Traveling to Athens raises practical questions about getting from the airport, using public transport, tipping, safety, drinking water, and more. This Athens travel tips guide answers the most common questions travelers ask before visiting the Greek capital, with specific, practical information you can use immediately.
Athens Travel Tips: Airport and Arrival
Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) sits 33km east of the city center near Spata. The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport to Syntagma Square in 40 minutes, running every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM. A one-way ticket costs 10 EUR, or 18 EUR for a return trip valid within 48 hours. The 24-hour express bus X95 runs from the airport to Syntagma Square every 15 to 30 minutes for 6 EUR (buy tickets at the kiosk outside Arrivals). Taxis from the airport to the center cost a flat 40 EUR during the day (5:00 AM to midnight) and 55 EUR at night, including tolls and luggage. Uber operates in Athens but only for booking regular taxis, not private drivers. All taxis accept card payment by law now, though some drivers claim the machine is broken; insist or use a ride-hailing app.
Athens Travel Tips: Getting Around
The Athens Metro has 3 lines covering the city center, suburbs, and airport. A standard 90-minute single ticket costs 1.20 EUR and covers all metro, bus, tram, and suburban rail within the city zone. A 24-hour unlimited ticket costs 4.10 EUR. The 5-day tourist ticket costs 8.20 EUR and includes one airport transfer. Metro Line 1 (Green, Kifissia-Piraeus), Line 2 (Red, Anthoupoli-Elliniko), and Line 3 (Blue, Airport-Aghia Marina) all serve central Athens. The Monastiraki and Syntagma interchange stations connect all three lines. The tram system runs from Syntagma to the coastal suburbs of Glyfada and Voula. Validate tickets at the machines BEFORE boarding, not onboard. Ticket inspectors issue 72 EUR fines for unvalidated tickets. Most central archaeological sites are walkable; the Acropolis to Monastiraki is a 10-minute walk downhill through Plaka.
Athens Travel Tips: Money and Costs
Greece uses the euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available, but Greek banks charge 2 to 3 EUR per withdrawal on top of your home bank’s fees. Most restaurants, shops, and hotels accept contactless cards; however, some small tavernas, kiosks, and market stalls remain cash-only. Budget travelers should plan on 50 to 70 EUR per day including hostel accommodation, street food, site entry, and transport. Mid-range travelers with 3-star hotels and taverna dinners can expect 120 to 180 EUR per day. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated: round up taxi fares, leave 5 to 10 percent at restaurants if service was good, and tip hotel porters 1 to 2 EUR per bag. VAT in Greece is 24 percent on most goods and services.
Athens Travel Tips: Water and Health
Tap water in Athens is safe to drink and meets EU standards, though it has a slightly chlorinated taste. Most Athenians drink bottled water, particularly in summer when the pipes warm up. Pharmacies in Greece (marked by a green cross) are excellent resources for minor health issues; pharmacists can dispense some medications without a prescription. The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or UK GHIC is accepted at public hospitals. Travel insurance is strongly recommended as private clinic fees start at 50 EUR for a consultation. Sunscreen and a hat are essential from April through October; the UV index reaches 9 or 10 in July and August. Pharmacies are closed on Sundays except for duty pharmacies posted on pharmacy doors and local websites.
Athens Travel Tips: Safety
Athens is generally safe, with violent crime against tourists being rare. The main tourist districts of Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Koukaki are well-policed and busy until late. Pickpocketing is the most common issue, particularly on the Metro (especially Line 1 from Monastiraki to Piraeus and the airport Metro Line 3) and in crowded flea market areas. Keep bags zipped and in front of you on public transport. Avoid the area around Omonia Square and the streets west of it (Metaxourgeio, parts of Vathi Square) after dark, particularly if alone. The Exarcheia neighborhood is generally safe during the day but can have unpredictable protest activity; check local news if visiting. The emergency number in Greece is 112 (general) or 100 (police). The Tourist Police station at Veikou 43-45 (near Omonia) has English-speaking officers and is open 24 hours.
Athens Travel Tips: Food and Dining
Standard meal times in Athens are later than Northern Europe: lunch runs 1:00 to 4:00 PM and dinner starts at 9:00 PM with restaurants filling up around 10:00 PM. Many restaurants are open continuously from noon to midnight. Souvlaki (meat skewers in pita) costs 3 to 4 EUR from street stands, a taverna main course runs 10 to 18 EUR, and a meal at a top restaurant costs 40 to 60 EUR per person without wine. Greek coffee (similar to Turkish coffee) costs 2 to 3 EUR. Tipping culture: leave small change at cafes (round up), and 5 to 10 percent at sit-down restaurants. Water and bread are often brought to the table automatically and appear on the bill; this is standard Greek practice and not a tourist trap.
Athens Travel Tips: Language and Customs
English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, restaurants, and by anyone under 40. Learn a few Greek words: “kalimera” (good morning), “kalispera” (good afternoon/evening), “efharisto” (thank you), and “parakalo” (please/you’re welcome). Greek people are generally warm and direct; they may ask personal questions (age, salary, marital status) that would be considered intrusive elsewhere. Dress codes at monasteries and churches require covered shoulders and knees for all visitors; wraparound garments are provided at most tourist sites. The “moutza” gesture (open palm with fingers spread) is an offensive insult in Greece; avoid it entirely.
Suggested Hotels in Athens
Hotel Grande Bretagne
Athens’ most historic luxury hotel, occupying a neoclassical 1842 mansion on Syntagma Square with a rooftop restaurant and pool facing the Acropolis and Parliament. The GB Spa in the basement offers thermal treatments. Best for luxury travelers and couples celebrating a special occasion. Check rates and availability
Electra Palace Athens
A refined 5-star in Plaka with a rooftop pool and restaurant offering direct Parthenon views from the breakfast terrace. Best for couples seeking romantic Acropolis views in the heart of the old city. Check rates and availability
Plaka Hotel
A well-priced 3-star on Kapnikareas Street with a rooftop bar and Acropolis views, 2 minutes from Monastiraki Square. Best for families and budget-conscious travelers wanting a central location. Check rates and availability
