Hey everyone,

I'll be in Athens on a business trip next week. It'll be my first time there. My company's office is in Maroussi and the hotel I'll be staying is in Kifissia. I understand this is in the suburbs. Is there a lot to do there & is it pedestrian friendly? Also, how easy/hard is it to get to downtown?

I'll only have evenings + Saturday morning as my free time, what would you recommend I do to get the most out of my trip?

Thanks! :)

The nothern suburbs are pretty nice with tons to do (shopping, entertaiment centres etc) It all depends really on what you enjoy doing. I would think most people visiting Athens for the first time would like to see the historical areas. I am assuming this is the case? On your day off (try it in the morning before it gets to hot :) ) you can go see the Acropolis, tour the area, walk the nice streets of the Plaka, they have little places to eat everywhere and coffee shops to relax...

(examples:

http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1292/aplaka2mq.jpg - http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/9035/aplaka11lc.jpg - http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/8137/cimg00883lk.jpg - http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/1327/cimg00827zp.jpg - http://img296.imageshack.us/img296/2743/acimg09030td.jpg )


Also if partying is your thing (I don't think you seem the type + you will be working ;) ) there is tons for that also. It all depends on what specifically you enjoy doing. I'm sure some of the other guys will have tons of things to say. :)

And getting to downtom is very easy:

Take line 1 (green line) from Kifissia straight down to the centre.


Hope you have a good time. :cheers:

http://users.panafonet.gr/georxen/metro/metro-map.jpg

As far as modernism is concerned, watch the itinerary from Athens AIrport to Kifissia, which is through the Attiki Odos (Attica Road) - Kifissias Avenue. Also, watch the buildings acrooss Kifissias Avenue, which is the main road connecting the centre of Athens with the suburb of Kifissia. Along this road you will see many modern structures reminiscent of Buyukdere Avenue. Unfortunately, no skyscrapers except for a couple of them.

If you want to read more about Kifissias Avenue, just take some time to to visit the thread about Kifissias Avenue (http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=187184&page=1&pp=20) from george_ts and many contributions from others with many many many pics at ground level. take some timew to see them all, you will not be disappointed :):):):)

Also, take some time to visit one of the seaside beaches of Athens where, besides the expensive tickets, you will have a good time. In places like Phaleron , you may be reminded of the seaside of Izmir. Worth a visit.

And... what can I say, have a good time... and welcome to our country :):):)

Thanks guys! I do want to visit the historic districts. I'm guessing the guys at the office will take me out to dinner or something, plus I'll try to get up early Saturday morning and catch the metro to downtown and back to the hotel in time to get back to the airport.

I do like to party, so I'll try to make it to some clubs as well. Any recommendations?

gm, it would be awesome to make it to some seaside parts but I may not have time. I will try my best to make it, though.

Thanks for your tips, they're much appreciated. I'll take some pictures from around town and post them, too :)

Some quick tips (historic routes not included ;) ):

-Walk around kifissia, from downtown (train station) up to "kefalari" square. Plenty of shops, bars, restaurants and cafes and lots of beautiful people.

-When in Maroussi, spend a few hours to visit the Olympic Complex (Irini station)

-When in downtown Athens, stop by Kolonaki in "Da Capo" cafe for a quick freddo capuccino and a salmon-avocado sandwich.

-Climp the Lycabettus hill to see Athens from above and to enjoy a coffee or a meal with the acropolis under your feet (note: too expensive up there)

-Be sure to visit the southern suburbs (Glyfada - Voula - Vouliagmeni). Numerous elite cafes with trendy people, fancy restaurants, very big market and many many beaches. "Asteras" Beach in Vouliagmeni, "Lagonissi Resort" Beach in Lagonissi, "Oceanis" beach in vouliagmeni are reccomended to visit (all organized beaches).

-Other organized beaches: "Apollonies Aktes" (Voula 1 - Voula 2), "Asteria" (Glyfada) "Chrysi Akti" (Alimos)

-With a car, do the route "Paraliaki" (coastal avenue) from Alimos or Glyfada to Varkiza

-Visit Piraeus for a fish at "Mikrolimano" area

-For clubbing: In summer most clubs are in the waterfront area by Posidonos avenue (coastal avenue or "paraliaki").

Recommended nightclubs: "Akrotiri" (Alimos - great atmosphere), "Balux" (Glyfada - house and r&b sessions) "Bocca" (Voula - tables 1 meter from the seashore) "Galea" (Voula, next to Bocca), "Venue" (Varkiza - house and guest djs there, every weekend has a guest, Dj Sasha and Tiesto was Friday and Saturday that passed)