{"id":856,"date":"2016-08-10T15:26:24","date_gmt":"2016-08-10T14:26:24","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.stuffbysofia.com\/blog\/?p=856"},"modified":"2016-08-10T16:35:06","modified_gmt":"2016-08-10T15:35:06","slug":"real-neighbourhoods-where-to-stay-in-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stuffbysofia.com\/blog\/2016\/08\/real-neighbourhoods-where-to-stay-in-athens\/","title":{"rendered":"Real neighbourhoods: Where to stay in Athens"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of my pet hates when I travel is not being able to find true, local and non touristy information about city neighbourhoods<\/strong>. Things like the vibe, the feel of the place as well as commuting info. The assumption that all travellers want to stay in the dead centre of a city irks me.<\/p>\n

I grew up in Athens, so here are some notes about neighbourhoods I know some things about. As always, this is my personal insight – please let me know of any other places I should add.<\/p>\n

If you decide to go, here is my constantly updated list of things to do (eat, drink, see) in Athens<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The basics<\/h2>\n

The vast majority of neighbourhoods in Athens combine residential with commercial and business activity. It’s relatively rare to find a spot in the city where you won’t also find a small shop and some coffee shops. The more outside the centre you go, the more residential everything gets.<\/p>\n

Even though Athens<\/strong> is really the centre and the whole region is called Attiki<\/strong> (i.e. inclusive of Piraeus and the suburbs) we tend to\u00a0use “Athens” to mean everything. Inaccurate but it happens.<\/p>\n

The city has an excellent Metro<\/strong> and Overground<\/strong> system which can definitely be relied on. Buses<\/strong> are not as reliable and it will be relatively tough to find information in English. If you are not adept at public transport systems in unknown cities always try to be close to a Metro or Overground station. Note that all Metro stations have wheelchair access. The Tram<\/strong> is excellent if you want relatively slow and picturesque – even if you don’t need to use it, at least one ride is recommended.<\/p>\n

A simply *great* alternative to public transport is using taxis<\/strong> with Taxibeat<\/a> (I really don’t recommend just flagging a taxi). Compared to other European capitals taxis are cheap and with Taxibeat you can be sure that you’ll get a great service. Just download the app. (Full disclosure,\u00a0a family member works there)<\/p>\n

Quickies<\/h2>\n

What are you looking for?<\/p>\n