Quick facts
Budget breakdown
| Category | Budget | Midrange |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €15–30 | €60–120 |
| Food | €8–15 | €20–35 |
| Transport | €2–5 | €8–15 |
| Activities | €0–10 | €15–30 |
| Drinks | €4–8 | €10–18 |
| Daily Total | €29–68 | €113–218 |
Daily per-person estimates. Costs vary by season and travel style.
Practical info
Visa & Entry
- Greece is in the Schengen Zone. EU/EEA enter with ID. US, Canadian, Australian citizens get 90 days visa-free
- Athens Airport (ATH): Metro Line 3 to Syntagma (€9, 40 min), X95 bus to Syntagma (€5.50, 60 min), or taxi (flat rate €40 to centre)
- Airport metro tickets are expensive at €9 — if traveling with others, share a taxi for better value (€40 flat rate)
Getting Around
- Metro (3 lines), buses, trams, and trolleys. Single ticket €1.20 (90-min validity), 24h pass €4.10, 5-day tourist ticket €9
- Athens is very walkable — most archaeological sites and neighbourhoods are within 30 minutes of each other on foot
- Beat (local Uber alternative) is widely used for taxis. Download the app. Fares are metered and affordable (€3–8 within the centre)
Connectivity
- Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind offer prepaid SIMs from €10 for 5–10GB at the airport or Germanos/Public shops
- Free WiFi in most cafes, restaurants, and public spaces. Athens WiFi hotspots cover Syntagma and Monastiraki squares
- EU roaming is free for EU residents. Greek 4G coverage is excellent in the city and on most islands
Money
- Euros. Cards accepted at most restaurants and shops, but small tavernas, kiosks (periptera), and market stalls are often cash-only
- ATMs everywhere. Alpha Bank and Eurobank have the lowest fees. Avoid Euronet ATMs — commission rates are brutal
- Tipping: round up or leave 5–10% at restaurants. Not expected at cafes or tavernas with counter service. No tip for taxis
Health & Safety
- Athens is safe for tourists. Watch for pickpockets on the metro (Line 1 especially), at Monastiraki, and on crowded buses
- Summer heat is serious — June to August regularly hits 35–40°C. Visit ruins early morning, rest midday, drink lots of water
- Emergency: 112 (general), 100 (police), 166 (ambulance). Pharmacies (farmakeio, green cross) are on every block
Packing Tips
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip — the Acropolis marble is polished and slippery, Athens streets are uneven
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses are essential April–October. Light clothing but bring a layer for evening breezes
- A refillable water bottle — Athens tap water is excellent and refill fountains are throughout the city
Cultural tips
Greek Time
Greeks eat dinner at 9–10pm, go out at midnight, and don't leave clubs until 5am. If you arrive at a restaurant at 7pm, you'll be eating alone. Embrace the rhythm.
Coffee Culture
Greeks take coffee seriously. Freddo espresso (cold) and freddo cappuccino are the summer staples. A Greek coffee (ellinikos) should be sipped slowly — never gulp it. The grounds stay in the cup.
Meze & Sharing
Greek dining is communal — order multiple meze plates and share everything. Saying "no" to food from a Greek host is borderline offensive. If offered, eat. They will keep offering.
Respect the Sites
Don't take marble pieces from archaeological sites — it's illegal and carries heavy fines. Don't sit on ancient ruins or touch mosaics. Security is watching and they will fine you.
Name Day Culture
Greeks celebrate name days (the saint's day of their name) as much as birthdays. If you learn someone's name day is today, say "Chronia Polla" (many years). They'll love you for it.
The Moutza
Never show an open palm with fingers spread toward someone — it's the "moutza," one of the most offensive Greek gestures. Use a closed hand for "stop" or "five" instead.
