23 Jun Tourist mistakes in Athens
7 mistakes that (almost) all tourists make in Athens (and how to avoid them)
After years of accompanying travellers around Athens, we have seen the same tourist mistakes in Athens repeated time and time again.
They are not serious mistakes; most are simply small oversights that can be easily avoided if someone gives you a heads-up beforehand.
So we’re letting you know about them, with the same honesty we would use with a friend.
1. Not booking your Acropolis ticket in advance
During the high season, queues at the ticket office can exceed an hour, often under direct sunlight with no shade. Tickets can be purchased online in advance through the official website of the Greek Ministry of Culture, and this simple step can save you up to an hour of standing in line.
2. Visiting the Acropolis in the middle of a summer day
It is the hottest time of day, with the strongest direct sunlight on the white stone (which reflects and intensifies the heat) and the largest crowds of guided tour groups. If you have a choice, go early in the morning or late in the afternoon: you will see the same sights, with far fewer people and without risking heatstroke.
3. Staying only in Plaka and Monastiraki
They are beautiful neighbourhoods and definitely worth exploring, but they are also the most tourist-oriented areas, with higher prices and less authenticity. Just a fifteen-minute walk away, you can find neighbourhoods like Koukaki or Exarchia, with tavernas where locals actually eat and much more reasonable prices.
4. Not using public transport
Many tourists rely only on taxis, wasting time in traffic and paying more than necessary. The Athens Metro is fast, safe, and even has stations (such as Acropolis and Syntagma) that display archaeological artefacts discovered during its construction. All route and ticket information is available on the official OASA website, the Athens transport authority.
5. Thinking that Athens can be fully seen in one day
Athens is not just the Acropolis. The Ancient Agora, the neighbourhood of Anafiotika, the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the changing of the guard at Syntagma… trying to fit everything into one day leaves you feeling as though you have been rushing rather than travelling. If you only have one day, choose 2–3 highlights and enjoy them at a relaxed pace instead of trying to tick everything off in a hurry.
6. Not wearing comfortable shoes
The streets in the historic centre are made of cobblestones and polished marble (yes, they can be slippery), with many uphill sections towards the Acropolis. It is one of those tourist mistakes in Athens that you literally pay for with blisters by the second day.
7. Not respecting the rules at archaeological sites
Touching columns, sitting on ancient stones, or climbing into restricted areas for the perfect photo not only damages the heritage, but can also result in being reprimanded by security staff in front of everyone.
A little respect for sites that have stood for more than 2,000 years costs nothing.
Tourist mistakes in Athens: what you need to know
Is it necessary to book your Acropolis ticket well in advance?
During the high season (May–September), yes, especially for the early morning time slots, which are the most in demand.
Is public transport in Athens safe?
Yes, it is safe, fast and affordable, and it is the most efficient way to get around the city centre and reach Piraeus or the airport.
How many days are needed to see Athens at a relaxed pace?
We recommend a minimum of 2–3 days to cover the essential sights without feeling like you are rushing around all the time.
Our honest recommendation
None of the mistakes on this list are serious, and they can all be avoided with a little prior information. We prefer to tell you this way, without sugar-coating it, because we believe that a well-informed traveller enjoys their trip much more than someone who discovers these things the hard way while already travelling.
If you want to start with the essentials, our Acropolis and Parthenon Sunset Tour is the perfect place to begin.
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