Traveling to Athens: 20 Mistakes to Avoid in Athens

Are you traveling to Athens soon? If yes, then let me share some of the best tips for your trip to Athens and what not to do here

I love Athens not only because it is filled with historical sites such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis, and more, but also because it is so modern.

One minute you are staring at a Greek monument, and the next you are sipping Greek coffee in a quiet alley with vibrant street art.

Many people find Athens to be a little chaotic and can get a little overwhelmed when visiting Athens, Greece, for the first time.

But don’t worry, I am here to change that.

Looking for ideas on how to enjoy your Athens trip?

Then, here are 20 Common Mistakes to avoid in Athens When You are traveling to Athens for the first time!

Traveling To Athens: 20 Mistakes to Avoid in Athens

Visiting During Peak Summer Without Preparation

Okay, one of the biggest mistakes that a lot of people make when planning their travel to Athens is planning it during the summer season (July-August).

Trust me, you don’t want to visit Athens in these months as the city gets uncomfortably hot and crowded.

I would recommend that you plan your Athens visit in the shoulder seasons instead, when the weather is pleasant and you can get discounts on the attractions and activities.

April to early June and mid-September to October are great as there is less crowd everywhere and prices of hotels, flights, etc. are lower.

My daughter visits Athens every December, and loves it them with the brisk chill in the air.

If summer is the only time for your visit, plan your outdoor sightseeing well to avoid heatstroke and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Book: Athens: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour

Book: Athens: Ancient Greek Theater Performance

Only Visiting The Acropolis

I know you are excited to visit the Greek islands such as Mykonos, Santorini, etc., but you are truly missing out if you don’t spend at least 2-3 days in Athens.

This doesn’t mean you visit just the Acropolis when traveling to Athens. There are plenty of other amazing attractions to visit in and around Athens too.

Go on a pub crawl, join a street food tour, or experience a cruise to nearby towns and islands on the Catamaran.

Trust me, there is a lot to include in your Athens, Greece travel itinerary apart from learning the history of the Acropolis.

Book: Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Book: Athens: Acropolis Ticket with Optional Audio or Live Guide

Only Visiting Historical Sites In The Afternoon

Another important travel tip to keep in mind when traveling to Athens is that it can get really hot, especially in the summer.

This is why it can get very uncomfortable if you decide to hike up to the Acropolis in the midday sun.

I advise that you visit the major ruins early in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is not so harsh.

This way, you will not only beat the crowd, but also get better photos and enjoy your visit in Athens without melting due to the heat.

During the day, you can explore the museums and the cafes that Athens has to offer.

Book: Athens: Cape Sounion & Poseidon Temple Sunset Half-Day Trip

Book: Athens: Acropolis Museum Ticket with optional Audio Guide

Not Getting The Acropolis Combo Ticket

On visiting Athens, Greece, don’t waste your money by buying individual tickets, especially if you are planning to visit multiple historic sites.

Look for combo tickets and tours instead.

This way, you can cover several main historic sites such as the Acropolis, Roman Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more with a single ticket.

Plus, many of these combo passes are valid for multiple days, so you can space out your sightseeing itinerary and make the most of your first time traveling to Athens.

Book: Athens: Acropolis & up to 5 Archaeological Sites Combo Pass

Book: Athens: Acropolis and Mythology Highlights Small Group Tour

Eating Only In Plaka Or Monastiraki

If you don’t want overpriced menus and only okayish flavors, then avoid eating at Plaka and Monastiraki.

While they are photogenic and charming, they lack the local touch.

I loved exploring the neighbourhoods for my Greek meals, such as Koukaki, Exarchia, etc.

This is where the locals eat, and you can get some flavorsome souvlaki, gyros, and more for a cheap price.

Book: Athens: Greek Foodie Tour with Tastings

Book: Athens: Greek Cooking Class & Dinner on a Rooftop

Assuming Credit Cards Are Accepted Everywhere

I know this is a common mistake because I did it too on my visit to Athens.

Greece is generally card-friendly, but plenty of small businesses, kiosks, and taxis still operate on cash.

This is why I always recommend carrying cash, especially coins, for your Athens, Greece travel.

You can withdraw cash from ATMs, national bank ATMS to be precise, because Euronet machines charge a higher fee.

Alternatively, you can exchange from your local bank at home before traveling to Athens to get the best exchange rates.

Book: Athens: Cruise to Agistri, Moni & Aegina with Lunch & Drinks

Not Exploring Using Local Public Transport

Although public transportation is sort of limited in the rest of Greece, that is not the case with Athens.

In Athens, you can find everything from a tram to a metro to explore around on a budget.

You don’t need to take a taxi from the airport as it can be expensive.

You can simply take the metro line 3 (blue line) from the airport to Monastiraki or Syntagma.

This is not only quick and convenient but quite affordable as well.

Skipping The National Archaeological Museum

This is another common mistake that a lot of visitors make when they travel to Athens.

Visiting the ruins is important, but if you skip this museum, you won’t understand the history of the things that you are seeing in Athens!

So, dedicate at least 3-4 hours to the National Archaeological Museum when you are traveling to Athens.

The artifacts and statues that you will find here will complete the story of the ancient Greek ruins.

Book: Athens: National Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

Shopping For Souvenirs In Tourist-Only Zones

When traveling to Greece, never buy souvenirs near a tourist attraction.

TYou will find many souvenir shops in the streets of Plaka, but the prices are often double what you’d find elsewhere.

For cheap souvenirs, I suggest heading to the flea market at Monastiraki or the boutique shops and handmade craft shops in Psyri.

You will easily find something quirky to take back home from here.

Traveling To Athens: Essential Packing List

Here are my tips on how to pack lightly when traveling to Athens

This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.

These RFID sleeves are another solution.

This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.

My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.

I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for exploring.

And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.

Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would also work well for you.

This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.

These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to the beaches in Greece.

These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.

For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.

Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.

This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.

These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.

If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.

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Staying Too Far From The Center

I know sometimes you don’t pay attention to your hotel’s location when booking a trip, but this can backfire on your trip to Athens.

You might find spacious and cheaper options on the outskirts of the city, but you will spend more time and money on transport.

Find a stay in Thissio, Syntagma, or Monastiraki as these areas are central and safe.

Plus, you are within walking distance of most major sights in Athens.

Book: Athens: Swimming Cruise with Lunch, Wine & Live DJ on Board

Not Booking Tickets In Advance

I am sure this is not hard to imagine, but let me reiterate, Athens sees a lot of tourists in the peak summer season.

As a result, the lines to the Acropolis or museums can be long and exhausting.

To avoid the rush, book your entrance tickets online in advance.

You will not only save time and money (if there are discounts), but also be able to skip the queue in most cases.

You can also join a guided tour for early access if you have less time for your Athens travel plan.

Book: Athens: Agora and Hephaistos Temple Entrance Ticket

Book: Athens: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

Expecting Everyone To Know English

Yes, Athens is a popular tourist location, so most people in the hospitality industry speak English.

However, you cannot expect everyone to know English, especially if you want to interact with the local vendors.

I recommend learning a few Greek words, such as “hello” (yassas), “thank you” (efharistó), and “please” (parakaló).

This small gesture will go a long way in ensuring that your Athens, Greece, travel is smooth.

Book: From Athens: Day Trip to Delphi & Arachova with Audio Guide

Not Dressing Properly For Religious Sites

Yes, Athens is modern, so you can wear all kinds of clothes here.

But if you visit a working church or a monastery, then you’ll need to cover up.

For this, you can carry a scarf or a light layer, especially in summer when you are likely to wear shorts, tank tops, and sleeveless dresses.

With the extra layering, you can be respectful to the religious sites and even get the sun protection during the day.

Book: Athens: Catamaran Cruise with Light Lunch and Wine

Relying Entirely On The Internet for Navigation

If you are traveling to Athens for the first time, let me tell you that it can get a little confusing here. The

The alleys are maze-like and internet signal is quite unreliable at times, so GPS won’t always be available for your rescue.

So, to avoid getting lost, download offline maps (Google Maps or MAPS.ME).

You can save important locations in the offline maps, such as your hotel, historical sites, and metro stations.

This way, you won’t get stuck when the network fails.

Book: Athens: Delphi, Corycian Cave, and 300 Battlefield Day Trip

Overlooking Sunset Spots Other Than Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill is a great spot for sunset, no doubt.

But this is also the reason why it is so crowded and chaotic, especially during the peak season.

Thankfully, there are plenty of other amazing sunset spots in Athens that you can enjoy.

For a quieter but equally magical view, try Filopappou Hill or Areopagus Hill right next to the Acropolis.

You’ll not only get panoramic city views, but you won’t have to worry about the crowd as well.

Book: Athens: Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon Sunset Experience

Book: Athens: 3-Hour Sunset Cruise with Swim Stop, Snacks & Drinks

Traveling To Athens: Expecting Island Vibes In The City

This is one of the most common mistakes that a lot of travelers make.

They expect white-washed buildings and blue domes like in Santorini and are surprised to find urban sprawl and graffiti.

Watch some videos and photos of Athens in advance, so as not to be disappointed.

The city is a mix of ancient grandeur and modernism, but for the dreamy vibe, you will have to head to a Greek island.

Book: From Athens: Mykonos Day Trip with Ferry Tickets

Book: Athens: Acropolis Wine Tasting with Cheese and Olives

Not Checking For Strikes or Protests

A lot of people don’t realize this, but Athens is politically active.

So, strikes or protests can affect public transport, attractions, or even flights when you are visiting Athens.

It is important to always check the local news and ask your host if any strikes are happening during your Athens travel dates.

Most strikes are announced in advance, so knowing about them can help you plan your trip to Athens better.

Traveling To Athens: Ignoring Street Food

Yes, try the tavernas for your meals in Athens, but don’t forget the street food of Athens which is delicious and budget-friendly.

Try koulouri (sesame bread rings), loukoumades (Greek donuts), and spanakopita (spinach pie) from street vendors or bakeries like Ariston.

Street food is a huge part of local culture, so don’t miss it when traveling to Athens.

Book: Athens: Eat Like a Local – A Delicious Food Odyssey

Book: Athens: Street Food Tasting Tour

Traveling To Athens: Not Visiting The Central Market

One of the worst mistakes that you can make while traveling to Athens is skipping the Varvakios Central Market because it isn’t exactly “Instagrammable”.

But if you are truly interested in a glimpse into Greek life, then do plan a short visit to this central market.

You don’t have to buy anything, you can simply walk through the market and watch how the locals go about their day here.

From olives to fresh fish, you will find everything here. If you are cooking your meals in Athens, this is a good place to buy the local produce at surprisingly cheap rates.

Book: Athens: Food Market Visit and Cooking Class with Wine

Book: Athens: Dinner in the Sky Experience

Where To Stay In Athens

Luwian Athens Boutique Hotel – If you are looking for an affordable boutique hotel to stay in Athens, then Luwian Athens Boutique Hotel is a great choice.

You can enjoy compact yet stylish rooms, making it perfect for couples and solo travelers. Most importantly, it is centrally located, so you have access to Athens’ main attractions.

The Stanley – Looking for a stay with a rooftop pool and bar with panoramic views of the Acropolis?

Then, do check out The Stanley in Athens, Greece. This amazing hotel offers spacious rooms, a full buffet breakfast, and proximity to the metro, making it ideal for tourists.

Electra Metropolis Athens – For a truly luxurious experience on your Athens visit, plan your stay at the Electra Metropolis Athens.

This 5-star property is just minutes from Syntagma Square and offers unmatched views of the Acropolis from its rooftop.

That’s not all, you have other amenities to look for here, such as a rooftop restaurant, spa, and plush modern rooms.