Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

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Previous issues for Athens

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Greece : Athens - November 2009

Country Code: Dial for Greece

November in Athens, considered an off-season month, translates into better hotel rates, fewer tourists and cosy restaurants and bars packed out with locals enjoying parea (the company of friends). And if you’re here on the 8th, you can catch crown princess of R ’n’ B, Beyoncé Knowles, at the Olympic Stadium. Athina Vorilla puts a ring on it

Getting around

The nearest airport is Athens International Airport, 33km southeast of the city.

Bus: Six express bus routes serve Athens and Piraeus. Buses leave from arrivals. Tickets cost €3,20 and are valid for 24 hours on all public transport.
Taxi: You can pick up taxis from exit 3 at arrivals. A journey to the city centre costs from €25 to €36, and takes about 30 minutes.
Tourist information: The main office is at 26 Amalias (tel. , gnto.gr).

ACROPOLIS

Three areas, Plaka, Anafiotika and Makriyianni, each with a distinct history worth exploring, hinge the sacred rock of the Acropolis.

Sleep soundly – Divani Palace Acropolis (19-25 Parthenonos, , divaniacropolis.gr, rooms from €170) does a nice line in low-key luxury and has stunning Acropolis views. If money’s no object, go for the Presidential Suite at the Electra Palace Hotel (18-20 N.Nikodimou, , electrahotels.gr, rooms from €140), which has its own swimming pool.

Culture vultures – The New Acropolis Museum (south-east of the rock of the Acropolis, Dionysiou Areopagitou Street) uses natural light to create a one-of-a-kind visual effect on the works on display. It changes according to the time of day.

Must eat – Dionysos Zonar’s (43 Robertou Galli, ) has revamped its cuisine and interior and has been getting rave reviews.

Must drink – Check out the endless bar at Kuzina (9 Adrianou), a neoclassical building where bottles are lined up along the high ceilings. Otherwise, sip a cappuccino overlooking the archaeological excavation in The Museum Café at The New Acropolis Museum.

Shop til you drop – Shoe fetish? Go straight to Spiliopoulos (63 Ermou Street), with its racks and racks of designer shoes.

PANORMOU

This street, located in the Ambelokipoi neighbourhood, is developing a distinct character of its own, with lots of cosy little bars. Head here for a quick drink after seeing a film at one of the nearby cinemas.

Sleep soundly – Located just north of the city centre, with access to the northern suburbs as well as downtown Athens, The President Hotel (43 Kifissias Avenue, , president.gr, rooms from €76) is an all-round good choice.

Culture vultures – The National Art Gallery (Michalakopoulou & Vas. Konstantinou) never disappoints. Le Goût à la Grecque – an exhibition charting the birth of neoclassicism in France – is on until 11 January, 2010. Many of the exhibits are on loan from the Louvre.

Must drink – Potopoleio (113 Panormou) is all warm wood tones and buzzing atmosphere – come here with a crowd of friends. If you’re after a quiet one, try Saxo (117b Panormou).

GAZI

Take the metro to the Kerameikos station to reach Gazi, the epicentre of Athens nightlife.

Must eat – Sardeles (15 Persefonis, ) is a popular fish meze restaurant, while next door, Butcher Shop (19 Persefonis, ) has a menu packed with fresh meats and lots of different cheeses.

Dance the night away – Villa Mercedes (Andronikou & Tzaferi) is a posh supper club with dancing after dinner, while Hoxtons (42 Voutadon) is more mainstream.

KIFISSIA

This well-to-do suburb north of the city centre offers a different feel from the dash and bustle of the city centre.

Sleep soundly – Hotel Pentelikon (66 Deligianni, , pentelikon.gr, rooms from €180) is a family-owned hotel that caters to a high-powered business crowd. Try The Yhotel (3 Mykonou Street, , theyhotel.gr, rooms from €100) for pared-back luxury and rooms done out in dove grey and white. Pick of the bunch is the Y Suite, which has two bathrooms and its own terrace.

Must eat – Ta Tria Gourounakia (Kifissias Avenue & Othonos, ) is good for scrumptious gyro and souvlaki wrapped in pitta. Best Friends (Karamanli Square, ) serves up hearty salads and burgers in a charming glass enclave.

Compiled by Athina Vorilla