Capital city in Attica, Greece
Athens
Walkable, affordable European capital with ancient sites, rooftop bars, good food and island ferries from nearby ports. Summer heat, graffiti-heavy streets and petty theft around Omonia and the metro are the trade-offs.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,140–3,150Comfortable, one person · €1,900–2,800Details
- Value for money30/100Better value than 29% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Jul, 33°CDetails
- Internet91 MbpsFixed broadband, Greece medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableAthens tap water is safe to drink, though some people dislike the chlorine taste and buy bottled water.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel5/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–113Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundFREENOWVery walkableDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards and contactless accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for kiosks, bakeries, small tavernas and tips.Details
Where to stay in Athens
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Koukaki–Makrygianni | First-timers: Acropolis views, quiet streets, cafés, metro |
| Pangrati | Long stays: local cafés, parks, relaxed residential feel |
| Exarchia–Kolonaki | Students, bars and bookshops (Exarchia); upscale cafés (Kolonaki) |
| Psyrri–Monastiraki | Nightlife and rooftop bars; noisy at weekends |
| Neos Kosmos | Cheaper rents near Syngrou-Fix metro, local feel |
Apps that work in Athens
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: Viber and WhatsApp
- Ferryhopper: Compare and book ferries between islands
- Taxis: Street taxis should use the meter; flat airport fares are fixed. Card payment is mandatory in taxis but drivers sometimes say it is broken.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Greece.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards and contactless accepted almost everywhere; carry some cash for kiosks, bakeries, small tavernas and tips.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Most Greek bank ATMs charge foreign cards a few euros; Euronet costs more. Decline currency conversion.
- Tipping: Round up or leave 5–10% in tavernas and cafés, ideally in cash; card tips often can't be added.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted; IRIS bank transfers are for locals with Greek accounts.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen member: non-EU visitors are registered in the EU Entry/Exit System (fingerprints and photo) instead of passport stamps.
- ETIAS is not running yet; the EU will announce its start date months in advance.
- Ferries from Turkey and Albania cross the Schengen external border, so expect full passport checks there.
Emergency numbers
Police 100 · Ambulance 166 · Fire 199 · Tourist police 1571 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from Telekom, Vodafone and Nova at Athens airport and phone shops; passport needed. EU SIMs roam at home rates. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Greece
Going to Athens solo?
SoloSquare is where travelers, nomads and locals in Athens meet up for small plans: coffee, dinners, walks and day trips. Join one, or start your own in a minute.
Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.