When we first visited Athens in 1993, we were a bit disappointed because of the hectic atmosphere, the traffic and more run down areas. However, these problems are typical of all large cities.
We would now recommend a couple of days in Athens; it has many historical sites and other attractions as well as areas full of character with many shopping facilities.

Athens

• Keramaikos (incl. museum)
• Roman Agora
• 1^st Cemetry
• Lykavittos Hill
• Anafiotika
• Psiri (esp. at night)

For more details about these places look at the complete Athensguide of Matt Barrett

Map of Athens

Amazon hotel

Handy when you have to take the bus to Athens National Airport (in Spata).
The airport shuttle (E095) leaves from Syntagma square (Av. Amalias) and costs only 2.9 Eur.
Its proximity to Syntagma and its central location is a good reason to look for a hotel in this neighbourhood.
We had to pay 65 Eur incl. breakfast, which in most cases is of low/mediocre quality.
Nevertheless we must admit that this is a very reasonable price for a medium class hotel in the centre of Athens.
http://www.amazonhotel.gr/

Each time we are in Athens we try another hotel.
So far we’ve stayed at: Hermes (1993), Cecil (2000), Arethousa (2001), Amazon (2002).

Links to Athens accommodation

http://greece-athens-hotels.com/index.htm
http://www.greek-tourism.gr/
http://www.greekhotel.com/athens/home.htm
http://www.hotelsofgreece.com/
http://www.greekislands.com/athens/hotels.htm
http://www.newtravelage.com/europe/greece/central-greece.htm

To Psiri (Athens-Psiri)

This restaurant is one of many in this district where it’s a pleasure to walk around. There is a lot of atmosphere and most visitors are Greeks.

http://psirri.gr/taverna_psirri/en/

Rodakio (Athens-Psiri)

On the Plateia Iroon; most tables are inside (an inconvenience when the weather is fine). The lively music provided by a 3-piece band drew our attention (esp. the female voice). The food was very nice (a lot of choice) and the prices were reasonable.

http://psirri.gr/rodakio/en/

Aerides (Athens)

Near the Roman Agora. A lovely quiet place for lunch, next to the Tower of the Winds. A little more expensive than other places but the food was good.

Acropolis (Athens)

In the Plaka area. This is the third time we went there. The lively music and the airy location with a lot of shade is one of the reasons why we go back. The service and food are good.

Links to restaurants of Athens

http://www.athensguide.com/restau.html
http://psiri.gr/english/

Links to Athens

http://www.aia.gr/en/index.shtm (national airport)
http://www.physics.ntua.gr/delphi2001/Ven.html#E94 (airport connections)
http://www.athensguide.com/ (Matt Barrett)
http://psiri.gr/english/