Athens, Greece

• Athens is a major European capital built around ancient ruins - you can visit the Acropolis in the morning and eat dinner in a modern neighborhood by evening. The metro system runs 5 AM to midnight (later on weekends) and connects most areas you'll want to visit. Most people in tourist areas speak English, and younger Greeks generally know enough to help.
• The main issue is pickpocketing, especially at Monastiraki and Syntagma metro stations during crowded times.
• Central neighborhoods like Plaka, Kolonaki, and Koukaki are reasonably safe to walk around, though areas like Omonia Square and Exarchia get sketchy after dark.
• The city has Tourist Police (dial 1571) who specifically deal with traveler issues and speak multiple languages. Greeks tend to be helpful with directions, though the staring can feel uncomfortable until you realize it's normal here.

Greek is the main language. English is common in tourist areas, hotels, shops, and among young people. Tourist Police (1571) speak English, French, and German. Emergency services (112) have English operators.

• Greeks stare a lot - it's cultural, not hostile. People will also strike up conversations and offer advice, especially if you're alone. The philoxenia (hospitality to strangers) thing is real.
• Cover shoulders and knees in churches and monasteries - bring a scarf. Don't walk around town in beach clothes. Outside religious sites, dress is casual.
• Tourist areas have plenty of English speakers, young people generally know some too. Basic Greek helps elsewhere - kalimera (good morning), efharisto (thank you), parakalo (please/you're welcome).
• Flat shoes are necessary because of bad sidewalks and slippery marble at ruins. The guard changing ceremony at Parliament happens daily at 11 AM and it's free. Greeks eat dinner late, usually after 7-8 PM.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. General Emergency (Pan-European): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The metro has 3 lines running 5 AM to midnight (Lines 2 and 3 go until 2 AM Fridays, all night Saturdays). A 90-minute ticket costs €1.20, daily pass €4.10, 3-day tourist pass with airport transport €20. Airport metro is €9 one-way - the X95 express bus costs €5.50 and runs 24/7.
• Uber only works as Uber Taxi here, connecting you to regular licensed cabs. FreeNow is another ride app. There are thousands of yellow taxis around charging €40-55 flat rate from airport to center. Stick to licensed yellow cabs or apps.
• Sidewalks are terrible - cracked, uneven, and slippery when wet. Wear flat shoes, not heels, especially for ancient sites with marble. Central areas like Plaka, Syntagma, and Monastiraki are walkable despite the pavement. Buses and trams run 6 AM to 11 PM.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Athens with local guides and curated experiences.