Athens Orientation

Athenian geography can mystify newcomers. When you’re trying to figure out the city, check out the detailed free maps available at the tourist office . While this information is available at several locations throughout the city, including the Rafina and Pireaus ports, the most convenient place to get a map (along with current ferry schedules) is in the arrivals hall at the airport terminal building (www.gnto.gr). The city map includes bus, trolley, and metro routes. Now in Athens magazine has a more detailed street plan. If you lose your bearings, ask for directions back to well-lit Syndagma. The Acropolis, which stands at the center of the city, is a good reference point. Athenian streets often have multiple spellings or names, so check the map again before you panic. Several English-language publications can help you navigate Athens. The weekly Athens News gives addresses, hours, and phone numbers for weekly happenings, as well as news and ferry information (€2.50; available at the airport and at kiosks around the city).

Athens and its suburbs occupy seven hills in southwestern Attica. Syndagma, the central plateia, is encircled by the other major neighborhoods. Clockwise, they are: Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri, Omonia, Exarhia, Kolonaki, and Pangrati. The three major squares—Syndagma, Plaka, and Monistariki—are connected by three major streets: Ermou, Athinas, and Stadio.

A 30min. car, bus, or taxi ride south takes you to the seaside suburb of Glyfada. Piraeus, the primary port, lies to the southwest of central Athens. In a wider clockwise circle, Kifisia and Marousi outlie Athens to the north; the port of Rafina to the northeast; and Lavrio to the southeast. The new airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, is on the road to Lavrio.

Syntagma

Pl. Syntagma is the center of Athens' transportation hub. The stately, Neoclassical Parliament building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier mark the foot of the nature lovers' haven, the National Gardens ...more

Plaka

Situated in the middle of the triangle formed by Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Square, and the Acropolis, Plaka is a plush, touristy section of Athens that's surprisingly the best place for low-budget travelers ...more

Monastiraki

Behind the metro station, which borders on Hadrian's Library, and across Ermou, is a maze of streets speckled with bead shops, artisan's stores, scrumptious restaurants, and interesting nooks. Nowhere ...more

Exarhia

In 1973, students in Exarhia participated in a powerful demonstration against the right-wing dictatorship that was then in control of the Athenian government. Today, this section of Athens is still a hotspot ...more

Kolonaki

Sandwiched by Pl. Syntagma at the base of Lycabettus Hill, Kolonaki is the poshest area of Athens. Foreign designer boutiques line the streets, and those walking around the area are slender and decked ...more