Preparing for Athens: Tips & Hints

1. Guests are encouraged to find out the time of work of the local museums and exhibitions in advance, as it can vary depending on the season. On holidays (including religious ones) some of the cultural and entertainment facilities can be closed.

2. Local drivers often do not have good knowledge of traffic rules, so even if you cross a street in the right place, you should be very careful.

3. Prices for local taxi can be called the highest ones in Greece without any exaggeration. If the driver cannot provide you with an exact price for the ride and requests more than 30 euros, it is better to reject such offer.

4. Athens is very calm city, so you can walk safely on the main streets of the city even late at night. Many institutions work around the clock, so you should not deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying the city nightlife.

5. Taxi drivers, waiters and hotel employees must be rewarded for the services they provide. The usual size of tips in cafes and restaurants is 10-15% of the total amount.

6. Athens is a true paradise for smokers. You can smoke virtually everywhere in this city, and you will really need much time to find signs that prohibit smoking.

7. The local pharmacists are not only experienced professionals who are always ready to provide valuable advices to everyone interested; you will be also told about all properties of certain drugs and offered to measure blood pressure for free.

8. The majority of shops and large shopping centers are closed on Sundays. According to experienced travelers, electrical engineering is the most expensive product is the shops of the city. In some shopping pavilions prices for electronics can be 150-200% higher comparing to the average European price.

9. Nearly all beaches are public. However, if the coastal zone is equipped with parasols and deck chairs, guests may be charged a small additional fee for equipment rental.

10. Women are not recommended to travel alone in remote areas of the city. It’s better to examine the urban neighborhood together with a guide.

Other articles about Athens:
Traditions and lifestyle
Athens sightseeing
Best restaurants and cuisine
Athens attractions and leisure
Athens cityguide
Photogallery of Athens