How To Get Around Safely In Athens
The most prominent form of crime in Athens is, as you might guess, pickpocketing. By all accounts, pickpocketing, purse snatching, and other forms of petty theft are common, especially at crowded tourist attractions, nightlife destinations, and on buses and trains, where you should take extra care to guard your belongings. Be particularly vigilant if someone seems like theyre trying to distract you meanwhile, someone else may be reaching into your purse. Keep your wallet in your front pocket, and consider investing in a slash-resistant backpack with a reliable zipper.
When youre out on the road, keep in mind that Greece has comparatively high rates of traffic fatalities, due mostly to drivers who are speeding, distracted, or simply not following the rules. Heavy traffic and obscured highway signs are additional problems that affect safety on Athens streets. Drive defensivelyor not at all, if you can avoid it.
Be careful, too, if youre planning to take taxis in Athens, as taxi scams are widespread here. Though Athens taxis are generally safe when it comes to your physical well-being, the same cannot be said for the safety of your cash. Athens taxi drivers, especially those who pick up from the airport, are notorious for gouging tourists, charging their passengers far more than theyre actually owed.
The Gulch A Central Food Paradise
Once the location of Nashvilles railyard, the LEED certified Gulch experienced a complete overhaul at the turn of the century to become one of the citys most trendy neighborhoods.
The Gulch is now one of the most upmarket districts in Nashville. Its in a great location, wedged between SoBro and Music Row right in the heart of the city.
The Gulch is industrial chic, full of sleek restaurants and high-end boutiques. Its arguably the best in the downtown area for food. There are so many great food options in the Gulch besides restaurants, there are trendy chic cafes like Milk & Honey, and popular bistros like Biscuit Love.
If youre looking for nightlife, the Gulch has some alternatives to the sensory overload of the Honky Tonk Highway. The rooftop lounge of UP has fantastic views of downtown and has a more chill, laid-back vibe.
You cant stay in the Gulch and not visit The Station Inn its one of the areas most iconic bluegrass music venues. There are also a number of elegant upmarket bars and a few nightclubs if you prefer to dance.
Best Hotels The Gulch:
Thompson Nashville 0.8 miles from the Johnny Cash Museum Best Western PLUS Downtown/Music Row 1.4 miles from the Parthenon
Best Airbnbs in The Gulch:
Gulch Studio Central Location Near Downtown! 1 mile from Honky Tonk row
We Were Confirmed At The Super 8 But When We Arrived We
We were confirmed at the Super 8, but when we arrived we were moved to the Days Inn because the Super 8 was under construction. There was a worker in the parking lot brandishing a handgun. I could not get my AAA discount because I had to book through them, not booking.com. There was no breakfast nor was there any compensation for the lack of breakfast. I have now had the worst cup of coffee in my life in the lobby.
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Exploring The Natural Features In Athens
Whether you’re an active traveler or just want to appreciate the scenery, Athens is a great spot to appreciate mother nature. Here are some of the areas noteworthy natural features, all within 30 miles of the city center:
- Veterans Memorial Park
- McMinn Field
- Knox Park
- Heritage Park
- Regional Park
- Cook Park
Shop For Charming Greek Christmas Gifts
Whether we admit it or not, most people get sick of receiving the same tired old Christmas gifts every year. Bath sets, socks, a personalised mug. YAWN.
One benefit of spending Christmas in Athens is being able to buy unique Greek Christmas gifts for your friends and relatives. One of the best places for shopping in Athens is Evripidou Street.
This is especially the case if your loved ones are foodies and gourmands. Here you can find lots of Greek delicatessens, spice shops, homeopathy stores, and Lilliputian shops. Items from these shops make excellent souvenirs from Greece.
Miran and Karamanlidika are two particular deli shops worth stopping by in Evripidou. Equally interesting is the Greek delicatessen Yolenis in Kolonaki which sells charming Greek hampers filled with melomakarona biscuits, sugar cookies, oils, and other delights.
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South For Food Lovers
12 South isnt the bustle and neon lights of downtown it has a quieter charm. This compact half-mile strip is all boutiques, coffee shops, and delicious food.
12 South is the best district in Nashville for foodies its packed to the brim with award-winning eateries and restaurants. You can try local dishes in a more casual bar setting or head to one of the more upscale restaurants, depending on your style.
Join the winding queues outside Five Daughters Bakery, and enjoy the 100 flaky layers of pastry in their famous cronuts, or grab a warm cookie at the treasured Nashville establishment Christie Cookie Co. From Lebanese food at Epice to fine dining at Josephine, to Edleys Bar-B-Que melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats 12 South is the food paradise of the city.
After your fantastic meal, you can discover what makes 12 South one of Nashvilles favourite shopping destinations. Vintage clothing, local designer fashion stores , hand-crafted jewelry shops the district is a haven for Nashvilles best boutiques.
A neighborhood as cool as 12 South obviously has some amazing street art! The most famous is the iconicI Believe in Nashvillemural, located on 12th Ave S. between Edleys Bar-B-Que and bartaco.
The general feel of 12 South is pretty nostalgic. Many of the boutiques and restaurants are in repurposed old buildings the Imogene + Willie boutique is in an old-timey gas station. The shabby-chic look of 12 South is one of the most attractive in Nashville.
East Nashville Nashvilles Coolest Neighborhood
Bohemian and offbeat, East Nashville is the epicenter of the citys art scene. Nashvilles coolest district gets more popular with every passing year, and is known for its creative, laid-back atmosphere and thriving bar & cafe scene.
You will find live music, art galleries, local craft shops, trendy bars, and a plethora of street art in this hip and vibrant neighborhood. Many of Nashvilles most authentic small music venues are dotted around the area. Its the perfect location to go drink a craft beer, then follow it up with some of the citys finest live music.
The cool-kid of the coolest neighborhood is Five Points, where most of East Nashvilles trendiest bars, cafes, and restaurants are concentrated. Wherever the artsy young professionals go, cool cafes and boutiques inevitably follow and youll find dozens of them in Five Points.
The Shoppes on Fatherland shopping district is close to Five Points, and is probably the coolest shopping experience in Nashville. You wont find big brands and chains here: only the high quality of unique local businesses.
Like many of the more artistic districts in cities, East Nashville had to go through a period of rejuvenation to reach its full potential. After a series of disasters first, a fire in 1916, then a tornado in 1998 the neighborhood required a complete rebuild.
Best Hotels in East Nashville:
Vandyke Bed & Beverage In the heart of Five Points The Gallatin 1.8 miles from Shelby Park
Best Airbnbs in East Nashville:
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Farm Stays At White Oak Pastures
See what farm life is all about at this southwest Georgia farm that welcomes guests to spend the night in on-site houses and cabins. White Oak Pastures raises grassfed beef and pastured poultry, in addition to organic vegetables and pasteurized eggs. Learn about environmental sustainability and where your food comes from at this fifth-generation family farm.
Where’s The Best Place To Stay In Nashville
Are you going straight to a hotel, orlooking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?
The best resource on neighborhoods, areas,and hotels is the Trippy page onwhere to stay in Nashville.
If you’re looking for a quick answer, you can check out Gaylord Opryland Resort, which was mentioned 10 times on Trippy.
Here are some more hotels people talk about:
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Enjoy Festive Family Fun
There are several fairgrounds and Christmas markets that are set up around central Athens in December. Notably, the Christmas Factory at Gazi/Technopolis, and the Santa Claus Kingdom on the city outskirts.
Both spots offer fun for all the family. For instance, you can expect to see Santa Claus meet and greet, stores selling cotton candy and sweet toffee apples, and fairground rides.
Tips For Staying Safe In Athens
- Steer clear of the areas that are known to be dangerous in Athens, including the nightclubs of Glyfada Square, as well as the semi-frequent protests and demonstrations that happen near political centers.
- Stay vigilant for pickpockets and other petty thieves, since these are the most common crimes targeting travelers in Athens. Be especially cautious at crowded attractions, on public transportation, and in taxis, where drivers sometimes scam their passengers.
- Be aware that prostitution is legal in Athensbut that most of the citys prostitutes operate outside the law, either because they are victims of human trafficking or because they dont take the proper medical precautions. Do not partake, and stay away from the seedy areas where prostitution is rampant.
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Germantown For Quiet Luxury Close To Broadway
So named for the influx of German immigrants to the neighborhood in the mid-1800s, Germantown is an upmarket neighborhood of Nashville with a luxurious feel.
Just north of downtown, the district is perfectly located to explore Nashvilles biggest attractions. Only a few blocks from the bright lights of Broadway, Germantown is a quieter hideaway on the doorstep of the bustling streets of bars and honky-tonks.
The neighborhoods architecture is one of the most homogeneous in Nashville. Historic townhouses line leafy streets in a picturesque district with a more suburban feel.
Germantown is one of Nashvilles top culinary destinations and luckily, theres more than just bratwurst and Wienerschnitzel. Southern-style breakfasts, Italian lunches, and Indian dinners theres a whole host of culinary cultures on offer in Germantown. Its also arguably the best district for fine dining, with a number of award-winning restaurants in the area.
If you prefer to prepare your own food, why not visit the weekly Nashville Farmers Market? The fresh local produce is sold in a market adjacent to the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park.
The park, with its water fountains and meticulously maintained grounds, is home to the Tennessee State Capitol building. If youre in town at the right time, the park is often the host of an outdoor movie series, NightLight 615 showing everything from The Princess Bride to Superbad.
Best Hotels in Germantown:
Best Airbnbs in Germantown:
Faqs When Booking A Hotel In Athens
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Are hotels in Athens safe during the coronavirus crisis?
Hotels are safe environments for travelers as long as they properly implement sanitary measures in response to coronavirus . However, we recommend getting in touch with the local authorities regarding safety procedures for hotels in Athens. For more advice, please view our information page on what to know about coronavirus and travel.
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How much does a hotel cost in Athens?
KAYAK users have found double rooms in Athens for as cheap as $44 in the last 3 days. The average price is $98.
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How do I find a hotel in central Athens?
After you launch a hotel search on KAYAK, you can refine your research by neighborhood, which allows you to pick the central Athens districts. You can also do a search using the city map to choose a specific location, like Athens city center.
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How can I find hotels near me?
Take a look at our extensive hotel map to find the best hotels near you.
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Drink Gluhwein At The Christmas Village
European Christmas markets where you can sip warm gluhwein, chug down weissbier, and shop for handmade Christmas decorations are not really a thing in Athens. Hopefully, this will change in the future!
That said, the Hilton Athens has tried to fill this gap by hosting their very own Christmas Village. The Hilton Christmas Village is comprised of little festive shacks that sit outside the hotel grounds near Megaro Mousikis.
The market is free to attend and you dont have to be a hotel guest to stop by. You can find everything from festive treats like stollen and melomakarona, to local handicrafts, and traditional Greek products.
What Are The Popular Points Of Interest Near Where I Can Stay When Travelling To Athens
Vrbo Canada offers a large selection of lodging choices near lovely places in Athens. From Vrbo Canada travelers, the most popular points of interest to stay for a holiday trip or just for a weekend are:
- McMinn Field: 100 home rentals
- Tennessee Wesleyan College: 100 home rentals
- Veterans Memorial Park: 100 home rentals
- Regional Park: 85 home rentals
- Heritage Park: 97 home rentals
But there are many other points of interest around Athens listed on Vrbo Canada where you can find your place to stay. Please use our search bar to access the selection of vacation rentals available near the point of interest of your choice.
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Sobro For Country Music Fanatics
South of Broadway, SoBro is a micro-neighborhood within downtown its so unmissable that it deserves a mention on its own.
Follow in the footsteps of greats like Willie Nelson and Faron Young on Honky Tonk Highway, Nashvilles eclectic neon street of iconic bars and venues.
Don your cowboy hat and follow the ultimate pilgrimage of country music. Of all the Honky Tonks on Broadway, none are more famous or have as much history as Tootsies Orchid Lounge. The likes of Patsy Cline and Charley Pride honed their craft here.
As intimidating as it may seem, Honky Tonk Highway can be explored as a family. If you go earlier in the day either late morning or early afternoon, depending on opening times you can soak in the music at a relaxed pace without the crowds.
You could easily occupy your entire vacation without leaving the streets of SoBro at all. Visit the iconic Ryman Auditorium, known as the Mother Church of Country Music, or stop for a show at the outdoor music arena, the Ascend Amphitheater.
The Bridgestone Arena doubles as a concert venue and the home of a professional ice hockey team the NHLs Nashville Predators. You will also find the most popular museums in Nashville in this district.
The Johnny Cash Museum is within easy walking distance of the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum exploring the whole neighborhood on foot is perfect for pedestrians.
Best Hotels in SoBro:
Before You Travel To The United States
With specific exceptions, noncitizens who have been in certain countries during the past 14 days may not enter the United States, either as immigrants or nonimmigrants. For more information, visit Travelers Prohibited from Entry to the United States.
For information about COVID-19 requirements for land travel, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Securitys Fact Sheet: Guidance for Travelers to Enter the U.S. at Land Ports of Entry and Ferry Terminals.external icon
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Christmas In Athens : A Locals Guide To Enjoying The Festive Season
Christmas in Athens is not the most typical time to visit the Greek capital. However, it is also, one of the most magical.
Without meaning to paraphrase Andy Williams, Christmas in Athens is in factthe most wonderful time of the year! The city streets feel almost magical as they are illuminated with thousands of twinkling lights.
During this time, locals greet each other with cries of xronia polla, and the smell of warm homemade melomakarona cookies wafts through narrow Athenian alleyways. There are far fewer tourists here now as compared to summer in Greece so you really get a feel for what life in Athens is truly like.
Athens in winter may not sound like your usual choice. The Greek capital may not exude the same snow-covered fairytale vibe as other European capitals.
However, that is not to say that Christmas in Athens isnt magnificent. This is a huge religious holiday for the Greeks, and Athenians go all out with their decor and celebrations.
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Enjoy A Traditional Christmas Dinner
If you cannot picture spending your Christmas in Athens without a festive feast and all the trimmings then dont worry! There are several excellent restaurants in the city where you can enjoy a sumptuous roast chicken, served with gravy, veg, and all the Christmas goodies.
The best places worth checking out for your Christmas dinner are housed within many upscale Athens hotels. Check out the Tudor Hall restaurant at the King George Hotel, Orizontes at the foot of Lycabettus, and the restaurant at the Grande Bretagne Hotel in Syntagma.
If you know that you are going to spend your Christmas in Athens, try and reserve a table as early as you can because these places do become fully booked. If you are not successful in securing a place, rest assured that restaurants in Monastiraki and other central areas ARE open on Christmas day in Athens.
A souvlaki Christmas dinner with friends may be far from traditional but it will be one that you will remember for a lifetime. Alternatively, if you stay in self-catered accommodation, you can purchase everything you need to cook your own meals.
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Go Skiing At Parnassus
If you are a snow bunny , you can consider taking a day trip from Athens out to Mount Parnassus. In summer, Parnassus is one of the best places for hikes in Athens.
In the winter, this is one of Southern Greeces most popular ski resorts. You can reach Parnassus within just two hours drive from central Athens.
If you wish, you can stay overnight at a cosy mountain lodge. It is possible to rent ski gear and equipment, as well as take lessons at Parnassus.