Athens City Guide

Food ranges from traditional Greek dishes like Souvlaki and Moussaka to diverse international cuisines. Many late-night spots. Vegetarians and vegans find growing options.

Nightlife is lively and varied, including traditional tavernas with live music, cocktail bars, clubs, and rooftops with Acropolis views. Key areas are Gazi, Psyrri, Monastiraki, and Kolonaki.

Athens has a strong specialty coffee scene with many third-wave cafés and unique local drinks like freddo espresso.

Tipping is common but not mandatory. Restaurants expect 5-10%, taxis rounding up, and small tips for other services.

SIM cards sold at the airport and city stores. Main providers are Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind (Nova). Cosmote has best coverage. ID needed for purchase.

Cleanliness varies by area. Tourist spots are well-kept; some neighborhoods have litter issues. Recycling is improving.

Some pharmacies operate 24/7 on rotation. Small kiosks and minimarts often open late. Emergency clinics and late-night food spots exist.

Supermarkets stock international products, especially large branches. Local fresh markets operate on set days in neighborhoods. Shops mostly closed Sundays.

Card payments work in most shops and restaurants, especially in the city. Small markets and some taxis still prefer cash.

ATMs from major banks like National Bank, Alpha, Piraeus, and Eurobank are common. Fees range €2.50-€3. Avoid standalone tourist ATMs with higher fees.

International schools like ACS Athens, Campion, and St. Catherine offer English instruction. Local schools teach in Greek. Apply early due to waitlists.

Digital nomads gather in co-working spaces and meetups. City has nomad-focused events and social groups online.

National Garden and Zappeion Park offer shade and running paths. Green space access is fair but not abundant.

Popular routes include National Garden, Acropolis area, and coastal promenades. Running clubs and events are active.

Athens has many gyms from budget to high-end, including CrossFit and boutique options.

Many tennis courts and clubs with bookings, rentals, and coaching available.

Padel is growing, with new courts and coaching starting to appear.

Numerous yoga studios offer various styles and classes in English. Drop-in and memberships available.

Multiple gyms teach BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, judo, karate, and more. Many have English-speaking instructors and drop-in classes.

Ski resorts are 2.5-3 hours away, like Mount Parnassos and Kalavryta with rentals and varied slopes.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing are available along the coast with rental options and guided tours.

Surf spots are an hour or more away. Water is warm in summer. Limited lessons and rentals.

Good dive sites near Athens and along the coast. Clear waters and marine life. Several dive centers offer equipment and training.

Private hospitals like Hygeia and Athens Medical Center have English staff. Public hospitals may have fewer English speakers. Pharmacies are widespread and some open 24/7 on rotation.

Tap water in Athens is generally safe to drink.

Lots of playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Baby supplies widely available. Attractions include the Planetarium, Children's Museum, National Garden, and Zoo.

LGBTQ+ community is visible and generally accepted, especially in central areas like Gazi. Annual Pride event in June.

Pet-friendly options vary. Vets and supplies are easy to find. Dog parks limited but green spaces allow leashed dogs.