Athens Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you're setting your sights on a Greek vacation this year, then you should absolutely focus on checking out its historically fascinating and endlessly charming capital city, Athens. This world-famous city is home to the stunning Acropolis and is, of course, the birthplace of the Olympic Games - and, if you've looked at our guide on things to do in Athens, you'll know there is more than enough to fill an itinerary with, even for a long break!

So, in this guide, we've put together some crucial Athens travel tips to make sure you know what to expect when you arrive, and how you can make the most of the city safely. After all, there will always be points for you to consider in terms of etiquette and local expectations.

Whether or not you've already booked your flight or are eyeing up a Greek eSIM, let's break down what you need to know about Athens before you arrive.

Athens travel tips overview

No Greece itinerary should overlook Athens - and while it is a fairly simple city to navigate, it's still worth keeping in mind a few safety tips and local expectations so you don't end up regretting your stay.

With that all in mind, we surveyed the SIMOVO team for ideas - that is, we asked crew members who visit the city regularly for pointers on how to make the most of Athens and how to stay safe. So, you can be sure that the advice we're about to give is based on genuine, lived experience - as well as pointers from other expert travelers online.

Essential travel tips for Athens

When planning any kind of trip to Athens for any length of time, you should always think carefully about transport, local safety and scams, how you'll pay for things and budget, and what local customs to watch out for. Further down, we'll take a look at the best time to visit and some final planning tips, but for now, let's dive into the must-knows about Athens so you're not left scrambling around when you arrive.

Transport and getting around

Traveling from Athens International Airport is fairly easy via taxi, and you'll also find that the city has a handy metro system. Just be sure to check resources online like Google Maps for the latest connections. Metro connections tend to be pretty punctual, so you won't be waiting around for long. It's also impressively fast, and you can use other modes such as trams and buses to get to and from the major attractions.

We recommend checking out Athens Transport's guide on tickets and rail cards to learn more about how to save time and money when using public transit in and around the city. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to keep traveling within a reasonable budget and with minimal hassle!

Safety and scams to avoid

Athens, for the most part, can be a fairly safe city to visit and enjoy; however, there will always be a risk of crime. Therefore, it pays to try to be vigilant of your valuables and, wherever possible, to travel in groups. Don't leave sensitive items like phones out on tables, and always take caution after dark.

In terms of physical safety, while Athens is very easy to wander around on foot, vehicles do still tear through - meaning it pays to keep your wits about you and to watch where you are going!

Unfortunately, there will also be occasions where local scammers see tourists coming from a mile away! One of the most concerning schemes revolves around taxis. For example, never get inside a taxi unless the meter is running, and where possible, use Uber so you know exactly what to expect from your fare, your driver, and how long your journey is likely to take.

Money, payments, and budgeting

Using money in Athens restaurants and at other attractions in the city means you'll need to use the Euro - and if you're buying from street vendors or traditional tavernas, it's usually wise to pay in cash. If you need to remove cash from an ATM, stick to machines that are provided by known, international banking institutions, as these are less likely to charge fees.

When it comes to budgeting, you should ideally keep around 50-60 EUR on hand during the day if you want to explore traditional markets and tavernas. Don't ever get in taxis, again, unless you can see the meter or unless you've ordered an Uber.

You can even save some serious money on attractions in the city with an Athens Tourist Card, which grants you free access to several hotspots and discounts at others. You may even be able to fast-track entry in some cases!

Local etiquette and customs

There are plenty of customs in Athens and wider Greece that you are likely to pick up on over your time here, but here's a quick rundown of some important points to keep in mind.

• Haggling isn't always as accepted here as it is in other Mediterranean countries like Turkey. Always keep in mind that gratuities may apply here, but that knocking down a price isn't always welcome.
• People in Athens tend to eat dinner pretty late! That means you can expect to dine as late as 9 pm.
• When it comes to dining, it's usually a social affair with lots of different courses! Be ready to share your meals with your friends and family.
• Time is slow here - there's very little rushing around when it comes to serving and enjoying food, so practicing patience is a must.
• Always try to greet people as you enter shops and tavernas - it's worth brushing up on a few local phrases!

Best time to visit

As with Greece in general, the best time to travel to and enjoy Athens is sometime during the mid-spring or mid-fall. It's here when crowds tend to be less prevalent, and when the weather, while still nice, is less intrusive. You may even find that it is cheaper to visit Athens during these months and shoulder seasons because they fall outside of high tourism!

Athens travel planning tips

Planning a trip to Athens can be a lot of fun, but it's always important to give it careful consideration. Here are some last-minute Athens travel tips worth keeping in mind before you board a plane.

• Never leave home for Athens without an eSIM for Greece! Doing so allows you to have access to the best available mobile data in the city, and you'll pay for the data you want to use in advance - meaning there will be no nasty bills to return home to.
• Where possible, try to book flights, such as through Skyscanner, as early in the year as you can. That goes for peak and off-peak seasons - you'll be able to grab the best seats and the cheapest tickets this way.
• If you want to tour the Acropolis, be sure to get there early! By early, we mean as early as between 7:30 and 8:00 am - if you're serious about making the most of it, you'll be sure to get out of bed to beat the pack. Trust us, you'll see it make a ton of difference!