Athens - Stay or Pass?

[fernweh]

Hey guys, I just booked one-way ticket from Oslo to Santorini to enjoy summer, and the way back I intend to spend few days in Budapest. I bought a rail pass, so literally can go wherever I want to since I haven't fixed my scheduled yet.

And Santorini to Budapest, of course I will have to take ferry to Athens. However, I just read the news about strikes, protests, unemployment, and homeless... really wonder about safety there.

Is there anyone who just experienced this city recently tell me about what is going on over there? Should I spend at least 2 days or just skip and take the train to Sofia, then Budapest?

 

[Major]

Traffic in Athens is a nightmare at the best of times but demos and protests make it even worse.
Having said that it is a city steeped in history and should not be missed.

Some tourist attractions may be closed because of the strikes. I have had to reschedule a visit to the Acropolis and been delayed for a couple of hours on a bus after one tour due to protests etc.

Tourists are generally safe if you stay away from protest areas

 

[JohnK]

The short answer is stay or you'll regret it.

 

[Cynicor]

Is it flaring up again or is the the same anti-austerity mob that's been going the last few years? I was there last June and it was fine, saw a heap of police etc but nothing untoward.

Really loved the place, the history and architecture/ruins are amazing.

 

[kpc]

I stayed in Athens for a week last October, and absolutely loved it! No strikes then...

 

[boomy]

I'm there on the 1st of June for a few days.
I will let you know if it's worth it or not

 

[fernweh]

I'm there on the 1st of June for a few days.
I will let you know if it's worth it or not

Thank you.

The reason why I asked because 3 years ago, I stayed in Paris near Montmartre and it was like a nightmare. strike in the morning and somewhat gas grenades were thrown and my tears kept flowing out for half an hour. later my iphone was stolen right at the station....

I'm aware of how historically beautiful Athens is, but I want to stay safe

 

[Mark3000]

I would definitely spend at least a day or two, the Parthenon is breathtaking

 

[boomy]

Thank you.

The reason why I asked because 3 years ago, I stayed in Paris near Montmartre and it was like a nightmare. strike in the morning and somewhat gas grenades were thrown and my tears kept flowing out for half an hour. later my iphone was stolen right at the station....

I'm aware of how historically beautiful Athens is, but I want to stay safe

Sorry to hear about your misfortune in Paris, sounds like a total nightmare.
I will be in Paris tomorrow for the day, hope to have a better experience to share

 

[Alanslegal]

Definitely worthwhile to spend a night or even two there.

 

[Bofter]

Was there for a couple of nights two weeks ago, worth it and no protests despite elections (albeit local and European not national).

The traffic wasn't as bad as I feared, even drove straight into the middle of the city after landing as my first introduction to Greece and no great dramas. I wouldn't recommend that however unless you had a reason, in our case to start a road trip a couple of days later.