Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we visit Athens, Greece! It’s a fantastic city with really nice people. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate on your Athens vacation.
Hate #1: Taxis in Athens
Not only will you feel like you might get killed in a taxi, but taxis in Athens also have a reputation for ripping off tourists. Not all taxi drivers are bad, but it’s pretty easy to get scammed by a taxi driver in Athens. Before you set out, ask your hotel how much a taxi should cost to your destination, and confirm the price with the driver before you get in the car.
How to Avoid Travel Scams & Rip-Offs
Hate #2: Greek Salad Prices
This may sound silly, but when you eat out in Athens, a fresh Greek salad sounds like the perfect way to enjoy Mediterranean food. A Greek salad in Athens restaurants is twice the price of any other salads on the menu. For some reason, they think they can charge more for a salad by labeling it “Greek.” Order a different salad with some feta cheese on the side and it will be the same thing, but cheaper.
Hate #3: Driving in Athens
Unless you are from Athens, I do not recommend driving around Athens. The people drive very crazily, and it’s one of the most dangerous places in Europe to drive. If you are renting a car to drive around Greece, rent it after you’ve spent a few days in Athens, or return the car at the end of your trip and then visit Athens for a few days. (You will need an international driver’s license to rent a car in Greece!) As a pedestrian, you still have to be super vigilant about paying attention to traffic when you are crossing the streets.
Hate #4: Safety in Athens
Athens is pretty safe in the main tourist areas, but once you leave the main streets, it can get a little bit shady. You should be on the lookout for pickpockets and other people looking to target tourists. If you stay outside of the main area, be extra aware of your surroundings, especially when walking around at night. Athens is a large city of more than 600,000 people, so use the same street smarts you would in any capital city.
The Most Common Pickpocket Techniques
Hate #5: Strikes in Athens
Greece seems to be subject to big economic swings which often results in strikes. This can affect how you get from the airport to the city, or how you get around in the city. We even had to spend an extra day in Athens when the air traffic controllers went on strike. It helps to have some flexibility in your Athens itinerary, and you can check in with your hotel to see if any strikes are going on and what you can do to avoid protest areas.
Love #1: Athens Acropolis
The first time you see the Acropolis of Athens, you will never forget it. It’s such an iconic sight, perched on a hill overlooking Athens. The site dates back to the 4th Century BC. It’s hard to even wrap your head around how long the Acropolis has been looming over the city. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or Big Ben in London, the Athens Acropolis is one of the quintessential things to see in Athens.
Love #2: Athens Neighborhoods
The Athens neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki are the main hub where tourists congregate, but they’re also pretty neat neighborhoods to explore. Of course, there are lots of tourist shops, but there are also tons of small side streets to wander and find little restaurants and unique shops. Scattered throughout these neighborhoods are ancient ruins, so you never know what you’ll stumble upon as you explore Plaka and Monastiraki.
Love #3: Al Fresco Dining in Athens
No matter when you visit Athens, you can always eat outside and enjoy the Mediterranean weather. Dining al fresco is one of my favorite things to do in Athens as it’s the best way to soak up the relaxing atmosphere in Athens. Find a lively square where the people-watching is good, or a restaurant with a nice view of the Parthenon, and relax over a delicious, leisurely meal. (Just don’t order the Greek salad!)
Love #4: Athens History
Walking through Athens is an amazing experience. To be walking through the same streets as Socrates and Aristotle is just something you can’t do anywhere else in the world! There’s the Temple of Zeus, the Parthenon and so many amazing museums in Athens, it’s really mind-blowing to take in all of the historic things to see in Athens.
Love #5: Greek Hospitality
The people in Athens are amazing! Even though it’s the capital city and they see over four million tourists per year, the people are so friendly and welcoming. From the service industry to random people on the street, everyone has been so nice and helpful in Athens. If you are visiting Athens with kids, you don’t have to worry about finding a kid-friendly atmosphere, because every place has been very welcoming of us and our kids.
Athens is really fantastic, no matter your reason for visiting. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan an Athens vacation. Want more tips for planning a Mediterranean vacation? Check out these other blog posts: