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Updated: September 24, 2025
Athens stands as one of Europe's most captivating capitals, steeped in a rich history filled with legends and mythology.
Yet, it's also a lively city teeming with leisure opportunities, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals.
If you're planning your first trip to Athens, you've come to the right spot. I'm here to offer my top advice to ensure you kick off your adventure on the right foot, all based on my current experience of living in Greece.
Travel Tips for Athens
1. Best time to travel
The best months to travel to Athens and Greece are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, you can steer clear of the scorching heat of Athenian summers and avoid the chilly, rainy days of winter.
Plus, it's an ideal time for travelers on a budget, as accommodation costs are much lower compared to the summer months.
Winter can bring harsh cold and snow in mountainous regions. At the same time, it's not the ideal season for island hopping.
On the other hand, summer can be overwhelming for mainland sightseeing.
Just to give you an idea, during the hottest heatwaves, the country's famous acropolises and archaeological sites close at midday to prevent tourists from fainting. 😅🔥
As for the islands in summer, expect blazing hot days tempered by pleasant evenings. However, keep in mind that popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos tend to get overcrowded, and prices skyrocket.
⭐ You may also be interested in this article about When to Travel to the Greek islands.
2. Documents and Visa
If you are from the European Union you can travel without having to carry a passport, your national document is enough. You won't need anything else.
For those outside the European Union, you'll need to travel with your passport.
Additionally, some countries require a visa to enter the Schengen Area, to which Greece belongs.
In this official Schengen website you can find the complete list of countries that require a visa and the form to apply.
3. Language
In Athens, Greek is the official language. However, in tourist areas and throughout most of the country, you'll encounter many people of all ages who speak English fluently.
Additionally, in touristy spots, it's common to find individuals who speak other European languages (Dutch, German, French, Italian, Spanish and more).
If not, you can always use a translator to help you communicate.
Here's a list of some basic Greek words:
- Yasou = Hello or Goodbye
- Kalimera = Good morning
- Kalispera = Good afternoon
- Efharisto = Thank you
- Parakalo = Please
👍 Friendly Tip: Greeks are good folks, but if you start the conversation with a few Greek words, they become the sweetest people. 🥰
4. Mobile Data
If you're from the European Union, you can simply use your local SIM card in Greece because roaming is free; you just need to activate it.
However, if you're traveling from outside the EU, you'll need to buy a local SIM card. I recommend either Vodafone or Cosmote; the latter is a Greek telecommunications company and is slightly more affordable.
However, the practical option is buying an eSIM for Greece. It works great, gives you unlimited data as soon as you land, and saves you the trouble of looking for a phone shop. Plus, with this link you get a 5% discount.
If you’re just looking for a budget-friendly option, I recommend this eSIM for Greece—the lowest plan is only €4 and gives you 1 GB.
⭐ Related article: Internet in Europe: Expensive, Affordable, or Unlimited, with all the alternatives.
5. Money in Greece
In Athens and Greece, the currency used is the euro, and you can use your bank card for payment in most places.
If you are traveling to Athens from outside the European Union, you can exchange currency at the exchange offices in the center of Athens. Although it is best to pay with your bank card and if you need cash you can withdraw at ATMs.
In case your bank charges you a very high commission when you travel, I recommend looking for an alternative online, such as Wise, Revolut or N26.
6. Where to stay
On your first trip to Athens, it's best to stay in the city center, near the Acropolis. This way, you'll have everything nearby, either within walking distance or accessible via public transportation.
Some of the most popular and beautiful neighborhoods in the heart of the Greek capital include Plaka, Monastiraki, Anafiotika, Psirri, as well as areas near Syntagma Square and Omonia Square.
One hotel I can recommend is Rob Venture Suites which has an excellent location and very comfortable rooms. That's where I stayed on my last visit.
Other hotels where I've stayed in Athens and found to be excellent are Ermoo Athens and Cityzoe Athens.
You can check the locations of all these hotels on the map at the end of the article.
⭐ Related articles: 7 Areas to Stay in Athens + Hotels (and Where Not to) and 9 Best Hotels in Athens with Acropolis Views.
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
7. Airport to the city
When you're traveling from Athens Airport to the city center, you've got a few choices:
- Quick Option: Hop on the M3 metro line, which stops at Syntagma or Monastiraki. It'll set you back 9 euros (10 USD), runs every 30 minutes, and the journey takes about 45 minutes.
- Budget-Friendly: Consider taking bus X-95, which heads to Syntagma Square and operates around the clock. It's a wallet-friendly option at 5.50 euros (6 USD) and takes at least 60 minutes.
- Comfortable Choice: Opt for booking a transfer from Athens airport, where a driver will be waiting for you with your name and take you directly to your hotel. It's a top-notch service at a reasonable price, especially convenient if you're traveling with a group.
⭐ Related article: How to Get to Athens from the Airport + Map, with all the alternatives.
8. How to get around Athens
Athens is a massive city, but the good news is that the main tourist spots are clustered in the city center.
So, as I mentioned earlier, if you stay near the Acropolis, you'll be within walking distance of most places.
Furthermore, the Greek capital provides various public transportation choices, including the metro, which is speedy. And for areas not serviced by the metro, you have the option of using trams, buses, and trolleybuses.
Below, you'll find the Athens metro map.
Another awesome option is hopping on the sightseeing bus—it's super affordable (I only paid 15 euros / 16 USD) and really convenient.
In my experience the yellow and the blue tourist buses are the top picks. They each cover different parts of the city, and both go the beaches and the port. 😍 You can check out their routes and book your spot right through those links.
9. Food
Greek cuisine ranks among the world's finest in terms of quality, rich flavors, and healthiness.
Like other Mediterranean diets, it features key ingredients such as vegetables, olives, olive oil, fish, along with delightful yogurt and feta cheese.
You'll also discover dishes showcasing a variety of meats like beef, lamb, chicken, and octopus.
Here are some of the must-try dishes of Greek cuisine that I recommend trying while in Athens:
- Moussaka: a dish that closely resembles lasagna, but instead of pasta, it uses eggplants.
- Souvlaki: grilled meat skewers served with pita bread, onions, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.
- Gyros: sliced meat wrapped in pita bread with onions, tzatziki sauce, and french fries.
- Keftedes: Greek meatballs served with a delicious sauce and french fries.
- Horiatiki: the quintessential Greek salad made with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, onions, and feta cheese.
- Tzatziki: the Greek sauce that accompanies many dishes, made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
10. Restaurants in Athens
When visiting Athens, I highly recommend trying out the charming Greek tavernas that serve up delectable homemade Greek dishes at reasonable prices.
Below, I've curated a list of some of my favorite eateries in Athens. 😋 You can find them all marked on the map at the end of the article.
- Kostas: wallet-friendly spot specializing in gyros and souvlakis.
- Karamanlídika: Among the finest Greek tavernas in Athens, renowned for its meatballs, dolmades, and smoked trout.
- Tavern Klimataria: a very cozy restaurant offering superb lamb dishes.
- Machairitsa: A traditional tavern known for its flavorful salads and mouthwatering lamb (kleftiko).
- Bougatsadiko Psirri: Famous for its bougatsa, a traditional dessert from Thessaloniki made with flaky pastry and creamy custard.
11. How many days do I need
To fully experience Athens' top attractions, plan to spend at least 3 days in the city. I also suggest adding some extra days for nearby day trips.
12. Athens Must-visit Spots
Athens is a bustling city with numerous captivating sights and cultural activities to indulge in.
If you're visiting Athens for the first time, be sure to wander through the charming streets of Plaka and Monastiraki, two of the city's most iconic neighborhoods. Additionally, make sure to explore these must-see attractions:
- Acropolis Towering majestically in the city center, the Acropolis is home to the iconic Parthenon and the Erechtheion temple, featuring the famous Caryatids.
- Ancient Agora: Once the heart of ancient Greek civic life, it houses the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
- Acropolis Museum: Showcasing an impressive array of archaeological treasures.
- Mount Lycabert: Offering breathtaking panoramic views of Athens and the Acropolis, it's the perfect spot to witness a stunning sunset. 😍
- Changing of the Guards at the Parliament: Witness the captivating ceremony of the Evzones guards with their striking traditional uniforms.
- Panathenaic Stadium: A magnificent marble stadium that hosted both the ancient Panathenaic Games and the modern Olympic Games of 1896 and 2004.
To visit the Acropolis, you can join this guided tour, which is super interesting.
A good way to get to know the city is with this Free Tour of Athens with a guide who will take you to the most beautiful corners of the city and tell you many fascinating facts. Also, this one in the link is with a guide in Spanish so you don't miss a single detail.😉
⭐ Related article: What to Do in Athens: 12 Must-Sees + Map
13. Meteora - Must-visit
When visiting Athens, Meteora is an essential destination not to be missed.
I'll be honest, it is a little far from Athens, but it's the most stunning location in the entire country. Here, you'll find monasteries perched atop towering, pillar-like mountains, creating a landscape unlike any other in the world.
To reach Meteora, you can usually take a train directly. However, due to ongoing construction works on a section of the train, you'll need to combine a train ride with a bus journey to reach Meteora.
Alternatively, the most convenient option is to join a full-day Meteora tour, which includes transportation and a guide who will take you to the most breathtaking spots in the area.
14. What to see near Athens
If you have some time to spare, there are numerous places near Athens that are worth a day trip. Here's a rundown of the best spots along with links to popular excursions:
- Cape Sounion: Among the most iconic destinations near Athens, offering a chance to explore the Temple of Poseidon while enjoying a breathtaking sunset over the sea.
- Delphi: Visit the Temple of Apollo and the legendary home of the Oracle of Delphi, where ancient Greeks sought divine guidance.
- Mycenae: Renowned for its archaeological sites and ruins.
- Epidaurus: Noteworthy for its remarkably preserved theater with an exceptional acoustics.
- Nafplion: Regarded as one of Greece's most romantic cities, featuring stunning neoclassical architecture and a Venetian fortress. Consider joining this full-day tour to explore Mycenae, Epidaurus, and Nafplio.
⭐ Related article: 10 Best Day Trips from Athens, with transportation alternatives and recommended tours.
15. Greek Islands
Greece has over 6000 islands, with 227 of them inhabited, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from.
The most popular islands are:
- Santorini: Known for its charming villages with narrow streets, white houses topped with blue domes, and breathtaking sunsets that have attracted honeymooners for decades.
- Mykonos: Stands out for its beaches with crystal-clear waters, picturesque towns and its vibrant nightlife.
However, as is often the case, popular destinations can become crowded during the summer, and prices can be high, especially in Mykonos.
So, if you're looking to explore beautiful yet slightly less touristy islands, I recommend considering the following options:
- Crete: Greece's largest island, boasting stunning beaches, mountains, and historic cities.
- Zante (Zakynthos): Known for its paradisiacal beaches, including the famous Navagio.
- Corfu: An island that combines a rich historical heritage with beautiful and diverse beaches.
- Rhodes: Home to the largest inhabited medieval city in Europe, an intriguing acropolis, and beautiful beaches.
- Milos: One of the gems of the Aegean Sea, with impressive landscapes formed by volcanic activities.
- Naxos: An island to enjoy its beaches, lush green mountainous landscapes, and visit its famous Temple of Apollo.
- Paros: Perfect for wandering through the narrow streets of its historic town and swimming in its turquoise waters.
Just a heads-up, you'll need a few days to explore the islands properly. If you've only got a day to spare, I'd suggest hopping on this day cruise to the Saronic Islands from Athens. It stops at Aegina, Poros, and Hydra.
⭐ If you're looking for more budget-friendly options, you may be interested in this article where I talk in detail about the 10 Cheapest Greek Islands (and somewhat unknown).
16. How to get to the islands
To reach the Greek islands from Athens, you can do it by ferry or by plane. This article provides detailed information on How to Get to the Greek islands and Go Island Hopping.
While many assume that traveling by ferry will be more economical, booking flights in advance can often lead to fantastic deals with low-cost airlines, and it's notably faster than the ferry.
For the best flight offers to the Greek islands, I suggest using flight searcher, a website that compares all available airlines. There, I've come across flights from Athens to Santorini for less than 50 euros (55 USD) the round trip.
You can also explore ferry options through this website, which showsvarious alternatives along with their schedules and prices, allowing you to make bookings directly.
17. Shopping
Athens offers excellent shopping opportunities for picking up souvenirs and gifts of local products. Here are some ideas:
- Olive oil: Greek olive oil is renowned worldwide for its quality, and you'll find beautifully packaged bottles or cans, ideal for gifts.
- Personal Care Products with Natural Ingredients: Look for products featuring olive oil, such as moisturizing creams for the body and face, as well as lip balms.
- Gold Jewelry: Explore the capital's jewelry stores for exquisite pieces like bracelets, necklaces, and earrings crafted from gold.
- Spices: Some of the typical Greek spices like oregano, bay leaf, and thyme. You can purchase gift packages containing various spices.
- Leather sandals: Handcrafted with traditional Greek designs, these leather sandals are both stylish and reasonably priced.
⭐ Related article: What to Buy in Greece: 21 Souvenirs and Gifts
18. Travel insurance
While travel insurance isn't mandatory for a trip to Athens, it's highly recommended. If anything unexpected happens, medical expenses can be quite costly if you're not covered.
✔️ Travelers from the European Union or the United Kingdom
You can make use of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which you can obtain from your national health insurance provider and is valid for one year.
If you are traveling from the UK, the Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the EHIC. You can read all the details in the NHS website, including a link to apply.
However, it's important to note that the EHIC provides only basic medical coverage, and not all services are free. In certain cases, you may be required to cover between 10 and 30% of the expenses.
That's why considering a travel insurance like this one can be a wise choice. Plus, you get a 5% discount by signing up through that link.
✔️ Travelers from outside the European Union
If you're traveling from outside the European Union, this Travel Insurance will provide you with the most comprehensive coverage and also comes with a 5% discount.
Map
FAQs
Yes, it's perfectly normal. In fact, it's a requirement by the government, which is why they ask for it.
Rest assured, they won't misuse your passport copy.
Comfortable shoes are a must since you'll be doing a lot of walking in Athens.
Opt for comfortable clothing as well
In summer, lightweight clothes that offer sun protection are ideal, as there's limited shade at the Acropolis and archaeological sites.
During other seasons, layering is recommended so you can adjust to temperature changes throughout the day.
Don't forget to bring a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle.
Yes, Uber operates in Athens, but I personally haven't used it. The public transportation system, including the metro and tram, is efficient and often faster than traveling by road.
Absolutely, tap water in Athens is safe to drink, and you'll find water refill stations at various archaeological sites.
No, Athens is quite budget-friendly compared to other European capitals and it is also cheaper than some Greek islands.
Final Thoughts
I hope these Athens travel tips for first-time visitors are useful, and I encourage you to immerse yourself in exploring this enchanting city. It serves as an excellent gateway to discovering the rest of the country.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
More about Athens
More about Greece
Hi, I’m Andrea, creator and author of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I write about Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. I’m a full-time traveler, passionate about good food, and always looking for new adventures.
Andrea, thank you very much for sharing this guide and facilitating your stay in Athens, warm hugs 🫂 I wish you much success in your next trips.
I'm glad it helped you Shirley and thank you for your words. 🥰
A hug!
I want you to tell about your visit to Mycenae
Hello Sandra
The archaeological site of Mycenae is well worth a visit and is not too far from Athens. In fact, it's one of the excursions I recommend, which you can combine with other visits to the Peloponnese.
In this guide what to see near Athens You can read more about Mycenae and other sites, with information on what to see and how to get there.
Have a good trip!
Thank you so much
Hello! Everything is very well explained!
A question, are there low-cost ferries between Mykonos and Santorini? From what I see, the options are expensive, around 90 euros.
Are there cheaper ferry options?
Hello Jessica!
No, there are no low-cost ferries in Greece. However, on some routes and days, there are slower ferries that are cheaper.
The problem is that on more touristy routes like this one, prices tend to be higher, and it can also vary depending on the date.
For that route there is a ferry a few euros cheaper (82.50 euros) but it starts operating at the end of April, you can see it at this web page.
Good luck and have a good trip!