Athens - 2 Nights
October 7- Arrive Athens
October 8
Enjoy a full day exploring Athens
Consider Parthenon, Plaka, etc.
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!
October 7- Arrive Athens
October 8
Enjoy a full day exploring Athens
Consider Parthenon, Plaka, etc.
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!
October 9 - 05:00 PM Embark for your Cruise on Norwegian Jade
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!
October 10 - 06:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Kusadasi, Turkey
Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, among several other ancient remnants.
October 11 - 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Istanbul, Turkey
There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this centre of the Ottoman empire has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. Explore more of Istanbul on a European cruise!
October 12 - 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Volos, Greece
Step into the bustling city of Volos, one of Greece's largest cities and top tourist destinations. Located at the northern end of the Pagasitikos Gulf, this city embodies living like a local to the fullest. From riveting archaeological sites, to historical and mesmerizing museums, to shopping on Ermou Street and learning about its mythical background, you'll leave Volos feeling like a true Greek. And for all the foodies at heart, indulge in mouthwatering recipes originating from the Pelion mountain villages. These are just a few of the things that will make you glad you stopped by Volos.
October 13 - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM (Tender Port)
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. Explore more of Mykonos on a European cruise!
October 14 - 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Rhodes, Greece
This Greek island just off the coast of Turkey exudes beauty and history. Take a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master's Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes, a onetime Wonder of the World, once stood and savour the charm of this remarkable walled town. Along the scenic coast lies the whitewashed town of Lindos with its ancient acropolis and stunning views.
October 15 - 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM (Tender Port)
Santorini, Greece
Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island's charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis.
October 16 - 06:00 AM Disembark
Athens (Piraeus), Greece
This is the cradle of civilization, the oldest city in Europe. Not only is this city home to the Acropolis and some of the most important architectural structures and archaeological finds in the Western world, It is also a very modern city, an urban amalgam of extraordinary art, culture, cuisine and shopping. Explore more of Athens on a European cruise!
October 10 - 06:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Kusadasi, Turkey
Take a journey into the past in richly historic Ephesus. Once an ancient Greek city, Kusadasi was known for the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Built, destroyed, and rebuilt again through several notably historical periods, Ephesus boasts abounding ruins and archaeological excavation sites. View what remains of the Roman Library of Celsus, the Gate of Augustus, the Tomb of John the Apostle, and the Basilica of St. John, among several other ancient remnants.
October 11 - 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Istanbul, Turkey
There's a new aura of excitement in Istanbul these days, as this centre of the Ottoman empire has become one the world's focal points for art, fashion, haute cuisine and nightlife. Of course there's always an abundance of ancient monuments and grand mosques with stunning frescoes to see here, like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. Head to any park and you'll see why tulips have long been the symbol of this city. Explore more of Istanbul on a European cruise!
October 12 - 12:00 PM - 09:00 PM
Volos, Greece
Step into the bustling city of Volos, one of Greece's largest cities and top tourist destinations. Located at the northern end of the Pagasitikos Gulf, this city embodies living like a local to the fullest. From riveting archaeological sites, to historical and mesmerizing museums, to shopping on Ermou Street and learning about its mythical background, you'll leave Volos feeling like a true Greek. And for all the foodies at heart, indulge in mouthwatering recipes originating from the Pelion mountain villages. These are just a few of the things that will make you glad you stopped by Volos.
October 13 - 08:00 AM - 07:00 PM (Tender Port)
Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos is a classic Greek Island with whitewashed houses, blue-domed churches and windmills. Add a reputation for beautiful beaches and you'll understand why Mykonos is the most popular island in the Cyclades. Explore the island in a 4 x 4 or take a ferry to the tiny island of Delos. Explore more of Mykonos on a European cruise!
October 14 - 07:00 AM - 06:00 PM
Rhodes, Greece
This Greek island just off the coast of Turkey exudes beauty and history. Take a walking tour of the old fortified city and stand in awe of the impressive Grand Master's Palace. See where the Colossus of Rhodes, a onetime Wonder of the World, once stood and savour the charm of this remarkable walled town. Along the scenic coast lies the whitewashed town of Lindos with its ancient acropolis and stunning views.
October 15 - 08:00 AM - 09:30 PM (Tender Port)
Santorini, Greece
Whitewashed villages clinging to the sides of the sea cliffs have made the volcanic island of Santorini one of the most widely photographed places in the world. The island's charm and subtle mystery have even made it a target of speculation as the location of the lost city of Atlantis.
October 16 - 06:00 AM Disembark
Paris - 5 nights
October 16 - Arrive in Paris
Take in the splendor of the landscape as your driver takes you to your hotel. When you arrive in Paris, drop off your bags at your hotel and start exploring. Spend the afternoon discovering the magic of the City of Light.
October 17 - Free day to explore on your own
Consider visiting the Louvre.
October 18 - Palace of Versailles Visit (everyone, but Nikki)
Visit the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence. The Palace of Versailles, whose origins date back to the seventeenth century, was successively a hunting lodge, a seat of power and, from the nineteenth century, a museum. With the gardens and the Palaces of Trianon, the park of the Château de Versailles spreads over 800 hectares.
Don't forget to taste all the yummy food Paris has to offer. Here are some recommendations.
Cafe Angelina is a must visit for their pastries and hot chocolate.
Creperie Genia
This is if you want to spend a little more money and have a fancy meal. The beef bourguignon is outrageous and their desserts are great as well.
October 19 - Explore Paris + Dinner Cruise
48-HOUR HOP-ON-HOP-OFF BUS AND ENTRANCE TO OVER 60 ATTACTIONS
Gain admission to more than 60 top Paris attractions with the Paris Pass—a flexible sightseeing pass that lets you access the best the French capital has to offer, such as the Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy entrance to Parisian showstoppers like the Louvre Museum, and Centre Pompidou. The hop-on-hop-off bus makes it easy to get to all the most popular attractions.
October 20 - Last full day in Paris
Free day to explore on your own and get your final looks at the City of Lights.
October 21 - Depart from Paris
Today you will be met and transferred from your hotel to the airport. The landscape may disappear as you take off, but your experiences will always loom large within you.
October 16 - Arrive in Paris
Take in the splendor of the landscape as your driver takes you to your hotel. When you arrive in Paris, drop off your bags at your hotel and start exploring. Spend the afternoon discovering the magic of the City of Light.
October 17 - Free day to explore on your own
Consider visiting the Louvre.
October 18 - Palace of Versailles Visit (everyone, but Nikki)
Visit the Palace of Versailles, a former royal residence. The Palace of Versailles, whose origins date back to the seventeenth century, was successively a hunting lodge, a seat of power and, from the nineteenth century, a museum. With the gardens and the Palaces of Trianon, the park of the Château de Versailles spreads over 800 hectares.
Don't forget to taste all the yummy food Paris has to offer. Here are some recommendations.
Cafe Angelina is a must visit for their pastries and hot chocolate.
Creperie Genia
- euf champions fromange (egg cheese and mushrooms)
- Nutella
- Great for lunch
- Steak au poivre or confit de canard (duck confit) and fries
- Gratin de fromboises for dessert
- Rice pudding (Caller rise au lait)
This is if you want to spend a little more money and have a fancy meal. The beef bourguignon is outrageous and their desserts are great as well.
October 19 - Explore Paris + Dinner Cruise
48-HOUR HOP-ON-HOP-OFF BUS AND ENTRANCE TO OVER 60 ATTACTIONS
Gain admission to more than 60 top Paris attractions with the Paris Pass—a flexible sightseeing pass that lets you access the best the French capital has to offer, such as the Palace of Versailles and Arc de Triomphe. Enjoy entrance to Parisian showstoppers like the Louvre Museum, and Centre Pompidou. The hop-on-hop-off bus makes it easy to get to all the most popular attractions.
October 20 - Last full day in Paris
Free day to explore on your own and get your final looks at the City of Lights.
October 21 - Depart from Paris
Today you will be met and transferred from your hotel to the airport. The landscape may disappear as you take off, but your experiences will always loom large within you.
Oct-7 | Athens Airport (ATH) to Athens Gate Hotel
- Hellenic Transfer Club will pick up your group
- If it's taking longer than usual at the airport, contact the transfer service so they don't think you're a no-show
- If dialing within Greece, dial 22910 781 06
- I've provided them with your flight information to pick you upon arrival
- Driver will meet you outside baggage claims with a sign
- This same transfer service will take you to the cruise port in a couple of days. Re-confirm your transfer details with them before they drop you off at the hotel.
Oct-9 | Athens Gate Hotel to Cruise Ship Port
- Hellenic Transfer Club will pick up your group
- It's the same transfer service that picked you up at the airport. Ask the hotel to call them the night before to re-confirm your transfer service. Their number is 22910 781 06.
- They will pick you up at Athens Gate Hotel at 11am.
Oct-16 | Cruise Port to Athens Airport (ATH)
- Your transfers are booked with the Norwegian Cruise Lines. They will shuttle you to the airport.
- I have provided them with your flight information. They understand your flight to Paris departs at 1:10pm.
- Re-confirm your transfer details with Guest Relations the day you board the ship
Oct-16 | Paris Airport (CDG) to Crowne Plaza Paris Republique
- Chabe Limousines Transfers will pick you up at CDG
- I have provided them with your flight details. They understand you will land at 3:40pm
- Driver will meet you outside baggage claim holding a sign with your name on it.
- The same transfer service will take you back to the airport when you leave Paris. Confirm your transfer details before they drop you off at the hotel.
Oct-21 | Crowne Plaza Paris Republique to Paris Airport (CDG)
- Chabe Limousines Transfers will handle your transfer.
- They will pick you up at Crowne Plaza Paris Republique. They understand your flights depart starting at 9:15am.
Athens Gate Hotel
Athens
Check in: October 7
Check out: October 9
Address: Athens 117 42, Greece
Tel. +30 21 0923 8302
About this Property:
In the historical district, Athens Gate Hotel is in Athens City Centre, a neighborhood in Athens with good shopping. Acropolis Museum and Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Panathenaic Stadium or Peace and Friendship Stadium. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails and other activities like segway rentals/tours.
Athens
Check in: October 7
Check out: October 9
Address: Athens 117 42, Greece
Tel. +30 21 0923 8302
About this Property:
In the historical district, Athens Gate Hotel is in Athens City Centre, a neighborhood in Athens with good shopping. Acropolis Museum and Museum of the Center for the Acropolis Studies are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Temple of Olympian Zeus and Arch of Hadrian. Looking to enjoy an event or a game while in town? See what's happening at Panathenaic Stadium or Peace and Friendship Stadium. Take an opportunity to explore the area for outdoor excitement like hiking/biking trails and other activities like segway rentals/tours.
Crowne Plaza Paris Republique, an IHG Hotel (or Airbnb)
Paris
Check in: October 16
Check out: October 21
Address: 10 Pl. de la République, 75011 Paris, France
Tel. +33 1 43 14 43 50
About this Property:
In the city center, Crowne Plaza Paris Republique, an IHG Hotel is in Paris City Center, a neighborhood in Paris with great shopping. Palais Garnier and Louvre Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Place des Vosges and Notre-Dame. La Machine du Moulin Rouge and City of Science and Industry are not to be missed. Guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Republique Station is just steps away and Temple Station is 4 minutes by foot.
Paris
Check in: October 16
Check out: October 21
Address: 10 Pl. de la République, 75011 Paris, France
Tel. +33 1 43 14 43 50
About this Property:
In the city center, Crowne Plaza Paris Republique, an IHG Hotel is in Paris City Center, a neighborhood in Paris with great shopping. Palais Garnier and Louvre Museum are cultural highlights, and some of the area's notable landmarks include Place des Vosges and Notre-Dame. La Machine du Moulin Rouge and City of Science and Industry are not to be missed. Guests appreciate the hotel's convenience to public transportation: Republique Station is just steps away and Temple Station is 4 minutes by foot.
Overview of Greece
Greece is a country in Southern Europe, on the southernmost tip of the Balkan peninsula, with extensive coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It shares borders in the north with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. It has an ancient culture that has had a significant influence on the arts, language, philosophy, politics, and sports of western society, including the genres of comedy and drama, western alphabets, Platonic ideals and the Socratic method, democracies and republics, and the Olympics. Furthermore it's a geographically appealing place to visit, with a mountainous mainland and idyllic island beaches.
Greece is also one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, ranking in the world's top 20 countries. According to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the nation received about 34 million visitors in 2019, a very large number for a small country of 11 million. Visitors are drawn to the country's beaches and reliable sunny summer weather, its nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty.
Must See
Cultural Heritage
World famous are the iconic Parthenon in the bustling capital Athens and the splendid site of Delphi, where the mighty emperors sought the prophecies of the most prominent oracle in the ancient Greek world. There's the temple of Apollo at Bassae and the gorgeous old city of Rhodes, once overlooked by the Colossus of Rhodes. The archaeological site of Olympia is the birthplace of our modern Olympic Games and the place from where the Olympic flame is sent across the world.
Click here for more Must See Places
Islands
When it comes to Greece's famously gorgeous islands, it's hard to take your pick out of the 6000 options you have, 227 of them being inhabited. Their rocky coast lines, sandy beaches, charming villages, sheltered bays and many yacht harbours make them extremely popular among all kinds of travellers. The large island of Crete is a highly popular tourist destination, with landscapes varying from great sandy palm beaches to snow-covered high peaks and stunning river gorges and a good deal of night life in its main tourist towns. If you're looking to party at night, lovely Mykonos or Ios are good options too. The volcanic island of Santorini is one of the most romantic picks and offers some spectacular views. Its whitewashed capital of Fira is dramatically situated on the edge of a 400m high cliff, overlooking a beautiful blue lagoon. Other popular ones are Lesbos, Paros, Lefkada and Kos. The National Marine Park on Zakynthos is the primary nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The rugged, green hills and valleys of Kefalonia boast a number of vineyards, and the island's cliffs and beautiful beaches make it a tourist hotspot. For a slightly more authentic and less touristy experience, try Syros, Amorgos, Thasos or any of the other small and less developed islands.
Must Buy
Money
Greece has the euro (€) as its sole currency along with 24 other countries that use this common European money.
Currency Exchanges
are common particularly in larger cities and any heavily visited area. In addition to hard currency, they also accept traveller's cheques. There are also automated currency exchange machines in some areas of the country, particularly at the Athens airport. Most banks will also exchange euros for some currencies -such as the US dollar and pound sterling - often times at better rates than currency exchanges. Banks' commission fees for these exchanges are usually structured so that it's more economical to change larger sums than smaller. Usually, only the larger, international-standard hotels will exchange money for their guests.
As of this writing, branches of the Greek bank Alphabank will exchange US$ American Express traveller's cheques into euros at their usual bank rates without fee or commission, which can result in a significant savings. They also cash Euro American Express traveller's cheques without charge.
When changing money in large amounts at a bank or currency exchange, it's a good idea to ask for mostly smaller notes, and nothing larger than a €50. Many businesses are reluctant to accept notes of larger than €50, partly because of a scarcity of change, partly because larger notes have a history of being counterfeited.
You may get better exchange rates by using credit and ATM cards. MasterCard, Visa, and Eurocard are widely accepted across the country in retail stores, hotels, and travel/transportation agencies (including ferry, airline, and car rental agencies), but are not accepted at some restaurants. Local souvenir shops usually require a minimum purchase before allowing you to use your card and may not accept it for special sales or deeply discounted items. ATM machines are present almost everywhere, with MasterCard/Cirrus and Visa/Plus being the most widely accepted cards. Many ATM machines may not accept 5-digit pin numbers; ATM card-users with 5-digit pins are advised to change their pin to 4 digits before leaving home. As of 2021, most ATM machines charge a fee (usually 4 EUR, in addition to your bank's fees) for cash withdrawals.
Bargaining
Except for minor exceptions (like the Athens Monastiraki district and most street vendors) most Greeks consider bargaining an oriental coarseness, thus attempting one will likely be ineffective and considered impolite. Even if bargaining is accepted, you should generally not expect a discount of more than 10%. However, you may manage to buy most things with a 15-20% discount if you ask the shopowner for "no receipt", but obviously this will never work for chain stores.
Greece is a country in Southern Europe, on the southernmost tip of the Balkan peninsula, with extensive coastlines and islands in the Aegean, Ionian, and Mediterranean Seas. It shares borders in the north with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, and Turkey. It has an ancient culture that has had a significant influence on the arts, language, philosophy, politics, and sports of western society, including the genres of comedy and drama, western alphabets, Platonic ideals and the Socratic method, democracies and republics, and the Olympics. Furthermore it's a geographically appealing place to visit, with a mountainous mainland and idyllic island beaches.
Greece is also one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, ranking in the world's top 20 countries. According to the Greek Ministry of Tourism, the nation received about 34 million visitors in 2019, a very large number for a small country of 11 million. Visitors are drawn to the country's beaches and reliable sunny summer weather, its nightlife, historical sites and natural beauty.
Must See
Cultural Heritage
World famous are the iconic Parthenon in the bustling capital Athens and the splendid site of Delphi, where the mighty emperors sought the prophecies of the most prominent oracle in the ancient Greek world. There's the temple of Apollo at Bassae and the gorgeous old city of Rhodes, once overlooked by the Colossus of Rhodes. The archaeological site of Olympia is the birthplace of our modern Olympic Games and the place from where the Olympic flame is sent across the world.
Click here for more Must See Places
Islands
When it comes to Greece's famously gorgeous islands, it's hard to take your pick out of the 6000 options you have, 227 of them being inhabited. Their rocky coast lines, sandy beaches, charming villages, sheltered bays and many yacht harbours make them extremely popular among all kinds of travellers. The large island of Crete is a highly popular tourist destination, with landscapes varying from great sandy palm beaches to snow-covered high peaks and stunning river gorges and a good deal of night life in its main tourist towns. If you're looking to party at night, lovely Mykonos or Ios are good options too. The volcanic island of Santorini is one of the most romantic picks and offers some spectacular views. Its whitewashed capital of Fira is dramatically situated on the edge of a 400m high cliff, overlooking a beautiful blue lagoon. Other popular ones are Lesbos, Paros, Lefkada and Kos. The National Marine Park on Zakynthos is the primary nesting ground for loggerhead sea turtles in the Mediterranean. The rugged, green hills and valleys of Kefalonia boast a number of vineyards, and the island's cliffs and beautiful beaches make it a tourist hotspot. For a slightly more authentic and less touristy experience, try Syros, Amorgos, Thasos or any of the other small and less developed islands.
Must Buy
Money
Greece has the euro (€) as its sole currency along with 24 other countries that use this common European money.
Currency Exchanges
are common particularly in larger cities and any heavily visited area. In addition to hard currency, they also accept traveller's cheques. There are also automated currency exchange machines in some areas of the country, particularly at the Athens airport. Most banks will also exchange euros for some currencies -such as the US dollar and pound sterling - often times at better rates than currency exchanges. Banks' commission fees for these exchanges are usually structured so that it's more economical to change larger sums than smaller. Usually, only the larger, international-standard hotels will exchange money for their guests.
As of this writing, branches of the Greek bank Alphabank will exchange US$ American Express traveller's cheques into euros at their usual bank rates without fee or commission, which can result in a significant savings. They also cash Euro American Express traveller's cheques without charge.
When changing money in large amounts at a bank or currency exchange, it's a good idea to ask for mostly smaller notes, and nothing larger than a €50. Many businesses are reluctant to accept notes of larger than €50, partly because of a scarcity of change, partly because larger notes have a history of being counterfeited.
You may get better exchange rates by using credit and ATM cards. MasterCard, Visa, and Eurocard are widely accepted across the country in retail stores, hotels, and travel/transportation agencies (including ferry, airline, and car rental agencies), but are not accepted at some restaurants. Local souvenir shops usually require a minimum purchase before allowing you to use your card and may not accept it for special sales or deeply discounted items. ATM machines are present almost everywhere, with MasterCard/Cirrus and Visa/Plus being the most widely accepted cards. Many ATM machines may not accept 5-digit pin numbers; ATM card-users with 5-digit pins are advised to change their pin to 4 digits before leaving home. As of 2021, most ATM machines charge a fee (usually 4 EUR, in addition to your bank's fees) for cash withdrawals.
Bargaining
Except for minor exceptions (like the Athens Monastiraki district and most street vendors) most Greeks consider bargaining an oriental coarseness, thus attempting one will likely be ineffective and considered impolite. Even if bargaining is accepted, you should generally not expect a discount of more than 10%. However, you may manage to buy most things with a 15-20% discount if you ask the shopowner for "no receipt", but obviously this will never work for chain stores.
Overview of Athens
Athens is the capital city of Greece with a registered metropolitan population of 3.7 million inhabitants, but indeed there are 5 million people estimated. It is in many ways the birthplace of Classical Greece and a large part of Western civilization. The design of the city is marked by Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman civilizations. Today, greater Athens is by far the economic, political and cultural center of modern Greece, with nearly half of the country's population.
The sprawling city is bounded on three sides by Mt Ymettos, Mt Parnitha and Mt Pendeli; whilst inside Athens are twelve hills [the seven historical ones are: Acropolis, Areopagus, Hill of Philopappus, Observatory Hill (Muses Hill), Pnyx, Lykavittos (Lycabettus), Tourkovounia (Anchesmus)], the Acropolis and Lykavittos being the most prominent. These hills provide a refuge from the noise and commotion of the crowded city streets, offering amazing views down to Saronic Gulf, Athens' boundary with the Aegean Sea on its southern side. The streets of Athens (clearly signposted in Greek and English) now meld imperceptibly into Piraeus, the city's ancient (and still bustling) port.
Places of interest to travelers can be found within a relatively small area surrounding the city centre at Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos). This epicentre is surrounded by the districts of the Plaka to the south, Monastiraki and Thissio to the west, Kolonaki to the northeast and Omonia to the northwest.
Click here for more information about the Districts
Must See
Landmarks
Museums and Galleries
Parks
Must Do
Must Buy
Must Eats
Recommended Restaurants
The Athens Gate Roof Top Restaurant
Address: The Athens Gate Hotel 10 Syngrou Ave, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 0923 8302
The Athens Gate Roof Top Restaurant, located on the 8th floor offers a world of gastronomic delights, a spectacular panoramic view, and a selection of the finest Greek Wines. Our distinguished Chef Evdokia Fylakouri serves up Greek cuisine, creating novel aromatic combinations of Greek and Mediterranean gastronomy and bringing new and traditional ideas to your table.
Arcadia Restaurant
Address: Makrigianni 23-27, Athina 117 42, Greece
Tel. +30 21 0923 8124
The menu is based on specialties of Greek gastronomy and recipes from the region of Arcadia. Quality ingredients and knowledge of Greek cuisine compose a rich and delicious menu that will satisfy the appetite of even the most demanding customers. Try juicy and cooked roasts of the day. Fricassee goat, cabbage stuffing, traditional soups and other delicious homemade recipes that stand out. Of course, high quality moussaka, souvlaki, dolmadas, round pork or chicken are also offered, as well as many recipes for vegetarians.
SENSE Rooftop Restaurant
Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 5 On The 7th Floor Of The Hotel, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 0920 0240
Seasonal, locally sourced delicacies offered in an upscale rooftop eatery in the AthensWas hotel.
Balcony Restaurant & Bar
Address: Veikou 1, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 1411 8437
Contemporary Greek cuisine served in a chic, minimalist space with outdoor seating.
Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant
Address: Makrygianni Street 21, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 0921 9994
Authentic Greek Traditional Cuisine, pure ingredients, combined with knowledge, taste, and passion guarantee the inspired recipes that awaken one’s senses. Enjoy the harmony of the finest wine and food pairings in Athens!
Athens is the capital city of Greece with a registered metropolitan population of 3.7 million inhabitants, but indeed there are 5 million people estimated. It is in many ways the birthplace of Classical Greece and a large part of Western civilization. The design of the city is marked by Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman civilizations. Today, greater Athens is by far the economic, political and cultural center of modern Greece, with nearly half of the country's population.
The sprawling city is bounded on three sides by Mt Ymettos, Mt Parnitha and Mt Pendeli; whilst inside Athens are twelve hills [the seven historical ones are: Acropolis, Areopagus, Hill of Philopappus, Observatory Hill (Muses Hill), Pnyx, Lykavittos (Lycabettus), Tourkovounia (Anchesmus)], the Acropolis and Lykavittos being the most prominent. These hills provide a refuge from the noise and commotion of the crowded city streets, offering amazing views down to Saronic Gulf, Athens' boundary with the Aegean Sea on its southern side. The streets of Athens (clearly signposted in Greek and English) now meld imperceptibly into Piraeus, the city's ancient (and still bustling) port.
Places of interest to travelers can be found within a relatively small area surrounding the city centre at Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos). This epicentre is surrounded by the districts of the Plaka to the south, Monastiraki and Thissio to the west, Kolonaki to the northeast and Omonia to the northwest.
Click here for more information about the Districts
Must See
- For the best views of Athens, head to the top of Lykavittos Hill. You can either walk from Kolonaki or you can take the funicular railway (€5 one way/€7 return) from the top of Ploutarchou Street in Kolonaki. Either way, be sure to wear flat shoes, and bring lots of water in the summer! From the top you can see the whole city, the port of Piraeus and, on a clear day, the island of Aegina and the Peloponnese. Have a drink at the cafe there, and pay a visit to the chapel of St George.
- If you're lucky enough to be in Athens for the Easter Weekend, you'll see the spectacular sight of hundreds of people making their candlelit way down the hill on Easter Saturday night as part of the Easter Vigil procession.
- There is a ticket available at relevant sites that give admission to the most popular sites such as the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus for €30. If you're a student, almost all admission costs are halved; but the cards are properly looked at and one out-of-date won't pass. This ticket is good for five days, but re-entry is not allowed.
- Athens Open Top Bus Tour - If you wish to dedicate your sightseeing efforts to the centre of Athens then the standalone Athens Open Tour is just the ticket. This hop-on hop-off service provides unlimited, excellent value transport around the Greek capital's essential landmarks and attractions.
Landmarks
- The Acropolis - a Unesco World Heritage, was the ancient fortified town of Athens, dating back to the Late Bronze Age, and the site of the best buildings of the Greek Classical age: the Parthenon, the Erectheion, the Temple of Athena Nike. Acropolis dominates the Athenian sky and symbolizes the foundation of modern culture and civilization. As the most famous landmark of entire Greece, Acropolis is the eternal symbol of democracy, education and inspiration.
- The Ancient Agora - The site of the Ancient Agora in a very green space and a very beautiful view of the Acropolis. You will see the Temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved ancient Greek temple, the Attalos Stoa, the museum of the agora which is a reconstructed ancient building. From the agora you can walk towards Acropolis. Extension of the agora is the Roman Forum.
- Syntagma Square - Check out the Parliament building and the newly-restored Grande Bretagne Hotel. Also, catch the changing of the guards in front of the Parliament every hour on the hour. Their uniforms and walking style is fun to see but make sure you don't stand on the wrong side of them if you want to take a picture. If you accidentally do so, they will knock their gun and, as they are not allowed to speak, someone else from the guard will kindly ask you to change position.
- The Kerameikos - The site of the ancient cemetery of Athens. It also houses the Dipylon Gate, where the Panathenaic procession would begin. It has a museum showcasing many of the grave stele and other archaeological items found on the grounds.
- The Temple of Olympian Zeus - Only the ruins remain today. The column that has fallen and can still be seen on pieces was brought down during a thunderstorm about a century ago.
- Panathinaiko Stadium - The stadium that housed the first modern day Olympic Games of 1896. Its an enormous, white, marble stadium, with a horseshoe configuration stadium.
- Lycabettus Hill - A 200m hill bordering the Kolonaki district. You can reach the top by walking or by a funicular railway [7 euro]. There is a cafe-restaurant with a great view of Athens towards the sea. From halfway up looking towards the sea there are astonishing views of the Parthenon with the blue of the sea glimpsed between its columns.
Museums and Galleries
- National Archaeological Museum
- New Acropolis Museum
- The National Art Gallery - located at Michalakopoulou Street, close to Evangelismos metro station and is one of Greece's main art institutions and features paintings and works of art from some of Greece's and Europe's best from the 19th and 20th centuries.
- The City of Athens Technopolis - an industrial museum of incomparable architecture - among the most interesting in the world, has been transformed into a multipurpose cultural space. The centre has assisted in the upgrading of a historic Athens district and the creation of yet another positive element in Athens' cultural identity. Technopolis is located at Peiraios Avenue & Persefonis Street, right next to the Kerameikos metro station (line 3).
Parks
- Parnitha National Park - has well-marked paths, gorges, springs, torrents and caves do the protected area.
- The National Garden of Athens - is a peaceful and beautiful park in the centre of Athens, where visitors can enjoy their walk and spend hours of relaxation. The Garden encloses luxuriant vegetation, plenty of flowers, some ancient ruins, two duck ponds and a tiny zoo, consisting of some parrots, ducks, geese, chicken, bunnies and goats. In addition, there is a children’s playground and a café as well.
- The Landmark Dionysiou Aeropagitou Street - has been pedestrianised, forming a scenic route. The route starts from the Temple of Olympian Zeus at Vasilissis Olgas Avenue, continues under the southern slopes of the Acropolis near Plaka, and finishes just beyond the Temple of Hephaestus in Thiseio. The route in its entirety provides visitors with views of the Parthenon and the Agora (the meeting point of ancient Athenians), away from the busy city centre.The hills of Athens provide also green space.
- Lycabettus, Philopappos hill and the area around it including Pnyx and Ardettos hill - are all planted with pines and other trees and they are more like small forests than typical urban parks.
Must Do
- Attend the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which runs from May to October (all summer long) and includes a wide array of events. There will be many musical, drama, and cultural activities, and you should not miss seeing a performance in the ancient theater located in Epidaurus.
- Relax on the more than 20 beaches of Attica.
- Watch a Greek basketball game.
- Visit the Panatheniac Stadium in Athens.
- See the National Garden, a public park that covers 38 acres in central Athens, just behind the Greek Parliament Building.
- Volunteer at the Sea Turtle Rescue Society Archelon in Glyfada, in south Athens dictrict.
- Take a helicopter tour of Athens to get a panoramic view of such sights as the Stadium, the Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Port of Piraeus.
- Take off from Athens on a ferry cruise of the Greek islands.
- Take the Athens Sunset Free Walking Tour
Must Buy
- Malls and Department Stores -While Athens has fewer shopping malls and large department stores than most other big cities, there are still a sufficient number. Some of the most famous establishments include: Athens Heart, a four-level mall containing 80 branded stores; Athens Metro Mall, with 90 stores carrying all major brands, 18 places to eat, five theaters, a supermarket, a bank, and a play area; and Attica, which is considered by many to be the most fashionable place to shop in the city.
- Plaka - an area of Athens with an overabundance of souvenir shops, numerous vendors selling wares out in the street, and occasional street performers. It's a popular gathering place at night, and there is a great diversity of goods sold along the streets, which are lined with one specialty shop right after the other.
- Kolonaki - the most renowned of all Athens' shopping areas. It has many "chic" outlets selling top brands, upscale coffee shops, expensive boutiques, and fur coats and gloves on display in its Syntagma Square. There are also some bargains on ceramic, clay or bronze handicrafts and a number of good stops where you can sample Greek "luxury food." You can also schedule an appointment with the fashion designer Christoforos Kotentos if you want to buy designer clothing.
- The Ermou Walkway - a street open only to pedestrians that is lined with shops on both sides. There are many branded clothes for sale, especially women's clothes, and the price is generally lower than in Kolonaki.
- The Monastiraki Flea Market - in Monastiraki Square nearby the subway station. It is open every day, but Sunday is the day it gets especially crowded with bargain hunters. It's an open-air market that sells valuable antiques, unique souvenirs, and all manner of goods at all price levels. You can actually haggle over the price here without seeming rude, and the sheer size of the flea market means you can explore it for hours on end.
- Street Vendors - in any part of town, but especially in Plaka and Monastiraki. Beware of forgeries, but there are also legitimate goods to be found. If the vendor seems to disappear whenever a policeman walks by, take that as a clue. There is no legality issue, however, with those selling fruits, nuts, and produce out of street carts.
Must Eats
- Moussaka - an eggplant- or potato-based dish, often including ground meat, which is common in the Balkans and the Middle East, with many local and regional variations.
- Souvlaki - is a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer. It is usually eaten straight off the skewer while still hot. It can be served with or inside of a rolled pita, typically with lemon, sauces, vegetables such as sliced tomato and onion, and fried potatoes as a side. The meat usually used in Greece and Cyprus is pork, although chicken, beef, and lamb may also be used there and elsewhere.
- Spanakopita - is a Greek savory spinach pie.[1] It often also contains cheese, typically feta, and may then be called spanakotiropita, especially in northern Greece. In southern Greece, the term spanakopita is also common for the versions with cheese. A version without cheese and eggs is eaten during religious fasts throughout Greece.
Recommended Restaurants
The Athens Gate Roof Top Restaurant
Address: The Athens Gate Hotel 10 Syngrou Ave, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 0923 8302
The Athens Gate Roof Top Restaurant, located on the 8th floor offers a world of gastronomic delights, a spectacular panoramic view, and a selection of the finest Greek Wines. Our distinguished Chef Evdokia Fylakouri serves up Greek cuisine, creating novel aromatic combinations of Greek and Mediterranean gastronomy and bringing new and traditional ideas to your table.
Arcadia Restaurant
Address: Makrigianni 23-27, Athina 117 42, Greece
Tel. +30 21 0923 8124
The menu is based on specialties of Greek gastronomy and recipes from the region of Arcadia. Quality ingredients and knowledge of Greek cuisine compose a rich and delicious menu that will satisfy the appetite of even the most demanding customers. Try juicy and cooked roasts of the day. Fricassee goat, cabbage stuffing, traditional soups and other delicious homemade recipes that stand out. Of course, high quality moussaka, souvlaki, dolmadas, round pork or chicken are also offered, as well as many recipes for vegetarians.
SENSE Rooftop Restaurant
Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 5 On The 7th Floor Of The Hotel, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 0920 0240
Seasonal, locally sourced delicacies offered in an upscale rooftop eatery in the AthensWas hotel.
Balcony Restaurant & Bar
Address: Veikou 1, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 1411 8437
Contemporary Greek cuisine served in a chic, minimalist space with outdoor seating.
Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant
Address: Makrygianni Street 21, Athens 11742 Greece
Tel. +30 21 0921 9994
Authentic Greek Traditional Cuisine, pure ingredients, combined with knowledge, taste, and passion guarantee the inspired recipes that awaken one’s senses. Enjoy the harmony of the finest wine and food pairings in Athens!
Overview of France
France, officially the French Republic (French: République Française), is a country with which almost every traveller has a relationship. Many dream of its joie de vivre shown by the countless restaurants, picturesque villages and world-famous gastronomy. Some come to follow the trail of France's great philosophers, writers and artists, or to immerse in the beautiful language it gave the world. And others still are drawn to the country's geographical diversity with its long coastlines, massive mountain ranges and breathtaking farmland vistas.
France in many ways is not just a country but a way of life. It has given the world its culture, its cuisine, its fashions and so much more. It has produced many influential artists, thinkers and scientists, and remains a prominent global centre of all things cultural. It possesses world-class art galleries and outstanding museums; it offers everything architecturally from ancient Roman sites to Renaissance Chateaux; its cuisine is legendary as is its wines and liqueurs. The sights, sounds and ambience are all there to devour on a France vacation.
France, officially the French Republic (French: République Française), is a country with which almost every traveller has a relationship. Many dream of its joie de vivre shown by the countless restaurants, picturesque villages and world-famous gastronomy. Some come to follow the trail of France's great philosophers, writers and artists, or to immerse in the beautiful language it gave the world. And others still are drawn to the country's geographical diversity with its long coastlines, massive mountain ranges and breathtaking farmland vistas.
France in many ways is not just a country but a way of life. It has given the world its culture, its cuisine, its fashions and so much more. It has produced many influential artists, thinkers and scientists, and remains a prominent global centre of all things cultural. It possesses world-class art galleries and outstanding museums; it offers everything architecturally from ancient Roman sites to Renaissance Chateaux; its cuisine is legendary as is its wines and liqueurs. The sights, sounds and ambience are all there to devour on a France vacation.
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Overview of Paris
Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is one of Europe's largest cities, with 2.2 million people living in the dense, central city and almost 12 million people living in the whole metropolitan area. Located in the north of France on the river Seine, Paris has the well deserved reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) and Capital of Fashion, it is home to the world's finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, etc. A large part of the city, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has the second highest number of Michelin restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) and contains numerous iconic landmarks, such as the world's most visited tourist site the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, and Lido, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world with 45 million tourists annually.
Paris is known as the “City of Light”. The origin of this name comes from the Middle Ages which was the period of enlightenment. It is also known as the Capital of Fashion, which is no surprise when one thinks of all those famous French designers. This beautiful and romantic city, in many respects, resembles an outdoor museum with its attractive and elegant architecture and wide boulevards. Paris is made up of 20 districts called Arrondissements, each one giving a different perspective to the city. The meandering River Seine dissects the city and adds enormously to the character and beauty of travel to Paris.
Paris’s principal boulevard is the elegant Champs-Élyées which cuts through the centre of the city with the iconic Arc de Triomphe located at one end and the Place de La Concorde at the other. Paris boasts several beautiful parks such as the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes, the two most extensive ones. In the centre of the city are three smaller but charming parks, the Tuileries which border onto the Louvre, the Jardin du Luxembourg on the left bank and the delightful if small Place des Vosges surrounded by lovely houses and cafes, all to be enjoyed on Paris tours.
Click here for more information about Paris
Must Eats
Croissant - A croissant is a buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry of Austrian origin, but mostly associated with France. Croissants are named for their historical crescent shape and, like other viennoiseries, are made of a layered yeast-leavened dough
Beef bourguignon - Beef bourguignon or bœuf bourguignon, also called beef Burgundy, and bœuf à la Bourguignonne, is a beef stew braised in red wine, often red Burgundy, and beef stock, typically flavored with carrots, onions, garlic, and a bouquet garni, and garnished with pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon
Cheese - Stop by a local fromagerie (cheese shop) to taste some cheese and bring back to your hotel with a nice bottle of wine.
Food and Shopping
Two excellent reasons to enjoy Paris have nothing to do with its popular tourist attractions. Enjoying a taste of Parisian culinary prowess is a must whether it is just sitting at an outside café watching the world go by with coffee and a croissant, or enjoying a meal at one of the vast number of quality restaurants that abound here. Excellent shopping opportunities can also be found not only in big Paris department stores such as the Galerie Lafayette, but in the many boutique shops that can be found everywhere on Paris tours.
Other popular dishes include:
Crepes - A crêpe or crepe is a type of very thin pancake. Crêpes are usually of two types: sweet crêpes and savoury galettes. Crêpes are served with a variety of fillings, from the simplest with only sugar to flambéed crêpes Suzette or elaborate savoury galettes
Bouillabaisse - Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew originating in the port city of Marseille. The French and English form bouillabaisse comes from the Provençal Occitan word bolhabaissa, a compound that consists of the two verbs bolhir and abaissar.
Souffle - A soufflé is a baked egg-based dish originating in France in the early eighteenth century. Combined with various other ingredients it can be served as a savory main dish or sweetened as a dessert
Drink
The bar scene in Paris really does have something for everyone, from bars which serve drinks in baby bottles to ultra luxe clubs that require some name dropping or card (black Amex) showing, and clubs where you can dance like no one's watching (although they will be). To start your night out right, grab a drink or two in an ubiquitous dive bar before burning up the dance floor and spreading some cash at one of the trendy clubs.
Of course there are lots of interesting places which are sort of off on their own outside of these clusters, including a few like the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz which are not to be missed in a serious roundup of Parisian drinking, so check out the listings even in those arrondissements we haven't mentioned above.
Click here for Matt's recommended places to eat, shop, and visit (but mostly eat).
Overview of Paris
Paris, the cosmopolitan capital of France, is one of Europe's largest cities, with 2.2 million people living in the dense, central city and almost 12 million people living in the whole metropolitan area. Located in the north of France on the river Seine, Paris has the well deserved reputation of being the most beautiful and romantic of all cities, brimming with historic associations and remaining vastly influential in the realms of culture, art, fashion, food and design. Dubbed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) and Capital of Fashion, it is home to the world's finest and most luxurious fashion designers and cosmetics, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint-Laurent, Guerlain, Lancôme, L'Oréal, Clarins, etc. A large part of the city, including the River Seine, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city has the second highest number of Michelin restaurants in the world (after Tokyo) and contains numerous iconic landmarks, such as the world's most visited tourist site the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Louvre Museum, Moulin Rouge, and Lido, making it the most popular tourist destination in the world with 45 million tourists annually.
Paris is known as the “City of Light”. The origin of this name comes from the Middle Ages which was the period of enlightenment. It is also known as the Capital of Fashion, which is no surprise when one thinks of all those famous French designers. This beautiful and romantic city, in many respects, resembles an outdoor museum with its attractive and elegant architecture and wide boulevards. Paris is made up of 20 districts called Arrondissements, each one giving a different perspective to the city. The meandering River Seine dissects the city and adds enormously to the character and beauty of travel to Paris.
Paris’s principal boulevard is the elegant Champs-Élyées which cuts through the centre of the city with the iconic Arc de Triomphe located at one end and the Place de La Concorde at the other. Paris boasts several beautiful parks such as the Bois de Boulogne and the Bois de Vincennes, the two most extensive ones. In the centre of the city are three smaller but charming parks, the Tuileries which border onto the Louvre, the Jardin du Luxembourg on the left bank and the delightful if small Place des Vosges surrounded by lovely houses and cafes, all to be enjoyed on Paris tours.
Click here for more information about Paris
Must Eats
Croissant - A croissant is a buttery, flaky, viennoiserie pastry of Austrian origin, but mostly associated with France. Croissants are named for their historical crescent shape and, like other viennoiseries, are made of a layered yeast-leavened dough
Beef bourguignon - Beef bourguignon or bœuf bourguignon, also called beef Burgundy, and bœuf à la Bourguignonne, is a beef stew braised in red wine, often red Burgundy, and beef stock, typically flavored with carrots, onions, garlic, and a bouquet garni, and garnished with pearl onions, mushrooms, and bacon
Cheese - Stop by a local fromagerie (cheese shop) to taste some cheese and bring back to your hotel with a nice bottle of wine.
Food and Shopping
Two excellent reasons to enjoy Paris have nothing to do with its popular tourist attractions. Enjoying a taste of Parisian culinary prowess is a must whether it is just sitting at an outside café watching the world go by with coffee and a croissant, or enjoying a meal at one of the vast number of quality restaurants that abound here. Excellent shopping opportunities can also be found not only in big Paris department stores such as the Galerie Lafayette, but in the many boutique shops that can be found everywhere on Paris tours.
Other popular dishes include:
Crepes - A crêpe or crepe is a type of very thin pancake. Crêpes are usually of two types: sweet crêpes and savoury galettes. Crêpes are served with a variety of fillings, from the simplest with only sugar to flambéed crêpes Suzette or elaborate savoury galettes
Bouillabaisse - Bouillabaisse is a traditional Provençal fish stew originating in the port city of Marseille. The French and English form bouillabaisse comes from the Provençal Occitan word bolhabaissa, a compound that consists of the two verbs bolhir and abaissar.
Souffle - A soufflé is a baked egg-based dish originating in France in the early eighteenth century. Combined with various other ingredients it can be served as a savory main dish or sweetened as a dessert
Drink
The bar scene in Paris really does have something for everyone, from bars which serve drinks in baby bottles to ultra luxe clubs that require some name dropping or card (black Amex) showing, and clubs where you can dance like no one's watching (although they will be). To start your night out right, grab a drink or two in an ubiquitous dive bar before burning up the dance floor and spreading some cash at one of the trendy clubs.
- Canal St Martin. Many cozy cafés and other drinking establishments abound around the Canal St Martin in the 10th.
- The Marais. The Marais has a large number of trendier new bars mostly in the 4th and to a lesser extent the 3rd with a few old charmers tossed into the mix. A number of bars and restaurants in the Marais have a decidedly gay crowd, but are usually perfectly friendly to straights as well. Some seem to be more specifically aimed at up-and-coming hetero singles.
- Bastille. There is a very active nightlife zone just to the northeast of Place de Bastille centred around rue de Lappe, rue de la Roquette, rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine (especially the amazing Club Barrio Latino) and rue de Charonne in the 11th. Many of the bars closest to Bastille have either a North, Central, or South American theme, with a couple of Aussie places mixed in for good measure, and as you continue up rue de Charonne the cafés have more of a traditionally French but grungy feeling.
- Quartier Latin - Odeon. If you're looking for the nouvelle vague (new wave) style, student and intellectual atmosphere of Paris in the 60s and 70s, you'll find a lot of that (and more hip + chique) places in the quartier Latin and between place Odeon and the Seine. The neighborhood is also home of many small artsy cinemas showing non-mainstream films and classics (check 'Pariscope' or 'l'officiel du spectacle' at any newspaper stand for the weekly programme).
- Rue Mouffetard and environs. The area in the 5th on the south side of the hill topped by the Panthéon has a little bit of everything for the nighthawk, from the classy cafés of Place de la Contrescarpe to an Irish-American dive bar just down the way to a hip, nearly hidden jazz café at the bottom of the hill.
- Châtelet. In some ways the Marais starts here in the 1st between Les Halles and Hôtel de Ville but with between all of the tourists and the venerable Jazz clubs on rue des Lombards the area deserves some special attention.
- Montmartre. You'll find any number of cozy cafés and other drinking establishments all around the Butte Montmartre in the 18th, especially check out rue des Abbesses near the Métro station of the same name.
- Oberkampf-Ménilmontant. If you are wondering where to find the hipsters (bobos for bohemian-bourgeois), then this is where to look. There are several clusters of grungy-hip bars all along rue Oberkampf in the 11th, and stretching well into the 20th up the hill on rue de Ménilmontant. It's almost like being in San Francisco's Haight-Fillmore district.
- Bagnolet. There are a cluster of bar/restaurant/nightclubs along the southern end of the Père Lachaise cemetery in the 20th including probably the best place in Paris for nightly local and touring punk rock.
- Rues des Dames-Batignolles. Another good place to find the grungy-chic crowd is the northern end of the 17th around rue des Dames and rue des Batignolles, and if you decide you want something a little different Montmartre is just around the corner.
- Port de Tolbiac. This previously deserted stretch of the river Seine in the 13th was re-born as a hub for nightlife (and Sunday-afternoon-life) a few years ago when an electronic music cooperative opened the Batofar. Nowadays there are a number of boats moored along the same quai, including a boat with a Caribbean theme, and one with an Indian restaurant.
- Saint Germain des Prés. This area has two of the most famous cafés in the world: Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, both catering to the tourists and the snobs who can afford their high prices. This part of the 6th is where the Parisian café scene really started, and there still are hundreds of places to pull up to a table, order a glass, and discuss Sartre deep into the evening.
Of course there are lots of interesting places which are sort of off on their own outside of these clusters, including a few like the Hemingway Bar at the Ritz which are not to be missed in a serious roundup of Parisian drinking, so check out the listings even in those arrondissements we haven't mentioned above.
Click here for Matt's recommended places to eat, shop, and visit (but mostly eat).
