Let’s say you are tired of souvenir shops, fancying an alternative perspective of Athens. You are in a shopping mood while being curious to see how real life is in the capital of sovereign debt crisis. Follow our “Culture and shopping promenade” route and you ‘ll have a totally different story to tell your dinner mates back on the ship.
At Monastiraki station change from metro line 3 to metro line 1, direction Agios Antonios. Get off at the next station, Syntagma, the very heart of the Greek capital facing the country’s House of Parliament.
Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias
1.Head north on Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias toward Georgiou Protou 86 m
2.Continue onto Leoforos Eleftheriou Venizelou/Panepistimiou
Before you turn at Voukourestiou and cross the traffic light, you may opt for the Attica Department Store. Inside, you will find some of the most famous brands of clothing. 130 m
3.Turn right at Voukourestiou
Having crossed Panepistimiou, you will reach the pedestrian zone of Voukourestiou, the Bond Street or else La Via dei Condotti of Athens. Prada, Bulgari and other luxurious shops are situated in both sides of this street. In the first crossing of this pedestrian zone, you will see Valaoritou Street full of cafeterias. This is the meeting point of the political, artistic and business elite. Not exactly a cheap place to enjoy your coffee, but full of style and arrogance. 400 m
4. Turn right at Tsakalof
The shopping district of Kolonaki. Clothing, antiques and gift shops. 260 m
5. Turn right at Plateia Filikis Etaireias
The central square of Kolonaki. Lazy rich people spending their time in cafes.10 m
6. Slight right to stay on Plateia Filikis Etaireias 68 m
7. Turn left to stay on Plateia Filikis Etaireias 58 m
8. Continue onto Koumpari
On your right hand lies the building of Benaki Museum, the largest cultural institution of Greece. Check the exhibition schedule of Koumpari building in case you have an appetite for modern or classical art. http://www.benaki.gr 110 m
9. Continue onto Irodou Attikou
This is one of the most expensive streets of Greece. Guess why! Here lye both the residence of the President of Democracy and the Prime minister. Several official meetings take place often, so you will notice they are heavily guarded. 650 m
10. Turn right at Ardittou
This white marbled stadium is the Kallimarmaron where the first modern Olympic Games held in 1896. Nowadays it serves as the finishing point of the Classical Marathon of Athens. 110 m
 |
| ''Kallimarmaron ancient stadium'' |
11. Slight right at Pros Leoforo Vasilissis Olgas
At your right hand, you will see the Zappeion and the National Gardens. You can step inside to enjoy a coffee break in “Aigli cafe”, near the neoclassical building. 85 m
12. Continue onto Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas 450 m
13. Turn right at Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias 150 m
14. Turn left at Filellinon 350 m
15. Continue onto Plateia Syntagmatos 74 m
16. Turn left at Ermou
No comments:
Post a Comment