of the Athens Tourism and Economic Development Agency, with handy what’s on listings.
www.culture.gr Ministry of Culture guide to museums, archaeological sites and cultural events.
www.elculture.gr Informative bilingual arts and culture guide, including theatre, music and cinema listings.
Laundry
Laundromat (Map; 210 923 5811; Veïkou 3a, Makrygianni; wash per 10kg €5, dry €2; 8am-10pm) Underneath Athens Studios.
Left Luggage
Most hotels will store luggage free for