UEFA Super Cup - Seville (N) | Wed 16th Aug - 20:00 | Pre-Match Thread (pg112)

[Pelegrinni]

All top advice, blues, all of which I have in my own trip itinerary as such.

The hotel I booked does not have area description on its address. It just says Veranzerou 26 Athens.
Is this a street or an area?

 

[CarlosTevez'sEnglishTutor]

Cheers, yes in centre, looks about half way between stadium and the front.Checked hotel reviews and all good re the area along with convenience.

Been to Athens before but was 30 odd years ago & now understand they have a big problem with ilegals and crime so will be on my guard.

You'll be fine mate. Other than the odd Roma thief, you'll have no issues in Piraeus. It's more the social side of things why I'm recommending the central areas I have, more accommodating for tourists who want a beer etc. Piraeus is a working class area with a bit less going on despite the game taking place here. The locals look at you like you're from Mars round there whereas Monastiraki are used to tourists i.e less chance of trouble with locals or gung-ho police.

 

[CarlosTevez'sEnglishTutor]

The hotel I booked does not have area description on its address. It just says Veranzerou 26 Athens.
Is this a street or an area?

That's the street and block number mate. You are in the Omonia area unfortunately, so I'd look at cancelling if there is the option to. As I've said earlier, streetwise blues should have no issues here and there are some very affordable boutique hotels in this area, but I've seen it with my own eyes. The police are out in numbers in this area and tooled up to the teeth but this area in particular is a melting pot for undesirables and unvetted people should we say.

 

[Pelegrinni]

That's the street and block number mate. You are in the Omonia area unfortunately, so I'd look at cancelling if there is the option to. As I've said earlier, streetwise blues should have no issues here and there are some very affordable boutique hotels in this area, but I've seen it with my own eyes. The police are out in numbers in this area and tooled up to the teeth but this area in particular is a melting pot for undesirables and unvetted people should we say.

Great thanks.

 

[Mcfc1.9.8.0]

Here is a more extensive post for blues looking at digs and other recommendations, I had put this initially in the ticket & travel forum. For reference, I'm a Brit heading over but have family in Athens.

Plaka and Kolonaki are the best areas to stay if you want a central location. This is near the Akropolis and ancient ruins, so you are almost guaranteed good views from the room and close walk to the Metro and main shopping streets etc.

Central areas to avoid staying in are Omonia, Exarcheia and Biktoria. Especially at night but even during the day it is risky as a tourist. Main Metro stops are located in these areas but there is a lot of illegal immigrants, poverty and petty crime here (the brothels will be here but please be vigilant and go in groups, blues). Be wary of pickpocketing anywhere though, it is pretty common.

There is a good cocktail bar with a roof terrace called 360, this is within the Monastiraki area which is like their Parliament area with Government buildings. The best gyros you will find anywhere in the world is served in this Monastaraki area, it's where it originates from and there are loads of eateries to choose from in this area for the most authentic Greek cuisine you will find anywhere.

Thiseio is a good area near Monastiraki with a lot of history. Good for evening food and great views of the Akropolis at night.

Bournazi Square is a nice area of connected streets with good modern eateries also. It's around 5km north of the city center but accessible via the Metro.

There is a nice shopping mall called ‘The Mall Athens’. This is in Marousi and can be accessed directly via the Metro. Marousi is a very affluent area, I’d say the equivalent of Chelsea or Kensington in UK. The Main Olympic Stadium is located here which is probably worth a visit (where the dippers played Milan in 2007).

From experience, the beaches aren’t great in Athens compared to the islands but there is a nice costal area called Glyfada that I’d recommend for a day out if you're in Athens for several days.

Piraeus is the port town where the ships and cruises come into. If you go here, you can take regular boat trips out to pretty much any island in Greece. A local island which you could perhaps do for a day trip is Aegina. Other good places are Paros and Naxos but would require overnight stays due to travel time.

Good marina areas of Piraeus are Mikrolimano and Pasalimani, next to the water with bars and restaurants. Almost guaranteed English speakers in this area of town due to the proximity of the port. The Karaiskakis Stadium where Olympiacos play is near here and where our game is also being played for the Super Cup Final.

For those wanting to catch a game or view other stadia, Panathinaikos play at Apostolos Nikolaidis Stadium which is more centrally located. AEK Athens is the third big team in Athens and they play at the brand new Opap Arena in the north of the city. Note this is where Rep of Ireland recently played against Greece. I believe the Greek league fixtures begin on 19th August but it's TBC. As Kerem said with Turkey, things are done a bit last minute in Greece.

Athens is a good city but be vigilant, watch your pockets and respect the local norms. The piss ups we had on Nevizade Street etc in Istanbul or as you see on Greek island resorts really aren't the done thing and will likely attract unwanted attention off heavy-handed police and potentially local ultras, unfortunately. Most Athenians won't even know the game is on, it can be quite an insular city and they see themselves as Greece, with even Greek islanders etc seen as second class citizens there. Don't expect local business owners to be fawning over us like was the case by and large in Istanbul.

Last point, don't be afraid to stay further out of the center. The Metro system is very good in Athens, all signs are in English and it is almost an around the clock service. Any queries now or closer to the game, please feel free to ask. I'm no expert but have family members and friends who are. Plenty of blues went bull in a china shop in Istanbul and got fleeced or put at risk in shitty areas, I'd like to help avoid that this time around in any way I can. Thanks.

19-25 Parthenonos, 117-42, Athens this is where I am seems to be I that Plaka area you mentioned. What’s the transport Fromm there to the stadium like presume it’s handy enough

 

[WestGorton]

I can't afford to go, so should I call it a boycott......

 

[berryblue]

The hotel I booked does not have area description on its address. It just says Veranzerou 26 Athens.
Is this a street or an area?

It's a street in the Omonia District of Athens. Put the street name in Google maps, it will take you to it.

 

[Gundoggin]

Any locals giving me the eye and shit can fuck off , just sayin CTID :)

 

[burnley blue mcfc]

You'll be fine mate. Other than the odd Roma thief, you'll have no issues in Piraeus. It's more the social side of things why I'm recommending the central areas I have, more accommodating for tourists who want a beer etc. Piraeus is a working class area with a bit less going on despite the game taking place here. The locals look at you like you're from Mars round there whereas Monastiraki are used to tourists i.e less chance of trouble with locals or gung-ho police.

I’m in Zakynthos the week of the game, any idea how much a flight to Athens would cost?

 

[jrb]

The hotel I booked does not have area description on its address. It just says Veranzerou 26 Athens.
Is this a street or an area?

Use Google.

Why do people ask questions on City forums when Google has every answer to their questions they need.

That aside. Before booking a hotel or an apartment do some homework about it and the area that it's located in.