City guides / Athens
Athens travel guide
The Acropolis above, a food and bar scene below.
Attica, Greece · Local currency EUR · Time zone Europe/Athens
Best time to visit Athens
Flights and hotels are cheapest in January, February, November. Expect to pay the most in May, June, July, August.
Post-holiday lull.
Quiet month, fewer tourists.
Spring starts, weather improving.
Easter festivities begin.
Pleasant weather, many events.
Summer tourists start arriving.
Peak summer season.
Intense summer heat, busy tourist sites.
Weather remains warm, easing crowds.
Mild temperatures, pleasant visits.
Tourist numbers drop.
Christmas festivities create charm.
Getting around Athens
Public transport
Public transport is relatively reliable, with buses, trams, and the metro running every 10-15 minutes. Payment is made via a contactless card system or tickets bought at stations.
Driving and parking (8/10 difficulty)
Parking can be quite difficult due to narrow streets and limited spaces. It's recommended to use public transport or park in designated lots outside the city center.
How locals get around
Locals mainly use public transport for daily commutes and most avoid driving in the congested city center. It’s courteous to give up seats for the elderly and pregnant women on public transport.
Local customs in Athens
Tipping
Tipping is appreciated in Athens, with 5-10% being standard at restaurants and rounding up to the nearest euro at cafés and bars.
What to wear
Visitors should wear respectful clothing, especially in religious sites; shoulders and knees should be covered. Casual clothing is fine elsewhere.
Cards and cash
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, although it's wise to carry some cash (around €50) for small purchases or local markets.
Phrases worth knowing
- Kalimera
- — Good morning. Use it in the morning to greet people.
- Efharisto
- — Thank you. Use this to show appreciation after a service or meal.
- Parakaló
- — Please or you're welcome. Use it when making requests or responding to gratitude.
- Oxi
- — No. Useful in situations where you need to refuse something.
- Ne
- — Yes. Use this to express agreement.
Plan a Athens trip in a couple of minutes
Journi builds a day-by-day Athens itinerary around how you travel — stays, food near each day's activities, hidden gems and a packing list, with costs as you go.
Plan a trip to Athens