So, you made it in Athens, you found accommodation that suits your budget and your lifestyle, and you are ready to start exploring the city. Chances are it is Summer, and the temperatures are likely to rise at levels uncomfortable to what you've been accustomed to.
Make sure you have a hat, preferably a straw hat, to provide shade but also ventilation, so that your head is not exposed directly to the sun.
Have a supply of fresh water readily available at all times. Kiosks can be found all over the city, and almost all have commercial refrigerators full of small (0.5 lt.) large (1 lt.) or extra large (1.5 lt.) bottles of water. Normal prices are € .50 euro for the 0.5 lt., and € 1 for the 1 lt. You may find small variations but anything that is very different fro the above is overpriced. Best prices for water can be found in supermarkets. We should state here that public tab water is safe for both drinking, cooking or showering. Also, mineral water can be found at a higher price and smaller packaging, very easily. Our preference is with local SOUROTI water.
Most destinations in Athens can be reached by foot. Do not get fooled by smart taxi drivers who will insist that this or that destination is too far. Consult with your Google maps and make your own decision. Alternatively, the Athens Metro is excellent, not very expensive, tickets last for 90 minutes and are good for multiple trips during this time. One 90 minute ticket costs € 1.20 euro, a daily pass is € 4.10 euro. 3-Day Tourist Ticket (€20) – Includes unlimited travel and one round trip to/from Athens International Airport. This is available at bus and metro ticket kiosks at Athens International Airport, Omonia, Syntagma, Thissio, Monastiraki, Acropolis, and Piraeus stations.
Tipping in Greece is appreciated but not mandatory. It is more of an expression of thanking someone because of their services, rather than an obligation.
Make sure you have a hat, preferably a straw hat, to provide shade but also ventilation, so that your head is not exposed directly to the sun.
Have a supply of fresh water readily available at all times. Kiosks can be found all over the city, and almost all have commercial refrigerators full of small (0.5 lt.) large (1 lt.) or extra large (1.5 lt.) bottles of water. Normal prices are € .50 euro for the 0.5 lt., and € 1 for the 1 lt. You may find small variations but anything that is very different fro the above is overpriced. Best prices for water can be found in supermarkets. We should state here that public tab water is safe for both drinking, cooking or showering. Also, mineral water can be found at a higher price and smaller packaging, very easily. Our preference is with local SOUROTI water.
Most destinations in Athens can be reached by foot. Do not get fooled by smart taxi drivers who will insist that this or that destination is too far. Consult with your Google maps and make your own decision. Alternatively, the Athens Metro is excellent, not very expensive, tickets last for 90 minutes and are good for multiple trips during this time. One 90 minute ticket costs € 1.20 euro, a daily pass is € 4.10 euro. 3-Day Tourist Ticket (€20) – Includes unlimited travel and one round trip to/from Athens International Airport. This is available at bus and metro ticket kiosks at Athens International Airport, Omonia, Syntagma, Thissio, Monastiraki, Acropolis, and Piraeus stations.
Tipping in Greece is appreciated but not mandatory. It is more of an expression of thanking someone because of their services, rather than an obligation.
