Loved it! My wife is half Greek (the cooking side) :) I have put on about 35 kilos since we got married due to souvlaki, spani ko riso (i cant spell greek sorry), dolmades... spanikopita... and about 10000 other dishes :) Love Saganaki... great now i am super hungry and there is no good Greek restaurant where I live (and my wife is already asleep)... Dang it! :) Thanks for watching and commenting!
Athens is an insider city...so find a local and befriend him/her. Get out of Plaka, Monastiraki and the touristy areas...go to Gazi, Kolonaki, Thiseo, Psiri...for heavens sake and meet the locals!
YES totally agree! Tourists really don't see the real Athens when they come for only one or two days! Though central Athens is gorgeous and very well done for tourists there is way much more to this magnificent city and yes get to know locals because as a tourist you really don't see the true identity of this city. I would add Kifissia, Kefalari, Psychiko ad Nea Erythrea to your list of places to visit though I would also keep Plaka. The bars in Nea Erythrea will blow you away bloody beautiful and FUN!!! Alway happy to advise if anybody wants!?!
hello, i am coming to greece soon and i love to see the city with the eyes of the locals really, that way it is much more fun and gives the trip a local taste. i just collected the names of the places that you recommended, do you have more? :D
hello, i am coming to greece soon and i love to see the city with the eyes of the locals really, that way it is much more fun and gives the trip a local taste. i just collected the names of the places that you recommended, do you have more? :D
1. Taxi drivers try to rip off us Greeks, too. 2. About the salad - it really depends. When I order a Greek salad (we just call it xoriatiki - traditional/rustic), it usually comes in a large bowl enough to feed 6 people. Five-six euro is a reasonable price for that, especially if it comes with high-grade olive oil and real, barrel matured feta cheese. 3. Driving in Athens (the inner city of Athens that is) is insane, yes, but so is in Rome, Madrid, Barcelona. It's just hard to build wide and comfy roads around ancient buildings and ruins. I strongly advise foreigners to avoid any driving while in Athens. We have way too many motorcycle accidents where victims are often young tourists. 4. Use common sense and you'll be fine. Line 1 of the metro system is the most likely place a tourist will get robbed. There's no need to walk around little dodgy streets, but even if you do the chance of being mugged in broad daylight is slim to none. Women with gold trinkets around their necks should be careful when entering or exiting trains, buses, escalators or they might lose them. 5. Strikes. Yes. They are a necessary evil if we want to hold on to what we believe in.
"It's just hard to build wide and comfy roads around ancient buildings and ruins". Come on... I'm Greek, live in Athens. No, the roads are awful because: a. The local authorities don't give a toss about making a solid road network. b. Most locals have a very poor sense of responsible driving and respecting: other drivers, pedestrians, the disabled, and the elderly.
Αν έχεις ταξιδέψει στο εξωτερικό θα έχεις προσέξει ότι οι περισσότερες πόλεις έχουν πολύ πιό φαρδιούς δρόμους. Ακούω και τους τουρίστες που το λένε συνέχεια, τους κάνει εντύπωση πόσο στενοί είναι οι δρόμοι στην Ελλάδα. Η Αθήνα χτίστηκε στο μεγαλύτερο μέρος της χωρίς σχέδιο αλλά με νομιμοποιήσεις αυθαιρέτων. Όπου υπήρξε σχέδιο ήταν από την εποχή του Όθωνα και δυστυχώς δεν έβλεπαν πολύ μπροστά. Πως θα μπορούσαν κιόλας να φανταστούν τι θα γίνει κάποια χρόνια μετά.
mitsos, while it is true the authorities aren't the best at planning road networks, it really is hard building roads in old cities, especially ones as old as Athens. A lot of big cities in Europe have this problem actually; they just aren't constructed to hold the sheer number of people with cars. You're definitely right about drivers' lack of respect for other people's lives, and even their own. I go to Greece at least once a year with my family and we rent a car every time, but we just can't get used to the absolutely horrible drivers. I live in Sweden (i.e the country with the safest roads in the world) so the contrast is fucking huge. I've experienced it first hand as well, as my grandfather lived in Thessaloniki until he was killed by a speeding car while crossing the street.
It is very true what he said about the Acropolis . The first time I saw it , it was a honey , golden colour . The memory will stay with me the rest of my life ! The other thing is the Greek people , they are wonderful ! I made very good friends out there .
You just put a smile on my face because I just thought of my first time seeing the acropolis :) such a great memory. I need to take the baby back again (he is almost 3 now) and show it to him and see if he gets all silly with it :) our now 7 year old did too :)
Well I'm from Albania and have been to Athens a couple times and driving there is not that bad, especially compared to the mighty Albanian streets ahahha. Seriously though, even compared to other big European cities I've driven and lived I don't really see much difference... That being said, I don't see any reason why to rent a car while in Athens unless you're doing side trips outside of the city like in Delphi etc. Would agree on the food prices, the salad for 7 euros is insane considering it's the most basic salad you can possibly eat but just because has the "greek" before is so overpriced (same with Souvlaki/gyros etc.), especially in the "tourist area". Also, I don't think there's a feeling of unsafety outside of the touristic areas. I don't know why but people complain about this everywhere they go, if they are outside of their comforty touristic map streets they immediately feel unsafe. Always liked your videos though, keep it up :)
"Oh, here are some ancient ruins next to a...a restaurant." I loled. But I agree. This is my favorite part about Hellas(using the Greek word for that out of respect). Especially the temple of Hephaustus next to those small shops near the train station. So beautiful.
woltersworld Yes. I love it when countries do that. It happens in Italy too but unfortunately, more and more ruins are being "barricaded" there into museums instead of their original positions.
so do you advice me to rent a house from the airbnb? this will be my first time and i am a little alert about it. please advice me. thank you so much :)
Nice video, my friend. Just a few things, you should have in mind. 1) Safety matter➡ You're pretty much safe all over Athens, except from the following stations of the Green Line of the Metro where you should watch for pick-pocketers: From Omonoia up to Ano & Kato Patissia. Generally avoid, places like Omonoia, Metaxourgeio, Patissia, Victoria, Acharnai. Also, try to avoid the station Attiki (i think it's in the red line of the Metro). I would also suggest, keeping an eye on your luggage and purses/wallets, when using public transportation. Especially, in those areas mentioned. You will probably, not even have to visit these places, except maybe from Omonoia, where some cheap hotels are located, but you get what you pay for. The rest of the city of Athens, and especially the subberbs are perfectly fine and safe. Finally, at the 16-17 November, anually, there is a holiday, involving politics, during which you should avoid walking near Omonoia, Syntagma, Panepistimio, and the Greek Polytechnic University of Athens and EXARCHEIA most of all. Avoid Exarcheia, at these days. 2) RECOMMENDATIONS: Try and visit the cafés at Alimos Marina, or better off, visit Marina Zéas for a night drink. Try "Pisina" open club/bar. Also, Piraikí for it's fresh fish taverns. Also, Mikrolimano, for both food and coffee. Glyfáda (near the sea), and Chalandri (not near the sea/more suburban) at the square with the Church and the restaurants and bars, for non-traditional, more modern greek kitchen, coffee, and drinks, any time of day. For Athens by Night, for young people, i recommend, you go out, at Gazi Square. Or better at Hagias Irenis Square, and the alleys, around it, for the cafeterias, that turn into bars, by night. If you gonna go out, where many Athenians go out, just stop at either the Syntagma Square Metro Station, or the Monastiraki Metro Station, and try to scan the alleys to the right side of Ermoù Street, facing from Syntagma, down to Monastiraki. Many little bars, and places for food are there. Highly recomended. Don't be afraid, to ask locals for directions. Tell them what you are searching for specifically. Everyone, have a nice time in Greece.☺
I am Greek and I have lived in Athens for my entire life. 1) Taxi drivers are, sometimes, obnoxious, and they try to rip off everyone. A little tip for foreigners: NEVER TELL THEM THAT THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME IN ATHENS, EVEN IF IT IS. As soon as the taxi driver learns that you really don't know about the regular prices, he will rip you off. 2) 8/10 restaurants in touristy spots (Plaka, Monastiraki) will be overpriced and will not have very good food. ALWAYS check tripadvisor, and with your hotel or tourist guide. Better yet, ask a random Greek on the street to suggest a restaurant. The same thing holds for every touristy spot in Greece, even when it comes to islands like Santorini. 3) For god's sake, don't rent a car if you will only stay in Athens. In my opinion, Athens has very good public transportation, use that instead. 4) Most neighborhoods don't have safety issues. Only some of them like Omonoia or Exarhia really have a problem. For the rest of Athens, behave like you would behave in any other big city in Europe. 5) For the most part, strikes are a thing of the past. They are much less frequent nowadays, thank god for that. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to ask your hotel, just in case. And a general tip: If you stay more than 4 days in Athens, DON'T JUST STAY AT THE HISTORICAL-TOURIST CENTER. As I have already said, Athens has really good public transportation. If you have time, definitely visit the south coast of Athens, from the yacht marina of Piraeus (Pasalimani, with some of the best panoramic views in Athens) to the beaches of Glyfada. Other neighborhoods with interest include Gazi, Nea Smyrni and Psiri. Also: GET A FRAPPÉ COFFE. With medium sugar and milk, as the coffee gods intended it to be. Also v.2: Always order pork gyros, chicken gyros is an abomination.
hello, thank you so much for all the recommendations. i am coming soon to greece, will you please tell me more about dangerous areas? i am collected all the information in your comment, really thank you alot :)
Certain districts are more dangerous than others, nevertheless, no district in Athens is really dangerous. Avoid districts like Omonoia or Exarhia, and watch closely your belongings on public transportation. Other than that, there is nothing else you should know, the police number in greece is 100. Athens in general is no dangerous city
someone advised me to take a flat in zografou, someone advised me to take hotel in pireaus. but i feel that zografou have more choices and i can walk to many places from there. any recommendations from you? do you think it is safe to rent a flat?
Rent a flat in zografou as rbnb? .. I live in zografou its a very safe place to live and if you live in south zografou you have a metro station near you. Also its 3-5 kilometres away from the center of the town(syntagma and omonia squaere).. If you spend all your holidays in athens and you want to see the city i think zografou is the better choise.
Some clarification: it's actually parts of central Athens (e.g. Exarcheia district) - not the outlying non-touristy areas - that are the seediest. Tourists should really consider spending more than 2 days in Athens and actually get to know the place. (I don't know who created this standard 2-day itinerary but it's really a bad idea.) In the central areas, make sure you visit some of Psiri, Thiseo, and Kolonaki. Kifisia in the north is a great suburb. So are the yacht harbours in Piraeus and the coastal areas of Glyfada/Voula with all the beach bars. But even totally "boring" middle-class districts like Kalithea have tons of action if you know where to look (find a neighbourhood's main square and you'll find fun). It's also really important to realize that Athens is absolutely FULL of hidden places that you can only find if you talk to locals. Some of the best restaurants I know are hidden on a quiet residential street in the middle of nowhere. My last point: consider hiking on Mt. Ymittos or more distant Mt. Parnitha (not in mid-day during the summer, however). You'll get a totally different appreciation of the city. (Oh yes, my last last point: there's no such thing as "Greek salad". Haha! Why would we name a food after ourselves?)
So well said. The salad in Greece w/ feta is HORIATIKI. I don't think that was covered in the video. You could easily spend 1-2 weeks in Athens, b/c of all the suburbs that are each so unique.
I do agree in most of the stuff, except Exarcheia being seedy. Exarcheia is a very safe, charming, beautiful place and really depicts the anti-conformist side of the Greeks. It is an area proud to be anarchistic and should remain so. Give it a go, it has fantastic places.
I wonder why tourists always eat at the same restaurants that are basically there FOR the tourists? Why not explore the rest of the city? There are fantastic little taverns in Psiri, Gazi, Pireas, Kolonaki, Glyfada, even farther. The public transportation is cheap and goes everywhere.
You're spot on. I live here in Athens now. Last summer, I saw some American tourists who looked a little lost. I asked if they needed help, and they said they were searching for the Cinnabon... it was quite far away, but still, I told them about Greek desserts, walked with them to a local bakery I know that does it right, and they were blown away. But they would have never found it, or even known about it without my taking them there.
I'm British but my favorite city in the world is Athens, Greece. There is something about Athens that draws me back year after & I have the choice to go anywhere in the world but always chose to go back to this magnificent city. I would like to say a few things: firstly, the non tourist areas are not all that bad and the pick pockets are foreigners not actual Greeks. Also you should visit North and South of Athens eg. go to Kifissia & Kefalari up North & Glyfada & Vouliagmeni down South. Amazing
Léa Klein my dear.Athens its not dangerous city.I mean with 5 million inhabitants and 5million tourists.of course u can keep an eye open and common sense always as the same if you was everywhere in the world.
Actually he was quite inaccurate about the "safety" of the touristic areas. In Athens it depends on the area you go not if it is a touristic place. Actually places for tourists attract more attention to a thief.
I love Athens and Greece. Amazing Sights, Wonderful People, Spectacular Food. What is not to love? (aside from the little economic problems). Honestly I love Greece and would love to work there as i really enjoyed how the Greeks enjoy life. Thanks for having a great city and country!
Oh my god! I feel so proud when tourists are so informed about my city and its history and so greateful that they are here! Thank you for the upload and your nice words! Greetings from Athens!
First time in Athens so nice visited Acropolis, Lykabettus, Flisvo Marina, Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, Plaka, Monastiraki , Syntagma ,Shops, Glyfada beaches its so nice here I will definitely come back!
I stayed in Poros about 15 years ago. The last day of our tour was in Athens. We ate lunch at a place with a great view of the Acropolis. I've also been to Santorini and Rhodes.
thank's for posting. My daughter is in Athens right now with EF tours... They had problems with their flight from Dallas so they are two days behind their tour. It's nice to see this video to kind of get an idea where my daughter is at and what to expect.. thanks again
same here I just visited Athens (August 29, 2017)..... I just loved it there, the atmosphere, the foods and the people. yeah I agree they are so helpful, when it comes to you require about something i.e location, young & old alike they have this greek hospitality that is so nice of them! thank you Athens....I have had a great time in your amazing city.
Καπετάν Μαλάκας ohhhhhhh...... I am now in Dubai. I hope u r enjoying your stay in my country. see hello out there!!!! would definitely lovee to visit Greece again one day to explore more other areas. #inlovewithgreece
I m Greek and i have to say one thing...Listen to that guy he is knowing what is talking about,only there arent so many pickpockets at acropolis(or i dont see anyone ever)but at the public transportations.So you bag to your lap and dont play with your cellphone near the train door you ll gonna see it vanishing better from any magician!!
I love Athens too I had one of the best meals/ nights out at an Argentinian beef restaurant, with live tango dancers -el bandoleon-, walked for miles all round the city , found a club one night just walking down the street past a lane after dinner, heard the music, went in, came out at 6am! best people!
Greek salad can be really cheap in several taverns woltersworld ! It really depends on the area and the type of restaurant! You might get one for 3-4 euros! ;-)
Mark of Wolters: we've been to Athens and the Greek Isles several times...leading educational tours. I enjoyed your video mainly because of your enthusiasm to share some tips with people who have never been to Greece. What impressed me the most is that you are a young father and take your baby on your travels. That baby is going to grow up to be a cultured travelling person,.like his parents. Congratulations dad!!! Ignore the negative comments, you're fine. Use "dislike" instead of "hate" n see
The selection you made for the worst and best things in our city was very accurate. All the bad things you mentioned worry us, Athenians, too. I liked how you began with the bad and ended in a happy note. With our latest economic difficulties, I'm happy to see people supporting us like this. Thank you very much!! I wish you and your family the best! Hope you visit Greece again soon. :)
Restaurants charge a lot for a greek salad simply 'cause tourists usually order just that along with a beverige at best. It's the rents and the taxes that have caused high prices.
i went to Kifisia and i met my greek girlfriend :DD Athens is a wonderful country with wonderful people.Amazing history great culture excellent food..everything absolutely breathtaking
All subjective comments in this video I'm afraid. I have been travelling to Greece for the past 40 years. The taxi drivers are fine. DO order a Greek salad - they aren't expensive. Definitely hire a car and drive round the city. With regards to public worker strikes - they are few and far between, but when they do happen, they are done properly!!!
hi caseygo. we have a baby boomer travel tip video that may be helpful for you. Rome - vatican museums are a must, the vatican itself, go in the colesium, just walk around & enjoy the city Athens - the new akropolis museum by the akropolis and then the national museum (with the best greek antiquities). Those are the "must" museums.
Athens is a European city . The DEMOCRACY BORN THERE and actived, during ancient times, THE FATHERS OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY AS Socrates , Aristotle , Plato , etc. The PARTHENON is among one of the most important monuments of the planet and SYMBOL OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE WORLDWIDE . Athens has FANTASTIC SUBURBS so close to sea and the north. The southeast suburbs are gorgeous with beautiful new buildings , sea like being on an island, SPACIOUS ROADS , BIG STREETS AND CLEAN . NORTHERN SUBURBS are green , clean, with excellent construction and neoclassical buildings. THE CENTER OF ATHENS IS FULL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN WHICH EVERYBODY CAN BROWSE .
hey, wolters world is a big "pro-greek" person :) we love greece and the people and wish we could help somehow in this economic time of trouble. we visited last summer and tried to spend as much money as possible to help. all our love to greece and athens! please subscribe!
just an advice, next time you will visit Greece, go to a place outside Athens (anywhere) and find a restaurant for locals, not tourists. There you can have a real greek salad with fresh vegetables and if the price is still the same you will realize that the portion shall be much bigger.
We are fortunate to see the roots to the roof, how the City was built with such modern simplistic artistic insight, this is more important. It has any disadvantage of any Tourist City, it has to be ignored.
123 456 - I was born in Greece but live in America. My last trip to Greece I drove all over Athens, Glyfada, Kiffisia,, Voulagmeni, out of Athens drove to Patras, Pyrgos, Nauphlia, over the Rio Antirrio bridge into central Greece - one time a crazy Greek rammed into me at an orange light, jumping & screaming because he expected me to drive thru the orange light - ( I knew some Greek, but not fluent), we weren’t hurt but car rental office upgraded us to a nicer, bigger car at no extra charge. We were there (My sister & me) for three months, staying with relatives for about half of the time. We found it reasonably priced for food & hotels, gas very expensive - I love my birth country, but Iam truly Americanized - lol - I’ll be going back in a couple of years, since I haven’t been there in 10 years!!! Lol🇬🇷💙🇬🇷💙🇬🇷💙🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️💙🇬🇷💙🇬🇷
Hi there! First I like your videos a lot! I am not Greek but I've lived in Athens for five years so I know the city. About taxis, there's an app, Taxibeat, that works perfectly. Polite, honest, funny taxi drivers. That's the way to go. Get out of tourist areas and eat at normal Greek restaurants. Athens has amazing places and some fantastic surprises! Yes, traffic can challenging but it's not aggressive. I was driving around the city for five years and I never had any problem. Yes, the strikes are annoying but I've learnt that when you are at restaurant and you have a taxi driver strike, for example, the best thing is talking with owner and asking for help. There's always a cousin, brother, uncle or whoever, who will be available to take you where you want to go for a decent price. Greeks are very clever and very good in finding solutions. In Athens social interaction is the key for everything. And yes, the country is amazing, people are amazing, the lifestyle is amazing and Athens is a magical city! 😉
Athens is no different than any other big european capital. There is chaos in the streets. Definitelly not drive in Athens 100%. The stuff about outside Athens to the non-tourist areas is not very accurate. It is just around athens are some of the poorest regions in Greece. This is all the same with London, Glasgow (the knife capital of Europe). When it comes to the Athens as a city.. As a Greek i can tell you: See the sights they are amazing and learn something about where you come from and then leave the city. It has nothing more to offer you. If you want to see how people leave besides the glamour and the spot light go to the suburbs if you are curious. It is a different world there. Anyway, have fun.
My friend from Athens says the same as you, see the sights, and get out of there. But maybe you athenians look with different eyes than tourist, because I have many collegues who has been to Athens and just love it. So maybe we see with other eyes.
wow I am Greek & this is very true :P Things you gonna love in Athens is the City by it's self, the feeling of history, the night, the people, and the mystery atmosphere that allures you,and the many different places,there are lot of alternative places to go,things you gonna hate: the traffic, bad transportation, strikes quite often, dirty places, & the lack of safety in most places in the center, also in summer times maybe you have to face a very very hot climate for days so be prepared ;-)
Diverse, unique, full of culture place. Strikes are everywhere - I live in London and there are strikes all the time (even when there shouldn't be ..unlike Greece), but no nice people, no good food, no sun, no blue sky...
Athens is quite safe expect on certain areas where there are many refuges. But there is nothing interesting there for a tourist. Apart of Plaka, Monastiraki, Akropolis, there are many beautiful places in the suburds. Try to go near the sea, in the summer you can swim in a lot of beaches and the sea is clean.
I'm surprised you did not include the countless stray dogs in the many drawbacks of Athens.They're particularly frequent in the streets of Monastiraki and tourists often highlight them as one of their biggest disappointments from the city. Overall,though,you have summed up Athens quite well.Congratulations on your channel!
To give you an idea of why a Greek salad costs 5 to 7 euros. The feta cheese costs anywhere from 7 to 10 euros per kilo. The olive oil 5 to 8 euros per kilo. Table olives 2,5 to 5 euros per kilo. Of course, the prices are based on the quality of the products, the quantity and whether you buy them from the supermarket or a producer.
Myrtos beach! The whole island is so beautiful but when you are back home, that beach will be the only thing in your mind! I would also recommend fiskardo. It's a cute little port-village with a bunch of good restaurants.
@MrAntonios17 I have only been to santorini on the islands. I spent a lot of time south and west of athens. My wife's family is from Greece so we get lots of Greek at home :) The people are awesome (even if they strike a lilttle bit ;) thanks for watching and commenting! please subscribe!
There's not such thing as a "Greek' salad. Our traditional salad is called Horiatiki. If you read on the menu "Greek Salad" Then it makes sense you got ripped off because it's purely written/made for the tourist . Sorry mate.
Greek salad is actually more expensive than the regular salad because you get a whole chunk of feta with it. Regular salad is just tomatoes and cucumbers So if you buy the regular salad + feta seperately price would be pretty much the same... However, in some touristic restaurants prices can be very high, but that's the case everywhere in the world as far as I know.
The best ways to not deal with the Taxi thing, is to Uber, it's cheap, it’s easy, and you don't need to speak the language. We loved Greece, the people, the food, and on and on, but did get caught in a strike. We loved it so much that I’m trying to figure out how to do the XPAT thing there now. BTW, if you get to Mykonos make the extra trip to Delos this is an island archaeological site that you can explore on your own, it was better that anything in Athens, not that Athens is not an amazing place to see for ruins. Love Wolters World, just jealous of all the cool places you go to. We on our way to marking off many of the same locations from our Bucket-List.
Hi, very kind and good video. Only 2 things I would disagree with are, yes the taxis might rip you off, but that means an extra euro or 2, nothing mad, and even then, I don't think they do at all. Getting over charged for Greek salads, yes, buts that because you're going to Ultra Tourist places, try and befriend a local, get a suggestion and you will get awesome food at awesome prices, don't fall for tourist traps. Thanks for the awesome video.
@EffLabels heck they are all over now. i was in chicago two days ago and it was raining and dark out and the protesters were outside the bank of america offices. crazy huh?
Wow! Wolter doesn't look like the same guy! He's changed a lot, if not for the voice I wouldn't have known that's the same person lol, I think he looks younger now, the beard is definitely a better look! great video! 💕🙂
Lol I watched this video because I am going to Athens soon and first I thought the guy said "taxes" I was "whaaaaat I am there for a week and they will manage to rip me off with taxes, how?" lol
GREECE RUUUUUUUUUUULESSSS hope u enjoyed ur stay...and if u loved athens hospitality and i live in athens but im from crete...u have to go to crete...everytime i go there i feel like ancient greece was always there..also great places to visit is Santorini..i think for married ppl who have a newborn child is the best ..also santorini is the best place for people in love..with love from Greece :)
Athens and all Greece is quite chaotic and messy, but the atmosphere is very relaxing, which is a big contradiction (maybe the laid-back mentality is to blame for the chaos)...
Tourists coming to Greece have a reputation of sharing one salad to five persons and siting on a table for an hour some restaurants raise a bit the prices...even though 5-7 euros is not that expensive!! Taxi drivers are the worse and tourists need to be careful, I have seen many times taxi drivers negotiating a ride YOU SHOULD NOT DO THAT whatever the meters writes that is what you should pay after 12 at night its a double fare and will be more expensive, since we all hate taxi drivers in case you doubt what you need to pay ask a Greek on the road to help you out! Pick pockets can be found anywhere even we Greeks are alert!
I'm not sure how I'd enjoy eating in July heat under the roasting sun. LOL. My personal preference is below zero, though so maybe I ought to go to the mountains in the middle of winter.
Great video, well done. I would like to know though, what is the general opinion on "different" places of Athens like Exarchia? That is if you heard of it of course:)
Mark..thank you for all of your insight to travel. My wife of 33 years and I will be traveling to Europe for the first time in late April. We will spend 4 nights in Rome and 4 nights in Athens. A quick question, we purchased a electrical adapter for appliances to be used in Rome, but are told in Athens a different type is needed,,,,is this correct? Also, what museum would be best to visit during such a short stay, keeping in mind I would like to see ancient Spartan weapons and armorment ?
Well you must come to Athens you don't know what you're missing...I will be glad to send you my 'list' on what to do when in Athens in terms of beaches, restaurants, shopping, bars/clubs etc. TBH The Acropolis is bottom of my list on things to do in Athens. The 'Hidden Gems' of this city is what I love so much about Athens but the Greeks don't advertise these amazing places so I've decided to do it myself. I know you won't be disappointed. Pls let me know if you want me to send over my list? As a British expat now living here I just don't see myself ever leaving!
Captain Coco Could you give me your 'list' to me then? Visiting Athens on 29th of May with my mom as a graduationgift and I would like to read what you think I absolutely can't miss while being in Athens.
Was robbed at knife-point in Athens one day... but still love the city! Find out where the good and bad places are for tourists to go (there's not that many bad places; but times are hard for the Greeks, so you'll get the occasional unfortunate soul who is trying to steal stuff...)
I'm going to Athens this June with my school we are also taking a cruise around the greek islands can't wait! Oh I also got a question as far as souvenirs what is there?
Owen, I am going to suggest you buy something NOT in a tourist shop! Don't buy a cheap ancient statue replica or amphora(Ancient Greek vase). You should always buy something you will have for a lifetime that will always remind you of your travels. For instance in Athens(or anywhere in Greece) buy something made of Olive wood like a set of bowls. I have read that Greece has fantastic leather products! If you are more budget minded you could possibly get a handmade pair of Greek sandals! Do some research and you will find a perfect souvenir!
Loved it! My wife is half Greek (the cooking side) :) I have put on about 35 kilos since we got married due to souvlaki, spani ko riso (i cant spell greek sorry), dolmades... spanikopita... and about 10000 other dishes :) Love Saganaki... great now i am super hungry and there is no good Greek restaurant where I live (and my wife is already asleep)... Dang it! :) Thanks for watching and commenting!
Hello 😻❤. I really like watching your TH-cam.
Athens is an insider city...so find a local and befriend him/her. Get out of Plaka, Monastiraki and the touristy areas...go to Gazi, Kolonaki, Thiseo, Psiri...for heavens sake and meet the locals!
YES totally agree! Tourists really don't see the real Athens when they come for only one or two days! Though central Athens is gorgeous and very well done for tourists there is way much more to this magnificent city and yes get to know locals because as a tourist you really don't see the true identity of this city. I would add Kifissia, Kefalari, Psychiko ad Nea Erythrea to your list of places to visit though I would also keep Plaka. The bars in Nea Erythrea will blow you away bloody beautiful and FUN!!! Alway happy to advise if anybody wants!?!
And Nea Smirni, Faliron, and the beach areas too!
Why rent apartments in Greece since you can buy them dirt cheap instead?
th-cam.com/video/bsDsqTtPqIU/w-d-xo.html
hello, i am coming to greece soon and i love to see the city with the eyes of the locals really, that way it is much more fun and gives the trip a local taste. i just collected the names of the places that you recommended, do you have more? :D
hello, i am coming to greece soon and i love to see the city with the eyes of the locals really, that way it is much more fun and gives the trip a local taste. i just collected the names of the places that you recommended, do you have more? :D
1. Taxi drivers try to rip off us Greeks, too.
2. About the salad - it really depends. When I order a Greek salad (we just call it xoriatiki - traditional/rustic), it usually comes in a large bowl enough to feed 6 people. Five-six euro is a reasonable price for that, especially if it comes with high-grade olive oil and real, barrel matured feta cheese.
3. Driving in Athens (the inner city of Athens that is) is insane, yes, but so is in Rome, Madrid, Barcelona. It's just hard to build wide and comfy roads around ancient buildings and ruins. I strongly advise foreigners to avoid any driving while in Athens. We have way too many motorcycle accidents where victims are often young tourists.
4. Use common sense and you'll be fine. Line 1 of the metro system is the most likely place a tourist will get robbed. There's no need to walk around little dodgy streets, but even if you do the chance of being mugged in broad daylight is slim to none. Women with gold trinkets around their necks should be careful when entering or exiting trains, buses, escalators or they might lose them.
5. Strikes. Yes. They are a necessary evil if we want to hold on to what we believe in.
Σωστός 👌🏻👌🏻
really true! I love Athens no matter what!!! It is where all started anyways!
"It's just hard to build wide and comfy roads around ancient buildings and ruins". Come on... I'm Greek, live in Athens.
No, the roads are awful because:
a. The local authorities don't give a toss about making a solid road network.
b. Most locals have a very poor sense of responsible driving and respecting: other drivers, pedestrians, the disabled, and the elderly.
Αν έχεις ταξιδέψει στο εξωτερικό θα έχεις προσέξει ότι οι περισσότερες πόλεις έχουν πολύ πιό φαρδιούς δρόμους. Ακούω και τους τουρίστες που το λένε συνέχεια, τους κάνει εντύπωση πόσο στενοί είναι οι δρόμοι στην Ελλάδα. Η Αθήνα χτίστηκε στο μεγαλύτερο μέρος της χωρίς σχέδιο αλλά με νομιμοποιήσεις αυθαιρέτων. Όπου υπήρξε σχέδιο ήταν από την εποχή του Όθωνα και δυστυχώς δεν έβλεπαν πολύ μπροστά. Πως θα μπορούσαν κιόλας να φανταστούν τι θα γίνει κάποια χρόνια μετά.
mitsos, while it is true the authorities aren't the best at planning road networks, it really is hard building roads in old cities, especially ones as old as Athens. A lot of big cities in Europe have this problem actually; they just aren't constructed to hold the sheer number of people with cars.
You're definitely right about drivers' lack of respect for other people's lives, and even their own. I go to Greece at least once a year with my family and we rent a car every time, but we just can't get used to the absolutely horrible drivers. I live in Sweden (i.e the country with the safest roads in the world) so the contrast is fucking huge. I've experienced it first hand as well, as my grandfather lived in Thessaloniki until he was killed by a speeding car while crossing the street.
It is very true what he said about the Acropolis . The first time I saw it , it was a honey , golden colour . The memory will stay with me the rest of my life ! The other thing is the Greek people , they are wonderful ! I made very good friends out there .
You just put a smile on my face because I just thought of my first time seeing the acropolis :) such a great memory. I need to take the baby back again (he is almost 3 now) and show it to him and see if he gets all silly with it :) our now 7 year old did too :)
Well I'm from Albania and have been to Athens a couple times and driving there is not that bad, especially compared to the mighty Albanian streets ahahha.
Seriously though, even compared to other big European cities I've driven and lived I don't really see much difference...
That being said, I don't see any reason why to rent a car while in Athens unless you're doing side trips outside of the city like in Delphi etc.
Would agree on the food prices, the salad for 7 euros is insane considering it's the most basic salad you can possibly eat but just because has the "greek" before is so overpriced (same with Souvlaki/gyros etc.), especially in the "tourist area".
Also, I don't think there's a feeling of unsafety outside of the touristic areas. I don't know why but people complain about this everywhere they go, if they are outside of their comforty touristic map streets they immediately feel unsafe.
Always liked your videos though, keep it up :)
+Frou Paokara No...don't advice him to come in Aegean islands to eat salad!!He may pay it in double price than in Athens!!!lol
I just left Athens. I loved it there so much!
Travellight Where should i go?
...A That's IS Very true...The Greeks Are Very Hospital People...Friendly and Thoughtful...
"Oh, here are some ancient ruins next to a...a restaurant."
I loled. But I agree. This is my favorite part about Hellas(using the Greek word for that out of respect). Especially the temple of Hephaustus next to those small shops near the train station. So beautiful.
so true though isn't it :)
woltersworld Yes. I love it when countries do that. It happens in Italy too but unfortunately, more and more ruins are being "barricaded" there into museums instead of their original positions.
In Athens now. Staying at a great Airbnb at the bottom of the Acropolis with a great view from my balcony. Plaka is so charming!
so do you advice me to rent a house from the airbnb? this will be my first time and i am a little alert about it. please advice me. thank you so much :)
Nice video, my friend.
Just a few things, you should have in mind.
1) Safety matter➡
You're pretty much safe all over Athens, except from the following stations of the Green Line of the Metro where you should watch for pick-pocketers: From Omonoia up to Ano & Kato Patissia. Generally avoid, places like Omonoia, Metaxourgeio, Patissia, Victoria, Acharnai. Also, try to avoid the station Attiki (i think it's in the red line of the Metro).
I would also suggest, keeping an eye on your luggage and purses/wallets, when using public transportation. Especially, in those areas mentioned.
You will probably, not even have to visit these places, except maybe from Omonoia, where some cheap hotels are located, but you get what you pay for.
The rest of the city of Athens, and especially the subberbs are perfectly fine and safe.
Finally, at the 16-17 November, anually, there is a holiday, involving politics, during which you should avoid walking near Omonoia, Syntagma, Panepistimio, and the Greek Polytechnic University of Athens and EXARCHEIA most of all. Avoid Exarcheia, at these days.
2) RECOMMENDATIONS:
Try and visit the cafés at Alimos Marina, or better off, visit Marina Zéas for a night drink. Try "Pisina" open club/bar. Also, Piraikí for it's fresh fish taverns. Also, Mikrolimano, for both food and coffee. Glyfáda (near the sea), and Chalandri (not near the sea/more suburban) at the square with the Church and the restaurants and bars, for non-traditional, more modern greek kitchen, coffee, and drinks, any time of day.
For Athens by Night, for young people, i recommend, you go out, at Gazi Square.
Or better at Hagias Irenis Square, and the alleys, around it, for the cafeterias, that turn into bars, by night.
If you gonna go out, where many Athenians go out, just stop at either the Syntagma Square Metro Station, or the Monastiraki Metro Station, and try to scan the alleys to the right side of Ermoù Street, facing from Syntagma, down to Monastiraki. Many little bars, and places for food are there. Highly recomended.
Don't be afraid, to ask locals for directions. Tell them what you are searching for specifically.
Everyone, have a nice time in Greece.☺
Pick pockets are mostly Gypsies and foreigners not natives. In fact, they'll even help you out!
@Political Warfare you must be an excellent thief then
I am Greek and I have lived in Athens for my entire life.
1) Taxi drivers are, sometimes, obnoxious, and they try to rip off everyone. A little tip for foreigners: NEVER TELL THEM THAT THIS IS YOUR FIRST TIME IN ATHENS, EVEN IF IT IS. As soon as the taxi driver learns that you really don't know about the regular prices, he will rip you off.
2) 8/10 restaurants in touristy spots (Plaka, Monastiraki) will be overpriced and will not have very good food. ALWAYS check tripadvisor, and with your hotel or tourist guide. Better yet, ask a random Greek on the street to suggest a restaurant. The same thing holds for every touristy spot in Greece, even when it comes to islands like Santorini.
3) For god's sake, don't rent a car if you will only stay in Athens. In my opinion, Athens has very good public transportation, use that instead.
4) Most neighborhoods don't have safety issues. Only some of them like Omonoia or Exarhia really have a problem. For the rest of Athens, behave like you would behave in any other big city in Europe.
5) For the most part, strikes are a thing of the past. They are much less frequent nowadays, thank god for that. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to ask your hotel, just in case.
And a general tip: If you stay more than 4 days in Athens, DON'T JUST STAY AT THE HISTORICAL-TOURIST CENTER. As I have already said, Athens has really good public transportation. If you have time, definitely visit the south coast of Athens, from the yacht marina of Piraeus (Pasalimani, with some of the best panoramic views in Athens) to the beaches of Glyfada. Other neighborhoods with interest include Gazi, Nea Smyrni and Psiri.
Also: GET A FRAPPÉ COFFE. With medium sugar and milk, as the coffee gods intended it to be.
Also v.2: Always order pork gyros, chicken gyros is an abomination.
gijijijijijijijijijijji ...... G, you're a kind person...!
hello, thank you so much for all the recommendations. i am coming soon to greece, will you please tell me more about dangerous areas? i am collected all the information in your comment, really thank you alot :)
Certain districts are more dangerous than others, nevertheless, no district in Athens is really dangerous. Avoid districts like Omonoia or Exarhia, and watch closely your belongings on public transportation. Other than that, there is nothing else you should know, the police number in greece is 100. Athens in general is no dangerous city
someone advised me to take a flat in zografou, someone advised me to take hotel in pireaus. but i feel that zografou have more choices and i can walk to many places from there. any recommendations from you? do you think it is safe to rent a flat?
Rent a flat in zografou as rbnb? .. I live in zografou its a very safe place to live and if you live in south zografou you have a metro station near you. Also its 3-5 kilometres away from the center of the town(syntagma and omonia squaere).. If you spend all your holidays in athens and you want to see the city i think zografou is the better choise.
Some clarification: it's actually parts of central Athens (e.g. Exarcheia district) - not the outlying non-touristy areas - that are the seediest. Tourists should really consider spending more than 2 days in Athens and actually get to know the place. (I don't know who created this standard 2-day itinerary but it's really a bad idea.) In the central areas, make sure you visit some of Psiri, Thiseo, and Kolonaki. Kifisia in the north is a great suburb. So are the yacht harbours in Piraeus and the coastal areas of Glyfada/Voula with all the beach bars. But even totally "boring" middle-class districts like Kalithea have tons of action if you know where to look (find a neighbourhood's main square and you'll find fun). It's also really important to realize that Athens is absolutely FULL of hidden places that you can only find if you talk to locals. Some of the best restaurants I know are hidden on a quiet residential street in the middle of nowhere. My last point: consider hiking on Mt. Ymittos or more distant Mt. Parnitha (not in mid-day during the summer, however). You'll get a totally different appreciation of the city. (Oh yes, my last last point: there's no such thing as "Greek salad". Haha! Why would we name a food after ourselves?)
So well said. The salad in Greece w/ feta is HORIATIKI. I don't think that was covered in the video. You could easily spend 1-2 weeks in Athens, b/c of all the suburbs that are each so unique.
I do agree in most of the stuff, except Exarcheia being seedy. Exarcheia is a very safe, charming, beautiful place and really depicts the anti-conformist side of the Greeks. It is an area proud to be anarchistic and should remain so. Give it a go, it has fantastic places.
I wonder why tourists always eat at the same restaurants that are basically there FOR the tourists? Why not explore the rest of the city? There are fantastic little taverns in Psiri, Gazi, Pireas, Kolonaki, Glyfada, even farther. The public transportation is cheap and goes everywhere.
You're spot on. I live here in Athens now. Last summer, I saw some American tourists who looked a little lost. I asked if they needed help, and they said they were searching for the Cinnabon... it was quite far away, but still, I told them about Greek desserts, walked with them to a local bakery I know that does it right, and they were blown away. But they would have never found it, or even known about it without my taking them there.
I'm British but my favorite city in the world is Athens, Greece. There is something about Athens that draws me back year after & I have the choice to go anywhere in the world but always chose to go back to this magnificent city. I would like to say a few things: firstly, the non tourist areas are not all that bad and the pick pockets are foreigners not actual Greeks. Also you should visit North and South of Athens eg. go to Kifissia & Kefalari up North & Glyfada & Vouliagmeni down South. Amazing
I don't feel Athens like being a dangerous or unsafe city. I have been there several times, outside touristic places and never had any trouble...
Léa Klein my dear.Athens its not dangerous city.I mean with 5 million inhabitants and 5million tourists.of course u can keep an eye open and common sense always as the same if you was everywhere in the world.
Actually he was quite inaccurate about the "safety" of the touristic areas. In Athens it depends on the area you go not if it is a touristic place. Actually places for tourists attract more attention to a thief.
I love Athens and Greece. Amazing Sights, Wonderful People, Spectacular Food. What is not to love? (aside from the little economic problems). Honestly I love Greece and would love to work there as i really enjoyed how the Greeks enjoy life. Thanks for having a great city and country!
I'm greek and I can say you are right!
Do Greeks truly dislike Turks? Sorry if it's a little rude I asked that, just wondering.
@@363Magi we hate turks that say rude things to us but we are not racist to the turk race
Oh my god! I feel so proud when tourists are so informed about my city and its history and so greateful that they are here! Thank you for the upload and your nice words!
Greetings from Athens!
First time in Athens so nice visited Acropolis, Lykabettus, Flisvo Marina, Stavros Niarchos Cultural Center, Plaka, Monastiraki , Syntagma ,Shops, Glyfada beaches its so nice here I will definitely come back!
cool. thanks for watching and commenting!
I am Greek and I think that Greek salad is expensive too
I am Greek as well and own a summer home 100km west of Athens. We go every year. You sir are spot on. Are you sure you are not Greek?
I'm Greek and I approve this message...
I stayed in Poros about 15 years ago. The last day of our tour was in Athens. We ate lunch at a place with a great view of the Acropolis. I've also been to Santorini and Rhodes.
Great advice! Thank you! We will hopefully be back in Athens next summer and I will check them out! big thumbs up from me!
thank's for posting. My daughter is in Athens right now with EF tours... They had problems with their flight from Dallas so they are two days behind their tour. It's nice to see this video to kind of get an idea where my daughter is at and what to expect.. thanks again
thanks for the support!
same here I just visited Athens (August 29, 2017)..... I just loved it there, the atmosphere, the foods and the people. yeah I agree they are so helpful, when it comes to you require about something i.e location, young & old alike they have this greek hospitality that is so nice of them! thank you Athens....I have had a great time in your amazing city.
sorry for asking but are you filipina?
Καπετάν Μαλάκας yes!
i knew it. i am in cagayan de oro right now. been here for a few weeks
Καπετάν Μαλάκας ohhhhhhh...... I am now in Dubai. I hope u r enjoying your stay in my country. see hello out there!!!! would definitely lovee to visit Greece again one day to explore more other areas. #inlovewithgreece
I m Greek and i have to say one thing...Listen to that guy he is knowing what is talking about,only there arent so many pickpockets at acropolis(or i dont see anyone ever)but at the public transportations.So you bag to your lap and dont play with your cellphone near the train door you ll gonna see it vanishing better from any magician!!
Glad I can help with Greek tourism :) we love Greece. May end up on the Islands this summer hopefully. All the best!
I love Athens too I had one of the best meals/ nights out at an Argentinian beef restaurant, with live tango dancers -el bandoleon-, walked for miles all round the city , found a club one night just walking down the street past a lane after dinner, heard the music, went in, came out at 6am! best people!
Was driving in Athens 2 weeks ago. It was awesome! We even drove to Larissa.
Greek salad can be really cheap in several taverns woltersworld ! It really depends on the area and the type of restaurant! You might get one for 3-4 euros! ;-)
Mark of Wolters: we've been to Athens and the Greek Isles several times...leading educational tours. I enjoyed your video mainly because of your enthusiasm to share some tips with people who have never been to Greece. What impressed me the most is that you are a young father and take your baby on your travels. That baby is going to grow up to be a cultured travelling person,.like his parents. Congratulations dad!!! Ignore the negative comments, you're fine. Use "dislike" instead of "hate" n see
i love your channel! kisses to you and your family from greece!!
hit the island of santorini and visit nafplio the old capital. my two favorites, but crete is cool, Rhodes as well
The selection you made for the worst and best things in our city was very accurate. All the bad things you mentioned worry us, Athenians, too. I liked how you began with the bad and ended in a happy note.
With our latest economic difficulties, I'm happy to see people supporting us like this. Thank you very much!!
I wish you and your family the best! Hope you visit Greece again soon. :)
i am greek and i totally agree with you!!
Now we are very amazed about our trip to Athens in 3 months. We are hoping that we will have a nice time there...
thank you so much.I am Greek though I live abroad.I love Athens and spend a lot of time there.Thank you for posting xxxxxx
Hey man, your videos really helped me out last year when I went to Germany, now I´m packing my bags to Athens. Thanks a lot!
Restaurants charge a lot for a greek salad simply 'cause tourists usually order just that along with a beverige at best. It's the rents and the taxes that have caused high prices.
....It's sad that Olympic Airlines is gone...I remember them flying into Montreal.....
they fly Dash 8
i went to Kifisia and i met my greek girlfriend :DD Athens is a wonderful country with wonderful people.Amazing history great culture excellent food..everything absolutely breathtaking
@XV4444 Glad I could help a fellow traveler. Have a great time in Athens. Please share the channel with your travel buddies. All the best!
All subjective comments in this video I'm afraid. I have been travelling to Greece for the past 40 years. The taxi drivers are fine. DO order a Greek salad - they aren't expensive. Definitely hire a car and drive round the city. With regards to public worker strikes - they are few and far between, but when they do happen, they are done properly!!!
hi caseygo. we have a baby boomer travel tip video that may be helpful for you.
Rome - vatican museums are a must, the vatican itself, go in the colesium, just walk around & enjoy the city
Athens - the new akropolis museum by the akropolis and then the national museum (with the best greek antiquities).
Those are the "must" museums.
Another one advantage, police never kill you, just like this.
Athens is a European city . The DEMOCRACY BORN THERE and actived, during ancient times, THE FATHERS OF WESTERN PHILOSOPHY AS Socrates , Aristotle , Plato , etc. The PARTHENON is among one of the most important monuments of the planet and SYMBOL OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE WORLDWIDE . Athens has FANTASTIC SUBURBS so close to sea and the north. The southeast suburbs are gorgeous with beautiful new buildings , sea like being on an island, SPACIOUS ROADS , BIG STREETS AND CLEAN . NORTHERN SUBURBS are green , clean, with excellent construction and neoclassical buildings. THE CENTER OF ATHENS IS FULL OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND HISTORICAL MONUMENTS IN WHICH EVERYBODY CAN BROWSE .
hey, wolters world is a big "pro-greek" person :) we love greece and the people and wish we could help somehow in this economic time of trouble. we visited last summer and tried to spend as much money as possible to help.
all our love to greece and athens! please subscribe!
just an advice, next time you will visit Greece, go to a place outside Athens (anywhere) and find a restaurant for locals, not tourists. There you can have a real greek salad with fresh vegetables and if the price is still the same you will realize that the portion shall be much bigger.
Thanks for an enjoyable and informative video as always Mark. We've just filmed the city at Christmas and found this helpful for our trip.
We are fortunate to see the roots to the roof, how the City was built with such modern simplistic artistic insight, this is more important. It has any disadvantage of any Tourist City, it has to be ignored.
Never been to Athens but your video is inspiring !
Thanks for replying! I do feel better now.. just really missing her...
"unless you're athenian don't drive around this town" ahahaha dude you made me laugh :D
George Christ I do what I can ;)
keep it up man, everything you say is true and your videos are very entertaining! :)
Zorba would
123 456 - I was born in Greece but live in America. My last trip to Greece I drove all over Athens, Glyfada, Kiffisia,, Voulagmeni, out of Athens drove to Patras, Pyrgos, Nauphlia, over the Rio Antirrio bridge into central Greece - one time a crazy Greek rammed into me at an orange light, jumping & screaming because he expected me to drive thru the orange light - ( I knew some Greek, but not fluent), we weren’t hurt but car rental office upgraded us to a nicer, bigger car at no extra charge. We were there (My sister & me) for three months, staying with relatives for about half of the time. We found it reasonably priced for food & hotels, gas very expensive - I love my birth country, but Iam truly Americanized - lol - I’ll be going back in a couple of years, since I haven’t been there in 10 years!!! Lol🇬🇷💙🇬🇷💙🇬🇷💙🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️🇺🇸❤️💙🇬🇷💙🇬🇷
@JeanMaria93 true. i completely forgot about the dogs. great add there. thanks for commenting and watching!
Hi there! First I like your videos a lot! I am not Greek but I've lived in Athens for five years so I know the city. About taxis, there's an app, Taxibeat, that works perfectly. Polite, honest, funny taxi drivers. That's the way to go. Get out of tourist areas and eat at normal Greek restaurants. Athens has amazing places and some fantastic surprises! Yes, traffic can challenging but it's not aggressive. I was driving around the city for five years and I never had any problem. Yes, the strikes are annoying but I've learnt that when you are at restaurant and you have a taxi driver strike, for example, the best thing is talking with owner and asking for help. There's always a cousin, brother, uncle or whoever, who will be available to take you where you want to go for a decent price. Greeks are very clever and very good in finding solutions. In Athens social interaction is the key for everything. And yes, the country is amazing, people are amazing, the lifestyle is amazing and Athens is a magical city! 😉
Athens is no different than any other big european capital. There is chaos in the streets. Definitelly not drive in Athens 100%. The stuff about outside Athens to the non-tourist areas is not very accurate. It is just around athens are some of the poorest regions in Greece. This is all the same with London, Glasgow (the knife capital of Europe). When it comes to the Athens as a city.. As a Greek i can tell you: See the sights they are amazing and learn something about where you come from and then leave the city. It has nothing more to offer you. If you want to see how people leave besides the glamour and the spot light go to the suburbs if you are curious. It is a different world there.
Anyway, have fun.
Συμφωνώ απολύτα,αλλά δε "πουλάει"έξω η Κηφισιά ούτε η Γλυφάδα...
My friend from Athens says the same as you, see the sights, and get out of there. But maybe you athenians look with different eyes than tourist, because I have many collegues who has been to Athens and just love it. So maybe we see with other eyes.
wow I am Greek & this is very true :P Things you gonna love in Athens is the City by it's self, the feeling of history, the night, the people, and the mystery atmosphere that allures you,and the many different places,there are lot of alternative places to go,things you gonna hate: the traffic, bad transportation, strikes quite often, dirty places, & the lack of safety in most places in the center, also in summer times maybe you have to face a very very hot climate for days so be prepared ;-)
I'm here now, having a great time but thanks for the tips. I did get ripped off by a taxi from the airport but the food and eating outside is amazing!
Diverse, unique, full of culture place. Strikes are everywhere - I live in London and there are strikes all the time (even when there shouldn't be ..unlike Greece), but no nice people, no good food, no sun, no blue sky...
Athens is quite safe expect on certain areas where there are many refuges. But there is nothing interesting there for a tourist. Apart of Plaka, Monastiraki, Akropolis, there are many beautiful places in the suburds. Try to go near the sea, in the summer you can swim in a lot of beaches and the sea is clean.
I'm surprised you did not include the countless stray dogs in the many drawbacks of Athens.They're particularly frequent in the streets of Monastiraki and tourists often highlight them as one of their biggest disappointments from the city.
Overall,though,you have summed up Athens quite well.Congratulations on your channel!
To give you an idea of why a Greek salad costs 5 to 7 euros.
The feta cheese costs anywhere from 7 to 10 euros per kilo. The olive oil 5 to 8 euros per kilo. Table olives 2,5 to 5 euros per kilo.
Of course, the prices are based on the quality of the products, the quantity and whether you buy them from the supermarket or a producer.
Hi Mark, just wondering if you have visited Kefalonia Greece, and if you have any recommendations for places to stay, beaches est. Thank you Anthony
I have not been there yet. we are heading back for 3 weeks in 2015... but probably will be a bit late to help you with your trip :( sorry
Myrtos beach! The whole island is so beautiful but when you are back home, that beach will be the only thing in your mind! I would also recommend fiskardo. It's a cute little port-village with a bunch of good restaurants.
@MrAntonios17 I have only been to santorini on the islands. I spent a lot of time south and west of athens. My wife's family is from Greece so we get lots of Greek at home :) The people are awesome (even if they strike a lilttle bit ;)
thanks for watching and commenting! please subscribe!
There's not such thing as a "Greek' salad. Our traditional salad is called Horiatiki. If you read on the menu "Greek Salad" Then it makes sense you got ripped off because it's purely written/made for the tourist . Sorry mate.
Thats nice!!
Expecting you to come!
I appreciate your hard job...Continue with the same way!!
Greek salad is actually more expensive than the regular salad because you get a whole chunk of feta with it. Regular salad is just tomatoes and cucumbers So if you buy the regular salad + feta seperately price would be pretty much the same... However, in some touristic restaurants prices can be very high, but that's the case everywhere in the world as far as I know.
Greece is a very nice place for vocation!!Go and you will see.Also,take a look at the video,its quite information!!
The best ways to not deal with the Taxi thing, is to Uber, it's cheap, it’s easy, and you don't need to speak the language. We loved Greece, the people, the food, and on and on, but did get caught in a strike. We loved it so much that I’m trying to figure out how to do the XPAT thing there now.
BTW, if you get to Mykonos make the extra trip to Delos this is an island archaeological site that you can explore on your own, it was better that anything in Athens, not that Athens is not an amazing place to see for ruins.
Love Wolters World, just jealous of all the cool places you go to. We on our way to marking off many of the same locations from our Bucket-List.
Hi, very kind and good video. Only 2 things I would disagree with are, yes the taxis might rip you off, but that means an extra euro or 2, nothing mad, and even then, I don't think they do at all.
Getting over charged for Greek salads, yes, buts that because you're going to Ultra Tourist places, try and befriend a local, get a suggestion and you will get awesome food at awesome prices, don't fall for tourist traps. Thanks for the awesome video.
Daniel Gillen totally agree Buddy
@EffLabels heck they are all over now. i was in chicago two days ago and it was raining and dark out and the protesters were outside the bank of america offices. crazy huh?
We want you to be our prime minister!! 2 days in athens and you realize all our problems! Hope you come again and go to the sea in Athens!
For a good taxi use the app taxibeat (iOS and Android app). Trust me!!!
Amazing videos! Thanks for the nice words about my hometown. I totally agree about the negative things btw and thanks for being honest.
Wow! Wolter doesn't look like the same guy! He's changed a lot, if not for the voice I wouldn't have known that's the same person lol, I think he looks younger now, the beard is definitely a better look! great video! 💕🙂
I may be there summer 2014!!!
Im going to Athens in a couple of days. thanks for the video
if you LOVE Greece then ask a receipt for your coffee, for your beer, for your room, for your food, for your umbrella on the beach, for Everything...
I love your videos soooo much! Thank you for all the tips ... they really help me! :)
The guy says at the beginning ''The first thing you're not gonna like about Greece are the taxis'', well I'd say our taxes suck even more
gerronema very true... very true
Lol I watched this video because I am going to Athens soon and first I thought the guy said "taxes" I was "whaaaaat I am there for a week and they will manage to rip me off with taxes, how?" lol
GREECE RUUUUUUUUUUULESSSS hope u enjoyed ur stay...and if u loved athens hospitality and i live in athens but im from crete...u have to go to crete...everytime i go there i feel like ancient greece was always there..also great places to visit is Santorini..i think for married ppl who have a newborn child is the best ..also santorini is the best place for people in love..with love from Greece :)
Athens and all Greece is quite chaotic and messy, but the atmosphere is very relaxing, which is a big contradiction (maybe the laid-back mentality is to blame for the chaos)...
Tourists coming to Greece have a reputation of sharing one salad to five persons and siting on a table for an hour some restaurants raise a bit the prices...even though 5-7 euros is not that expensive!! Taxi drivers are the worse and tourists need to be careful, I have seen many times taxi drivers negotiating a ride YOU SHOULD NOT DO THAT whatever the meters writes that is what you should pay after 12 at night its a double fare and will be more expensive, since we all hate taxi drivers in case you doubt what you need to pay ask a Greek on the road to help you out! Pick pockets can be found anywhere even we Greeks are alert!
I'm not sure how I'd enjoy eating in July heat under the roasting sun. LOL. My personal preference is below zero, though so maybe I ought to go to the mountains in the middle of winter.
Great video, well done. I would like to know though, what is the general opinion on "different" places of Athens like Exarchia? That is if you heard of it of course:)
We all love Greece here at Wolters World :) Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mark..thank you for all of your insight to travel. My wife of 33 years and I will be traveling to Europe for the first time in late April. We will spend 4 nights in Rome and 4 nights in Athens. A quick question, we purchased a electrical adapter for appliances to be used in Rome, but are told in Athens a different type is needed,,,,is this correct? Also, what museum would be best to visit during such a short stay, keeping in mind I would like to see ancient Spartan weapons and armorment ?
Athens Greece, not to be confused with Athens Poland.
Thanks for the honor you did for my country!!
Plz,visit Crete!:)
I have traveled to greece many times but never to Athens. Been to Naxos, paros santorini, Halkidiki, Thessaloniki and and.. Paros
Idellle awesome!
woltersworld At first I thought you said you hate Greece taxes lol. Nice video hope I can go to Athens someday .
Well you must come to Athens you don't know what you're missing...I will be glad to send you my 'list' on what to do when in Athens in terms of beaches, restaurants, shopping, bars/clubs etc. TBH The Acropolis is bottom of my list on things to do in Athens. The 'Hidden Gems' of this city is what I love so much about Athens but the Greeks don't advertise these amazing places so I've decided to do it myself. I know you won't be disappointed. Pls let me know if you want me to send over my list? As a British expat now living here I just don't see myself ever leaving!
Captain Coco Could you give me your 'list' to me then? Visiting Athens on 29th of May with my mom as a graduationgift and I would like to read what you think I absolutely can't miss while being in Athens.
Captain Coco
Hi. I am not going to travel to Greece for now. I got a summer job this summer.
any good and cheap restaurants you would highly recommend ?
Was robbed at knife-point in Athens one day... but still love the city!
Find out where the good and bad places are for tourists to go (there's not that many bad places; but times are hard for the Greeks, so you'll get the occasional unfortunate soul who is trying to steal stuff...)
I'm going to Athens this June with my school we are also taking a cruise around the greek islands can't wait! Oh I also got a question as far as souvenirs what is there?
Owen, I am going to suggest you buy something NOT in a tourist shop! Don't buy a cheap ancient statue replica or amphora(Ancient Greek vase). You should always buy something you will have for a lifetime that will always remind you of your travels. For instance in Athens(or anywhere in Greece) buy something made of Olive wood like a set of bowls. I have read that Greece has fantastic leather products! If you are more budget minded you could possibly get a handmade pair of Greek sandals! Do some research and you will find a perfect souvenir!
Andrew Bogani thanks Andrew
koutouloufas7 I actually am going to Crete. Thanks for the advice.
Owen K. - tonzworldvoyages.wordpress.com/
Nice video with good tips. Travelling anywhere anytime with a child is a chore isn't it.
Good tips! Thanks
you are very welcome!
This is spot on about the traffic and strikes. You forgot to mention that you can't flush toilet paper.
protochris you can but they don't want to clean their tank every month or never cause it costs them money. They don't have sewers everywhere.