Hello, an Athenian here commenting on the food topic. I've been watching all these Athenian food-tour videos here and ALL of them go to the EXACT same restaurants/cafes, and order the exact same things. Don't be afraid to experiment. The quality of Athenian restaurants and taverns is high. Try something new. See where the locals go, find that small, hidden tavern in the neighborhood you are staying at. Ask the locals, even on the street. They will be happy to point you to their favorite place.
There are no burgers in Athens. Only real food. Do not waste the chance. Your boys have to learn how to eat. Food in Greece is going to be totally different. You can't go to Greece and expect to eat a good or better burger than where you are used to having them. Because burgers are considered to be junk food. Try the real deal. @Lovelyone1
Biggest Mistake people make - go to Athens in peak season! You can avoid many mistakes mentioned in the Video if you go between end September-April. Just went there with the family in March and it was my best Athens experience so far. No lines, no Reservations, spontanous Restaurant visists, very relaxed people, 25°C and sunshine - just perfect ❤
I believe the breaking point is in June. Last year, we visited Athens early June: it was wonderful, 25-ish degrees with quick showers, a bit crowded but not overly so: we went to the Acropolis at 5 pm just after the museum and we walked in like a breeze...two weeks later, when we came back to Athens at the end of our trip to catch our flight back home, it was disney-land type of crowd and 34-ish degrees. Glad we came just before summer break!
@@ShadowSolaris As a local this is not always the case. I say is 50-50 every year to get an early summer from the last month of sping and June is very very hot. I guess you had luck on your side friend.
@@ShadowSolaris You were very lucky. June can be much hotter. Today May 22nd in Athens, it is already 30 degrees, with absolutely no breeze and full of sand from the Sahara desert in the atmosphere. Plus, this year tourism has rebounded more than 100% since COVID, with visitors from the cruiseships flocking the city and its sites from around 09:00. As a hospitality employee, I would say that the best season to visit is March-April, October-November. If you have to visit in the summer, then it should be August. It is always less busy in Athens and especially around August 15th, Athens is empty because Athenians are on vacation.
I love how much you appreciate and love our city and culture! It really does have much to give you if you take your time and explore it thouroughly. We might complain a little, but we really like tourists and want them to have a good time here!!
Hi ,went to Athens in 2022 for my wife's 60th birthday for 4 nights, loved it so much returned last year for 11nights, great hotel, great food and just walking around and seeing the sights is awesome, would reccomend it to anyone who loves city breaks, will definitely return
One of my favorite tips ever: Don’t order a Greek salad in Greece. Only tourists order Greek salad and the price is jacked up. Just order a salad in Greece and you will probably get… a Greek salad.
Greek salad is the one containing a certain amount/weight of Greek feta cheese. A normal/usual salad cucumber-tomato aggourontomata is without any feta and costs less. Greeks never order a salad just for themselves. Salads are always shared and compliment the main meal.
Actually, if you don't speak Greek, never order without having a hardcopy menu that includes PRICES. Most restaurants where turist roam around will also have the menu printed in English, (and other languages like french, russian, german, etc). But even with a Greek-only menu (small villages, and places off the beaten track) , just ask the waiter to point you to the Salads. The price you see there is the price you will pay, no matter if you call it Salad, Greek Salad, or Choriatiki Salad. Choriatiki salata means Peasant's salad, and it it the term used by Greek customers to order the "Greek salad". A "simple salad" like tomato + cucumber (and maybe oloves), is usually a Greek salad without the Feta cheese. But what's the point of visiting Greece and not having the full experience WITH FETA ? (unless you have some health reason ). If you just order "a greek salad" witout a menu, it is obvious they will bring you the most expensive they have: the one with feta cheese included. All the Prices INCLUDE the tax. (the sales Tax is the same on a national level of every European country, unlike the US where every state or city has different taxes). Also, all the prices INCLUDE the expenses for basic salary for the waiters and other personnel. (unlike the US). So, Tipping is welcomed, but NOT REQUIRED, and there is not a fixed minimum tip (like the 15-20% in the US). If you can afford it, and if your really liked the service , then go ahead and tip.
1. There are certain times of the year when the Parthenon Museum is closed due to Greek holidays. 2. Have an early time to go to the Acropolis and get up extra early and go to the top of Philopopus Hill and then it is a short walk to the Acropolis. 3. Go to the top of Lycabettus Hill. 4. Do not skip the the arena built for the 1896 Olympics, the first modern Olympica and stand on the podium and get your picture taken. 5. Stay hydrated
Yes. I agree. But the graffiti everywhere is off-putting. Whether you consider it art, it pales in comparison to the art of Ancient Greece. Those vandalized walls are and eye sore and puerile.
Very good video you explained many important things for the future tourists or travelers As a Greek the best periods to visit Athens is before and after summer (April may - September October) In the summer the Athens it can become unbearable some days Do things early in a morning and the afternoon Don’t eat in plaka and monastiraki The august the Athens is empty because all locals go for holidays (and you can rent a car a drive without traffic and find a parking) In restaurants and taverns ask for tap water is free Don’t need to visit especially in night omonoia exarchia keramikos and metaxourgio because it can be dangerous I wish you to enjoy your visit And ask informations from us,can be very useful sometimes!
Always on point! Loved my trip to Greece last year. I used Wolter's tips and had a great time. The best part of my trip was Wolter's recommendation to go to Nafplio! Fantastic place.
@@woltersworld There were only about 12 other people at the ancient Mycenae site when I went, compared to 5000 of my closest friends at the Parthenon. Both were worth it, but I love to slowly wander around ancient ruins and let my imagination run wild. That's hard to do with too many tourists.
Agree with your advice. Went to the Acropolis Museum first and then the Acropolis. Went the first week of April 2024, had advanced tickets for 8 am and then just walked in with no line as well as very few people . Later in the morning large tour groups began to arrive and clearly not as easy to walk around.
@@HungNguyen-zg4zd I went one day the to the Museum and the following day I went to the Acropolis. The museum gives more background to what you see on the Acropolis as well as has artifacts found on the Acropolis.
I just came back from Europe few weeks ago, and Athens was the final destination we went to. I absolutely loved it and I didnt get to do everything including the Acropolis, but I will defo be going back. Highly Highly Recommend Athens and the restaurants along the Acropolis. 2 restaurants I recommend is GREEK STORIES (Gluten free place) and Kalamaki Bar.
My husband and I went for our honeymoon in 2021 and your videos about Athens back then helped us out a lot! We went to the acropolis museum because of your recommendation and it was so cool!
After visiting some places in turkey where anyone interacting with you seems like they’re trying to scam you, I was hesitant in Greece and particularly Athens. But I was astounded at how lovely the Greek people were, they couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly and chatty. Thoroughly enjoyed Athens and highly recommend it.
Just got back from a recent trip to Athens & Crete. Have been many times, (but it was 30 years ago since being there). Really enjoyed the Acropolis museum, as it was not there during previous visits. Best thing about Athens... I bought a bouzouki and will learn to play it when it arrives, music strore owner was nice. Lots of great neighbourhoods that we enjoyed, so yes don't just do the Plaka. Already booked for next year! Best thing about Crete was the tiny village we stayed in, good thing I can speak some Greek. (learned that from my travel days in the '70's).
Thank you so much, Walter and Family! I absolutely love all of your travel videos and the detail that you give us. After watching this only halfway through I decided I’m definitely going to Greece for my 50th after much I do and trying to decide where to go, but now I have decided. There’s a reason you have over 1 million likes or views. Congratulations.
aww my friends and I loved Greece 💙🤍🇬🇷🏛 We decided to travel there after watching sisterhood of the traveling pants, unfortunately we never found Kostas Dounas and we didn't magically fit into the same pair of pants but the country and the culture was amazing 😅
Make friends with a cabbie in Athens and he will be your "uber" while you are there. My experience especially in small towns, the cabbie is a great source of info - where to go, eat and visit. Go where the locals go.
Just use Google. Point your smart phone at the Greek sign and let Google translate it for you. Besides, Greeks are very friendly and will help you out if you ask them.
Hi Wolters! Top notch tips You have. I have been 30-40 weekends in Athens and Your suggestions are absolute on top. You nail all most issues what the visitors can have. Thanks!
I fell in love with Athens. I went in Feb 2023 and wish I had more time there. I spent a week in Greece but I spent the first 3 days in Thessaloniki - which was great - but in retrospect I would’ve traded that time for more time in Athens since I only had limited time there. I plan to come back and spend at least 3 weeks in Greece with an entire week devoted just to Athens. My favorite activities were Lycabetus Hill - there’s a panoramic view of Athens and a nice restaurant at the top. I took a cab up to the funicular but decided to walk back down. I also loved my trip out of the city to The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. We went in the afternoon so that we could see the sunset over the cape. What an experience 😍
Lovely video Mr. Wolters, this video is very helpful in my Greece trip planning. This planning is for the trip I didn’t know I’d be taking until I saw you and Gabriel Traveler talking Greece up.
I love your videos about Greece. You know the greek way of living, what to do and what not and you explain things so smooth. I hope you have a great time living in Greece and enjoy every minute of it.✌️ These said from a greek that lives in Germany... 😢
I definitely agree with you on Piraeus port. It's so big and I I get lost there, luckily I was there early and the locals were very helpful in guiding me to my ship. Also a shutout to the island of Hydra (Ydra), wow, that island reminds me of Sicily where my family is from. An island with full of donkeys and cats.
Ah beautiful hydra. We stayed in a little pension overnight and ate in one of the tavernas on the marina. Was our first night in Athens and what a joy it was
My wife and I were there last Nov. and the weather was beautiful! Went to the Parthenon and it was a very pleasant walk and not to crowded! We loved the city of Athens.
Many years ago, I did the Acropolis in 4" heels! Unplanned obviously :) And another time in 42 degree heat. I stayed covered under a wet pashmina and had the place to myself. Magical. Bus from airport to Syntagma is cheap and easy. Too many pickpockets on the Metro.
We`re flying to Athens next Sunday for three day, then head over to Crete! As experienced tourists we are mostly aware of the dos and donts when travelling, but thanks for your valuable advise anyway! We`re gonna enjoy Athens for sure, booked our tickets to the Acropolis, and our airbnb is in a suburb with lots of food places and bars around. Greetings from ZH, Switzerland!
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 are there right away and enjoying it! The only minus: far too hot for June) but everything else is breathtaking. Btw it is not my first time on Crete, been there already back in 2006 with the age of around 20, unfortunately, no smartphones existed back then to compare the changes 😁and I somehow lost the photos made with the digi cam back then. Regards!
Went to Athens last summer with my teenagers, and we love it so much, so we are going this summer again. “Unfortunately” we have to go on school holidays which is the most busy and warm time of the year.
Back when I was working in an airline company, all of our non-Greek crew members were staying in the southern suburbs where the company was renting them hotel rooms for their overnight stays. So, even though some times they had more than one night to spend in Athens, they would stay over there or just go to the tourist-packed areas around the Acropolis. I once took two pilots to a place that I was DJing from time to time, a really big beer place in Peristeri. It was far from the tourist areas, in a nice neighborhood and it was a place where only locals would go. For them it was an eye-opener and for me it was a great chance to show them around around city. Even though I am an Athenian and I spent most of my years in the municipality of Athens, eventually what we all think of Athens is the whole metro area, and that's what is actually increasing the city's diversity. And yes, the metro can take you to a lot of places. So, if you're a tourist, just hop onto a train and exit at a random station. It's a great experience.
For me it's a golden advice to visit Acropolis Museum first and go see the Acropolis after! I did that in the right opposite order, not saying I regret that, but you can learn A LOT in the museum, to recognize things on the next day in reality! Awesome place! I can also highly recommend to climb the hill you can see from acropolis, with a little church on top of it. The view from the other hill is even better! Athens is a place really worth to see in person! Visiting Athens in november is still a good idea, weather is sunny and warm, and there are much less people around! Don't forget to see Meteora near Kalabaka while being in Greece!
Definitely have some cash with you. It's amazing how often the merchants in a taverna or restaurant will tell you that their card reader is offline or not working. Tax evasion is still a thing throughout Greece.
Great informative video. Just got back from Hydra - amazingly beautiful! Was only in Athens for 2 & a half days. Do want to explore Athens another time but a lot of $ when one is paying .53 cents more 🇨🇦 per €. Anyways love Greece! 🇬🇷
@@jocelynwoltersworld Νο, Acro is the modern spelling of the ancient Acron and mean the same thing. In the case of Acropolis, it loses the final ''n'' because of grammar when merging words. If I would translate it in English, ''extremity'' would be the closest word in this context.
@giokun100 this just blows my mind. I remember this lesson from my Yiayia (whose 1st languagewas Greek), Acro means High, Polus means City. Literally 46 years as a Greek American and I've never heard Edge City.🤯
You suggested visiting the Acropolis Museum first, but earlier you recommended going to the hill in the morning. I’ve read that the museum can take quite a while to explore. Should we visit it the day before?
Don't be a snob towards budget supermarket chains like Lidl. They work with local producers and you can buy stuff much cheaper there than in smaller grocery stores in tourist trap areas.
Hello my friend, thanks for this great video and super usefull info! I'll be in Athens soon for a cruise stop, I'm thinking about taking the hop on hop off bus at the port (including the Acropolis ticket so I skip the line) and then go and return to the center by that option, do you recommend this? Thanks again!
Good morning Jocelyn and Mark! Your videos have saved our family from making terrible mistakes. You have helped us, (or me), and my fears while booking trips overseas for our family so thank you so much!!! No words can express our gratitude.❤ May I ask, have you ever arrived at a location and your VRBO or rental had become a nightmare? Not dirty, per say, but they took your $, or kicked you out in the middle of the night, or had people come into your room etc... Thank you again! 😊
@@woltersworld This is a genuine invitation and I am sure your family gets this all the time, but if you guys ever come to Vancouver Island, BC, your family is more than welcome to come stay with us. We can show you around, etc. We will be back on the Island this summer.
How many days did you spend in Athens with your family ? Did you go to any of the islands and if yes, how long were you there ? I am planning a 2 1/2 to 3 weeks trip which would include Athens and maybe 2 of the islands, not sure yet which ones. Thank you.
Hey how do you buy online tickets? What kind of shoes do you recommend? You said ppl wear the wrong shoes, are sneakers better? Is the museum separate from acropolis? Is the fee for the acropolis included for the museum?
Don't miss the agora (in my opinion, much better than the acropolis). While you are at the acropolis, don't miss the other attractions around surroundings (Filopappou, Socrate prisons, etc.) so you won't have to climb there the day after.. Don't think the airport is close or small. It is quite a journey to get there and once you are there too. Don't think there is a lot to see at the acropolis, in archeological sites or in museums in general - most of these places are relatively expensive to visit but only keep you busy for one hour.
We went to a rooftop restaurant for the fantastic night view of the Acropolis all lit up and had two rather expense adult beverages. We knew it would be expensive. We ate elsewhere at far more reasonable prices.
Have any restaurant recommendations for Plaka area? We will be there prior to a Med Cruise next month and are exited about a few good meals and wonder if it will be helpful to make reservations. Thanks much M&J . Seeing more of your video what other restaurants we can cab it to work being off the beaten path and places locals love.
it looks a lot different now than during 2015's "austerity" economy. there were no crowds anywhere. restaurant owners literally begging you to come eat with them, even after seeing you finish eating at a different place. but after being a greek history nut since the 4th grade, going there was bucket list item #1 checked off. i need to go back.
"Don't make the mistake and drive around in Athens" ... Had a little panic attack remembering that one ;) Jeez. Thanks. Also people: Get a hat. Keeps your head from lobstering the first day!
My tip for visiting Athens is book a tour guide to take you to the Acropolis. This made a massive difference to our enjoyment and she really brought the place to life, telling stories about the gods, the ancient city and its culture and how it was built. It was one of the best holiday splurges we ever made and I really recommend the Alternative Athens family friendly group tour - we visited in October, were the only people in the group and got the guide to ourselves. Definitely visit in shoulder season when it's quieter (although we visited 2019 pre covid when Athens wasn't quite so over touristed)
hi thanks fr the beautiful video. we just came back from Greece trip!!!. Had the best time ever....however, just wanted to ask abt the acropolis tickets. we did pre-book and purchase ticket online. however they still made us line up in the long queue.... any idea abt this?
I’m planning a trip next October, it’s a 8 days trip. I wonder how should i plan, should I fly directly to Crete after my arriving in Athens airport or stay at a hotel for a night and leave the main luggage in the hotel and take a backpack and fly to Crete ? I just want to visit the palace and to see the disk tablet in the museum on the island and that it.
I have watched so many of your Greece videos they are great! I will be visiting in September, I will have a toddler with me, do you think I’ll be able to get around ok with a stroller?! Hope so!
Looks like you ve been here thousands of times, probably the best advice you can get from a foreigner to a foreigner. Good job re malaka!!! ps you know , malaka, can be used in many different ways and can mean a thousand things. The above meant good job man!
As a Greek I would like to raise a small concern in one of your tips, when you said “that restaurants in Athens will charge the customer for the customary water and bread, and that it’s normal.” As far as I know it’s not legal for them to charge you for items that are brought to the table without an order, also water and bread are usually free I have never seen anyone get charge for that, so I think that it’s a potential tourist scam that some restaurants do. Ps use FREENOW or Uber for taxis to avoid the shady taxi drivers.
I literally had my first meal in Athens a couple of hours ago (in Plaka) and can confirm I wasn't charged for water and bread. And the food was delicious.
I found getting the water at the table was a nice convience to stay hydrated. Also, paying for the water already, I didn't feel pressured to order some other, likely more expensive beverage along with my food like you would be in some middle european countries. Likewise, if you are from those places and accustomed to ordering, say sparkling water together with your meal, don't do it, it will be far more expensive than the water.
I went in April. They now have a fountain at the acropolis. Even better than buying a bottle of water: bring one or two refillable bottle of water. Tap water is safe to drink. You will save money and produce less plastic junk.
Do not underestimate how hot it can get during the summer. ALWAYS put on sunscreen if you're gonna be walking about throughout the day. You're gonna be spending time under direct sunlight. There's no avoiding it. Invest in a thermos or even in one of those isothermic bags. Those plastic water bottles get hot super fast even if you got them in your bag and they won't be pleasant to drink. Especially if you got kids with you make sure they stay hydrated at all times.
If someone leaves a wooden horse at your gates don't bring it in. You need to ask for the check at the end of a meal. You can buy amazing olives at the little grocery stores.
I've seen you make the car comment in several videos. And as someone who has lived in the Northeast, in a simi walkable city, with good public transit his whole life, I am always flabbergasted to find people rent cars when traveling and staying in the cities in Europe.
We're going to Greece in 5 weeks time. We're hiring a car at Athens airport, driving north straight away to go to Kavala for 5 nights, Thessaloniki for 4 nights, Meteora for 2 nights and back to Athens, via Delphi, for 6 nights. The airbnb we've booked in Athens is in the Peristeri district and has its own parking place for us. We intend to use the metro/taxis within Athens itself but wish to keep our hire car as while there we want to visit Corinth, Nafplio under our own steam and to suit our own timetable. So, sometimes, tourists want to have a rental car in a city though in general, when we go on a city break, we don't hire a car.
@@hf3739 yeah that makes sense. But if you are in Florence, Paris, Vienna, you could use public transportation or the train service. I would say last summer I was in Vienna for 4 nights, 5 days and I hired a car service to take me from the airport to my hotel. But once in Vienna a took the u Bahn or Bus everywhere, even when I went to the village of Laxenburg an hour south of the city.
Hello, an Athenian here commenting on the food topic.
I've been watching all these Athenian food-tour videos here and ALL of them go to the EXACT same restaurants/cafes, and order the exact same things. Don't be afraid to experiment. The quality of Athenian restaurants and taverns is high. Try something new. See where the locals go, find that small, hidden tavern in the neighborhood you are staying at. Ask the locals, even on the street. They will be happy to point you to their favorite place.
Perfect
Any favorite recommendations? I'll be in Athens in September and would love to branch away from the typical tourist dining spots.
Hi! We are going in 3 weeks. I have 2 very picky teenage boy eaters. Please tell me we can find regular old burgers and fries in Athens 😬😬
@@Lovelyone1 Fries for sure,old burgers not sure if same available.
There are no burgers in Athens. Only real food. Do not waste the chance. Your boys have to learn how to eat. Food in Greece is going to be totally different. You can't go to Greece and expect to eat a good or better burger than where you are used to having them. Because burgers are considered to be junk food. Try the real deal. @Lovelyone1
Greece is one of my best trip and favorite place that I have visited. Everything I felt in love with: the weather, landscapes, food, people, etc.. 💖
Biggest Mistake people make - go to Athens in peak season!
You can avoid many mistakes mentioned in the Video if you go between end September-April.
Just went there with the family in March and it was my best Athens experience so far. No lines, no Reservations, spontanous Restaurant visists, very relaxed people, 25°C and sunshine - just perfect ❤
Yep. Agreed. But kids holidays dictate some of our trips. Those dang kids
@@woltersworld
😄
That's true. For us still 4 years to go where we are not restricted to school holidays. We try to make use of it as good as possible
I believe the breaking point is in June. Last year, we visited Athens early June: it was wonderful, 25-ish degrees with quick showers, a bit crowded but not overly so: we went to the Acropolis at 5 pm just after the museum and we walked in like a breeze...two weeks later, when we came back to Athens at the end of our trip to catch our flight back home, it was disney-land type of crowd and 34-ish degrees. Glad we came just before summer break!
@@ShadowSolaris As a local this is not always the case. I say is 50-50 every year to get an early summer from the last month of sping and June is very very hot. I guess you had luck on your side friend.
@@ShadowSolaris You were very lucky. June can be much hotter. Today May 22nd in Athens, it is already 30 degrees, with absolutely no breeze and full of sand from the Sahara desert in the atmosphere. Plus, this year tourism has rebounded more than 100% since COVID, with visitors from the cruiseships flocking the city and its sites from around 09:00. As a hospitality employee, I would say that the best season to visit is March-April, October-November. If you have to visit in the summer, then it should be August. It is always less busy in Athens and especially around August 15th, Athens is empty because Athenians are on vacation.
I love how much you appreciate and love our city and culture! It really does have much to give you if you take your time and explore it thouroughly.
We might complain a little, but we really like tourists and want them to have a good time here!!
See a movie at an open air theater (they are usually an American movie with Greek subtitles.) A famous one is in the Plaka called the Thession.
Kali Anastasi! Kalo Pascha! I'm so glad you put this out today, honey. Xristos Anesti ❤
Alethos Anesty
Hi ,went to Athens in 2022 for my wife's 60th birthday for 4 nights, loved it so much returned last year for 11nights, great hotel, great food and just walking around and seeing the sights is awesome, would reccomend it to anyone who loves city breaks, will definitely return
Explore more of Greece not just the capital.
One of my favorite tips ever: Don’t order a Greek salad in Greece. Only tourists order Greek salad and the price is jacked up. Just order a salad in Greece and you will probably get… a Greek salad.
😂😂😂
🔩 people over from the backside isn't called 'greek' for nothing😂
Ask for "horiatiki". It's a "village" salad, known abroad as... "Greek salad"
Greek salad is the one containing a certain amount/weight of Greek feta cheese. A normal/usual salad cucumber-tomato aggourontomata is without any feta and costs less. Greeks never order a salad just for themselves. Salads are always shared and compliment the main meal.
Actually, if you don't speak Greek, never order without having a hardcopy menu that includes PRICES. Most restaurants where turist roam around will also have the menu printed in English, (and other languages like french, russian, german, etc).
But even with a Greek-only menu (small villages, and places off the beaten track) , just ask the waiter to point you to the Salads. The price you see there is the price you will pay, no matter if you call it Salad, Greek Salad, or Choriatiki Salad.
Choriatiki salata means Peasant's salad, and it it the term used by Greek customers to order the "Greek salad".
A "simple salad" like tomato + cucumber (and maybe oloves), is usually a Greek salad without the Feta cheese. But what's the point of visiting Greece and not having the full experience WITH FETA ? (unless you have some health reason ).
If you just order "a greek salad" witout a menu, it is obvious they will bring you the most expensive they have: the one with feta cheese included.
All the Prices INCLUDE the tax. (the sales Tax is the same on a national level of every European country, unlike the US where every state or city has different taxes).
Also, all the prices INCLUDE the expenses for basic salary for the waiters and other personnel. (unlike the US). So, Tipping is welcomed, but NOT REQUIRED, and there is not a fixed minimum tip (like the 15-20% in the US). If you can afford it, and if your really liked the service , then go ahead and tip.
Great tips! As an Athenian, I'd like to add that it's useful to wear sunblock and a hat if you are here in summer - I wear them all the time!
1. There are certain times of the year when the Parthenon Museum is closed due to Greek holidays. 2. Have an early time to go to the Acropolis and get up extra early and go to the top of Philopopus Hill and then it is a short walk to the Acropolis. 3. Go to the top of Lycabettus Hill. 4. Do not skip the the arena built for the 1896 Olympics, the first modern Olympica and stand on the podium and get your picture taken. 5. Stay hydrated
The streets of Athens were full of music & dancing and friendly people when I visited.
Did anyone actually work ?
@@theshadowman1398Yes, the Greeks work the MOST HOURS than any other Europeans! 👌🏻
Do you even work? 🤔
@@SpartanLeonidas1821
I do.
@@theshadowman1398 LIAR. Get a job Malaka
Yes. I agree. But the graffiti everywhere is off-putting. Whether you consider it art, it pales in comparison to the art of Ancient Greece. Those vandalized walls are and eye sore and puerile.
Very good video you explained many important things for the future tourists or travelers
As a Greek the best periods to visit Athens is before and after summer (April may - September October)
In the summer the Athens it can become unbearable some days
Do things early in a morning and the afternoon
Don’t eat in plaka and monastiraki
The august the Athens is empty because all locals go for holidays (and you can rent a car a drive without traffic and find a parking)
In restaurants and taverns ask for tap water is free
Don’t need to visit especially in night omonoia exarchia keramikos and metaxourgio because it can be dangerous
I wish you to enjoy your visit
And ask informations from us,can be very useful sometimes!
Always on point! Loved my trip to Greece last year. I used Wolter's tips and had a great time. The best part of my trip was Wolter's recommendation to go to Nafplio! Fantastic place.
Thank you. And yes Nafplio is the best 😀
@@woltersworld There were only about 12 other people at the ancient Mycenae site when I went, compared to 5000 of my closest friends at the Parthenon. Both were worth it, but I love to slowly wander around ancient ruins and let my imagination run wild. That's hard to do with too many tourists.
@@woltersworld we have everything Italy has, you won't miss cappuccino or pizza.
@@xstaticprocess-b2h and as my wife is half greek... you make a good point :)
@@woltersworld nice you made a good choice bro. Cooks good and is always faithful to husband. Greek women are pure gold
Agree with your advice. Went to the Acropolis Museum first and then the Acropolis. Went the first week of April 2024, had advanced tickets for 8 am and then just walked in with no line as well as very few people . Later in the morning large tour groups began to arrive and clearly not as easy to walk around.
How do you go to museum first and Acropolis later at 8AM? different dates I guess?
@@HungNguyen-zg4zd I went one day the to the Museum and the following day I went to the Acropolis. The museum gives more background to what you see on the Acropolis as well as has artifacts found on the Acropolis.
I just came back from Europe few weeks ago, and Athens was the final destination we went to. I absolutely loved it and I didnt get to do everything including the Acropolis, but I will defo be going back. Highly Highly Recommend Athens and the restaurants along the Acropolis. 2 restaurants I recommend is GREEK STORIES (Gluten free place) and Kalamaki Bar.
My husband and I went for our honeymoon in 2021 and your videos about Athens back then helped us out a lot! We went to the acropolis museum because of your recommendation and it was so cool!
After visiting some places in turkey where anyone interacting with you seems like they’re trying to scam you, I was hesitant in Greece and particularly Athens. But I was astounded at how lovely the Greek people were, they couldn’t have been more helpful and friendly and chatty. Thoroughly enjoyed Athens and highly recommend it.
Just got back from a recent trip to Athens & Crete. Have been many times, (but it was 30 years ago since being there). Really enjoyed the Acropolis museum, as it was not there during previous visits. Best thing about Athens... I bought a bouzouki and will learn to play it when it arrives, music strore owner was nice. Lots of great neighbourhoods that we enjoyed, so yes don't just do the Plaka. Already booked for next year! Best thing about Crete was the tiny village we stayed in, good thing I can speak some Greek. (learned that from my travel days in the '70's).
Crete should become autonomous and break away from Greece. Cretans want your money, but they are more interested in making you happy first.
Thank you so much, Walter and Family! I absolutely love all of your travel videos and the detail that you give us. After watching this only halfway through I decided I’m definitely going to Greece for my 50th after much I do and trying to decide where to go, but now I have decided. There’s a reason you have over 1 million likes or views. Congratulations.
I love your channel and your family!!!!! Been following you all since your boys have been babies. 😊🙏🏼❤️
Thuse crowds look absolutely painful
Thats a loooong time. Thanks for sticking with us
@@jayhulrs1435it was one of the restricted entry days so everyobe came first thing in the morning
Having been to Athens twice, this is such a good video! Good job!
aww my friends and I loved Greece 💙🤍🇬🇷🏛
We decided to travel there after watching sisterhood of the traveling pants, unfortunately we never found Kostas Dounas and we didn't magically fit into the same pair of pants but the country and the culture was amazing 😅
Make friends with a cabbie in Athens and he will be your "uber" while you are there. My experience especially in small towns, the cabbie is a great source of info - where to go, eat and visit. Go where the locals go.
and be prepared to be ripped off.
Thank you! This is very helpful as I m going in two weeks! ❤
Dang missed so much...loved Athens and Greece
Can always go back 😀
It is very helpful yo learn to read the Greek alphabet so you can read street names and simple street signs.
I sometimes sit there and sound out the words. Then, I realized what i said and am so proud of myself. Like a little kid
Just use Google. Point your smart phone at the Greek sign and let Google translate it for you. Besides, Greeks are very friendly and will help you out if you ask them.
Thank you for this. I’m planning to go to Greece this year and this video was very helpful 🎉
Being Greek and living in Piraeus I totally agree with you, it's the same in most capital cities you need to search and find the hidden gems 😊
you mean gem??😊
I love this man and his advice whenever i wanna travel somewhere i check his videos and wow he literally almost has visited the whole world 😅😅
Sir, I was just in Athens a few months ago and you NAILED this. everything you said is absolutely correct based on my own experience. well done
Great pointers for this summer👍
Glad to help. Have a great trip
Hi Wolters! Top notch tips You have. I have been 30-40 weekends in Athens and Your suggestions are absolute on top. You nail all most issues what the visitors can have. Thanks!
I fell in love with Athens. I went in Feb 2023 and wish I had more time there. I spent a week in Greece but I spent the first 3 days in Thessaloniki - which was great - but in retrospect I would’ve traded that time for more time in Athens since I only had limited time there. I plan to come back and spend at least 3 weeks in Greece with an entire week devoted just to Athens.
My favorite activities were Lycabetus Hill - there’s a panoramic view of Athens and a nice restaurant at the top. I took a cab up to the funicular but decided to walk back down. I also loved my trip out of the city to The Temple of Poseidon in Cape Sounion. We went in the afternoon so that we could see the sunset over the cape. What an experience 😍
Hi! Do you have a website recommendation for buying acropolis and the museum tickets ahead of time? Thanks!
Lovely video Mr. Wolters, this video is very helpful in my Greece trip planning. This planning is for the trip I didn’t know I’d be taking until I saw you and Gabriel Traveler talking Greece up.
Gabe's a good dude. Glad we could help you find greece
I love your videos about Greece. You know the greek way of living, what to do and what not and you explain things so smooth. I hope you have a great time living in Greece and enjoy every minute of it.✌️ These said from a greek that lives in Germany... 😢
I definitely agree with you on Piraeus port. It's so big and I I get lost there, luckily I was there early and the locals were very helpful in guiding me to my ship.
Also a shutout to the island of Hydra (Ydra), wow, that island reminds me of Sicily where my family is from. An island with full of donkeys and cats.
Totally agree!
Ah beautiful hydra. We stayed in a little pension overnight and ate in one of the tavernas on the marina. Was our first night in Athens and what a joy it was
My wife and I were there last Nov. and the weather was beautiful! Went to the Parthenon and it was a very pleasant walk and not to crowded! We loved the city of Athens.
Many years ago, I did the Acropolis in 4" heels! Unplanned obviously :) And another time in 42 degree heat. I stayed covered under a wet pashmina and had the place to myself. Magical. Bus from airport to Syntagma is cheap and easy. Too many pickpockets on the Metro.
And peoole try to bring down Turkiye, how people get scammed.. 😅😅😅Sounds like it's no better there!
This was so helpful thank you!
We`re flying to Athens next Sunday for three day, then head over to Crete! As experienced tourists we are mostly aware of the dos and donts when travelling, but thanks for your valuable advise anyway! We`re gonna enjoy Athens for sure, booked our tickets to the Acropolis, and our airbnb is in a suburb with lots of food places and bars around. Greetings from ZH, Switzerland!
You will love Crete. Too late. You have already been. I hope you enjoyed Crete.
@@bwana-ma-coo-bah425 are there right away and enjoying it! The only minus: far too hot for June) but everything else is breathtaking. Btw it is not my first time on Crete, been there already back in 2006 with the age of around 20, unfortunately, no smartphones existed back then to compare the changes 😁and I somehow lost the photos made with the digi cam back then. Regards!
@@annihilator_of_orks Oh wow. I am envious.
Great video for my first visit to Greece June 2025. Got a new subscriber !
Good tips for travelling in general. How to be careful of your surroundings and how to get the most out of your visit.
i lived there for a year. in greece. loved it def talk to the locals see the local stuff also!
Went to Athens last summer with my teenagers, and we love it so much, so we are going this summer again. “Unfortunately” we have to go on school holidays which is the most busy and warm time of the year.
that was actually fairly accurate, surprised to say! excellent.
Back when I was working in an airline company, all of our non-Greek crew members were staying in the southern suburbs where the company was renting them hotel rooms for their overnight stays. So, even though some times they had more than one night to spend in Athens, they would stay over there or just go to the tourist-packed areas around the Acropolis. I once took two pilots to a place that I was DJing from time to time, a really big beer place in Peristeri. It was far from the tourist areas, in a nice neighborhood and it was a place where only locals would go. For them it was an eye-opener and for me it was a great chance to show them around around city. Even though I am an Athenian and I spent most of my years in the municipality of Athens, eventually what we all think of Athens is the whole metro area, and that's what is actually increasing the city's diversity. And yes, the metro can take you to a lot of places. So, if you're a tourist, just hop onto a train and exit at a random station. It's a great experience.
For me it's a golden advice to visit Acropolis Museum first and go see the Acropolis after!
I did that in the right opposite order, not saying I regret that, but you can learn A LOT in the museum, to recognize things on the next day in reality!
Awesome place! I can also highly recommend to climb the hill you can see from acropolis, with a little church on top of it. The view from the other hill is even better! Athens is a place really worth to see in person! Visiting Athens in november is still a good idea, weather is sunny and warm, and there are much less people around! Don't forget to see Meteora near Kalabaka while being in Greece!
Just returned from 2,5 days in Athens Loved it ❤
Definitely have some cash with you. It's amazing how often the merchants in a taverna or restaurant will tell you that their card reader is offline or not working. Tax evasion is still a thing throughout Greece.
We also need to point out how the state is taking A LOT and some businesses, not all, have to resort to things like that just to survive.
That's good to hear! Cash is private and taxation is - literally - theft!
Great informative video. Just got back from Hydra - amazingly beautiful! Was only in Athens for 2 & a half days. Do want to explore Athens another time but a lot of $ when one is paying .53 cents more 🇨🇦 per €. Anyways love Greece! 🇬🇷
Hi Mark. One small correction, Acropolis mean ''city edge''. Acron=edge/extremity Polis=city
Thanks!
Acron means Edge, but Acro means High. Acropolis, High City.
@@jocelynwoltersworld Νο, Acro is the modern spelling of the ancient Acron and mean the same thing. In the case of Acropolis, it loses the final ''n'' because of grammar when merging words. If I would translate it in English, ''extremity'' would be the closest word in this context.
@giokun100 this just blows my mind. I remember this lesson from my Yiayia (whose 1st languagewas Greek), Acro means High, Polus means City. Literally 46 years as a Greek American and I've never heard Edge City.🤯
@@jocelynwoltersworld I'm born and bred in Athens, my greetings to US Greek community! Actually ''City's Extremity'' would be the best translation.
Hello! I was just curious if you watched have watched My Greek Lifestyle? Your video is a lot like his! Great video!
You suggested visiting the Acropolis Museum first, but earlier you recommended going to the hill in the morning. I’ve read that the museum can take quite a while to explore. Should we visit it the day before?
Don't be a snob towards budget supermarket chains like Lidl. They work with local producers and you can buy stuff much cheaper there than in smaller grocery stores in tourist trap areas.
Lidl was my go to supermarket as well as Masoutis and Sklavenitis ; they all have good prices for your grocery needs
Hello my friend, thanks for this great video and super usefull info! I'll be in Athens soon for a cruise stop, I'm thinking about taking the hop on hop off bus at the port (including the Acropolis ticket so I skip the line) and then go and return to the center by that option, do you recommend this? Thanks again!
Small details and tips but extremely useful ❤
Good morning Jocelyn and Mark! Your videos have saved our family from making terrible mistakes. You have helped us, (or me), and my fears while booking trips overseas for our family so thank you so much!!! No words can express our gratitude.❤ May I ask, have you ever arrived at a location and your VRBO or rental had become a nightmare? Not dirty, per say, but they took your $, or kicked you out in the middle of the night, or had people come into your room etc... Thank you again! 😊
Many years ago in sorrento, italy. Not a fun time.
@@woltersworld This is a genuine invitation and I am sure your family gets this all the time, but if you guys ever come to Vancouver Island, BC, your family is more than welcome to come stay with us. We can show you around, etc. We will be back on the Island this summer.
How many days did you spend in Athens with your family ? Did you go to any of the islands and if yes, how long were you there ? I am planning a 2 1/2 to 3 weeks trip which would include Athens and maybe 2 of the islands, not sure yet which ones. Thank you.
I only ever wear hiking shoes everywhere in the world: even the streets around the world are rough!
Hey how do you buy online tickets?
What kind of shoes do you recommend? You said ppl wear the wrong shoes, are sneakers better? Is the museum separate from acropolis? Is the fee for the acropolis included for the museum?
Don't miss the agora (in my opinion, much better than the acropolis). While you are at the acropolis, don't miss the other attractions around surroundings (Filopappou, Socrate prisons, etc.) so you won't have to climb there the day after.. Don't think the airport is close or small. It is quite a journey to get there and once you are there too. Don't think there is a lot to see at the acropolis, in archeological sites or in museums in general - most of these places are relatively expensive to visit but only keep you busy for one hour.
Really love you tips for traveling. Many thanks and keep enjoying your travels. 😊👍🏻
We went to a rooftop restaurant for the fantastic night view of the Acropolis all lit up and had two rather expense adult beverages. We knew it would be expensive. We ate elsewhere at far more reasonable prices.
Have any restaurant recommendations for Plaka area? We will be there prior to a Med Cruise next month and are exited about a few good meals and wonder if it will be helpful to make reservations. Thanks much M&J . Seeing more of your video what other restaurants we can cab it to work being off the beaten path and places locals love.
Greece is on my list of places to see. This advice is great! Thank you.
it looks a lot different now than during 2015's "austerity" economy. there were no crowds anywhere. restaurant owners literally begging you to come eat with them, even after seeing you finish eating at a different place.
but after being a greek history nut since the 4th grade, going there was bucket list item #1 checked off. i need to go back.
"Don't make the mistake and drive around in Athens" ... Had a little panic attack remembering that one ;) Jeez. Thanks.
Also people: Get a hat. Keeps your head from lobstering the first day!
Hahaha as an Athenian let me tell you, driving in this city really builds you character 😄
@@akalaotinanai And your tolerance for near heart attacks ;)
Great video Mark! I learned a ton. Planning a trip for next year
Oh the food !
My tip for visiting Athens is book a tour guide to take you to the Acropolis. This made a massive difference to our enjoyment and she really brought the place to life, telling stories about the gods, the ancient city and its culture and how it was built. It was one of the best holiday splurges we ever made and I really recommend the Alternative Athens family friendly group tour - we visited in October, were the only people in the group and got the guide to ourselves. Definitely visit in shoulder season when it's quieter (although we visited 2019 pre covid when Athens wasn't quite so over touristed)
You give the best tips always. Thank you!! Great video!
hi thanks fr the beautiful video. we just came back from Greece trip!!!. Had the best time ever....however, just wanted to ask abt the acropolis tickets. we did pre-book and purchase ticket online. however they still made us line up in the long queue.... any idea abt this?
Just in time!! Love this channel ! Miss the live streams you guys use to do! Cheers
TY! Good timing - we're going later this year!!
Excellent video!
I’m planning a trip next October, it’s a 8 days trip. I wonder how should i plan, should I fly directly to Crete after my arriving in Athens airport or stay at a hotel for a night and leave the main luggage in the hotel and take a backpack and fly to Crete ? I just want to visit the palace and to see the disk tablet in the museum on the island and that it.
I have watched so many of your Greece videos they are great! I will be visiting in September, I will have a toddler with me, do you think I’ll be able to get around ok with a stroller?! Hope so!
6:42 Hey shoutout to my friend Vagelis's shop!
7:47 what winter time? Lol , if you wanna come see athens winter time is the best option, not that hot and the prices are better.
The salad the Americans want with the FETA, is called, 'Horiatiki'.
Looks like you ve been here thousands of times, probably the best advice you can get from a foreigner to a foreigner. Good job re malaka!!!
ps you know , malaka, can be used in many different ways and can mean a thousand things. The above meant good job man!
As a Greek I would like to raise a small concern in one of your tips, when you said “that restaurants in Athens will charge the customer for the customary
water and bread, and that it’s normal.” As far as I know it’s not legal for them to charge you for items that are brought to the table without an order, also water and bread are usually free I have never seen anyone get charge for that, so I think that it’s a potential tourist scam that some restaurants do.
Ps use FREENOW or Uber for taxis to avoid the shady taxi drivers.
I literally had my first meal in Athens a couple of hours ago (in Plaka) and can confirm I wasn't charged for water and bread. And the food was delicious.
I found getting the water at the table was a nice convience to stay hydrated. Also, paying for the water already, I didn't feel pressured to order some other, likely more expensive beverage along with my food like you would be in some middle european countries. Likewise, if you are from those places and accustomed to ordering, say sparkling water together with your meal, don't do it, it will be far more expensive than the water.
Mark can you make suggestions for things to do outside of the ruins?
The Athens riviera is great place for a walk.
Head south. Nafplio, beautiful city. Best beach in the world, Voidikilia.
I went in April. They now have a fountain at the acropolis. Even better than buying a bottle of water: bring one or two refillable bottle of water. Tap water is safe to drink. You will save money and produce less plastic junk.
Hi Marc 😊 been watching for a while. Would be helpful to know WHEN you go to these spots like at leats the month. Thanks !!
Thanks for the good tips!
Thanks!
Very good advice
Sorry I got dizzy watching this , it seem exhausting a lot of walking and I like the videos of everything in Athens in my own home 😂❤👌
Good job ! All of them are true
Good advice. People really won't pay 50 cents for water?
Which site do you recommend for tickets? We will be in Athens for 3 days. Thanks
Hi! I was wondering what website you used to purchase your tickets for acropolis?
Do it as a tour. If you turn up late or buy tickets at the gate it will turn into a night mare.
Getting "small bills" is easier said than done. It's the same in Italy too.
Hey Mark, awesome video
Do not underestimate how hot it can get during the summer.
ALWAYS put on sunscreen if you're gonna be walking about throughout the day. You're gonna be spending time under direct sunlight. There's no avoiding it.
Invest in a thermos or even in one of those isothermic bags. Those plastic water bottles get hot super fast even if you got them in your bag and they won't be pleasant to drink.
Especially if you got kids with you make sure they stay hydrated at all times.
If someone leaves a wooden horse at your gates don't bring it in. You need to ask for the check at the end of a meal. You can buy amazing olives at the little grocery stores.
😀
I've seen you make the car comment in several videos. And as someone who has lived in the Northeast, in a simi walkable city, with good public transit his whole life, I am always flabbergasted to find people rent cars when traveling and staying in the cities in Europe.
We're going to Greece in 5 weeks time. We're hiring a car at Athens airport, driving north straight away to go to Kavala for 5 nights, Thessaloniki for 4 nights, Meteora for 2 nights and back to Athens, via Delphi, for 6 nights. The airbnb we've booked in Athens is in the Peristeri district and has its own parking place for us. We intend to use the metro/taxis within Athens itself but wish to keep our hire car as while there we want to visit Corinth, Nafplio under our own steam and to suit our own timetable. So, sometimes, tourists want to have a rental car in a city though in general, when we go on a city break, we don't hire a car.
@@hf3739 yeah that makes sense. But if you are in Florence, Paris, Vienna, you could use public transportation or the train service. I would say last summer I was in Vienna for 4 nights, 5 days and I hired a car service to take me from the airport to my hotel. But once in Vienna a took the u Bahn or Bus everywhere, even when I went to the village of Laxenburg an hour south of the city.