Travel tips · Athens · Greece
Athens travel tips: what to know before you go
The etiquette, money and practical details that make the first day easier.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Andrew Parlette, CC BY 4.0
Quick answer
Greeks take pride in hospitality (philoxenia), and Athens runs on a social, late schedule: long coffees in the morning, a late lunch and dinners that begin after 9pm. Orthodox religion is woven into daily life, with small chapels on many streets, and Easter is the biggest celebration of the year.
Key facts
- Language
- Greek
- Currency
- EUR
- Plugs
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Tap water
- Athens tap water is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled; carry a…
- Emergency
- 112 (European emergency number); Tourist Police 1571
Things to know
- Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries, and keep voices low during services.
- A small upward nod with a click of the tongue means 'no', while 'ne' means 'yes'.
- Avoid the open-palm, fingers-spread gesture (moutza) towards anyone; it is a serious insult.
- In many older buildings, used toilet paper goes in the bin beside the toilet rather than down it; follow the sign.
- Do not climb on or touch ancient stones, and keep to marked paths at archaeological sites.
- Book Acropolis and Parthenon ahead: Entry is by timed ticket and morning slots sell out in high season; buy online from the official Hellenic Heritage e-ticket service.
- State archaeological sites have free-entry days on some national holidays and selected low-season dates; check the Ministry of Culture's list before you go.
Tipping
Service is not usually added to the bill. Leave about 5–10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafés.
Language
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Kaliméra | Good morning |
| Kalispéra | Good evening |
| Yiá sas | Hello / goodbye (polite) |
| Efcharistó | Thank you |
| Parakaló | Please / you're welcome |
| Ne / Óchi | Yes / No |
| To logariasmó, parakaló | The bill, please |
What to wear
Light, breathable clothes and a hat in summer, shoes with grip for the polished marble at ancient sites, and a scarf or shirt to cover shoulders in churches.
Practical details
- Plugs and voltage
- Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
- Drinking water
- Athens tap water is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled; carry a bottle and refill it.
- Emergency number
- 112 (European emergency number); Tourist Police 1571
- Phone and internet
- EU roaming applies to European SIMs; other visitors can buy a local SIM from Cosmote, Vodafone or Nova shops or use an eSIM.
- Time zone
- Europe/Athens
Athens is generally safe for visitors, but pickpocketing is common on metro line 1, around Monastiraki and on crowded buses. Summer heatwaves are a real risk: avoid exposed sites at midday, drink plenty of water and use the shade.
Entry requirements
Visa and passport rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check Greece's official government guidance and your own government's travel advice before booking.
Plan the trip
Questions travellers ask
+Do you tip in Athens?
Service is not usually added to the bill. Leave about 5–10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares and leave small change in cafés.
+Can you drink the tap water in Athens?
Athens tap water is safe to drink, though many locals prefer bottled; carry a bottle and refill it.
+What plugs are used in Athens?
Type C and F sockets, 230 V, 50 Hz
+What language is spoken in Athens?
Greek.