Greece is one of those places that’s on most everyone’s list of desirable travel destinations. It’s paradisiacal, historic, and addicting, and Athens is a microcosm of some of its best traits.
If you’ve waited a long time to visit, then at least go out of your way to do it right. A few things that might seem like good ideas may actually waste your time and money, and offer very little real Athens experience. Instead, take time to appreciate what’s right under your nose, and focus on the natives, the traditions, and the local goods.
So much history has happened here, so it’s tempting to fit in all the sites, but there’s a way to see important places without eating up all your time en route, in line and behind a camera lens. Take the advice of our Athens go-to guy and see what makes Greece to decadently desirable.
10 Things Not to do in Athens
- Don’t rent a car. Dense pollution has restricted driving days, and for the most part, it’s unnecessary.
- Don’t stay solely on the mainland. Greece is more than Athens – the islands!
- Don’t request ABBA at the local bars and restaurants. Enjoy the traditional music and dance of Greece instead of reliving Mama Mia.
- Don’t ride the gondola to the summit of Thira in Santorini. Imagine your legs dangling above the Mediterranean and opt for the traditional method – the donkey.
- Don’t buy cheap gold from a market. Buy quality pieces at reputable jewelry shops.
- Don’t stay in your culinary comfort zone. try some of the best cuisine found on Earth – spanakopita, moussaka, pastitsio and lamb gyro.
- Don’t forget to learn a few spoken words in Greek. It will go a long way with the locals.
- Don’t visit during Greece’s Orthodox Easter, you’ll miss all the locals, who will likely be in the countryside.
- Don’t forget to ask for your ouzo to be cut with water or on ice. The mixture turns the clear liquor to a murky shade of white – the traditional fashion it is drunk.
- Don’t avoid the locals – get to know them and ask for recommendations on places to visit.
© Cheapflights Ltd
