Omonia Square

For the first part of my trip in Greece, I'm staying in the Best Western Hotel Zinon near Omonia Square (Πλατεία Ομονοίας).

Before I came here, I read some reviews and people have mixed opinions about this place, mostly because of the location of the hotel.

I arrived in the morning. Omonia Square is very very busy. The streets around are not clean and definitely look old. But I feel it's pretty safe. I was curious if it'll feel more sketchy at night, so I just took a walk from Zinon to Omonia Square, and then to another square nearby.


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It was a very short walk, but there were so many people and traffic outside! I actually like it, and I still don't think it feels dangerous.

Although, it is true that there are many people just hang out on the street. They aren't really drinking or anything. Most people who just stand on the street are guys, in groups or by themselves. I understand why people sit at the Omonia Square, because it's kind of nice just sit at a square and hang out.



But I'm surprised that many people just stand by the side of a narrow street and hang out with their friends. Maybe because the weather is nice? I wonder what it's like in winter here.

One other thing worth noting about Hotel Zinon is: I found it a little hard to find. I followed the direction on this website, but missed the turn on Keramikou and walked quite far on P. Tsaldari. (And actually, while I was lost, I saw lots of Chinese stores around this area. Maybe there's a China town nearby?)
If you're also walking to Zinon, it's the second slight right turn on P. Tsaldari street.

Overall, I think Omonia Square is a fine neighborhood, and definitely a happening place. I haven't seen much to do in terms of "tourist" activities. But it's not dangerous, and Hotel Zinon is at a good location too. (We'll see how the breakfast is tomorrow morning. :p)