About Athens

Athens, the capital of Greece, boasts of a history that the entire world is in awe of. It has been the home of the most powerful empires in the history of the earth. The architectural superiority of the Greeks is what set the structures of Athens apart from any other city. The city, dotted by temples of the ancient mythological Greek Gods and parliamentary structures is a photographer's heaven. For tourists looking to delve into the history books, Athens is the perfect destination. From housing artifacts of the Helinian Era to the Roman and Ottoman eras, the city's museums are rich with ornate marble sculptures, busts, and artifacts. Once the forerunner in education, the city boasts of several sites that were dedicated to philosophers from Plato, Aristotle, Pythagoras, Archimedes, Posidonius and many more. The coastline and mountains play as a beautiful backdrop to this bustling city. Visitors can choose from several tours and activities and not a day goes by in Athens that isn't well-spent.

Public Transport System

Buses, Trolley-Bus, Tram, Metro and Suburban Railway

Cleanliness and Efficiency

Efficiency : Very High, Cleanliness: High.

Mode & Cost of Transports

Ath. Ena card/ Tickets can be purchased for Buses, Trolley-Bus, Tram, Metro and Suburban Railway:

short term Athena Tickets:

One 90 minute ticket: 1.40 Euros

24-hour ticket: 4.60 Euros

5 days ticket: 9 euros

Express Bus ticket to Airport: 6 Euros.

Long term Athena ticket:

30 day without airport transfer: 15 Euros

30 days with airport transfer: 25 euros

Children under the age of six are not charged tickets ( free travel ), Disabled persons and unemployed Greek citizens also avail free travel.

Basic Items & Cost

Name Price
Water Bottle EUR 1.00
Cup of Coffee EUR 3.00
Milk Carton Pack EUR 1.00
Rice/Kg EUR 2.00
White Bread EUR 1.00
Eggs (12) EUR 3.00
Combo Meal EUR 6.00
Fine Dining EUR 60.00
Bottle of Coke or Pepsi EUR 2.00
Domestic Beer EUR 4.00
Imported Beer EUR 4.00
Bottle of Wine EUR 7.00
Cigarettes (20 Pack) EUR 5.00
Taxi ( 1 km ) EUR 1.00
Ticket in local transport (Single way). EUR 1.00
Rent ( One Bed Room) EUR 350.00
  • The best place in the world to witness ancient Greek sculpture, jewelry, pottery, a 2000-year-old computer found in the shipwreck.

  • Dimotiki Agora (Public Market) or Varvakios Agora is an outdoor street shopping place not to be missed.

  • Restaurants to sit outside to the weather and food together.

  • Most Greeks leave a good tip at the restaurants.

  • Any guest at a Greek residence is spoiled with huge varieties of Greek delicacies so do not eat before going to a Greek household dinner.

  • If you are invited to someone’s house in Greece don’t forget to bring a gift.

  • If driving in Greece do not copy the Greek drivers. They drive very fast and are accustomed to it.

  • Drinking wine also follows a rule in Greece, one cannot keep on pouring. Finish a glass then pour the next.

  • In the main city, the tap water is okay for drinking but on the islands, it’s better to drink from sealed bottles.

  • Locals don’t find it very appealing when tourists walk in shorts and sandals in the middle of the roads.

  • Road rules and signs are very difficult. Avoid renting a car for driving as it might take time to learn all the rules and signs.

  • Traveler’s cheques are not accepted and are outdated in Greece.

  • The locals do not appreciate if the tourists stand in the middle of the escalators at the metro stops, mainly during rush hours.

  • In religious places, men are expected to wear a shirt and pants and women should wear dresses below the knees.

  • Accept greetings with two kisses on the cheek.

  • Showing your palm is an insulting gesture in Greece.

Night Life

Boasting of the most happening International DJ's and great food, the nightlife of Athens is one not to miss. Luxurious bars and exotic dance floors, the city has certainly invested in its entertainment. Also known to be one of the safest cities for women at night, the city provides ample security and transportation facilities at night too. Clubs like the Clumsies and Kolonaki have been voted the top bars in the world several times, making them slightly heavy on the pocket but also a potential place to spot a celebrity. For the more economic traveler bars, Patsion and Gazis are the places to visit.

Must See

  • Visit the Benizelou Mansion a peaceful area amid the bustling city. It is one of the oldest houses in Athens. A place for people of all ages, it is located on Adrianoy 96 and easily accessible by all public transportation.
  • Pireos Street near the Athens Heart Mall on every Monday invites tourists to witness a tango dance performance on the street. The best way to end the day, public participation is always welcomed and encouraged.
  • Visit Al-hammam, a bathhouse on Plaka street which is quite close to Hadrians Arch. The perfect place to have the spa treatment you wanted 'outdoors' starting at 25 Euros.
  • Cine Thisio, an open-air theater to enjoy the movies the way they should be 'outdoors under the sky'.

Experiences

  • Watch the sunset at the Cape Sounion in Athens.
  • Witnessing the changing of the presidential guards at the Presidential Mansion and at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  • Tour Meteora and Delphi Monasteries, once inaccessible now feature some of the most scenic views of the city.
  • Wine tasting at the historical monument of the Acropolis and savoring traditional Greek snacks.
  • Open-top bus tour.
  • Walking tour in the museum of Athens.
  • Visit the coastal city of Piradius which also has the Themistoclean Walls and Eetioneia.
  • Stroll atop the Hills of Nymphs to the Observatory of Athens for a day to explore art and science.
  • Gear up for a beautiful day for a picnic under blooming pergolas at the Diomedes gardens.

Activities

ΟΠΑΠ PLAY Παγκρατίου
Casino
Spirou Merkouri 17, Athina 116 34, Greece
Distance From City Center
3.3 km
Mont Parnes Regency Casino of Athens
Casino
Parnithos, Acharnes 136 74
Distance From City Center
40 km
Macaw Beach Bar
Beach
Posidonos Avenue - Akti Tou Iliou, Alimos 174 55, Greece
Distance From City Center
11.9 km
The Westin Athens Astir Palace Beach Resort
Beach
40, Aten, Apollonos, Vouliagmeni 166 71, Greece
Distance From City Center
24.8 km
Pallas Athena Grecotel Boutique Hotel Athens
Casino
Athinas 65, Athina 105 51, Greece
Distance From City Center
1.90 kms
Bolivar Beach Bar
Beach
Leof. Posidonos, Alimos 174 55, Greece
Distance From City Center
12.5 kms
Palmyra Beach Hotel
Beach
Leof. Posidonos 70, Glifada 166 75, Greece
Distance From City Center
17.2 km
Asteras Beach
Beach
Leof. Posidonos 58, Glifada 166 74, Greece
Distance From City Center
18.6 Km
Glyfada Golf Club of Athens
Golf
Kon/nou Karamanli, Glifada 166 10
Distance From City Center
13.2 km
Costa Del Sol
Beach
Leof. Posidonos, Alimos 175 44, Greece
Distance From City Center
8.5 km
Varkiza Resort Yabanaki Beach
Beach
Yabanaki Vari 166 72
Distance From City Center
20.6 km
Yabanaki
Beach
Vari 166 72, Greece
Distance From City Center
25.7 kms

Shopping

Corda Antiques
Antique Markets
8 Haritos Street, Athina 106 75, Greece
Distance From City Center
1.9kms
TSANTILIS ANTIQUES STORE
Antique Markets
Omirou 4, Athina 105 64, Greece
Distance From City Center
1.2 kms
Kilo-Shop
Antique Markets
Ermou 120, Athina 105 54, Greece
Distance From City Center
1.2 KMS
The Mall Athens
Shopping Malls
Andrea Papandreou 35, Marousi 151 22, Greece
Distance From City Center
5.4 kms
Hondos Center
Shopping Malls
Omirou 4, Athina 105 64, Greece
Distance From City Center
1.5 kms
Atrium Shopping Centre
Shopping Malls
Char. Trikoupi 6-10, Athina 106 79, Greece
Distance From City Center
1.5 kms
City Link
Shopping Malls
Voukourestiou 5-7, Athina 105 64, Greece
Distance From City Center
1.6 kms
Cosmos Business Center
Shopping Malls
Leof. Kifisias 125-127, Athina 115 24, Greece
Distance From City Center
4.9 kms
Τonerhellas Athens
Shopping Malls
Leof. Andrea Siggrou 214, Kallithea 176 72, Greece
Distance From City Center
4.5 kms
Golden Hall
Shopping Malls
Leof. Kifisias 37A, Marousi 151 23, Greece
Distance From City Center
10.1 kms
  • Greek beauty products and handmade soaps and oils
  • Worry beads
  • Porcelain coffee cups (24k, 22k gold, or inscribed)
  • Flokati rugs
  • Tavli (the greek version of Backgammon)
  • Greek coffee and tea
  • Sweets like Baklava, kourambiedes, loukoumia, nougat, and famous Ouzo candy
  • Evil Eye (Mati) and local jewelry. Mati is the Greek word for ‘eye’.
  • A great variety of museum replicas and pottery inspired by the Greek glory of Minoan civilization and mythology: amphoras, rhyta (pots), statues, vases, mugs, jugs, relief representations, as well Greek facades of buildings of traditional, neo-classical, and island architecture.
  • Take home the colours and textures of Greece with handcrafted olive wood products, made on the island of Crete.

Official Language

Greek

Other Language

Romanian, Turkish, Serbian, ... Read more

Spoken Language

Owing to being a heavy tourist... Read more

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Population

3.75 (Millions)

Weather Icon

Weather

Clear Sky 24.23°C

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TimeZone

13:30 PM (GMT +02:00)

 

Ambulance Icon

Ambulance

166

 

Police Icon

Police

1033

 

Electric socket

Type C
Type C ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Type F
Type F ( 220 V 50 Hz)
Airplane Icon

Airport Name / IATA Code

Athens International Airport - ATH

Best time to visit

March, April, May, September, October, and November have moderate temperatures making all those outdoor activities a breeze. Sunny days are a guarantee.

Moderate time to visit

December, January and February are winter seasons, the best time to avail low prices in hotels.

Worst time to visit

June, July, August are the hottest months and outdoor activities are limited.

Taxi

Start Tariff: EUR 1.14

1 Km. Tariff: EUR 0.65

1 Hour Waiting Tariff: EUR 10.85

Available service

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Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall

Local Services in Athens (Contact directly)

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