Athens, the capital of Greece, is a city rich in history, culture and beauty. Whether you want to explore the ancient monuments, visit the world-class museums, enjoy the vibrant nightlife or relax by the sea, Athens has something for everyone. But how do you get around this sprawling metropolis? Here are some tips and options to help you make the most of your stay in Athens.
Walking
One of the best ways to get around in Athens is on foot. The city center is compact and most of the major attractions are within walking distance of each other. You can easily stroll from Syntagma Square, where you can watch the changing of the guard at the parliament building, to Monastiraki, where you can browse the flea market and admire the views of the Acropolis. From there, you can continue to Plaka, the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood of Athens, and Anafiotika, a charming cluster of whitewashed houses that resemble a Cycladic island. You can also walk to the Acropolis Museum, one of the best museums in the world, and the Acropolis itself, the crown jewel of Athens.
Walking in Athens is not only convenient but also rewarding. You will get to see the contrast between the ancient and the modern, the lively and the serene, the elegant and the gritty. You will also discover hidden gems, such as street art, local cafes, quirky shops and more. Walking in Athens is also a great way to experience the city’s atmosphere and interact with its friendly people.
However, walking in Athens also has some drawbacks. The city is hilly and can get very hot in summer, so make sure you wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen and a hat. The sidewalks can be narrow, uneven and crowded with pedestrians, vendors and parked cars or motorcycles. The traffic can be chaotic and noisy, so be careful when crossing the streets and follow the traffic lights and signs. Also, be aware of pickpockets and scammers in busy areas and keep your valuables close to you.
Metro
If you want to avoid walking or cover longer distances, the metro is a great option. The metro system in Athens is clean, frequent, cheap and easy to use. It consists of three lines (red, blue and green) that connect different parts of the city and some suburbs. The metro also serves some key destinations, such as the airport, Piraeus port, Syntagma Square, Monastiraki Square and Acropoli station (for the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum). The metro stations are well marked with signs and maps in Greek and English. Some stations also feature archaeological exhibits or artworks that add to their appeal.
To use the metro, you need to buy a ticket from a ticket office or a machine at any station. The ticket costs 1.40 euros for 90 minutes of unlimited rides on any metro, bus or tram line (except for airport services). You can also buy daily or multi-day passes for more convenience and savings. Before entering the platform area, you need to validate your ticket at a machine near the gates. Keep your ticket with you until you exit the station as it may be checked by inspectors.
The metro operates from 5:30 a.m. to 12:20 a.m. on weekdays and until 2:20 a.m. on weekends. The frequency varies from 4 to 10 minutes depending on the line and time of day.
Bus
Another way to get around in Athens is by bus. The bus network covers most of the city and some suburbs with regular and express routes. The buses are modern, air-conditioned and tourist-friendly. They have screens that show upcoming stops and announcements in Greek and English. You can also use Google Maps or other apps to plan your route and find bus stops.
The bus ticket costs 1.40 euros for 90 minutes of unlimited rides on any bus, metro or tram line (except for airport services). You can buy it from a kiosk or a machine at some bus stops or inside the bus (exact change required). You need to validate your ticket at a machine on board as soon as you enter. Keep your ticket with you until you exit as it may be checked by inspectors.
The buses operate from 5:00 a.m. to midnight with some limited night services. The frequency varies from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the route and time of day.
Tram
If you want to get to the coast from downtown Athens, you can take the tram. The tram line runs south from Syntagma Square to the seaside, where it splits into two branches that go east and west along the coast. The tram stops at some popular beaches, such as Edem, Flisvos and Alimos, as well as the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, a stunning complex that houses the National Library and the National Opera.
The tram ticket costs 1.40 euros for 90 minutes of unlimited rides on any tram, bus or metro line (except for airport services). You can buy it from a kiosk or a machine at any tram stop. You need to validate your ticket at a machine on board as soon as you enter. Keep your ticket with you until you exit as it may be checked by inspectors.
The tram operates from 5:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. on weekdays and until 2:30 a.m. on weekends. The frequency varies from 8 to 15 minutes depending on the time of day.
Taxi
If you prefer more comfort and convenience, you can take a taxi in Athens. Taxis are plentiful, easy to find and relatively cheap compared to other European cities. You can hail a taxi on the street, call one by phone or use an app like Beat or Uber. You can also find taxi stands at major squares, hotels and tourist attractions.
The taxi fare consists of a base rate plus a charge per kilometer and per minute of waiting. The base rate is 1.29 euros during the day (5:00 a.m. to midnight) and 1.61 euros at night (midnight to 5:00 a.m.). The charge per kilometer is 0.74 euros during the day and 1.29 euros at night within the city limits and 1.29 euros during the day and 1.61 euros at night outside the city limits. The charge per minute of waiting is 0.34 euros during the day and 0.64 euros at night.
The minimum fare is 3.47 euros during the day and 4.64 euros at night. There are also some extra charges for luggage, airport trips, tolls and phone bookings. You can pay by cash or card (ask before you get in). You should always ask for a receipt and check that the meter is on and set to the correct tariff.
Taxis in Athens are generally safe and reliable, but there are some things to be aware of. Some drivers may try to overcharge you or take a longer route, especially if they realize you are a tourist. To avoid this, you can use an app that shows you the estimated fare and route or agree on a fixed price before you get in (only for long-distance trips). You can also check online or ask your hotel for an approximate fare to your destination. Another thing to know is that taxis in Athens are shared, meaning that other passengers may join you along the way if they are going in the same direction. This is legal and common, but you can refuse if you feel uncomfortable or want more privacy.
Tour Bus
If you want to see the highlights of Athens without worrying about transportation, you can take a tour bus. There are several companies that offer hop-on hop-off bus tours in Athens with different routes, stops and durations. You can choose the one that suits your interests, budget and schedule.
A tour bus ticket usually includes unlimited rides on one or more routes for a certain period of time (usually 24 or 48 hours), audio commentary in multiple languages, free Wi-Fi and sometimes free admission to some attractions or discounts at some shops and restaurants. You can buy your ticket online or on board.
A tour bus is a convenient and fun way to get around in Athens as you can enjoy panoramic views of the city from the open-top deck, learn about its history and culture from the commentary and get off and on as many times as you want at any stop along the way.
Private Vehicle
If you have your own car or want to rent one, you can also get around in Athens by private vehicle. However, this is not recommended unless you have a specific reason or destination that requires it.
Driving in Athens can be stressful and frustrating due to heavy traffic, narrow streets, poor signage, aggressive drivers, scarce parking and environmental restrictions. You will also need an international driving permit if your license is not issued by an EU country.
If you do decide to drive in Athens, make sure you have a good map or GPS device, follow the traffic rules and signs, avoid rush hours (7:00-10:00 a.m. and 4:00-8:00 p.m.) and park only in designated areas or garages.
