Preparation file

Preparing for Athens

Athens is a city of hills and marble where ancient remains sit inside the modern street plan. The metro reaches everywhere in the center; what needs attention is the summer heat and your choice of shoes.

Last updated: 2026-08

Audio summaryA spoken run-through of the intro and section summaries

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Meals and the rhythm of the day

All of Greece

Lunch moves into the afternoon and dinner into the night. In the middle of the afternoon small shops may close for a few hours; plan shopping and visits around that.

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Ancient sites and churches

All of Greece

Ancient sites are open and without shade; churches ask for covered clothing. If both are in the same day, dress for both.

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Getting around

Three metro lines reach everywhere in the center and there is a direct link to the airport. The historic areas in the center are within walking distance of each other.

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Heat and clothing

Summer is hot and the ancient sites have no shade; a midday visit to the Acropolis can be exhausting and risky. Winter is mild but wet.

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Money and cards

All of Greece

The currency is the euro. Cards work in larger businesses; in small tavernas, markets and island shops cash is still part of daily life. Carry some with you.

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Practical notes

All of Greece

Sockets are type C/F at 230 V, so no adapter is needed. Tap water is drinkable on the mainland and varies on the islands. Pharmacies are marked with a green cross.

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Staying safe

The city is safe by day; what needs care is certain districts and the crowded metro lines. At the ancient sites the real risk is not crime but falling.

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In an emergency

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Emergency call: 112One number for police, ambulance and fire. It is the same across Europe, so there is nothing to look up on arrival.
Tourist police: Unit in tourist areasThe unit that deals with visitors and has foreign-language support; theft reports are directed here.
Pharmacy: Green crossThe out-of-hours rota is listed on the notice at the door.
Lost passport: Your country's missionReport the loss to the police first, then apply to your mission. On a group tour, tell your tour leader immediately.

Checklists

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Phrases worth knowing

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