Europe
Greece travel guide
Greece is where Western history, philosophy and democracy have deep roots. Athens combines the Acropolis and ancient sites with lively neighbourhoods, and the islands are a ferry ride away.
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Greece at a glance
- Currency
- Euro (€). Cards are widely accepted; carry some cash for small tavernas and kiosks.
- Language
- Greek. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
- Plugs
- Type C and F, 230 V.
- Emergency number
- 112
- Entry
- Part of the Schengen area. Check official entry rules for your passport before you travel.
- Getting around
- Ferries leave Piraeus and Rafina for the islands, and buses and trains connect Athens with the mainland.
City guides for Greece
Athens
Athens packs 2,500 years of history into a walkable centre. The Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Plaka and Monastiraki are all within a 20-minute walk of Syntagma Square. The big archaeological sites have timed tickets and get hot by midday, so start early. Three days covers the highlights; add a fourth for Cape Sounion, Aegina or Delphi.
If you only have one day in Athens
- Acropolis & the Parthenon: The rock above Athens with the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its Caryatids, the Propylaia and the little Temple of Athena Nike. The ticket also covers the slopes, including the Theatre of Dionysus.
- Plaka & Anafiotika: Athens’ oldest neighbourhood, with neoclassical houses, small churches and tavernas. Anafiotika, a tiny cluster of whitewashed houses on the Acropolis slope, feels like a Cycladic island.
- Ancient Agora & Temple of Hephaestus: The heart of ancient Athenian democracy and daily life, where Socrates taught. The Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best-preserved Greek temples anywhere, and the rebuilt Stoa of Attalos houses a museum.
- Best time to go
- April–June and September–October. July and August are very hot; visit sites at opening time. Winter is mild, with shorter opening hours.
- From the airport
- Metro line 3 runs from the airport to Syntagma. An airport metro ticket costs €9 (€16 return) and is valid for 90 minutes on city transport. The X95 express bus to Syntagma costs €5.50 and runs 24/7, taking about an hour (OASA, 2026).
Greece travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Athens?
Two days covers the Acropolis, its museum, the Ancient Agora, Plaka and Monastiraki. Three days adds the stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and a sunset hill at a relaxed pace; four lets you add Cape Sounion, Aegina or Delphi.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
Spring and autumn. July and August are very hot, so plan the Acropolis for early morning.
Travelling to Greece?
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