Just came back from my first ever trip to Greece! I binge-watched your videos before going! Followed all of your advice. Had an amazing time and hope to return. While in Athens I stayed between Plaka and Syntagma. Perfect location! Also, drove through Omonia (during the day). The main square is in good shape, but the rest is not for the faint at heart (specially the alleys). With so many great hotel options in Athens, there no need to stay in this area. All your recommendations, from Meteora to Santorini were spot on! Every country should have a youtuber like you!
Whatever you do, listen to this amazing guy and don't go in Omonia!! I had the most terrifying experience over there, at night, when some drugged people forced the door to my airbnb...God knows what they wanted to do and we left after they went away, it's dangerous! The rest of Athens, is amazing, i'll definitely go back:)
Omonia, over the last 10 year's I've stayed at 3 hotels in this area, great hotels. No problems with the hotels, you just have to be aware of the environment you are in!
definitely not the death of anybody that area but it *is* a must to be careful. something about the night and not going out all that much around then. the common knowledge over the subject, that's all.
All in all simple tip I can give is this: don’t go to the cheapest option if you want to have a good time. As in many capitals in the world there are many hotels that have extremely cheap prices but you have to be aware of your surroundings. Same applies here so don’t go on the cheap end to avoid any unwanted surprises.
Sebi, you are the MAN!!! Before our greek island cruise we stayed 3 days in Athens and stayed at the Acropolis View Hotel in the Makrygianni area. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT advice, walking distance to Plaka, Monistiraki but super quiet and safe. What a great find/recomendation from you. Your videos and advice are top notch. To all those reading these comments, Sebi is the man.... buy him a coffee and stay at Acropolis View Hotel, you will not be dissapointed.
And for those on a slightly higher budget then *Kolonaki* is a great neighbourhood to stay in when in Athens. Clean, classy, full of boutique shops and very tasty local restaurants. Also a string of super fun bars and cafes. As an ex-local just wanted to share my thoughts. Great video by the way really useful & informative for people visiting Athens - Athenian Riviera is a must when in Athens, even if it's a day trip..just keep in mind some of the posh beaches charge sky high prices (worth it though) but there is always *Lake Vouliagmeni* which is cheaper but just as wonderful. Go on live a little....
As someone born and raised in Athens (and walk around the center countless times) i have to say that i couldn’t describe the city center better. It’s very nice that you spoke about both touristic stuff..and more local. Maybe i would add Exarcheia as a more urban style area, graffiti, anarchist vibe. (this is the place about riots you see on tv). Not the safest area, but not something to avoid..
Ive been leaving in Athens my whole life and I dont really agree to be honest.IF YOU ARE TRAVELING ON A BUDGET, these neighborhoods are really really expensive to find a place to stay, because obviously they are right in the city center. Athen's metro is extremely usefull, cheap and safe, so basicaly wherever you find yourself in a close by neighbrhood near the blue or red lines of metro, you can be wherever you want in a couple of minutes.A good thing is to avoid moving by bus because they are not that reliable. Pangrati, Koukaki,Exarcheia,Neos Kosmos,Zografou, are some neighborhoods that are not exactly in the center, but are really within easy reach to the great monuments in Athens,even by foot, and you can find somewhat cheaper rooms. Enjoy your stay in Greece!!
These areas are for most tourist. Most tourist want the convenience. You said it yourself, IF you are traveling on a budget, this is special group of travelers. There are videos targeting these travelers saying "on a budget" on the title. On a budget usually means not convenient and that's what most tourist try to avoid on their trip.
@@Tydrix I woudnt agree that being on a budget means not convinient in the case of touristic cities as we all know that many times in order to get convinient you fall into scums and overpriced servicies.
@@nosheenkhan481 At most parts yes but there are many stations that the elevator is not working but its always anounced in the athens metro website. Correct me if Im wrong but I feel like the main stations in the city center are almost always open.
Great job Sebastian. About a month ago I visited Greece. Your video is spot on, very accurate regarding the descriptions of neighborhoods. I loved my stay in Athens. Previously to my trip, I watched all your videos regarding Santorini, very helpful as well. You are in the path to becoming a heck of a tourist guide star. I most likely will go back to Greece, I got more than what I had expected. Cheers !
May I add: Koukaki, Kolonaki, the area around Megaro Mousikis station, Mets, Petralona, Gazi/Keramikos and Pangrati. These are all central districts, each with its own character and all are obviously very well connected and most points will be within walking distance to the sights and will offer a much more normal, local vibe that will make you see what Athens is all about. All in all, great video!
Athens is a compact city with a good subway system, you can stay anywhere. It reminds me a lot of Bangkok. I prefer compact cities much more character.
Thank you for a great video. My wife and I are trying to find out where to stay at a good price. My wife had Omonia as a saved hotel, and we changed that. We paid more and are staying at Athens Gate Hotel. We're older, so an easy reach to local sites. We will walk to Plaka and the food areas towards the north. Thank you again for GREAT videos!
Followed all of SEBASTIAN'S ADVISE AND RECOMMENDATIONS on our trip to Greece for 10 days and SPOT ON, OUR TRAVEL WAS AMAZING! We stayed in Koukaki neighborhood and the view of the Acropolis is perfect especially at night. This area is about 2-3 minutes walk to Makrygianni (taverns) and Akropolis Metro station where most group tours in Acropolis met. We also stayed in Plaka and the area is great too.
I had booked my hotel before seeing your video, which happened to be in Omonia. There were a few sketchy people but nothing worse than I see daily in Manhattan. I'd definitely have booked elsewhere but it wasn't too bad.
My sister and I also stayed in that area. I'm not going to lie, Omonia looks ruff, but honestly, nobody bothered us. The apartment was clean, and we had a great time.
We stayed there too. We are born and raised in NYC and live in the Bronx. No one bothered us but the neighborhood was ghetto. For a one night stay it was fine and it was close to the metro which was great.
Our favourite hotel is the Amalia Hotel. Love this place. In the 70's when I had no money I stayed in Monastriki and also a place called Kouros Guest house near Hadrian's Arch. Love Athens and will be back there in a few months. Your information is great.
Nice video but I would like to add few areas which in my opinion are the best option if you want something affordable and close to everything :) The first one is Koukaki, which is a great area, 5-10 min from Acropolis and close to the rest of the center and the same as in Makrygianni full of nice tavernas and great street food options. Also, the neighborhood of Kerameikos, again 5 min from Psyri, has cheap rooms, great restaurants, cafes, and nightlife. Last, but not least the Exarcheia neighborhood. 20 min walking to the center, but again, you have everything, affordable rooms, nightlife, cool cafes, a local vibe and ofc less tourists.
Didnt want to overcomplicate the video by mentioning 10 different neighborhoods, but you're right ! Koukaki, Kerameikos and Exarcheia are nice too. Just a tiiiny bit farther away from the center. Thx for the input Giota !!
I was just about to comment to thank him for not mentioning these neighbourhoods, one of the good things about them is less tourists, and here you go. Thanks.
All the areas you mentioned are indeed tourist destinations, but if you're looking to get a more authentic Athens experience, there are a few places worth visiting. Omonoia is actually part of the city centre, but it's not as heavily touristic as some of the other areas, because it's more multicultural and locals tend to avoid it. In Omonoia though you can find the National Theater and low budget options for food like ouzeri (which serve meze and a local spirit called ouzo) as well as mezedopoleia (small plates and wine), as well as Indian or Middle eastern cuisine. If you're interested in history, you might want to check out Exarcheia, which is located close to Omonoia and the National Archaeological Museum. In addition to the museum, there are also plenty of local cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area where you can experience authentic local cuisine and drinks. Another area worth exploring is Pagrati, particularly the section near Kallimarmaron. This area is home to the Goulandri Museum of Art, the National Gallery, and the War Museum, which offer a glimpse into the country's cultural and military history. Along with these cultural attractions, Pagrati has a diverse range of eateries, from traditional Greek tavernas to modern restaurants and cozy cafes. So, if you're looking to experience Athens like a local, both Exarcheia and Pagrati offer plenty of opportunities to do so. Whether you're interested in history, art, or food, there's something for everyone in these areas
I dont think its a good idea to send tourists to Exarcheia. Yes it is growing to be a popular night out destination, but its not pretty, and there are alot of thugs there.
As a local i agree with this video, however i would also say Metz and pagrati and further in koukaki are great neighborhoods to stay in. Yes they are a bit further but the walks, for example from pagrati to monastiraki, are very pleasant and not that far.
This is one of the best video (if it is not the best) that I saw in my research for a trip. I travel for more than 10 years and i use TH-cam to research about where to go, what to do and where to stay. And this is the first time (that I recall) that I can get all the important info for me in just one video!. Thanks so much!!! :)
I spent three days in Athens last April and my Hotel was located near Larissa Station…the hotel was clean…reasonably priced and had great staff…it was perfect for me…very quiet neighbourhood as there were not many tourists..l found the Athens Metro very easy to negotiate and after a day out sightseeing etc it was always nice to come back to this quiet area…there were not all that many restaurants around but l did find a great local one which l went to every night…also there was a great new supermarket nearby where l stocked up on provisions for my daily outings(drinks snacks etc)…
I love walking around Athens even though I normally stay in Glyfada, its fun either to get the tram or bus into Athens and see more local places as you travel. As a single women I find the Greek people really helpful, but I do keep my wits about me for any undesirables. I like to practice my little knowledge of Greek which the locals like. Great video, you should become a private tour guide. All the best from Leeds. UK
Greatest city guide video I ever came across! Unfortunately I watched it AFTER going to Athens, haha! We stayed at Play Theatrou Athens for a week and its sliiiiightly above the Evripidou Street, but it was fine honestly. Close to Monastiraki Square and everything, but had friends staying more north of Omonia and that didnt seem very nice at all... Loads of weird people walking around, barely any restaurants and shabby streets. So Play Theatrou is as far North I would go (LOADS of lovely brunch restaurants around that hotel!)
Sebastin, great video! In the past (2022) we stayed at a wonderful hotel just to the south of the Acropolis Museum called the B4B. The staff are great and the rooms are modern and clean. They include a breakfast with the room and the rooftop view is very good. We liked it so much we are returning in May for another week in Athens. The hotel is close to the tram (3 min walk,10 min ride to Syntagma Square) which connects you to the metro lines 1 and 3. We use the metro pass for all our travel within the city, cheep, clean, new and fast! If you want to arrive by air or ship, the new Metro station on line 3 at Piraeus will connect (without change of train) from the seaport to the airport...
If Athens is a 3 day destination hen yes these neighborhoods are where you should stay but if you stay a little longer then id advice to experience the real Greek vibe of he non touristic areas where is safer to stay with plenty local style nightlife too and the center is just a 10 minutes metro ride so not really a waste of time. There are Athenian suburbs on the east and southern side which are easily accessible to metro stations like neos kosmos, ymittos, dafni which are very close to the center yet away enough of tourist traps
Excellent information. I'm so glad I found you just before our trip to Greece. Your videos make the organisation of our trip so much easier. It's exactly what we needed to know. Thank you!
Koukaki was great when we stayed there in January as well. The Acropolis Hill hotel was just perfect - guess we were lucky with being on the 6th floor though. The roof top terrace had an amazing view of the Acropolis and our room had a spectacular city view from Syntagma sq all the way down to the sea
We are staying at Adronis Athens and I believe it is in the Pysri neighborhood! Not sure if you’ve heard of it, it is just a few doors down from that “Little Kook” street area.
We stayed in omonoia square when we were in athens. We personally had a great experience. Just stick to the 6 main streets (athinias street takes you towards the acropolis) and you'll have a great experience.
We have booked one of his recommended hotels! Looks fantastic and isn't too pricy. We like the idea of being near the restaurants and sites we want to see. I hope that Metro from the airport idea works. All his food videos are making me hungry. Looking forward to getting some great pictures of the city (with a bit of the sunrise or sunset). Very good videos.
Thank you so much for your videos! They’re very helpful. We will be visiting Greece fir the first time, including Athens, Mykonos, Santorini , and Crete in late May. We will definitely be using a lot of the tips, and info you’ve provided. Have you thought about making a video on the top foods/ snacks that one MUST try in Athens, Santorini, and Crete? 😊
Hi Sebastian- nice video - I am Australian and live in Athens In Palaio Faliro. This year nearly all my friends who came from the airport on the metro (usually getting off in Monastiraki to go to air bnbs they had booked) were targeted and robbed some with and some without violence. The police were hopeless and they know it's happening. One friend from Chicago was robbed by a gang on the metro and thrown out on the platform in Monastiraki in a slick operation that was so traumatic he went straight back to the airport and left the country- luckily he still had his phone and passport in a hidden wallet under his clothing- everything else was taken by the gang of 5 men who surrounded him just as the train reached Monastiraki station.He went to the airport and reported the incident to be told if he wanted to go to the police station it was miles away and it would take so long he would miss the next flight back to the US - he left rather than waste his time. I rang the police all through the summer to complain (in Greek which I speak fluently) and they just told me they are under staffed and visitors should take cabs from the airport and take a photo of the number plate before getting in and pay the 50 euros- its false economy to take the metro!!!! Please do not recommend this to your viewers as especially if they are alone they will be targets as they get there tickets at the airport station where the gangs hear where they are going to when they ask for the ticket at the booth then wait until the person nears there destination then move in- if you're lucky you will only lose your luggage if not you lose everything or maybe just your "banana" bag around your waist- please let people know what is happening - I love this city and it's being ruined by these (often foreign) gangs. Regards Robert
Thx for sharing Robert ! This is useful information for everyone coming to Greece for the first time. Better take a cab ... Very sorry for what happened to your friend :-(
Who are you people with so negative views of certain areas? You must be travel agents trying to drum business away from your competitors. I traveled the Metro from the airport and around in Monastiraki during more than two weeks in Athens. No such incidents mainly because I didn't stand out as a "tourist." Americans tend to do that so they are targeted. When in Greece act and look Greek.
@@CEJohns I'm not a travel agent- I'm a retired EFL teacher here in Athens -glad to hear your experience was good and uneventful but sadly that's not the experience of the 472 people that reported to the local police a robbery in the centre of Athens just in August. Therefore your comments are uninformed and not helpful. Some people just cannot look "Greek" so your comment about that is ridiculous for the Northern Europeans, Chinese and other asian people -are we supposed to travel without luggage to blend in with the locals?? My friend from Chicago is Greek American so explain that in it being helpful to "look Greek"!
Look. This is a forum so opinions are opinions and people are entitled to express their personal views. Don't try to read more into them than intended. Geez, so sensitive. @@robsurmer
My grandmother and family live on Bouboulinas 1 when our google it it’s really become distressed on the corner of the Archeological museum so sad. But I love Athens it has my heart always Plaka area is my favorite
lol! We stayed at the Parnon Hotel in Omonia for one night last year. The hotel was decent. It was two metro stops away from the Acropolis. But the neighborhood was ghetto! I get enough of that at home in NY. Next time we go to Athens we will stay closer to the Acropolis.
I stay at the hotel Cecil on Athinas Street...cheap and cheerful bit clean and great staff. Located between Omonia square and Monastiraki square...very near Psiri, Very safe lots of tavernas and night life.. And great price... 30-40 euros per night.. with continental breakfast....
I don´t agree, i am in Athen right now, i arrived 3 days ago and i am super happy i dont stay in the city center. I stay in Piaeus. There are 2 metro lines+ one tram line. A 5 day ticket for public transportation ist only 8 € and i can go to the beach in 20 min or to the city center also in 20 minutes from here +. my room is cheaper, food is cheaper + it is less touristic. So i am very happy with Piraeus =)
Im so glad i found your channel. You have great content on santorini and Athens..im planning to visit Athens, Santorini and Crete, April of 24 and im hoping you will have great content on Crete by then..😊😊
Before travelled to Athens, I didn't know about Omonia's fame. After the reservation I watched a lot of videos like this making me get into fear. Well, After 4 days sleeping in Omonia's área, specifically in street "Averof" Next to Nacional Archeological Museum, we have not experienced nothing bad with people. Maybe one or two drug addict in the street, but nothing impressive or feeling dangerous. We have walked through the street "28is Oktovirou" and "Patision" at 23h at night with no problem
Hi, I didn't know Athens and stayed in Amonia. Had good experiences, friendly Locals. Zoners restaurant was like a second Hotel great food friendly service. I'm hoping to move to Athens and currently working on a long stay Visa. Thanks.
![Athens AIRPORT : How to get to your hotel ? [Comparing Metro, Bus, Taxi, Uber]](/img/n.gif)
Just came back from my first ever trip to Greece! I binge-watched your videos before going! Followed all of your advice. Had an amazing time and hope to return. While in Athens I stayed between Plaka and Syntagma. Perfect location! Also, drove through Omonia (during the day). The main square is in good shape, but the rest is not for the faint at heart (specially the alleys). With so many great hotel options in Athens, there no need to stay in this area. All your recommendations, from Meteora to Santorini were spot on! Every country should have a youtuber like you!
Thx for the feedback ! Very happy to hear you had an awesome time in Greece !
I just booked the Astor Hotel in Athens, and looking to stay in Plaka next. Any recommendations?
Can you share what option you took from Airport to hotel, and if you took any uber/taxi how did that go?
Whatever you do, listen to this amazing guy and don't go in Omonia!! I had the most terrifying experience over there, at night, when some drugged people forced the door to my airbnb...God knows what they wanted to do and we left after they went away, it's dangerous! The rest of Athens, is amazing, i'll definitely go back:)
Omonia, over the last 10 year's I've stayed at 3 hotels in this area, great hotels. No problems with the hotels, you just have to be aware of the environment you are in!
Better than Chicago 🎉
definitely not the death of anybody that area but it *is* a must to be careful. something about the night and not going out all that much around then. the common knowledge over the subject, that's all.
Wich hotel have a cleaning room and swimming pool
@@calt03Chicago has BEAUTIFUL areas. Just like any big city you have to be careful.
All in all simple tip I can give is this: don’t go to the cheapest option if you want to have a good time. As in many capitals in the world there are many hotels that have extremely cheap prices but you have to be aware of your surroundings. Same applies here so don’t go on the cheap end to avoid any unwanted surprises.
bed bugs....
I like how you said "people suffering from drug addiction" and not just "addicts"
Sebi, you are the MAN!!! Before our greek island cruise we stayed 3 days in Athens and stayed at the Acropolis View Hotel in the Makrygianni area. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT advice, walking distance to Plaka, Monistiraki but super quiet and safe. What a great find/recomendation from you. Your videos and advice are top notch. To all those reading these comments, Sebi is the man.... buy him a coffee and stay at Acropolis View Hotel, you will not be dissapointed.
And for those on a slightly higher budget then *Kolonaki* is a great neighbourhood to stay in when in Athens. Clean, classy, full of boutique shops and very tasty local restaurants. Also a string of super fun bars and cafes. As an ex-local just wanted to share my thoughts. Great video by the way really useful & informative for people visiting Athens - Athenian Riviera is a must when in Athens, even if it's a day trip..just keep in mind some of the posh beaches charge sky high prices (worth it though) but there is always *Lake Vouliagmeni* which is cheaper but just as wonderful. Go on live a little....
As someone born and raised in Athens (and walk around the center countless times) i have to say that i couldn’t describe the city center better. It’s very nice that you spoke about both touristic stuff..and more local. Maybe i would add Exarcheia as a more urban style area, graffiti, anarchist vibe. (this is the place about riots you see on tv). Not the safest area, but not something to avoid..
Thanks. I love anarchy ❤
How's koukaki and kalanoki your stay on our visit
Can you connect me with some technoheads from Athens?
I'd spend some time with them listening to music and talking about stuff.
Ive been leaving in Athens my whole life and I dont really agree to be honest.IF YOU ARE TRAVELING ON A BUDGET, these neighborhoods are really really expensive to find a place to stay, because obviously they are right in the city center. Athen's metro is extremely usefull, cheap and safe, so basicaly wherever you find yourself in a close by neighbrhood near the blue or red lines of metro, you can be wherever you want in a couple of minutes.A good thing is to avoid moving by bus because they are not that reliable. Pangrati, Koukaki,Exarcheia,Neos Kosmos,Zografou, are some neighborhoods that are not exactly in the center, but are really within easy reach to the great monuments in Athens,even by foot, and you can find somewhat cheaper rooms. Enjoy your stay in Greece!!
These areas are for most tourist. Most tourist want the convenience. You said it yourself, IF you are traveling on a budget, this is special group of travelers.
There are videos targeting these travelers saying "on a budget" on the title. On a budget usually means not convenient and that's what most tourist try to avoid on their trip.
Is the metro wheelchair accessible?
Thanks for the tip am headed to Athens in September this info is very helpful tks
@@Tydrix I woudnt agree that being on a budget means not convinient in the case of touristic cities as we all know that many times in order to get convinient you fall into scums and overpriced servicies.
@@nosheenkhan481 At most parts yes but there are many stations that the elevator is not working but its always anounced in the athens metro website. Correct me if Im wrong but I feel like the main stations in the city center are almost always open.
Great job Sebastian. About a month ago I visited Greece. Your video is spot on, very accurate regarding the descriptions of neighborhoods. I loved my stay in Athens. Previously to my trip, I watched all your videos regarding Santorini, very helpful as well. You are in the path to becoming a heck of a tourist guide star. I most likely will go back to Greece, I got more than what I had expected. Cheers !
Thanks for all the kind words Luis !
@@GreeceExplained Hopefully Omonia will get cleaned up there is a lot of new investment there and hotels beeing built.
May I add: Koukaki, Kolonaki, the area around Megaro Mousikis station, Mets, Petralona, Gazi/Keramikos and Pangrati. These are all central districts, each with its own character and all are obviously very well connected and most points will be within walking distance to the sights and will offer a much more normal, local vibe that will make you see what Athens is all about. All in all, great video!
Athens is a compact city with a good subway system, you can stay anywhere. It reminds me a lot of Bangkok. I prefer compact cities much more character.
This is by far the most useful video I've ever watched on what districts of an area are like in a nutshell, thank you.
I m an Athinean and I still wached all your video. Your tips are great! Good job!
I lived in athens for 7 years.... You are SO ACCURATE!
I spent two weeks in omonoia and it was brilliant, no problems.
Thank you for a great video. My wife and I are trying to find out where to stay at a good price. My wife had Omonia as a saved hotel, and we changed that. We paid more and are staying at Athens Gate Hotel. We're older, so an easy reach to local sites. We will walk to Plaka and the food areas towards the north. Thank you again for GREAT videos!
Followed all of SEBASTIAN'S ADVISE AND RECOMMENDATIONS on our trip to Greece for 10 days and SPOT ON, OUR TRAVEL WAS AMAZING! We stayed in Koukaki neighborhood and the view of the Acropolis is perfect especially at night. This area is about 2-3 minutes walk to Makrygianni (taverns) and Akropolis Metro station where most group tours in Acropolis met. We also stayed in Plaka and the area is great too.
Any recommendations for hotels there?
I had booked my hotel before seeing your video, which happened to be in Omonia. There were a few sketchy people but nothing worse than I see daily in Manhattan. I'd definitely have booked elsewhere but it wasn't too bad.
My sister and I also stayed in that area. I'm not going to lie, Omonia looks ruff, but honestly, nobody bothered us. The apartment was clean, and we had a great time.
We stayed there too. We are born and raised in NYC and live in the Bronx. No one bothered us but the neighborhood was ghetto. For a one night stay it was fine and it was close to the metro which was great.
The twice that I've been in Athens, I stayed in Thissio. As you said, it was nice and quite and a short walk to wherever I wanted to go.
this was really helpful for planning our trip in September! thank you!! :)
Technopolis/ Gazi falls outside of your map (a one street further west of Thesio) but has some of the the best nightlife and art events in Athens!
Our favourite hotel is the Amalia Hotel. Love this place. In the 70's when I had no money I stayed in Monastriki and also a place called Kouros Guest house near Hadrian's Arch. Love Athens and will be back there in a few months. Your information is great.
Thanks for keeping the tourists far away from our neighborhoods.
I'm staying in Gazi & Kerameikos. Only locals around here and they are treating me with kindness
No tourists, your country will collapse n go bankrupt.. 😅 Be grateful u have tourists coming to your country.
😂
😂
Are you guys unfriendly??? That’s a pity I thought locals were happy people
Thank you! Very well done, informative video
Nice video but I would like to add few areas which in my opinion are the best option if you want something affordable and close to everything :)
The first one is Koukaki, which is a great area, 5-10 min from Acropolis and close to the rest of the center and the same as in Makrygianni full of nice tavernas and great street food options.
Also, the neighborhood of Kerameikos, again 5 min from Psyri, has cheap rooms, great restaurants, cafes, and nightlife.
Last, but not least the Exarcheia neighborhood. 20 min walking to the center, but again, you have everything, affordable rooms, nightlife, cool cafes, a local vibe and ofc less tourists.
Didnt want to overcomplicate the video by mentioning 10 different neighborhoods, but you're right ! Koukaki, Kerameikos and Exarcheia are nice too. Just a tiiiny bit farther away from the center. Thx for the input Giota !!
I was just about to comment to thank him for not mentioning these neighbourhoods, one of the good things about them is less tourists, and here you go. Thanks.
@@gmkar7766 :D
@@GreeceExplained >:(
@@GreeceExplained Exarcheia nice?? 💣 I dont think so...
All the areas you mentioned are indeed tourist destinations, but if you're looking to get a more authentic Athens experience, there are a few places worth visiting. Omonoia is actually part of the city centre, but it's not as heavily touristic as some of the other areas, because it's more multicultural and locals tend to avoid it. In Omonoia though you can find the National Theater and low budget options for food like ouzeri (which serve meze and a local spirit called ouzo) as well as mezedopoleia (small plates and wine), as well as Indian or Middle eastern cuisine.
If you're interested in history, you might want to check out Exarcheia, which is located close to Omonoia and the National Archaeological Museum. In addition to the museum, there are also plenty of local cafes, bars, and restaurants in the area where you can experience authentic local cuisine and drinks.
Another area worth exploring is Pagrati, particularly the section near Kallimarmaron. This area is home to the Goulandri Museum of Art, the National Gallery, and the War Museum, which offer a glimpse into the country's cultural and military history. Along with these cultural attractions, Pagrati has a diverse range of eateries, from traditional Greek tavernas to modern restaurants and cozy cafes.
So, if you're looking to experience Athens like a local, both Exarcheia and Pagrati offer plenty of opportunities to do so. Whether you're interested in history, art, or food, there's something for everyone in these areas
I dont think its a good idea to send tourists to Exarcheia. Yes it is growing to be a popular night out destination, but its not pretty, and there are alot of thugs there.
dont go to omoneia
''Omonoia is multicultural'' yes its enriched with illegals and drug addicts. Disturbing area.
As a local i agree with this video, however i would also say Metz and pagrati and further in koukaki are great neighborhoods to stay in. Yes they are a bit further but the walks, for example from pagrati to monastiraki, are very pleasant and not that far.
This is one of the best video (if it is not the best) that I saw in my research for a trip. I travel for more than 10 years and i use TH-cam to research about where to go, what to do and where to stay. And this is the first time (that I recall) that I can get all the important info for me in just one video!. Thanks so much!!! :)
Waw what a nice comment, thank you so much Eric ! All the best !
Great work!!! Also need a video on Things to do in Athens!!
I am planning my trip And you video help me tons.
Hello Sebastian Thank you for your amazing videos. I'm planning to go to Greece in mid-October and I'm super excited for this bucket-list adventure.
Thank you for all the videos you are preparing about Athens. I am sure they will be very useful for planning my next stay in September🤩
I’m Greek-American now living in downtown Athens. Sebastian is on point and I’ve shared it with friends coming this summer.
I spent three days in Athens last April and my Hotel was located near Larissa Station…the hotel was clean…reasonably priced and had great staff…it was perfect for me…very quiet neighbourhood as there were not many tourists..l found the Athens Metro very easy to negotiate and after a day out sightseeing etc it was always nice to come back to this quiet area…there were not all that many restaurants around but l did find a great local one which l went to every night…also there was a great new supermarket nearby where l stocked up on provisions for my daily outings(drinks snacks etc)…
Great video. I am thinking of visiting Athens in September or October 2024 and your video is really helpful.
Makes me want to book my flight to Greece.
I love walking around Athens even though I normally stay in Glyfada, its fun either to get the tram or bus into Athens and see more local places as you travel. As a single women I find the Greek people really helpful, but I do keep my wits about me for any undesirables. I like to practice my little knowledge of Greek which the locals like.
Great video, you should become a private tour guide. All the best from Leeds. UK
Greatest city guide video I ever came across! Unfortunately I watched it AFTER going to Athens, haha! We stayed at Play Theatrou Athens for a week and its sliiiiightly above the Evripidou Street, but it was fine honestly. Close to Monastiraki Square and everything, but had friends staying more north of Omonia and that didnt seem very nice at all... Loads of weird people walking around, barely any restaurants and shabby streets. So Play Theatrou is as far North I would go (LOADS of lovely brunch restaurants around that hotel!)
I love all Sebastian’s videos! Thank you very much!
Thank so much - going to Greece for a month with my 10yo. Super helpful because it was clear and visual.
Sebastin, great video! In the past (2022) we stayed at a wonderful hotel just to the south of the Acropolis Museum called the B4B. The staff are great and the rooms are modern and clean. They include a breakfast with the room and the rooftop view is very good. We liked it so much we are returning in May for another week in Athens. The hotel is close to the tram (3 min walk,10 min ride to Syntagma Square) which connects you to the metro lines 1 and 3. We use the metro pass for all our travel within the city, cheep, clean, new and fast! If you want to arrive by air or ship, the new Metro station on line 3 at Piraeus will connect (without change of train) from the seaport to the airport...
If Athens is a 3 day destination hen yes these neighborhoods are where you should stay but if you stay a little longer then id advice to experience the real Greek vibe of he non touristic areas where is safer to stay with plenty local style nightlife too and the center is just a 10 minutes metro ride so not really a waste of time. There are Athenian suburbs on the east and southern side which are easily accessible to metro stations like neos kosmos, ymittos, dafni which are very close to the center yet away enough of tourist traps
Thanks you so much it hélas me a lot
In 2018 we stayed at the King George hotel. It was well within walking distance to everyplace we wanted to visit. 🇺🇸🇬🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷🇺🇸🇬🇷
Another great video. I agree with you about the metro being safe, but be aware of pickpockets.
Excellent information. I'm so glad I found you just before our trip to Greece. Your videos make the organisation of our trip so much easier. It's exactly what we needed to know. Thank you!
Koukaki was great when we stayed there in January as well. The Acropolis Hill hotel was just perfect - guess we were lucky with being on the 6th floor though. The roof top terrace had an amazing view of the Acropolis and our room had a spectacular city view from Syntagma sq all the way down to the sea
Thank’s your video is very important with all information we need.
We are staying at Adronis Athens and I believe it is in the Pysri neighborhood! Not sure if you’ve heard of it, it is just a few doors down from that “Little Kook” street area.
just want to say that your videos are fantastic, really appreciated!
What an awesome video sebastian !!! THANK YOU
Great suggestions! I will listen to this a second time in preparation for my upcoming trip to Athens. Thank you!
Good advice. Confirmed. Makriyianni and Thesion make more sense if you understand how Athens works and interacts.
Love your videos! Thanks for your info!! Greetings from Costa Rica!
Great video. We will be visiting Athens in about a month so your video was very helpful.
Dont miss the X95 bus from airport to syntagma whicj costs only 6 euros but its like 10 mins slower, big deal
Very unique and helpful content. Big thank you!
We stayed in omonoia square when we were in athens. We personally had a great experience. Just stick to the 6 main streets (athinias street takes you towards the acropolis) and you'll have a great experience.
The hotel was Skylark Aluma , everything was amazing , just dont expect an acropolis view from your room , only on the rooftop bar can you see it
The major challenge for us in Greece, foodie travelers from California, was food.
Extremely helpful video, one of the best formats I have seen on "Where to stay" for any city I have ever researched. Keep up the good work!
Tnks! I am geting a idea what to do in Athens. I'm looking forward to see the next videos.
Niceeee and straight to the point video! Really great! Congrats! :)
We have booked one of his recommended hotels! Looks fantastic and isn't too pricy. We like the idea of being near the restaurants and sites we want to see. I hope that Metro from the airport idea works. All his food videos are making me hungry. Looking forward to getting some great pictures of the city (with a bit of the sunrise or sunset). Very good videos.
Hey Can you share the hotel ? I've a trip coming up and would love a few names
We loved staying in Pangrati. We loved chatting to locals
ALL of the advice is on point🥂🥂🙌🙌
Ευχαριστώ πολύ. C'etait tres bien.
Another great video Sebastian! Looking forward to meeting you for your Athens by Night walking tour at the end of April
Thank you so much for your videos! They’re very helpful. We will be visiting Greece fir the first time, including Athens, Mykonos, Santorini , and Crete in late May. We will definitely be using a lot of the tips, and info you’ve provided.
Have you thought about making a video on the top foods/ snacks that one MUST try in Athens, Santorini, and Crete? 😊
Amazing video, so much helpful to get around, great content🎉
Hi Sebastian- nice video - I am Australian and live in Athens In Palaio Faliro. This year nearly all my friends who came from the airport on the metro (usually getting off in Monastiraki to go to air bnbs they had booked) were targeted and robbed some with and some without violence. The police were hopeless and they know it's happening. One friend from Chicago was robbed by a gang on the metro and thrown out on the platform in Monastiraki in a slick operation that was so traumatic he went straight back to the airport and left the country- luckily he still had his phone and passport in a hidden wallet under his clothing- everything else was taken by the gang of 5 men who surrounded him just as the train reached Monastiraki station.He went to the airport and reported the incident to be told if he wanted to go to the police station it was miles away and it would take so long he would miss the next flight back to the US - he left rather than waste his time. I rang the police all through the summer to complain (in Greek which I speak fluently) and they just told me they are under staffed and visitors should take cabs from the airport and take a photo of the number plate before getting in and pay the 50 euros- its false economy to take the metro!!!! Please do not recommend this to your viewers as especially if they are alone they will be targets as they get there tickets at the airport station where the gangs hear where they are going to when they ask for the ticket at the booth then wait until the person nears there destination then move in- if you're lucky you will only lose your luggage if not you lose everything or maybe just your "banana" bag around your waist- please let people know what is happening - I love this city and it's being ruined by these (often foreign) gangs. Regards Robert
Thx for sharing Robert ! This is useful information for everyone coming to Greece for the first time. Better take a cab ... Very sorry for what happened to your friend :-(
Who are you people with so negative views of certain areas? You must be travel agents trying to drum business away from your competitors. I traveled the Metro from the airport and around in Monastiraki during more than two weeks in Athens. No such incidents mainly because I didn't stand out as a "tourist." Americans tend to do that so they are targeted. When in Greece act and look Greek.
@@CEJohns I'm not a travel agent- I'm a retired EFL teacher here in Athens -glad to hear your experience was good and uneventful but sadly that's not the experience of the 472 people that reported to the local police a robbery in the centre of Athens just in August. Therefore your comments are uninformed and not helpful. Some people just cannot look "Greek" so your comment about that is ridiculous for the Northern Europeans, Chinese and other asian people -are we supposed to travel without luggage to blend in with the locals?? My friend from Chicago is Greek American so explain that in it being helpful to "look Greek"!
What are we talking about? I don't know why I'm getting a reply from you. Where's this coming from?
Look. This is a forum so opinions are opinions and people are entitled to express their personal views. Don't try to read more into them than intended. Geez, so sensitive.
@@robsurmer
Good info. Thanks! Ευχαριστώ
This is an excellent video! I love the pros and cons.
Best video ever. Well explained so organized I wish you do similar videos on other countries you’ll be my reference ❤🎉
Thank you so much for such great video. Planning a short trip to Athens and Santorini and your channel is a great resource. Greetings from Norway !
Oh I’m going to look at Santorini videos now
My grandmother and family live on Bouboulinas 1 when our google it it’s really become distressed on the corner of the Archeological museum so sad. But I love Athens it has my heart always Plaka area is my favorite
lol! We stayed at the Parnon Hotel in Omonia for one night last year. The hotel was decent. It was two metro stops away from the Acropolis. But the neighborhood was ghetto! I get enough of that at home in NY. Next time we go to Athens we will stay closer to the Acropolis.
I stay at the hotel Cecil on Athinas Street...cheap and cheerful bit clean and great staff. Located between Omonia square and Monastiraki square...very near Psiri, Very safe lots of tavernas and night life.. And great price... 30-40 euros per night.. with continental breakfast....
This was really insightful!
I find that Plaka is the most strategic.😊
Excellent video 👏👏👏
Thanks for the helpful info.
excellent video, very straight forward and educational
I don´t agree, i am in Athen right now, i arrived 3 days ago and i am super happy i dont stay in the city center. I stay in Piaeus. There are 2 metro lines+ one tram line. A 5 day ticket for public transportation ist only 8 € and i can go to the beach in 20 min or to the city center also in 20 minutes from here +. my room is cheaper, food is cheaper + it is less touristic. So i am very happy with Piraeus =)
Thanks for your sharing its help me a lot to know about athen
Great information. thanks ,,
Thank you for the video, very informative, I will be in greece this caming May.
Im so glad i found your channel. You have great content on santorini and Athens..im planning to visit Athens, Santorini and Crete, April of 24 and im hoping you will have great content on Crete by then..😊😊
Wow, that was so helpful, well done
Thank you for this! We're planning a trip to Athens and this helps a lot :)
Me watching this in full even though I'm a local Greek living in Pagrati for more than a year now.
:D
great channel. love it a lot, so informative.
Thank you.
유익한 영상이네요 너무 잘봤어요!!
Great info! Thank you sir!!!
I like all the information and way it been presented. Soon I will follow your guidance . Like and subscription.
Love your videos 😍
Awesome, thank you❤
Before travelled to Athens, I didn't know about Omonia's fame. After the reservation I watched a lot of videos like this making me get into fear. Well, After 4 days sleeping in Omonia's área, specifically in street "Averof" Next to Nacional Archeological Museum, we have not experienced nothing bad with people. Maybe one or two drug addict in the street, but nothing impressive or feeling dangerous. We have walked through the street "28is Oktovirou" and "Patision" at 23h at night with no problem
Great video
Hi, I didn't know Athens and stayed in Amonia. Had good experiences, friendly Locals. Zoners restaurant was like a second Hotel great food friendly service. I'm hoping to move to Athens and currently working on a long stay Visa. Thanks.
thank you!! very helpful❤️