podtour
At a glance
- Country
- Greece
- Region
- Attica
- Language
- Greek. Hello: “yassas”. Thank you: “efcharisto”.
- Currency
- Euro (€)
- Population
- About 650,000 people in the municipality; the wider city extends much further.
- Sockets
- Types C and F, 230 V; bring an adaptor for a British plug.
- Emergencies
- 112
- Tap water
- Yes. Tap water in Athens is safe to drink.
- Card payments
- Cards are widely used; a little cash can help with small purchases.
- Tipping
- An optional thank-you for good service, rather than a fixed rule.
- Driving side
- right
When to go
| Season | Approximate temperature | Rain | Daylight | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | Roughly 10–25 °C | Rain is still possible | Days grow longer | Good walking weather, with a marked change across the season |
| Summer | Roughly 20–35 °C; hotter spells occur | Usually little rain | Long days and strong sunshine | Exposed walks are demanding; evenings stay lively |
| Autumn | Roughly 12–28 °C | More likely later in the season | Afternoons shorten | The heat eases, while sitting outdoors remains appealing |
| Winter | Roughly 5–15 °C | More frequent | Less daylight | Fewer visitors, but also wind and chilly days |
- For comfortable walking: spring and autumn usually allow longer walks, though mild weather isn’t guaranteed every day.
- For outdoor atmosphere: June and July bring summer performances and cultural activity. August can be very hot; keep exposed walks for cooler parts of the day.
- For a quieter visit: consider winter, with a waterproof and room in the plan for indoor breaks.
Walking the city
- Gradients. Broad promenades beneath the Acropolis give way to slopes; Plaka and Anafiotika include steps. A hill isn’t automatically a useful shortcut.
- Underfoot. Uneven pavements and ancient paths of polished stone and marble can be slippery even when dry. Wear shoes with grip and save the flip-flops for another outing.
- Weather on foot. Shade can vanish between a narrow lane and an open square. Carry water and a hat, and take breaks before you feel worn out.
- Distances. Plaka, Monastiraki and Syntagma combine well on foot. The port and coast are separate outings, best reached by transport.
- Crossings. Traffic drives on the right, unlike Britain. Use pedestrian crossings and check turning vehicles and motorbikes as well as the main flow.
- Daily rhythm. Lunch and dinner tend to be later than at home; terraces come to life as the heat eases. A long indoor break can improve the rest of the day.
Getting there and around
- Airport. Metro, suburban trains, buses and taxis offer different connections. Choose around your accommodation and the changes you want to make with luggage.
- Rail station. Larissa, the main station, connects to the metro; you need not drag your suitcase all the way to Plaka.
- In the city. Use the metro for longer journeys and walk between central sights. Buses and the tram extend the options beyond the centre.
- A local habit worth borrowing: check which side of a major road your metro exit serves. Avoiding a large crossing can matter more than cutting a corner.
The neighbourhoods
| Neighbourhood | What it's like | Who it suits | Our routes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makrygianni and the Acropolis promenade | A broad walk beneath the rocky slopes, with museums nearby. | A first visit combining outside and inside. | The Acropolis from Outside: the Walk, the Theatre and the Areopagus Free |
| Upper Plaka and Anafiotika | Small houses, narrow passages and steps. | Slow wandering on the hillside. | Plaka beneath the Acropolis: the Catalans, the Last Siege and Anafiotika |
| Monastiraki and lower Plaka | Busy squares, churches and ancient remains among shopping streets. | City life without climbing every viewpoint. | Legends of Monastiraki and Plaka: mosques, dervishes and Byzantine churches |
| Thiseio and the edge of the Agora | A promenade beside the ancient site, with hills nearby. | A mix of streets and more open ground. | Socrates' Agora and the Pnyx: from the trial to the guidebooks' prison |
| Syntagma and Panepistimiou | Avenues, squares and the capital’s public buildings. | Urban architecture and transport connections. | Syntagma and Panepistimiou: How Greece Built Its Capital |
What to try
| Dish or drink | What it is |
|---|---|
| Greek salad | Tomatoes, cucumber, olives and feta, usually with onion. |
| Souvlaki | Grilled skewers of meat, served alone or with accompaniments. |
| Gyros | Meat sliced from a vertical spit, often served in a pitta. |
| Moussaka | A baked dish of aubergine, meat and a creamy topping. |
| Spanakopita | Thin pastry filled with spinach, often with cheese. |
| Tzatziki | Yoghurt with cucumber and garlic, served as an accompaniment. |
| Fava | A purée of yellow split pulses, rather than whole broad beans. |
| Loukoumades | Small pieces of fried dough with a sweet topping. |
| Yoghurt and honey | A simple, thick and sweet pause. |
| Greek coffee | The grounds stay in the cup: give them time to settle. |
What to pack
- Trainers with grip. Polished marble and smooth soles are an awkward combination.
- Summer: light clothing, a hat, sun protection and a refillable bottle. Carry water before starting a climb.
- Spring and autumn: an extra layer and something waterproof. Winter: a coat; Greece has cold days too.
- A plug adaptor: British plugs need an adaptor for types C/F.
- A light extra layer: useful for dressing respectfully when entering a place of worship.
- Podtour: download your route before heading out so you can listen offline.
For the trip
Customs and common mistakes
- A “yassas” on the way in and an “efcharisto” on the way out make a friendly start.
- Keep your voice low in churches, dress respectfully and follow the venue’s guidance during services.
- Ask before taking a close photograph of someone.
- Sharing dishes is common; ask about ingredients if you’re unsure.
- Leave the grounds at the bottom of your Greek coffee. Their part in the drink is over.
- Keep the steps and doorways of Anafiotika clear. People live behind them.
- Step out of the way before listening, especially at busy corners.
- “Ne” means yes; “ochi” means no, sometimes accompanied by an upward tilt of the head.
- In many places, toilet paper goes in the bin rather than down the loo because of old pipework. Follow the signs in the toilet.
If it rains (or it's very hot)
- In heat: Legends of Monastiraki and Plaka: mosques, dervishes and Byzantine churches alternates streets and squares, but doesn’t promise continuous shade. Take an indoor break between sections.
- In rain: The Acropolis from Outside: the Walk, the Theatre and the Areopagus Free passes near the Acropolis Museum. Going inside is a separate visit, not admission included with the route.
- Best saved for better conditions: the stones of the Areopagus and the hills in Socrates' Agora and the Pnyx: from the trial to the guidebooks' prison call for grip and suitable weather. Don’t force the walk on slippery ground.
Itineraries with Podtour
Days Plan
1 day
Begin with The Acropolis from Outside: the Walk, the Theatre and the Areopagus Free. Rest, then continue towards the hillside with Plaka beneath the Acropolis: the Catalans, the Last Siege and Anafiotika, leaving room for slopes and pauses.
2 days
Day 1: follow the first plan. Day 2: Legends of Monastiraki and Plaka: mosques, dervishes and Byzantine churches and nearby Socrates' Agora and the Pnyx: from the trial to the guidebooks' prison. Only add the climb to the Pnyx if you have the energy and time.
3 days
Days 1 and 2: follow the earlier plans. Day 3: Syntagma and Panepistimiou: How Greece Built Its Capital. Use the rest for an interior or a break rather than another crossing of the city.
What to see with Podtour
= a stop on the free route: The Acropolis from Outside: the Walk, the Theatre and the Areopagus Free.