Nea Smyrni City Guide

Local tavernas serve gyros and souvlaki, alongside many international options. The main square stays lively at night. Vegetarian and vegan choices are increasingly common.

The main square has a variety of bars and cafes that get busy in the evenings and weekends.

There are many cafes in Nea Smyrni’s square, including local chains and some specialty spots. Coffee culture here is strong and relaxed.

Tipping is not always expected but appreciated. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% in restaurants. Taxi drivers usually get a rounded fare tip.

SIM cards are available at Athens airport and stores. Major providers are Cosmote, Vodafone, and Wind. Registration with an ID or passport is required.

Nea Smyrni streets and parks are generally clean with active waste management and recycling programs.

Some pharmacies rotate 24/7 hours. Minimarts and kiosks stay open late. A few clinics offer after-hours care. Late-night food options exist but are limited.

Supermarkets like Sklavenitis, AB Vassilopoulos, Lidl, and Masoutis are common. Local farmers' markets operate on certain days. Most shops open 8 AM–9 PM weekdays and close Sundays.

Cards are widely accepted in big stores and restaurants, but smaller places prefer cash. Cash is common for tipping.

ATMs are easy to find at banks, airports, malls, and streets. Your card needs a 4-digit PIN to work here, and some cards charge foreign fees.

Local schools teach in Greek. Athens offers international schools with English instruction but none are specifically known in Nea Smyrni.

Athens has a growing digital nomad scene with meetups and co-working spaces. Nea Smyrni benefits from nearby city resources.

Nea Smyrni Grove and many parks provide ample green space with shaded walking and outdoor fitness options.

Nea Smyrni Grove offers safe, scenic running loops of varying lengths. The park is popular with local runners.

Outdoor gym equipment is available in the park. Milon Sports Club has an indoor gym and pool.

Tennis courts exist in nearby sports clubs with clay and hard courts, plus some coaching options.

Padel is growing in popularity, with courts and coaching available in Athens sports clubs.

Yoga and Pilates classes occur in Nea Smyrni Grove and local studios. English-speaking instructors are common in larger studios.

Martial arts gyms and training are available in Nea Smyrni and Athens, covering styles like BJJ and boxing with English-speaking teachers.

Nearest ski resorts are several hours away, like Mount Parnassos. Skiing isn't common for locals here.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular at local beaches with rental shops available in summer.

Surf spots exist around Vouliagmeni and Varkiza, over an hour away by public transport. Best season is winter, but surfing here is limited.

Diving and snorkeling are possible along the Athenian Riviera with good water clarity and typical Mediterranean marine life.

Private hospitals in Athens are your best bet for English-speaking staff and quicker service. Pharmacies are easy to find and some open 24/7 on rotation.

Tap water meets EU safety standards and is safe to drink, though taste may vary due to minerals or chlorine.

Nea Smyrni Grove and the large main square provide safe, green spaces and playgrounds for kids. There are family-friendly cafes and local shops with baby supplies.

Athens, including nearby areas, is LGBTQ+ friendly with legal protections and community events like Athens Pride.

Nea Smyrni is pet-friendly with two dog parks, vet services, and pet supply stores. Many green spaces are good for walking dogs.