Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about what NOT to do when you visit Athens, Greece. It’s one of Jocelyn’s favorite destinations, and we always have fun when we visit Athens. While many travel blogs will tell you what to do in Athens, Greece, we want to be sure you know about the things you should NOT do on your Athens vacation.
Don’t Mix Up the Parthenon and the Acropolis
A common mistake many travelers make is to confuse these two Athens attractions. The Acropolis is the hill, while the Parthenon is the building ruins on top of the hill. Both are some of the top things to see in Athens.
Don’t Skip the Parthenon
Many people skip the Parthenon because they think it will be too crowded or too hot. It’s such a cool, quintessential Athens experience, you have to see it up close. Yes, it will be hot and crowded, but it’s totally worth it. When you get up there, don’t stop to take a photo right where everyone else is. There are better pictures to be taken, just keep walking.
Don’t Drive in Athens
I do not recommend driving in Athens. It will stress you out and it’s not worth it. Use public transportation, take an Uber or taxi, or hire a driver. Driving in Athens is not for first-time visitors.
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Don’t Assume You Have the Right of Way
As a pedestrian in Athens, you have to be careful as you walk around. Don’t assume you have the right of way, and don’t step out in traffic without making eye contact with the driver. Always pay attention in Athens traffic!
Don’t Be Surprised by Strikes
Worker strikes are popular in Athens, and it can impact your trip. It’s not usually a huge city-wide strike, but you might find a few Athens attractions closed during the strike. When we tried to visit the Temple of Zeus, they were closed due to strike from 8am to 11am. It was slightly inconvenient but it didn’t ruin our trip. Don’t let the news coverage of strikes keep you from visiting Athens. If you think transportation might be affected, just have a backup plan for getting to the airport.
Don’t Worry About Language Barriers
Chances are, you don’t speak Greek. But don’t let that keep you from visiting Athens. It’s easy to find English speakers in Athens. Most of the signs and menus we came across were in both Greek and English, so it hasn’t really been a problem at all during our Athens vacations.
Don’t Drink the Tap Water
The tap water isn’t necessarily going to harm you, but I recommend sticking to bottled water. You can buy it everywhere, and we always pick up a few extra bottles at the end of the night to cool off when we get back to our accommodation.
Don’t Mess With the Summer Heat
Yes, it gets very hot in Athens in the summer. You’ll be out in the hot sun all day exploring Athens attractions, so make sure you are prepared. Have sunblock, lots of water, a hat, and light clothing that will keep you cool. (But make sure you are also dressed appropriately to enter churches!)
Don’t Forget Good Walking Shoes
You will be walking a LOT on your Athens vacation. Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes that you can wear all day long on uneven surfaces. Make sure you have good traction, too. The cobblestone streets and marble at the Acropolis are really worn down and slippery.
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Don’t Feel Pressured to Buy Things
When you visit the markets in Athens, don’t feel pressured to buy anything, You’ll run into some high-pressure salespeople who will try to make you feel bad for not buying anything. A lot of stores sell the same things, especially in tourist areas, so do a bit of price shopping before you commit to anything. You can also bargain with the shopkeepers; it’s expected! You can also save money by paying in cash; you’ll get a cheaper price, so include that in your bargaining.
Don’t Expect to Pay With a Credit Card Everywhere
When you are shopping, not only will you get a better price with cash, but that might be your only option. Merchants have to pay credit card transaction fees, so you might often find that the credit card machine is “broken.” Whether legitimately or just conveniently for the merchant, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Don’t Skip the Athens Museums
Besides the great outdoor attractions in Athens, there are also some really great museums in Athens. Across from the Acropolis, the new Acropolis Museum is really cool. The Archeology Museum is fantastic as well. The Benaki Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art are also cool places to visit in Athens. Spending the heat of the day indoors in a museum isn’t a bad idea, either!
Don’t Refuse Food at Someone’s Home
If you are lucky enough to have friends in Greece and are invited into someone’s home, don’t refuse any food they offer. Greeks are proud of their food, and it’s an insult to refuse it. So, accept the fact that you’re going to gain some weight on your Athens trip!
Don’t Miss Outdoor Dining in Athens
There are many squares in Athens, many of them lined with outdoor cafes. They might be a little pricier, especially in the tourist areas, but it’s worth it. Enjoy the views, the atmosphere, the food, and the people watching.
Don’t Miss Out on Athens Day Trips
Besides visiting all of the Athens attractions, it also makes a great home base for some day trips around Greece. My favorite Athens day trip is to visit Delphi, where you can see old ruins. Jocelyn’s favorite day trip from Athens is Nafplio. It’s about two hours from Athens, and it’s such a beautiful city to spend time in. Mycenae is another great Athens day trip!
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Don’t let these “don’ts” keep you from planning a trip to Athens. It’s a cool city with a lot of great stuff to see. With delicious Greek food and rich history, Athens sightseeing should be on everyone’s travel bucket list. Want more travel tips for traveling in Greece? Check out some of our other blog posts: