The IFIP WG9.5 "Virtuality and Society" International Workshop on
Images of Virtuality: Conceptualizations and Applications in Everyday Life
April 23-24, 2009
Athens University of Economics and Business, Greece
tOurist information
In this section, you can find a few tips to make your trip and stay to Athens more comfortable and enjoyable.
Preparing your trip to Athens
Those of you that wish to make a combined visit to multiple European city destinations, either to attend multiple conferences, or for the sheer pleasure of it, we strongly advise you to book your entire trip at the point of departure. Additionally, please note that those of you coming from countries outside the EU should check out visa requirements related to your trip to Athens. You will find a list of Greek consular authorities abroad in the site of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Please make arrangements as early as possible regarding this matter. We can issue an invitation letter should you need one. Please contact the conference secretariat.
| TIME ZONE | Athens Daylight Saving Time is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). |
| LANGUAGE | The majority of Greeks speak some English. All of the hotel staff speaks English. |
ELECTRICITY |
Electrical voltage in Athens is 220 AC, 50 Hz. A transformer kit with a European round/ 2-prong plug is necessary if you intend to use any electrical appliances which are not compatible with this voltage. |
BANKS - CURRENCY
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Banks are open Monday to Friday 08:00 – 14:00. Greece's monetary unit is the Euro. No other currency is accepted and it is best to exchange dollars or other currency at a bank or at the airport. Exchanging money at a bank or official exchange shop will give you the best rate. Foreign currencies and traveller’s checks can be exchanged at all banks, exchange counters and most of the hotels. Major credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are located outside all banks and in the main shopping centers. |
MOBILE PHONES |
Greece uses the same GSM system as most EU countries, Asia and Australia. USA and Japan use a cellular phone system that is incompatible with Europe. To avoid roaming charges, mobile telephony companies in Greece, such as TIM, Vodafone and Cosmote, offer a-la-carte communuication services without fixed charges at very low prices. All kiosks, electronic and tourist shops sell phonecards for domestic and international calls. |
MEDICAL SERVICES/PHARMACIES
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Hospitals: Accident and emergency treatment is available 24 hours per day at duty hospitals (Tel: 106 for the hospital on duty or check the International Herald Tribune & in local news papers). |
CLOTHING AND WEATHER |
The climate in Athens is moderate throughout the year, although hot and dry in the summer and cold in winter, the temperatures are not extreme. Spring and Autumn are usually very wet.The average temprature in Athens during April is about 16 C. You can check the weather forecast for Athens in every major news agencies (i.e. BBC, SKY, CNN) It is recommended that you pack comfortable shoes and clothes you can layer. In general, we do not anticipate that ties or formal clothing for men or women will be needed, however, you may wish to pack one formal outfit for possible visits from dignitaries. |
POST OFFICES |
All post offices are open Monday to Friday 07:30 – 14:00 and closed weekends and holidays. A post office is located near the AUEB's Main Building. |
INTERNATIONAL NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINES |
If they are not available at the hotel, they may be purchased at the major kiosks located in the city’s central squares. |
| LOCAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION | General information on transportation may be obtained at: * www.oasa.gr (buses) * www.ethel.gr (buses) * www.ametro.gr (metro) * www.proastiakos.gr (suburban railway - only the Greek version is available) |
| TAXIS | Athens Radio Taxis TAXIS Costs |
| USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS | General information 11880, 11888, 11850 Police 100 Ambulance 166 Doctors SOS 1016 Pharmacies on duty 1434 Emergency hospitals 1434 Fire brigade 199 Poison hotline 210-7793777 |
| GENERAL INFORMATION ON ATHENS | General information for visitors on transportation, entertainment, doctors, travel, and many other services throughout Athens and Greece: telephone 11888 or 11880 or at http://www.cityofathens.gr |
Must See in Athens
The Acropolis
For thousands of years it has been the symbol of Athens, the sacred rock and the link that connects the magnificent ancient Greek civilization with modern times. Its monuments and history are rightly the pride and glory of Athens.
The Museum
Housing priceless antiquities, the museum is a good starting point from which to walk around the site. It will provide you with a greater understanding of the Acropolis' history and significance as the most important religious centre of the city of Athens and thereby enhance your enjoyment of the visit.Also check the full list of all museums in Athens here.
The National Gallery
The largest picture and portrait gallery in the country. The nucleus of its collection consists of 117 paintings. Make sure you see The Concert of the Angels by Dominikos Theotokopoulos and The Greek Rider by Delacroix.
Lycavittos Hill
A popular place with incurable romantics, Lycavittos is covered with sweet-smelling pine and cypress trees and offers amazing views of the Acropolis and across the entire city to the sea.
The Panathenaikon Stadium
A really impressive sight, built of white marble in the shape of a horseshoe. The first stadium to be built on this site, in 300 BC, was constructed of wood. Today's stadium seats 60,000 and was built between 1869 and 1870 for the first modern Olympic Games, held in 1896.
Must Do in Athens
Visit the Plaka Neighbourhood
Experience the sensation of having travelled back in time as you walk through the streets of Plaka. Athens’ oldest and most picturesque neighbourhood has been lovingly restored over recent years and visitors can now enjoy the colourful neo-classical villas, single storey houses, tavernas and cafes that line the narrow streets and alleyways.
Have Coffee in Kolonaki Square
To have spent a few hours eating, drinking and chatting in one of this square’s coffee shops is one of the prerequisites for trendy Athenians and foreign visitors alike. Kolonaki offers some of the best shopping in town.
Visit the Flea Market in Monastiraki (Avysinias Square)
This is the place where you can, quite literally, find everything from rare antique pieces of furniture to all kinds of second-hand objects.
Take a One-day Cruise to the Argosaronikos Islands
Fast and frequent hydrofoil services (flying dolphins) that depart from Pireaus prove you are only a stone’s throw away from some of these unique islands, full of history and natural beauty, such as Aegina, Poros Hydra and Spetses.
Athens Concert Hall
This is one of the most important centres of cultural interaction and development. Since opening, it has hosted some of the most significant symphonic orchestras and eminent international artists from the areas of music, ballet and theatre.
Don't Go Home Without
Tasting, or even taking home with you, some Greek virgin olive oil, a bottle of Greek wine and, of course, some ouzo!
Learn more about Greece and Athens online at:
http://www.athensguide.com/
http://www.gnto.gr
http://www.greekfestival.gr
http://www.culture.gr
http://www.hit360.com/english/
http://www.ellada.net/
Greek National Tourism Organization
2, Amerikis Street,
105 64 ATHENS, Greece
Tel.: +3010 3271300-2
Or, send an e-mail message to info@gnto.gr Opening hours: Daily 08:30 – 19:00