Athens Essentials

Athens Essentials & Tourist Information

Currency	Euro
Flight Time	UK 3 Hours 55 minutes approx
Time Zone	GMT +2 Hours
Language	Greek
Voltage	220 V AC (two-pin plugs)

Athens Tourist Attractions
In the heart of Athens lies the National Archaeological Museum which houses a fabulous collection of Greek history and art and is unrivalled in its sheer scale. A whole day can easily be spent viewing the exhibits that really bring to life Ancient Greece. The museum is open 8.30am-3pm and tickets are €7. Why not thrill the kids with a visit to Attica Zoological Park on the outskirts of the city for a really wild day out. Lots of exotic mammals and one of the world's largest collections of birdlife can be enjoyed for just €14.

Greek Phrases For Tourists  

Thank you	Efharisto		I am from England	Eimai apo Anglia
Your Welcome	Parakalo		I want a coffee	Thelo ena kafe
Do you speak English?	Milate Anglika?		Tea	Tsai
I don't understand	Then katalaveno		Beer	Mpira
What is your name?	Pos se lene?		How much is it?	Poso kanei?
My name is ...	Me lene ...		The bill, please	Logariasmo parakalo
Where are you from?	Apo pou eisai?		May I take a photo?	Mporo na bgalo mia fotografia?

Athens Opening Hours
Shops are open Monday to Saturday from 9am - 8pm although on Monday, Wednesday and Friday many close early at 3pm. Shops and stores catering to tourists tend to stay open later until at least 10pm with a select few open 24 hours. Most businesses are closed all day on Sundays and national holidays. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 8am-2pm.

Athens Tipping & Etiquette
Tipping follows a similar pattern to most major cities around the world in that a 10%-15% addition to the bill is considered normal. This applies also to taxis and any other personal service you receive such as at hair salons, hotel room service and spas.

Food & Drink in Athens
Start the day with a typical Greek breakfast during your stay in Athens with fresh tiropitas - flaky cheese pastries and yoghurt. Lunchtime is usually late afternoon where tempting dishes such as souvlaki (garlic-marinated lamb kebabs) and mezes of fried meatballs, octopus, shrimp, stuffed vine leaves and much more will stave off hunger until late evening. Greek tavernas serve such specialities as moussaka, stifado (braised beef with onions) and grilled lamb or goat. Athens also boasts a good selection of cuisine from around the world from Mediterranean, Asian and African eateries.

Athens Useful Numbers
• Calling the UK from Athens – 0044 + area code minus zero + number
• Police – 100
• Ambulance – 100
• Fire – 100

Disabled Access in Athens
Facilities for disabled visitors has improved markedly in recent years in Athens and awareness of the needs of wheelchair users is high. The airport is fully accessible with adapted walkways and ramps, tactile flooring and braille signage and most of Athens public bus network has step free access. There is even a lift at the Parthenon which allows wheelchair users to fully appreciate the city's most compelling monument.

Embassies
• British Embassy 1 Ploutarchou Street 106 75 Athens Telephone: +30 210 7272600
• Greek Embassy 1A Holland Pk London, W11 3TP Telephone: 020 72215977

Athens City Breaks  Getting Around Athens

Things To Do In Athens  Athens Weather