We recently spent a few days in Athens and wanted to share some practical tips and impressions from our trip.
Internet Access
Reliable internet is essential for navigating Athens — from maps and reservations to taxis and tickets. This time, we tried out the eSIM provider manet.travel, purchasing 3GB of data for just €3.50 (valid for 30 days). Setup was quick and easy, and it worked flawlessly throughout our stay.
Airport & Metro to the City
Metro travel within Athens is affordable and efficient. A standard metro ticket costs €1.20, valid for 90 minutes, and works across metro lines, buses, and trams. However, travel to or from the airport requires a separate ticket priced at €9.
Ticket machines are available at metro stations, but here’s a tip: you can also tap in and out with a contactless credit/debit card or phone (Google Pay/Apple Pay). The system will automatically calculate the best fare based on your trips throughout the day.
✅ Be sure to tap in and out with the same device/card, or you’ll be charged twice. ℹ️ More info: OASA Contactless Payments
Accommodation: Ermass Modern Living Apartments
We stayed at Ermass Modern Living Apartments — a newly built and beautifully designed place. The staff was exceptionally friendly, and each apartment includes a small kitchen setup with a fridge, microwave, hotplates, sink, cookware, and cutlery.
Another highlight is the rooftop terrace, offering a wonderful view over Athens — perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing.
Sightseeing & Exploration
Apart from the classics — Acropolis, Areopagus, Philopappos Hill, Observatory Hill (Muses Hill), and Pnyx, etc., another memorable experiences was climbing Lykavittos Hill, which offers panoramic views of the entire city. You can hike up via scenic walking paths or take the funicular (€10 one-way, €13 round trip).
Some sites offer free audio guides that enhance the experience with historical insights and context:
💡 Pro tip: Before visiting the Acropolis Museum, it helps to brush up on the Greek gods’ family tree. It puts many of the artifacts into perspective.
Beach Break
We also spent a few relaxing days by the sea. Besides public beaches, we visited the private Vouliagmeni Beach (website | Google Maps).
The entrance fee is €10 per person/day, which includes access to umbrellas, loungers, and other amenities. Highly recommended for a more comfortable beach day.
Food & Restaurants
Athens has no shortage of excellent food. One of our highlights was:
