Use FreeNow for fixed fares, faster pickups, and safer rides in Athens. Most drivers speak basic English. Avoid hailing taxis on the street — these apps work much better. Download them before arriving.
Get FreeNow (iOS) Get FreeNow (Android)5-day pass for unlimited metro bus and tram rides. Available at machines in all major metro stations. Validate before use to avoid fines.
Kerameikos Metro StationThe easiest and cheapest way to get data in Athens is to buy a prepaid SIM from the street vendors near the Omonia metro exits. You’ll find them selling cards for €10–12 with 15–25 GB of data valid for a month. passport needed. You can use the SIM across Greece, including the islands — perfect for staying online while traveling.
Vendors at Omonia SquareFor the best exchange rates in Athens, visit Capital Exchange at 6 Agiou Konstantinou Street, near Omonia Square. Avoid exchanging money at the airport or using ATMs with dynamic currency conversion. It's advisable to bring small bills for use in kiosks and tavernas.
Capital Exchange on Google MapsLook for green cross signs. Many medications are sold without a prescription. Pharmacists usually speak English and can help with minor issues. To find 24/7 pharmacies currently on duty, check this website — it lists them by date and neighborhood. You can translate it into English using your browser.
Find Pharmacies on DutyMany tavernas and kiosks are cash-only. ATMs are widespread but use bank-affiliated ones to avoid high fees. Cards usually accepted in upscale areas like Kolonaki.
Alpha Bank ATM SyntagmaScarce in Athens. Use metro stations or ask at tavernas politely. Always carry tissues and hand sanitizer for smaller venues.
Syntagma Metro StationBook through Ferrysavers.com or at Piraeus Port ticket offices. High-speed ferries to Aegina or Hydra are pricier but faster. Arrive early for boarding.
Piraeus PortRenting a scooter in Athens is cheap and easy — all you need is your passport and a valid driving license from your country. It’s a great way to reach beaches and explore the coast freely. Scooters are available around Plaka and near metro stations. However, avoid driving into the city center due to heavy traffic and chaotic streets. Always ask for a helmet and check if basic insurance is included.
Scooter Rental in PlakaVarvakios Agora for meat, fish, and spices. Open early morning. Cash only. Wear closed shoes and watch for slippery floors.
Varvakios AgoraFree Wi-Fi is available in Syntagma Square, Monastiraki, and other major plazas under the network name “Athens WiFi.” You’ll also find open connections at large metro stations like Syntagma and Omonia. Most cafés such as Mikel, Coffee Island, and Starbucks offer free Wi-Fi — just ask or look for the password inside. Use the WiFi Map app to find nearby networks and passwords shared by other travelers. Always use a VPN if entering personal information.
Syntagma Square on Map Get WiFi Map (iOS) Get WiFi Map (Android)Many small shops close 2–5 PM for siesta, especially in summer. Plan errands early or late. Tavernas and tourist areas stay open.
PlakaPrice: $109.75 USD | Duration: 2 days | Access to 14 major museums and attractions. Includes hop-on-hop-off bus tour for 48 hours. Buy online to skip lines.
Buy iVenture CardPrice: €69 (Adult), €29 (Child 4-12 years) | Duration: 2 days | Access to Acropolis Museum, National Archaeological Museum, and more. Skip-the-line access. Buy online to skip lines.
Buy Introducing Athens PassPrice: From $91 USD | Duration: 2 days | Access to 21 museums and attractions. Includes hop-on-hop-off bus tour for 48 hours. Buy online to skip lines.
Buy Civitatis Museum Pass
Knowing some basic Greek phrases and gestures can significantly enhance your travel experience in Athens. Locals appreciate the effort, and it can help you navigate situations more smoothly, build rapport, and avoid misunderstandings. Below is a comprehensive guide to essential phrases, their pronunciations, when to use them, and important cultural gestures to understand.
Essential Greek Phrases for Tourists
Greetings and Politeness
- "Kalimera" (kah-lee-MEHR-ah): Good morning.
- When to use: Use this greeting until around noon. It’s a friendly way to start conversations with shopkeepers, hotel staff, or locals you meet in the morning.
- Why it’s useful: Greeks are warm and appreciate when tourists make an effort to speak their language. Saying "Kalimera" can make locals smile and be more helpful.
- "Kalispera" (kah-lees-PEHR-ah): Good evening.
- When to use: Use this from late afternoon (around 5 PM) onwards, especially when entering a taverna or greeting someone in the evening.
- Why it’s useful: It sets a polite tone for evening interactions and shows respect for the time of day.
- "Kalinixta" (kah-lee-NEEKH-tah): Good night.
- When to use: Use this when leaving a place late at night, such as a taverna or bar, or when saying goodbye to your host.
- Why it’s useful: It’s a polite way to end the day and leave a good impression.
- "Efcharisto" (eff-kha-ree-STOH): Thank you.
- When to use: Use this after receiving help, a meal, or any service. For example, thank a waiter after a meal or a shopkeeper after a purchase.
- Why it’s useful: Gratitude is highly valued in Greek culture, and saying "Efcharisto" can make locals feel appreciated, often leading to warmer interactions.
- "Parakalo" (pah-rah-kah-LOH): Please / You’re welcome.
- When to use: Use "Parakalo" when making a request (e.g., "Parakalo, one coffee") or as a response to "Efcharisto" (meaning "You’re welcome").
- Why it’s useful: It’s a versatile word that shows politeness in requests and graciousness when thanked.
- "Signomi" (seen-GHNOH-mee): Excuse me / Sorry.
- When to use: Use this to get someone’s attention (e.g., in a crowded market) or to apologize for a minor mistake, like bumping into someone.
- Why it’s useful: It helps you navigate crowded places politely and shows respect for others’ space.
Practical Phrases for Navigation and Dining
- "Pou ine…?" (poo EE-neh): Where is…?
- When to use: Use this to ask for directions, e.g., "Pou ine Monastiraki?" when looking for a place. Pointing at a map can help clarify.
- Why it’s useful: It’s a simple way to ask for directions, and locals will often respond with gestures or basic English.
- "Ti ine afto?" (tee EE-neh AF-toh): What is this?
- When to use: Use this when pointing at a dish or item in a market to learn its name or ingredients.
- Why it’s useful: It helps you explore food and markets without needing advanced Greek, and vendors often appreciate your curiosity.
- "Poso kani?" (POH-soh KAH-nee): How much is it?
- When to use: Use this when shopping or at a market to ask for the price of an item.
- Why it’s useful: It’s essential for haggling or understanding costs, especially in cash-based markets.
- "Ena trapezi, parakalo" (EH-nah tra-PEH-zee, pah-rah-kah-LOH): A table, please.
- When to use: Use this when entering a taverna to request a table.
- Why it’s useful: It’s a polite way to request seating, especially in busy tavernas, and shows you’re making an effort to speak the local language.
- "To logariasmo, parakalo" (toh loh-gar-yahs-MOH, pah-rah-kah-LOH): The bill, please.
- When to use: Use this at the end of a meal to ask for the check in a taverna or café.
- Why it’s useful: It’s a courteous way to wrap up your dining experience, and it helps avoid confusion if the server is busy.
- "Yamas" (YAH-mas): Cheers!
- When to use: Use this when clinking glasses with locals during a toast, often with ouzo, tsipouro, or wine.
- Why it’s useful: It’s a fun, social phrase that helps you connect with locals during meals or drinks, creating a friendly atmosphere.
Emergency and Clarification Phrases
- "Voithia!" (voh-EE-thee-ah): Help!
- When to use: Use this in emergencies to call for assistance, such as if you’re lost or need urgent help.
- Why it’s useful: It’s a critical phrase to know in case of unexpected situations, ensuring you can quickly get attention.
- "Den katalaveno" (then kah-tah-lah-VEH-noh): I don’t understand.
- When to use: Use this if someone speaks to you in rapid Greek or you’re confused by instructions.
- Why it’s useful: It politely signals that you need clarification, often prompting locals to switch to English or gestures.
- "Mila anglika?" (MEE-lah ang-lee-KAH): Do you speak English?
- When to use: Use this to check if someone can communicate in English, especially in less touristy areas.
- Why it’s useful: It’s a quick way to find out if you can switch to English, making communication easier in tricky situations.
Key Greek Gestures to Understand
- The “No” Head Tilt: Greeks often say “no” by tilting their head slightly upward and back, sometimes with a soft “tsk” sound or raised eyebrows. It’s not rude; it’s just their way of saying “no” or “not really.”
- When you’ll see it: If you ask a local for something unavailable (e.g., a dish not on the menu), they might respond with this gesture.
- Why it’s useful to know: Recognizing this prevents miscommunication, as it’s different from a head shake in other cultures.
- The Hand Wave for “Come Here”: Greeks beckon by waving their hand downward, palm facing down, similar to a “shoo” motion in some cultures. It’s their way of saying “come here.”
- When you’ll see it: A taverna owner or shopkeeper might use this to invite you in or show you something.
- Why it’s useful to know: Understanding this gesture helps you respond appropriately and avoids confusion with gestures that mean “go away” elsewhere.
- The Open Palm for “Wait/Stop”: An open palm facing you, often with fingers slightly spread, means “wait” or “stop.” It’s not aggressive, just direct.
- When you’ll see it: A driver might use this to signal you to wait before crossing, or a server might use it to indicate they’ll be with you soon.
- Why it’s useful to know: It helps you interpret situations correctly, especially in busy or chaotic settings like markets or streets.
- The Moutza (Avoid This!): An open palm thrust forward with fingers spread is an offensive gesture called the “moutza.” It’s a strong insult, equivalent to a middle finger in other cultures.
- When to avoid it: Never use this gesture, even jokingly, as it can offend locals deeply. Be cautious when waving with an open palm facing forward.
- Why it’s useful to know: Avoiding this gesture ensures you don’t accidentally offend anyone, preserving positive interactions.
Tips for Practicing and Using Greek Phrases
- Practice Pronunciation: Greek pronunciation can be tricky, so practice these phrases aloud before your trip. Use apps like Duolingo or YouTube tutorials for correct accents and tones.
- Start Small: Begin with greetings like “Kalimera” and “Efcharisto” in shops or tavernas. Locals will appreciate even small efforts and may respond with more warmth.
- Use Body Language: Pair phrases with smiles, nods, or pointing to clarify your meaning, especially if your pronunciation isn’t perfect.
- Be Patient: Not all locals speak English, especially in less touristy areas. If they don’t understand, try rephrasing or using gestures instead of repeating loudly.
- Learn the Alphabet (Optional): Familiarizing yourself with the Greek alphabet can help you read signs, menus, or street names. For example, “Σ” is “S,” and “Π” is “P.”
Cultural Notes for Using Greek Phrases and Gestures
- Politeness Matters: Greeks value courtesy, so always use “Parakalo” and “Efcharisto” in requests and thanks. Skipping these can come off as abrupt.
- Context is Key: Some phrases, like “Yamas,” are casual and best used in social settings, not formal ones. Observe the setting before using them.
- Older Locals Appreciate Effort: In traditional tavernas or markets, older Greeks may not speak English but will light up if you try basic phrases.
- Don’t Overthink Gestures: If you’re unsure about a gesture, stick to smiling and nodding, which are universally friendly.
By learning these basic phrases and gestures, you’ll navigate Athens with more confidence, connect with locals, and enrich your travel experience. Even a few words go a long way in showing respect for Greek culture!