'''Omonia Square''' (''Plateia Omonias'') is the center of Athens, and is composed of the actual square together with the surrounding streets, open areas and assemblage of grand buildings that include banks and offices. The neighboring area of '''Exarcheia''' (____?__________) to the north, dominated by the Athens Polytechnic and its famous band of anarchists, is a bohemian district with lots of bars and clubs visited by students, intellectuals and people who are into alternative culture.
Understand
Get in
Omonia Square is an important transport hub, especially for buses.
By metro
Omonia is served by Line 1 going from Kifissia to the port of Pireaus, as well as Line 2.
By taxi
Adjacent to the Omonoia Square is a taxi waiting area. Taxis line up and work on "first comes first goes" basis
Get around
See
The only true great attraction of Omonia is the National Archaeological Museum in its traditional sense but the area near Omonoia is buzzing with life. A mixture of all cultures can be found there. It is not advisable for foreigners (or even locals) to wander around at night, but during the day the whole area is a feast for the eyes.
Monuments
'''National Theater''' [http://www.n-t.gr/], Agiou Konstantinou 22. A low but imposing building erected between 1882 and 1890 by architect Ernst Ziller in the eclectic style of that age, commissioned by King George I.
Museums and galleries
'''Athens Art Gallery''' (Pinakothiki), On Pireos n__ 51, near the Koumoundourou public square, tel. ''+30'' 210 3231841. Timetable: Monday - Friday 9AM to 1PM and from 5PM to 9PM. Paintings of Greek painters of the half XX century are displayed.
'''National Archaeological Museum of Athens''' [http://odysseus.culture.gr/h/1/eh151.jsp?obj_id=3249] - This is the largest and most popular of Athens' many museums, and is usually very crowded. Its vast collection includes treasures unearthed from Mycenae by Heinrich Schliemann; a staggering array of sculpture including the earliest known Greek figurines dating from around 2,000 BC; frescoes from the volcanic island of Santorini; as well as remains of Antikythera mechanism, the oldest known mechanical computer; and so much more that it is recommended visitors make several visits to absorb it all.
Do
Buy
Eat
Barba Yannis . Emmanouil Benaki 94. 10 33 00 185. Old fashioned simple taverna, popular with students and working people; seems to be always open.
Lefka . avromihali 121. 0 36 14 038. Some would put this place technically in Neapoli rather than Exarcheia. It's a traditional taverna with spacious outdoor seating that's been around forever. Closed Sundays.
'''Ideal''' (also spelled '''Inteal'''), Panepistimiou 46, tel. ''+30'' 210 3303000. A restaurant where local employees go during lunch break, therefore try to go before the closing of the offices.
'''Rosalia''', Valtetsiou 58, - Exarxeia, tel. ''+30'' 210 3302933. A tavern that serves simple plates in the purest Greek tradition.
'''Yantes''', Valtetsiou 44 - Exarxeia, tel. ''+30'' 210 3301369. A tavern with a garden. It serves biological dishes.
Drink
The '''Plateia Exarcheia''' square and nearby streets like '''Solomou''' have lots of clubs and bars. You don't have to be a left-leaning student to feel welcome.
Taximi. nr. Harilaou Trikoupi and Isavron. 210-363-9919.
Rebetiki Istoria. 81 Ippokratous. 10 2587455. One of best rebetica clubs, often open in summer when most others are closed.
Sleep
Budget
'''Hostel Aphrodite''', corner of 12 Einardou Street & Michail Voda 65, Tel: +30 210 8810589[http://www.hostelaphrodite.com/]. Low-budget backpackers' hangout not too far from Larissa train station and Victoria Square, a bit north of the Omonia district. ?12 for a 6 bed dorm, ?14 for a 4 bed dorm, and more. Air conditioning ?3 extra per person.
Arta. ikitara St., a few steps north-east from Omonia . 35 for a double with ensuite; possible to negotiate discounts. ttp://www.artahotel.gr/.
Hotel Elite Athens. 3 Pireos str Athens. 30 210 32 25 891. Located 10 minutes away Monastiraki; simple, decorated rooms with air conditioning and television. There is also a bar and coffee shop on the ground floor.
Mid-range
Hotel City Plaza. harnon street 78, Athens. +30 210 32 25 891. This 3 star hotel is situated north of Omonia and the National Museum, near the business and commercial district and offers 125 rooms with modern amenities and facilities. Rooftop garden with views of the Acropolis.
'''Elysium''' (BestWestern chain) [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=77557] elysium_hotel@yahoo.gr. Cheap-and-chic boutique hotel, 16 rooms. For those needing official booking confirmation for arrangement of visa, the only way is to book via the BestWestern official website.
'''Zinon''' (BestWestern chain) [http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwestern/productInfo.do?propertyCode=77521] Decent choice when everything else booked in advance: huge and impersonal hotel; quite old building with recently refurbished interiors and western management results in low rates and a good service. But it's Omonia--don't plan to leave your room in evenings, it's quite dirty and the only Russians-run food outlets are nearby. Travellers mix: majority are elder, retired people (and families) from US / Canada / Australia.Internet connection is declared to work for every room. WiFi is good strength but ''very'' unstable. LAN outlet is in every room--but not supported, according to reception (and not tried). Single ?60, double ?80 (breakfast included). For those needing official booking confirmation for arrangement of visa, the hotel itself can't provide it--you can only print email confirmation of booking from BW chain's global web site.
Splurge
Park Hotel. 0 Alexandras Ave, Athens 10682. 030 210 8894500. 5 star hotel offering high speed internet access and express mail, late check out and foreign currency exchange.
Stay safe
Omonia is notorious for pickpockets and prostitutes, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Get out