When travelers think about Greece, they probably think of hot spots like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.
01.05.2024 - 20:19 / insider.com
I was born and raised in Athens, so I've seen a lot of tourists.
After all, Athens had a record-breaking year for tourism in 2023 — and it's one of the most-searched summer destinations this year, according to Delta.
But while visiting our famous archeological sites and enjoying the delicious Greek food, tourists often make mistakes that could easily be avoided.
Here are things I wish people would stop doing when they visit Athens.
Tourists often arrive here in tank tops and shorts no matter what time of year it is. But you should really check the weather before packing your bathing suit.
Although the weather in Athens is mild,temperatures vary from 16 degrees Celsius, or 61 degrees Fahrenheit, to 28 in spring and summer, with only a few days in July and August reaching the dreaded 30 to 35 degrees.
You can also expect colder fall temperatures (14 to 18 degrees), and particularly chilly winters (-5 to 10 degrees). Athens has seen its fair share of snow over the years, too.
Athens is a pretty casual city — you can pretty much wear whatever casual outfit you'd like on strolls or in most museums and restaurants.
But stop entering churches in crop tops and tiny skirts — it's often deemed disrespectful. Long pants or dresses are much more appropriate.
Moreover, you're not even allowed to wear high heels at ancient sites, which is a rule created in part to protect their marble. And I suggest bringing flat shoes or sneakers with a good grip when visiting the Acropolis to avoid brutal falls.
Buses in Athens are notoriously late and unreliable. Most people drive cars or use the metro instead.
Even if you've got a new, super-cool app that shows when the next bus will arrive at your stop, rest assured that Athenian buses defy all laws of GPS-based technology, and you will be disappointed — and late for your dinner reservations.
If you insist on riding the bus, ask someone at the stop when your specific bus passed last. If it was less than 20 minutes ago, I wouldn't bother waiting for the next one.
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Take the metro or call a taxi (using the FreeNow app).
The country's cuisine does not end with the classic Greek salad or with gyros. Definitely be open to trying more food and wandering off the beaten path.
When in Athens, swap crowded areas like Monastiraki for less touristy ones such as Exarcheia, Petralona, and Koukaki, where you'll find some of the best food in town.
I encourage you to try zucchini fritters, stuffed tomatoes, rooster with pasta in red sauce, pastitsio(Greek lasagna), moussaka(this casserole's famous for a reason), and plenty more flavorful nibbles and dishes.
When in doubt, ask a local for the best restaurants in Athens rather than blindly following travel guides.
Clogged
When travelers think about Greece, they probably think of hot spots like Athens, Santorini, and Mykonos.
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