Athens

Greece

Athens is a city where ancient history meets vibrant modern life. Explore iconic archaeological sites, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Its rich heritage and lively atmosphere offer a captivating experience for all travelers.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days
Budget$60/day
Mid-range$120/day
Luxury$500/day

Known For

AtticaPiraeusSyntagma SquareAcropolisParthenonGreeceEuropeancient GreececlassicaldemocracyphilosophymythologyOlympiaSparta

🇬🇷 Country Information: Greece

CapitalAthens
CurrencyEuro (€)
LanguageGreek, English,Albanian
Phone Code+30
Electricity230V (Type C, F)
Tap WaterSafe to drink

Tipping

  • Tipping is common but not obligatory
  • In restaurants, a 5
  • 10% tip is appreciated if service is good
  • For taxi drivers, rounding up the fare is common
  • For hotel staff or tour guides, a small tip is often given

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in urban and tourist areas
  • Consider using a credit card for larger purchases, but cash is essential for smaller transactions and in rural areas
  • There is no significant black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Greeks are generally warm and hospitable
  • Personal space can be closer than in some Western cultures
  • Direct eye contact is common and a sign of sincerity
  • Hand gestures are frequently used in conversation
  • It is considered rude to refuse an offer of coffee or a drink when visiting someone's home
  • Eating is a social activity, and sharing food is common

LGBTQ+ Information

Generally LGBTQ+ friendly. Greece has made strides in LGBTQ+ rights, including civil partnerships for same-sex couples, but marriage is not yet recognized. Athens has a visible LGBTQ+ scene.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Alcohol consumption is common and generally accepted, but public intoxication is frowned upon
  • Drug laws are strict, with severe penalties for possession, consumption, and trafficking of illegal substances, including cannabis

Special Laws

  • Visitors to churches and monasteries should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees
  • Some archaeological sites may have specific rules about touching artifacts or climbing on structures
  • It is generally polite to ask before taking photos of people, especially in religious settings

Common Phrases

NoOhi (OH-hee) Όχι
YesNai (neh) Ναι
HelloYiasas (YAH-sas) Γεια σας
PleaseParakalo (pah-rah-kah-LOH) Παρακαλώ
Excuse meSignomi (see-GHNO-mee) Συγνώμη
Thank youEfharisto (ef-hah-rees-TOH) Ευχαριστώ

Climate

General classification for Athens, largely influenced by its Mediterranean climate.

Climate Zone: Mediterranean

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Souvlaki street_food

A classic Greek fast food consisting of grilled meat (often pork or chicken) on a skewer, served either on its own or wrapped in a pita with toppings

Moussaka must_try

A deeply satisfying baked dish layering seasoned ground meat (often beef or lamb), slices of eggplant, and sometimes potatoes, all topped with a rich,

Spanakopita snack

A savory Greek pie made with crispy, flaky phyllo pastry, generously filled with a mixture of spinach and creamy feta cheese. It is widely available a

Loukoumades dessert

Small, golden, deep-fried donut puffs that are traditionally soaked in a sticky honey syrup and often dusted with cinnamon. These are a quintessential

Tzatziki regional_speciality

A refreshing and tangy dip made from strained Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber, fresh garlic, and herbs like dill or mint. It is served chilled an

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Acropolis and Parthenon Timed-Entry Ticket Attraction
Book 2–8 weeks in advance

Timed-entry tickets are required, especially for summer and peak times, to ensure admission and skip long lines, as daily capacity is limited.

Fun Facts

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