Athens essentials

Money and cards

Greece uses the euro. Cards, including contactless payment by phone, are accepted almost everywhere in Athens, from tavernas to kiosks, but it is handy to carry a little cash for small cafés, markets and tips.

If a cash machine or card terminal offers to charge you in your home currency, choose euros instead: the exchange rate is usually better.

Tipping

Tipping is appreciated rather than expected. In restaurants, leaving 5 to 10% for good service is normal; in cafés and bars, round up or leave some coins. For taxis, rounding up the fare is plenty.

Where to eat →   Bars →

Getting around

Athens has three metro lines, a tram that runs from the centre to the coast at Faliro, Glyfada and Voula, and a large bus network. One ticket covers all of them for 90 minutes, and you can pay at the gates with a contactless bank card. A three-day tourist ticket includes one return trip to the airport.

Most of the historic centre, from Syntagma to Plaka, Monastiraki and the Acropolis, is easy to walk. Licensed taxis are yellow, and the FREENOW and Uber apps book them too.

Transport →   The Athens Riviera →

From the airport

Athens International Airport is about 30 km east of the centre. Metro line 3 runs to Syntagma and Monastiraki in about 40 minutes, the X95 express bus runs to Syntagma around the clock, and the suburban railway connects to Piraeus and other lines. Official taxis charge a fixed fare to the city centre, which is higher at night.

Airport transfers →

Phones, SIM cards and Wi-Fi

Greece is in the EU, so EU mobile plans roam at no extra charge. Visitors from elsewhere can buy a prepaid SIM from Cosmote, Vodafone or Nova, the three mobile networks; bring your passport, as SIM cards must be registered. An eSIM is an easy alternative. Free Wi-Fi is common in cafés and hotels.

Language and the alphabet

Greek uses its own alphabet, but street signs in the centre and on the metro are usually also written in Latin letters. English is widely spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants and shops. A few words go a long way: kaliméra (good morning), efcharistó (thank you) and parakaló (please, or you’re welcome).

Plugs, power and time zone

Sockets are the European type C and F at 230 volts, so bring an adapter if you are coming from the UK or outside Europe. Greece is on Eastern European Time, two hours ahead of UTC in winter and three in summer.

Visas and entry

Greece is in the Schengen area. Citizens of the EU travel freely, and citizens of the UK, the USA, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit without a visa for up to 90 days in any 180. Since October 2025 the EU’s Entry/Exit System registers non-EU travellers’ fingerprints and photo at the border, and the EU plans to introduce the ETIAS travel authorisation, so check the latest rules for your passport before you book.

Safety, heat and health

Athens is generally a safe and friendly city. Take the usual precautions with bags and phones in crowded places, especially on the metro and around Monastiraki and Omonia. Tap water is safe to drink. In summer the heat can be intense: carry water, wear a hat and plan sightseeing for the morning and evening, as the Acropolis may close at midday during heatwaves.

In an emergency call 112, which works across the EU, or 166 for an ambulance. The Tourist Police can be reached on 1571.

Medical & pharmacies →

When to go

Spring and autumn are the best seasons: from April to June and in September and October the days are warm, the sea is swimmable from June and the sights are less crowded than in midsummer. July and August are hot and busy, when the beaches, rooftop bars and open-air cinemas are in full swing. Winter is mild and quieter, a good time for museums.

Beaches →   Open-air cinemas →   Museums & art →