Athens Travel Tips: What to Know Before You Go

Practical tips for Athens

• €30 combined ticket covers 7 major archaeological sites over 5 days — much better value than individual tickets.

• Metro Line 3 (blue) links airport, Syntagma and Piraeus — pickpocket hotspot; keep bags in front.

• Tavernas serve lunch 13:30–16:00 and dinner from 20:30 — arriving at 19:00 marks you as a tourist.

Staying safe and comfortable

Local emergency number: 112.

• Watch pickpockets on Metro Line 3 (airport line) and around Syntagma, Omonia and Monastiraki.

• Avoid Omonia Square and Exarcheia late at night; stick to Plaka/Koukaki/Kolonaki after dark.

• 112 works from any mobile in English or Greek.

Visas and entry

Entry policy: mixed, typically up to 90 days. Greece is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities enter visa-free for 90 days per 180; ETIAS pre-authorisation applies once launched. Others need a Schengen short-stay visa.

Budgeting your trip

Accommodation is the largest controllable cost in Athens. Compare live rates for your dates and neighbourhood shortlist before locking in flights — the difference between areas is often larger than the difference between travel weeks.