Athens tips & insider knowledge

All the information you should know for your trip to Athens. Flights, weather, orientation & selected video tips

Athens Acropolis viewing platform

Athens tips & insider knowledge

Athens Acropolis viewing platform

All the information you should know for your trip to Athens. Flights, weather, orientation & selected video tips

Well prepared for Athens – table of contents

Useful travel information!

Athens Tips – Athens FAQs

Here are the most important tips and advice for planning your trip. This way, you’ll be well-prepared when you arrive in Athens and know what matters most in this Greek metropolis

With just under 4 million people in the wider metropolitan area, Athens is considered a fairly safe city by European standards among the largest metropolises. Nevertheless, we would like to warn you about street crime such as pickpockets in the metro or at metro stations, as well as minor fraud in taxis and when dining out. Greek businesses are always obliged to provide you with a receipt (Greek: paralaví or apódixi). When taking a taxi, always make sure the meter is switched on and the correct tariff is used. Tariff 2 applies only from midnight to 5 a.m.! Or simply use a taxi app.

Telefonnummer fürGeneral Emergency Number (EU-wide): 112

For all emergencies (police, fire department, ambulance service), usually with English-speaking assistance. The call is free, even from a smartphone without credit or with a locked device.

Telefonnummer fürPolice: 100

For theft, assault, threats, or other security concerns.

Telefonnummer fürAmbulance Service: 166

For medical emergencies, when you or others require immediate medical assistance.

Telefonnummer fürFire Department: 199

For fires, smoke development, or explosions.

Telefonnummer für Coast Guard / Sea Rescue: 108

For emergencies at sea or while boating/swimming.

Telefonnummer fürTourist Police: 1571

A special service for travelers (also known as 171), e.g., for theft, fraud, problems with hotels or landlords; assistance often available in English.

Note: When in doubt, always dial 112 – you will be redirected to the appropriate service.


For a regular holiday in Athens, your German mobile plan with EU roaming is usually sufficient, so you do not need a separate Greek SIM card. Greek prepaid SIMs from network operators (e.g., Cosmote/Vodafone/Nova) are available in shops and at the airport; ID is required for purchase. For easy activation, eSIM options are a convenient alternative.

In Greece, Type C (Euro plug) and Type F (Schuko) outlets are used with a voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz; devices from Germany and other EU countries work without an adapter, as they use the same plug types and voltage. In contrast, Americans, for example, will require a plug adapter (available online) for their electrical devices with US Type A/B plugs. A voltage converter is not necessary if your device supports dual voltage (110–240 V)—as is the case with most laptops, smartphones, cameras, or electric toothbrushes. However, please exercise caution if your American device (e.g., hairdryer, hair straightener) only uses 120 V; without a converter, it may be damaged.

In Athens, card payment (including contactless via smartphone) is now standard almost everywhere and often the safer alternative to cash. To save on fees and withdraw cash securely, you should observe the following points in Athens:
Use only official bank ATMs (e.g., Alpha Bank, Eurobank, Piraeus Bank). Avoid standalone “tourist ATMs” (e.g., Euronet) in shopping areas or bars, as these often charge extremely high fees. Always select billing “without conversion” or “in euros” at the ATM. Consistently decline guaranteed exchange rates in your home currency (Dynamic Currency Conversion). Greek banks typically charge €2–4 per withdrawal. Therefore, withdraw larger amounts rather than many small sums. Therefore, withdraw larger amounts rather than many small sums. Also check your German bank’s terms for foreign withdrawals in advance; for example, your daily withdrawal limit may be restricted.

Metro Line 3 (Blue line towards Syntagma, Monastiraki, Agia Marina) – ticket €9 – time 30–40 min

Athens line map: metro – express bus

Express bus lines – time approx. 60–80 min – ticket €5.50
(at the counter between exits 4 and 5)
– X95: towards Syntagma – approx. 60–70 min
– X93: towards Neratziotissa – Kifissos – approx. 70 min
– X96: towards the Port of Piraeus – approx. 90 min
– X97: towards Elliniko – approx. 45 min

Public transport tickets: You can now simply use your bank card, smartphone, or smartwatch with NFC and just “check in” when boarding.

Regional trains, e.g. towards Neratziotissa metro station
RE 1219 or RE 2233 – ticket €10 – time 22 min

Official taxi – agree a fixed price
(arrival area, exit 3 only)
€40 (day) – €55 (night) – time: approx. 45–60 min
Tolls, luggage, and airport surcharge are included
Uber, Bolt, or FREE NOW arrange licensed taxis via their own apps

Private transfers (minivan) price: approx. €45–€60
Rental car from approx. €30/day (not recommended due to the difficult parking situation in Athens)

Tap water in Athens is closely monitored chemically and microbiologically by EYDAP and meets the legal quality requirements, which is why it is generally drinkable within the city. In many places there are fountains where you can refill your bottle. To protect tourists and locals from price gouging in heavily visited areas, the Greek state has set maximum prices. As of 2026, the following rates apply for still water (Greek brands): €0.50 for a 0.5 L bottle in most places. €0.60 at special locations such as airports, ships, trains, and stadiums. €0.75–€1.00 for larger 0.75 L or 1.0 L bottles.

Please do not throw toilet paper into the toilet; after use, fold it and place it in the designated bin.
Background: The pipe system in many buildings is older and can clog easily. This rule applies throughout Greece and is completely normal.

In Athens and throughout Greece, tipping is not mandatory, but it is an appreciated expression of gratitude for good service. Especially in tourist services, locals do not automatically expect a tip—it is rather a friendly gesture that highlights your positive experience. In restaurants, tavernas, and cafés, 5%–10% tip of the bill is customary.
Alternatively, simply rounding up to the next euro amount is often sufficient.
For taxi rides, tipping is commonly done by rounding up the fare. Example: A ride costs €8.80 → you pay €9. An additional tip of €1–€2 is a friendly bonus, but not expected.
In hotels, staff appreciate small amounts of €1–€2 per help/service per day. For particularly personal service, you may be a bit more generous.

Short-notice nationwide strike days can affect the metro, buses, taxis, ferries, and even flights. In Athens, demonstrations and strikes occur regularly, especially in the city centre around Syntagma Square; avoid rallies, follow local updates, and plan extra buffer time for getting around.

The former taxi app Beat operates in Greece as FREE NOW and is an established booking option with licensed taxis in Athens. Booking via the app helps with price transparency and billing. You can download the app for iOS or Android here. Alternatively, you can also use Uber or Bolt.

To order food in the Athens area, the easiest way is to use Greek delivery apps such as Efood or Wolt, which cover a wide selection of restaurants and cuisines and deliver to many neighbourhoods, or search specifically on Google Maps for “restaurant delivery” in your area to find suitable places nearby. Some restaurants also offer ordering via their website (sometimes in English) or via the restaurant’s social media profiles or WhatsApp.

Shops: usually 09:00–21:00 (often closed on Sundays). Smaller, traditional shops close during “mesimeri”, usually from around 14:00 to 17:00, to avoid the midday heat.
Museums & sights: vary by season – in spring (April, May) conditions are ideal, with extended opening hours and pleasant temperatures for sightseeing.
Authorities and public institutions: Authorities, post offices, and public institutions in Athens are generally open Monday to Friday from around 08:00 to 14:00. They are usually closed on weekends and public holidays. For official matters, it is advisable to schedule appointments in the morning whenever possible.

Which airline?

Flüge nach Athen

SKY express

is a Greek airline founded in 2005. It operates Greece’s largest domestic network with 33 national and 27 international destinations and is steadily expanding its international offering. The airline uses modern Airbus A320neo aircraft for connections from Frankfurt, Düsseldorf, and Munich to Athens—and, new from 2026, also Berlin and Hamburg!

Sky Express newsletter Sky Express best-fare search Athens

I recommend subscribing to the newsletter for special offers and coupons for the lowest prices.

  • SKY express Logo
  • Logo by SKY express dunkel

Aegean Airlines

is the largest Greek airline (2013 acquisition of Olympic Air) and member of Star Alliance with its main hub in Athens. It offers flights to over 150 destinations in Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, as well as within Greece, particularly to the islands.

Aegean flies from Berlin, Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Dresden, Hamburg, Hanover, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Nuremberg, or alternatively from Amsterdam, Brussels, Budapest, Prague, Salzburg, Vienna, Zurich

Aegean destination Athens Aegean low-fare search Aegean: important tips!
  • Aegean Airlines Logo dunkel
  • Aegean Airlines Logo

Additional airlines from Germany to Athens

Lufthansa: Daily nonstop connections from Frankfurt and Munich to Athens, with high frequency throughout the year

Eurowings: Nonstop flights Germany–Athens, including from Berlin and Düsseldorf; Eurowings also operates Athens–Stuttgart direct

Ryanair: Nonstop Berlin–Athens, plus other Ryanair options that may vary seasonally

easyJet: Berlin–Athens unfortunately only in the winter schedule 2025/26, but there are options from departure points in neighbouring countries such as Amsterdam, Geneva, or Basel

Athena's Journey at the Airport. Flights to Athens

What should I pack?

Athens weather

Athens is characterised by a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot, dry summers. In April, temperatures are pleasantly around 20–22°C during the day; May is warmer (24–26°C) with significantly more sunshine and less frequent rain.

Spring (April and May) and autumn (September to October) are considered the best time to travel, as temperatures for city tours are much more pleasant and relaxed than the extreme heat in midsummer, which can reach over 40°C.

Athens weather

Average temperature and expected rainfall in Athens throughout the year

Month

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Avg. temp.

10°C

11°C

13°C

16°C

21°C

26°C

29°C

29°C

25°C

20°C

15°C

11°C

Rainfall

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Where should I stay?

Choosing accommodation in Athens

For the time of Athena’s Journey (maximum 8 participants), I have provisionally pre-reserved selected apartments in Athens within walking distance of my penthouse studio.

  • All accommodations have at least two bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchenette. (Amenities may vary.)
  • The apartments can be booked optionally.
  • Participants are responsible for booking and paying for their accommodation themselves.
  • The pre-reservations are solely intended to secure availability and fair prices for our seminar trip to Athens.

Especially nice: Some of the selected accommodations—for example, the apartments around Caravan Wanderlust—are located close to one another.
One apartment has a small courtyard, another a covered balcony.

For every taste

Shopping in Athens

Athen Shopping Infos

In Athens, ancient flair meets modern lifestyle—the city is a true paradise for shopping lovers.

Depending on your mood, time, and energy, you will find different shopping worlds here: between traditional and international markets, small boutiques, charming craft shops, and elegant stores in luxury shopping centres, visitors experience a fascinating mix of history, creativity, and Mediterranean joie de vivre.

Plaka is one of Athens’ most atmospheric neighbourhoods—known for its winding alleys, small stairways, cosy tavernas with live music and numerous souvenir shops with typical Greek handicrafts.
The upper part of Plaka around Anafiotika is especially beautiful—a quiet, almost village-like area with white houses, narrow paths, and special photo spots.
Also very popular are the steps of Mnisikleous Street: restaurants, small music venues, and charming souvenir shops line up here, where live music is often played in the evenings.
Plaka is ideal for a relaxed old-town stroll—for wandering, browsing for souvenirs, and enjoying authentic Athenian atmosphere.

Plaka Πλάκα Athens

The Mall Athens is located in Maroussi, a northern suburb of Athens near the Olympic Stadium, and is a spacious shopping complex with stores of internationally known brands and boutiques as well as Greek labels. The Mall spans five floors—at the top there is a cinema, numerous cafés and restaurants, some with a terrace and a fabulous view towards the city centre. The mall is easy to reach via the ‘Neratziotissa’ metro station (Green Line 1 Piraeus – Kifissia).

35 Andrea Papandreou street, 15122 Marousi
The Mall Athens website

The Golden Hall Mall Athens is one of the most upscale shopping centres in Athens and is located in the Marousi district.
Golden Hall offers a wide selection of international brands, Greek designer labels, cafés, and restaurants in a modern, air-conditioned setting. It is especially suitable if you would like to shop in Athens comfortably and regardless of the weather.
Thanks to its good connections, Golden Hall is a popular destination for anyone looking for upscale shopping away from the city centre.

Leof. Kifisias 37A, Marousi 151 23

Golden Hall website

Ermou Street is the best-known and most visited shopping street in Athens. It connects Syntagma Square directly with Monastiraki Square and runs right through the heart of the city.
Along Ermou Street you will find a mix of international brands, Greek labels, small boutiques, and cafés. The street is largely a pedestrian zone and is ideal for combining shopping with a stroll through the city centre.
For many visitors, Ermou Street is the perfect starting point to comfortably combine shopping, the old town, Plaka, and Monastiraki.

Ermou 1, Athina 105 63

Around Monastiraki Square and the directly connected Monastiraki metro station is one of Athens’ liveliest starting points. From here you can easily reach many highlights on foot. Worth seeing and directly adjacent are in particular:

  • Psyrri – creative district with small bars, street art, and many tavernas.
  • Gazi – modern nightlife and cultural district around Technopolis, ideal in the evening.
  • Plaka – the historic old town with small alleys, cafés, and souvenir shops.
  • Monastiraki is therefore an ideal starting point to discover Athens authentically, relaxed, and on foot.

Apollonos 21, Athina 105 57

attica, The Department Store (Syntagma) is one of the best-known shopping centres in central Athens and is located directly on Syntagma Square.
Here you will find a wide selection of international brands, Greek designer labels, cosmetics, accessories, and gift items across several floors.
Attica is especially suitable if you would like to shop in Athens centrally, comfortably, and regardless of the weather—also ideal for high-quality gifts.

Panepistimiou 9, Athina 105 64

More shopping ideas in Athens

YouTube videos

Athens explained

The following video recommendations come from the YouTube channel “Greece Explained” by Sebastian, a professional tour guide in Athens.
The titles correspond to the original video titles. All content is in English, but easy to understand. If needed, you can use YouTube’s automatic translation feature.

Clicking the play button opens the respective video in a pop-up without leaving this website.

What will change in Athens in 2026 (ATM, metro, Acropolis time slot, and more) Athens: 8 things you should know before your visit in 2025 Athens for beginners [everything important in 4 minutes] First time in Greece? 16 things you need to know before you leave!

Athens metro & tram guide Athens Airport: how to get to the hotel? Comparing metro, bus, taxi, Uber E-BIKE TOUR: explore Athens in under 3 hours

Athens’ best restaurants (where locals go) What do you eat in Athens? Best tour for traditional Greek cuisine? Where to eat well and affordably in Athens? Gyros, souvlaki, spinach pies … 7 Greek wines you must try

8 secret places in Athens for Greek live music, dance, and ancient theatre The Acropolis of Athens: everything you need to know Athens: guided walking tour through the birthplace of democracy
(Pnyx & Philopappou Hill) Athens best activities
(archaeological sites, museums, sights …)

Athens: the best rooftop bars and restaurants with views of the Acropolis Athens: how not to get robbed by pickpockets Famous Athens Instagram spots (walking tour PLAKA & ANAFIOTIKA) 10 things you should never say to a Greek person
Tour Guide Sebastian vom YouTube-Kanal Greece Explained