City Scenes, Athens

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Favorite thing: I ended up in this area while looking for the archeological museum. I stopped at viktoria metro station and Vikrìtoria square reminded me Vittorio square in Rome a very multietnic and easy going square always full of people. From there, still looking for the museum I found the university area and plateia Exarhion a sort of bohemian area, full of young guys.
This is actually the only low cost area I found in all the city which appeared pretty expensive in other quarters.

Fondest memory: I had a nice afternoon listening to some live music, having a few drinks watching students preparing their protests.

Favorite thing: When Athens was awarded the Olympic Games back in 1997 a lot had to be done to fulifil the needs of the world's most demanding project. Dozens of small and big projects have been built since then changing the face of Athens but also straining the people's nerves during this long period! This effort paid off though. It's visible everywhere. Someone who has visited the city a few years ago will have a very different opinion if he/she visit the city now. Athens is now a truly modern metropolitan center.

Favorite thing: It was built in 1872-1874. The Town Hall of Athens is located at Athinas street, between Omonia and Monastiraki, near the central market of the city. Next to it, you can walk at Kotzia square, which is surrounded by some nice buildings.
The three-floor neo-classical building doesn't house only services, but also hosts wonderful frescos (mainly made by Fotis Kondoglou).
A large restoration had been taken place in 1995, when Dimitris Avramopoulos was the mayor of Athens.

Favorite thing: This building is situated at the corner of Akadimias street and Sina street. It houses the cultural centre of the University of Athens, exhibitions are held there.
As a student of this university, you can be involved in various arts, as theater, photography, painting etc. Behind the... pink building, as it is known, the Law School exists (Solonos 57), the place where I studied...

Favorite thing: This building, at Akadimias 50 street, next to the pink one, houses the Municipal Cultural Centre. The entrance is free, you can have a good time inside it during the different exhibitions which take place there.
There are also other such cultural centres of the city of Athens, like "Melina Merkouri" in Thissio, next to Gazi.

Favorite thing: This square is near Syntagma ("Panepistimio" metro station). At the centre of Klafthmonos square you can see this tall statue, it is a monument for the "national reconciliation" (there was a civil war in 1945-1949 in Greece, between the rightists and the communists).
Near it, you can visit the old byzantine church of Agioi Theodoroi.

Favorite thing: Psiri is another fascinating neighbourhood, where the old meets the new. Among the old shops and buildings, new restaurants, trendy bars and theaters are open to the public all the time.
This region is a good start to discover the famous nightlife of Athens... (Have also a look at the "restaurant" tips).

Favorite thing: It is a view of Mikrolimano (Kastella), near the port of Piraeus. Like Pasalimani too -even the furthest such marinas-ports of Glyfada, Vouliagmeni etc.- they are all nice and alive in the night because of the numerous cafeterias, bars, restaurants and clubs which are located around them.
Don't leave Athens without visiting such a place...

Favorite thing: If you have not seen or heard Mario Frangoulis, please have a look at this series of wonderful videos of Athens and Greece with music sung by Mario. on YOutube...

http://youtube.com/watch?v=Od6sSWsrrAc

CANCIÓN :KATHE LEXI SOU MIA EFCHI
EACH WORD OF YOURS IS A WISH

INTERPRETE: MARIO FRANGOULIS
MÚSICA : STEVE WOOD

Each Word of Yours is a Wish

Dream's light, who can bear you, who?
Cry of joy, which wings do you wear and go?
Pass through me, do not waver
And take root before you depart
Show me the new day
Each word of yours is a wish
Each color in your glance
A sun emerging after the rain
Aim well, and shoot
A flame upon my sadness
That I may find land
That I may find land
In the villages (haunts) of my memory
That I may find land
So that I can cast a heavy anchor
And then I'll light deep in my heart
A fire that resembles you
Show me the new day
Each word of yours is a wish
Each color in your glance
A sun emerging after the rain
Aim well, and shoot
A flame upon my sadness
That I may find land

Favorite thing: Time schedule is posted here: http://www.sunshine-express.gr/

The train departs from Ermou Street, which is at the bottom of the Square. The departure point is in front of Geniki Bank, across the street from Mc Donalds.

I suggest that you don’t take the Happy Train before 7.30, even 8pm. Firstly because of the traffic and secondly it is so much better to do this at night time