Athens Travel Facts

The Basics

City Name: Athens

Where is it located?: Athens sits on the southern coast of Greece.

Why do people go there?: Greek gods, ruins and Olympics, need we say more? Although not as attractive as those cities that lie on the isles, Athens is a bustling metropolis that always has something going on. It’s a city entrenched in the past but surrounded by the future.

How do travelers get there?: Flights into Athens from just about anywhere in Europe are available, as are ferries from Italy followed by over landing to the capital.

Currency: Euro

City Code: 1

Population: 800,000

Languages: It’s all Greek to me

Neighborhoods: The Plaka, Monastiraki, Kolonaki, Psiri, Omonia Square and Athinas Streets

Travel Information

Attractions: Ruins, Olympics, Gods

Accommodations: Athens Hostel, Athens Hotels

Tourist Office: Hellenic Tourism Organization, 2, Amerikis Street, 105 64 ATHENS, Greece, Telephone:+30-1-3271300/2.

Off-the-beaten-path: Koutouki cave, Hicking on Mount Parnitha

Health Issues: Watch out for the intensity of the sun

Tips for Visiting

When to go: Late spring and early fall will find nice weather, ample accommodation and relatively clear beaches. July and August are uncomfortably hot and the streets teem with European, especially Italian, tourists.

Common Phrases: Efharisto = Thank you, Parakalo = Your Welcome, Milate Anglika? = Do you speak English?, Milate Yermanika? = Do you speak German?, Then katalaveno = I don’t understand, Pos se lene? = What is your name?, Me lene … = My name is …, Apo pou eisai? = Where are you from?

City Specific Events: Athens Fringe Festivals in June

How to get around?: Buses and the Metro are waiting for you.

Good to know: A new tourism infrastructure is in place with the after the 2004 Olympics.

Cheapest airport to fly into: Athens International Airport can offer your cheaper flights to/from Athens.

Need more information?: Check out the Athens travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.