What's ur opinion about athens-greece?

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tim w

athens- an aggressive, greedy city with an undercurrent of violence. However, do not be worried: people shout much more than they say they will do, but it is still intimidating. If you want a real taste of Greece, go to the south, Mystra, or the Mani, even Nafplion- or visit an island. Aegina is close or Corfu. In the south there is still a genuine element of "philotimo" preserved, but you will search for it in vain in Athens.Incidentally, this is not a rage against cities- Athens was lovely in 1988- polluted and grey but charming otherwise. When I went back less than ten years' later, I found the place deeply changed. I lived there for 7 years despite that, and highly recommend some areas- esp Exarchia, but it is not an easy city. Depends of course what you want- for sun and sea, it is a misery, and for museums, it is not much better- overpriced and rude. If you want active Byzantine Churches, Athens is a paradise if you know where to look!!

Net

It makes me sad. I try to understand sometimes what went wrong. Why are all those block of flats stuck together, so jammed in a city with a few trees that's killing its people with polution.

I wish the capital of Greece was a more beautiful and open place that could remind to everybody the beauty and harmony of the Greek civilization.

emiliosailez

Although Athens vacillates between chaos and pandemonium (both Greek words by the way) it remains a lively, vibrant and exciting city.

M.C.

I agree with Tim, personally I do not like Athens, its a nightmare, traffic, pollution, noise...theft....
When I go there on business, it is in and out....and I try and stay near Voula, as I cannot stand the traffic....but in fairness the same can be said, about most capital cities of the world.

asimenia

I lived in Athens from 1989 - 1999 during those years I had the time of my life - it really takes some getting used to (as do all capital cities). I go back on business or to see friends about once every 2 months - again I really enjoy my time there. I admit like MC I usually avoid the centre - I stay on Parnatha (I find that much easier to get to than Glyfada/Voula - MC you should try that next time you are there on business).

Having lived in the pre-Attiki days (1 1/2hrs to get from Vrillisia to Ekali on public transport) - I think Athens has greatly improved with the construction of the Attiki Road. I think to truly love Athens you must know her really well - and also know where to head to avoid the pollution, hustle and bustle of the city centre.

I think one should visit Athens at least once in your life time! It's an experience. I will encourage my daughters to go there when they hit their late teens to experience independance and city life. I really had a great time - but definitly not a place to bring up children ..... and like other have said I suggest you head to Epirus to experience real Greek life!

vilgessuola

I'm English. I lived in central Athens (first Pangrati, then Kolonaki) from 1990 to 2002, and most of the time I loved it. It's a noisy, polluted madhouse but there is a vibrancy about it, and after Athens everywhere else seems tame and sleepy. I liked the availability of small bars and tavernas, the periptera open all hours, the sense of living and surviving in a foreign city on little money. I moved to a provincial seaside town after 2002 and I don't think I could now go back to Athens - I don't have the energy for it - but I am not sorry I spent 12 years there.

ejg411

Personally, I loved visiting Athens. I enjoyed it very much, the food, people, shopping, sites, navigation was easy, I would go back with my husband if we could get away but we just had a baby.

quinletc

Beautiful but crowded and polluted. See the big stuff and get out into other parts of Greece!

Frank B

To my humble opinion, Athens gets "real" only by night. Hidden violence, sex, rush and wild instincts are all in the air mixed up with peasants' complexes, "show off" attitudes, megalomanias, unfulfilled dreams and depression occasionally immersed into alcohol or apathy.

During day time, misery hits the air reminding the Greeks that present day Greece and even more Athens had to be re-invented from scratch only 200 years ago or even less. No one can stand the daylight. Like albinos that were suddenly exposed to unbearable sun light.

Sometimes I close my eyes and dream that was given the chance to change this city for good. And then I do all sorts of changes...in my dreams. Try it..

Voelven

Hectic and hot. A mix of ancient culture, dilapidated buildings and modern constructions.

It's not for me. I think it's nice to stay there for a weekend, but after that I start getting twitchy and claustrophobic, but then again...I'm not a city girl.

ester

Powerful city.......and beautiful!!!

italienne

It's absolutely beautiful.

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