Athens Guidebook

Quick facts

• Currency: Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; keep some cash for small tavernas and kiosks.
• Language: Greek. English is widely spoken in the center and at major sights.
• Time zone: Eastern European Time (EET/EEST).
• Power outlets: Type C/F, 230V. Bring an adapter if your plug is different.
• Tipping: Not mandatory. Rounding up or leaving 5-10% at restaurants is appreciated.

When to go

Late spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October) bring mild weather and smaller crowds than peak summer.

July and August are hot and busy, especially around the Acropolis. Visit key sites early morning to beat both the heat and the tour groups.

Winters are mild and quiet, with shorter opening hours at some archaeological sites.

What to pack

• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes - the marble around the Acropolis is uneven and slippery.
• Sun protection: hat, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
• A layer for the evening; a scarf or covered shoulders if you plan to visit churches.
• A light day bag - most museums require large backpacks to be checked.

Getting there & around

• From the airport: Athens International Airport (ATH) connects to the center by Metro Line 3 (about 40 minutes, direct), the X95 airport bus, or taxi.
• Metro: Three lines cover most major sights and are the easiest way to cross the city quickly.
• On foot: The historic center - Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma - is compact and very walkable, with pedestrian streets linking most sites.
• Taxis & rideshare: Inexpensive by Western European standards and useful late at night.

Good to know before you go

• A combined ticket covers the Acropolis and six other archaeological sites - worth it if you plan to see more than one or two.
• Major sites are busiest late morning; arrive at opening time for shorter lines and cooler temperatures.
• Tap water is safe to drink in Athens.
• Athens is generally safe for visitors; usual city precautions apply, especially against pickpockets in crowded areas and on the metro.

Neighborhoods to know

• Plaka: The oldest neighborhood in Athens, at the foot of the Acropolis - narrow lanes, neoclassical houses, and tavernas.
• Monastiraki: Flea market, street food, and the liveliest people-watching in the center.
• Syntagma Square: The city's civic heart, home to the Greek Parliament and the Changing of the Guard.

Don't miss beyond the Acropolis

• The Acropolis Museum: See the original sculptures up close, in a building designed around the ruins beneath it.
• Ancient Agora: The heart of public life in classical Athens, with the best-preserved ancient Greek temple on the site.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus: Towering columns from what was once the largest temple in Greece.
• Mount Lycabettus and National Gardens: the best sunset view over the city, and a shady escape from it, respectively.