Little secrets to get around the city without spending a lot of money. Good weather will be your ally in the adventure.
Go out early. This way you can avoid the crowds, including sightseers on organised tours; particularly important if visiting the Parthenon/Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the area of Plaka.
Walk. It’s the best way to get to know the place. Keep the nearest Metro station in mind. When you’re tired, hop on board to get to your accommodation or somewhere to relax. Study the Metro map. It is very simple. Stations are clean and spacious. The metro stations Syntagma-Akropoli and train stations Monastiraki-Thiseio are usually the most convenient.
Use the high ground. Walk to the top of Lycabettus Hill, the Acropolis, or Pnyx before the heat of the day sets in. Look down and get to know the city.
Orientate yourself by the squares. If you know where you are in relation to Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Omonia, then you are less likely to get lost.
Take a Taxi. Taxis are cheap. Depending on the time of day, a 5 kilometre journey will cost between 5 and 8 euros. Download the Taxi Beat app to your phone to book taxis quickly and efficiently.
Respect the sun. Don’t get caught out in the middle of Summer. Wear cool clothing, carry sunglasses, and in the middle of the day, take time to relax in the shade. Water is generally served alongside meals and drinks. You’ll need it!
Drink coffee like a Greek. If you want to blend in, you must drink coffee. If you’re British, don’t try to find tea, wait until you get home.
Learn some Greek. But don’t speak like an Italian. The vowels tend to be staccato. Don’t be afraid, learn a little, but learn it well. Just about everyone in Athens can speak English, but a few words of Greek will serve you well.
Eat a bakery breakfast. In Greece, ‘pita’ means pies. Choose from Cheese, Spinach, ham, or sausage. And, of course, have it with coffee.
Try a Souvlaki. Although not the same across Greece, in Athens Souvlaki tends to refer to a snack of skewer-meat in pita, with chips, onions, tomatoes, and tzatsiki.
Ask a local. Visit www.thisisathens.org/ to find themed walks with Athenians.
Read also:
The Acropolis Museum joins in the Christmas Festivities of the Greek Capital
Why the petite Petraki Pedestrian Street in Central Athens shouldn’t be Missed
