Athens, Greece Travel Tips

In Athens, Greece, as a tourist, it is essential to respect the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. Here are some travel and cultural etiquette tips presented in Markdown format:

  1. Greeting: Greeks are very friendly and welcoming. A handshake is common when meeting someone for the first time. However, it’s best to wait for the other person to extend their hand first, especially if you’re dealing with a more traditional or older individual.

  2. Dress Code: Modest dress is important in Greece, especially when visiting religious sites. Women should wear long skirts or trousers and have shoulders covered. Men should avoid shorts in these settings. When in doubt, opt for smart casual attire to blend in with the locals.

  3. Tipping: Service charge is usually included in restaurant bills in Athens; however, rounding up the bill or leaving small change is a nice gesture if you’ve received good service. For taxis, round fares up to the nearest euro. Tip porters and bellboys around 1 euro per bag.

  4. Greeting Temples: The ancient Greek temples are sacred sites, so it’s important to be respectful when visiting them. Avoid touching any of the ruins, and remove hats or head coverings when entering a temple.

  5. Queueing: Greeks take queuing seriously, so make sure to wait your turn in lines, especially at popular tourist spots like museums and archaeological sites.

  6. Eating Habits: Lunch is usually the largest meal of the day for Greeks, traditionally eaten between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Dinner is lighter and often served later, around 9:00 PM or even later. When dining in restaurants, it’s common to linger over meals and enjoy the company.

  7. Smoking: Smoking is less prevalent than in the past but still common among some Greeks. If you’re sensitive to smoke, be aware that some cafes, bars, and restaurants may not have designated non-smoking areas.

  8. Personal Space: Greeks generally value personal space more than some other Mediterranean cultures. Keep a reasonable distance from people when talking or approaching them, especially in public places like buses or train stations.

  9. Public Displays of Affection (PDA): PDA is less common and may be seen as inappropriate in Greece compared to some Western countries. It’s best to keep affectionate gestures to a minimum when in public places.

  10. Haggling: In most shops, haggling over prices isn’t expected or welcomed, but it can be done at open-air markets like Monastiraki Flea Market. Familiarize yourself with the general prices before starting negotiations.