By Giannis Nenes

Greece delivers on its sun-drenched promises –endless summers, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters–, but these are only part of its appeal. Its capital, Athens, embodies the nation’s rich cultural heritage and history, inviting visitors to discover its vibrant spirit. A city of striking contrasts, Athens is energetic yet reflective, contemporary yet steeped in antiquity. Here, the past and present do not merely coexist – they engage in a constant dialogue. In the following guide you will find our personal “ABC” of Athens: essential insights and local flavour to help you make the most of your time in this storied metropolis.

ATHENS
At first glance, Athens may seem a little rough around the edges, but beneath the surface lies a distinct charm. Former industrial districts now pulse with artistic energy. Galleries, underground venues and performance spaces buzz with a spirit of experimentation. The spotlight is on contemporary art, with creators from across Europe flocking to become part of the city’s dynamic cultural scene.

ANAFIOTIKA
Nestled beneath the Acropolis, Anafiotika neighborhood is a hidden gem. Its whitewashed houses, colourful shutters and bougainvillea-filled alleyways evoke the charm of the Cyclades right in the heart of the city

APERITIVO, ATHENIAN STYLE
Athens has quietly developed its own version of the aperitivo hour. It is less formal than the Italian ritual and more elastic in timing: a glass of wine, a spritz or a small plate of something salty may begin at sunset and somehow turn into dinner. Look for it on pavements, rooftops, courtyards and small neighborhood bars where the golden hour is treated as a civic institution.

BALCONIES
In Athens, balconies are not architectural details; they are small stages of private life. They hold plants, laundry, cats, cigarettes, family arguments, late-night phone calls and the occasional view of the Acropolis if fortune has been unusually generous. Look up as you walk: the city often reveals itself above eye level

BEAD BRACELETS
Worn by both locals and visitors, bead bracelets blend tradition with contemporary style. Often featuring the blue “eye” for protection, these handmade pieces reflect a cultural legacy shared across Greece, Turkey and parts of Italy

BOUZOUKIA
The classic Greek night out lives on in music venues where popular singers are showered with flower petals and whisky flows freely. While plate-smashing has largely become a tourist attraction, younger Greeks increasingly gravitate towards Balkan, electronic, tribal and fusion sounds

SMASHING PLATES
Once a symbol of wealth, joy and celebration, smashing plates is now mostly reserved for festive occasions and nostalgic taverna performances.

BROKEN PAVEMENTS
Athens is not known for flawless sidewalks, so leave the stilettos behind and opt for comfortable shoes instead.

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS
Outdoor movie screenings are one of Athens’ most beloved summer traditions. Watch classics and recent releases beneath the summer night sky. 

THE SIGN OF THE CROSS
A subtle yet heartfelt gesture: many Greeks make the sign of the cross when passing by a church – a blend of faith, tradition and habit.

DRIVERS
Proceed with caution. Athenian drivers distracted by their phones can be unpredictable, with sudden lane changes and frequent distractions. Whether you are walking or driving, staying alert is always advisable. 

DERTI
A uniquely Greek word describing a deep sense of longing, melancholy and emotional pain. It is the essence of countless Greek ballads and rebetiko.

DRUGS
Medical cannabis is legal in Greece under specific regulations, but recreational use remains prohibited and can result in significant penalties. 
Public use is not permitted.

EATING IN ATHENS
From fine-dining restaurants to humble street-food stalls, Athens is a paradise for food lovers. Dive into gyros, meze platters and inventive interpretations of traditional Greek cuisine.

EVZONES
The ceremonial guards stationed at Syntagma Square, dressed in their traditional fustanella uniforms, perform the ceremonial changing of the guard every hour with remarkable precision. If they are marching, make sure to stay out of their path – they never break formation

FOUSTANELLA
This distinctive pleated white kilt, associated with both resistance fighters and nobility, is proudly worn by the Presidential Guard. It remains one of Greece’s most recognisable national symbols.

FRAPPE SOCIETY
Cold coffee is more than a drink in Athens – it is a way of life. From the classic Nescafé frappé to modern cold brews, Athenians sip slowly while socialising, working, or simply sitting and watching the passers-by.

GRAFFITI
Athens is an open-air gallery. From political statements to artistic murals, the city breathes through its street art.

GREEK BREAKFAST
Quick coffee and a pastry for most, but loukoumades (honey-drenched dough balls) are a sweet way to start the day.

GREEK COFFEE
Thick, aromatic and served strong, Greek coffee is a ritual as much as a beverage. The grounds settle at the bottom of the cup, encouraging slow conversation and, for some, a little fortune-telling.

GREEK COFFEE FORTUNE TELLING
Turn your cup upside down and glimpse your future. This traditional folk practice interprets the patterns left behind by coffee grounds to reveal symbolic messages and predictions.

GREEK DIET
Wholesome and flavorful: olive oil, seafood, fresh vegetables, herbs and grains. It’s not just healthy, it’s delicious.

HONEY
Greek honey is among the finest in the Mediterranean. Thyme, pine and citrus blossom varieties are local favourites. Sample them at markets, bakeries and specialty shops – and consider taking a jar home as a sweet souvenir.

HORIATIKI SALATA
The classic Greek village salad: tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, olives, feta cheese and extra-virgin olive oil. Simple, fresh and indispensable.

INTERNET
Wi-Fi is widely available throughout Athens and generally reliable. Most cafés, bars and restaurants will gladly share the password if you ask.

JEWELRY SHOPS
Greek craftsmanship shines through its gold and silver jewellery. Handcrafted crosses, ancient-inspired motifs and evil-eye charms are among the most popular keepsakes.

KAFSONAS (HEATWAVE)
An essential summer word in Greece. During a "kafsonas", temperatures can soar well above 35°C (95°F). Stay hydrated, seek shade and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest hours of the day.

KEFI / KEFIA
More than happiness, "kefi" describes a state of spirited joy, enthusiasm and emotional exuberance. It is the invisible ingredient behind every memorable Greek celebration.

KIOSKS
Known as "periptera", these small street kiosks are part of everyday Greek life. They sell everything, from newspapers and chewing gum to SIM cards, drinks and snacks. Many stay open late, while some operate around the clock.

KOULOURI
A sesame-crusted bread ring that Athenians have enjoyed for generations. Affordable, satisfying and sold on countless street corners, it remains a favourite breakfast choice.

LAIKI AGORA
The weekly farmers’ market, known simply as the "laiki", is one of the most democratic pleasures in Athens. Streets are temporarily transformed into rivers of tomatoes, peaches, olives, herbs, flowers, fish, gossip and bargaining. Go early for the best produce, go late for the best prices and go anytime if you want to understand how the city really feeds itself.

LATE DINNERS
Athenians do not rush to dinner. In summer especially, eating before 9 p.m. can feel almost suspiciously efficient. The day stretches, coffee becomes drinks, drinks become meze and dinner appears when the heat finally loosens its grip. Visitors should adjust their clocks accordingly: in Athens, appetite follows the temperature, not the timetable

MALAKA
Perhaps Greece’s most famous slang word. Depending on the context, it can be affectionate, humorous, dismissive, or deeply insulting. Use with caution – and never be the first to say it.

METRO
Clean, efficient and safe, the Athens Metro connects most of the city’s major attractions. Several stations even display archaeological finds discovered during construction. Services generally run until midnight and until 2 a.m. on weekends.

MOUTZA
An open palm thrust toward someone? That is a "moutza", one of Greece’s oldest and most recognisable gestures of insult. Best not to imitate it, unless you know exactly what you are doing. 

NEIGHBORHOOD GEMS
Some of Athens’ greatest pleasures are found away from the major landmarks. Local tavernas, tiny cafés, hidden courtyards and neighborhood parks offer a glimpse into everyday Athenian life.

NEOCLASSICAL BUILDINGS
Inspired by ancient ideals and European architectural trends, Athens’ neoclassical buildings reflect the city’s nineteenth-century rebirth. Admire them throughout the centre, particularly around the Zappeion Hall and the Benaki Museum.

“NEVER ON A SUNDAY”
The Oscar-winning song by Greek composer Manos Hadjidakis became one of the country’s most recognisable musical exports. It remains inseparable from Athens’ cinematic image around the world.

ORANGE TREES
Thousands of orange trees line Athens’ streets. Their fruit may look tempting, but these bitter oranges are decorative rather than edible

OWL
The owl, sacred to Athena, has symbolised wisdom and the city itself since antiquity. Today it remains one of Athens’ most recognisable emblems, appearing everywhere from coins and souvenirs to murals and street art.

PALAMAKIA
Clapping rhythmically is an essential part of Greek music, dancing and celebration. In earlier times, patrons would even use clapping to summon waiters in traditional tavernas.

PHILOTIMO
Perhaps the most celebrated Greek concept. Difficult to translate, "philotimo" combines honour, dignity, generosity, responsibility and the desire to do what is right – even when nobody is watching.

PICKPOCKETS
As in any major European city, vigilance is advisable. Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, on public transport and near major tourist attractions.

PLATIA
The platia, or neighborhood square, is the city’s unofficial living room. Children play, elderly men debate, teenagers hover, dogs supervise and cafés expand their territory with quiet confidence. Athenian life is not always lived indoors; much of it spills into the square, where everyone is both anonymous and somehow observed.

QUEER ATHENS
Athens has become one of southeastern Europe’s most vibrant LGBTQ+ destinations. The neighborhoods of Gazi and Psyrri are home to lively bars, clubs, cultural events and a welcoming community.

REBETIKO
Often described as Greece’s urban blues, rebetika emerged from the ports and working-class districts of the early twentieth century. Its songs speak of love, loss, exile, hardship and resilience

RELAX
Athens rewards those who slow down. Coffee is meant to be enjoyed leisurely, conversations unfold without haste, and life is meant to be savoured.

ROOFTOPS
Athens is best understood from above. Rooftop bars, hotel terraces and apartment balconies offer great Athenian view: concrete, antennas, hills, church domes, laundry lines, and suddenly, impossibly, the Acropolis. At sunset, even the most chaotic skyline softens. The city knows exactly when to flatter itself

SANDALS
Greek style leather sandals have been a summer staple since antiquity. Numerous local workshops still produce handcrafted pairs inspired by ancient designs.

SIESTA TIME
During the hottest months, afternoons can seem unusually quiet. Traditionally, the hours between 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. were reserved for rest, a custom that still influences daily rhythms in parts of the city.

SMOKING
Although smoking is officially prohibited in indoor public spaces, it remains a common sight in Greece, particularly in outdoor cafés, bars and restaurants.

SPANAKOPITA
A savoury pie filled with spinach, feta cheese, herbs and wrapped in flaky phyllo pastry. Simple, delicious and one of Greece’s most beloved snacks.

SUPERSTITIONS
The blue eye charm, widely known as "mataki", appears almost everywhere in Greece. Many people wear it as a charm believed to offer protection against envy, misfortune and "evil eye" negative energy.

SYRTAKI DANCE
Made famous by the film "Zorba the Greek", syrtaki is relatively modern rather than traditional. Even so, it has become one of the country’s most recognisable cultural symbols.

TAXIS
Athens’ yellow taxis are plentiful and easy to hail. Applications such as FreeNow and Uber operate throughout the city. Rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip is appreciated but not obligatory

ΤAP WATER
Tap water is safe to drink throughout Athens, although bottled water is inexpensive and widely available.

THEATRE
The love of theatre runs deep in Athens. Attend a performance beneath the stars at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus or discover experimental productions in the city’s many independent venues.

TRANSPORT TICKETS
Athens offers an affordable and reliable public transport network. A 90-minute ticket allows transfers between buses, trams and the metro, making it easy to explore the city.

VEGETABLES
Fresh, seasonal produce is at the heart of Greek cooking. Try "gemista" (stuffed vegetables) or "briam", an oven-baked medley of vegetables cooked slowly with olive oil and herbs

WINE
Sip a glass of Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, or Aghiorghitiko at one of the city’s chic wine bars.

WALKING
Best way to explore! Wander Plaka, Anafiotika, or take in the view from Philopappos Hill.

YASSOU
A warm hello! Say it with a smile and you’ll win hearts.

YAMAS
“To our health!” The Greek toast. Raise your glass and join the cheer.

ZEIBEKIKO
A powerful improvised solo dance traditionally performed by men. 

ZORBA
Nikos Kazantzakis’ iconic hero symbolizes the Greek zest for life. Spontaneous, passionate and unrestrained