Athens is the capital of Greece and it is a city worth visiting. Why? Because it gives to its residents and tourists the chance to combine the historical grandeur that a visit to ancient ruins offers with the contemporary urban lifestyle that prevails downtown.
You will find thousands of articles online discussing in detail all the sightseeing tours and the attractions that you should absolutely check out while you’re in Athens.
Similarly to all the capital and big cities around the world, however, there are some areas and some activities that you should avoid and be mindful of when you land in Athens. So, in this article I will present a few negative aspects of the city in order to be aware of them and not let them ruin your trip.
Weather
It is true that Greece has a temperate climate and that the sun is usually shining. However, depending on the time of your visit, the weather might not be on your side. If you visit Greece in the summer months, you should be prepared for heatwaves. The average temperature in the summer is 35°C. Especially in Athens, where the cement makes the heat even more unbearable, the high temperatures feel even worse. The only thing you can do to face this heat is to wear light clothes, wear sunscreen and always carry a water bottle.
On other hand, if you visit Athens in winter, you should bring warm winter clothes with you because despite the temperate climate, it can get very cold. So, don’t forget to pack heavy coats, sweaters, gloves and scarves.
Business
Greece may be a small country compared to others, but its geographical spot on the map makes it a good candidate for business ventures. Especially if those ventures have to do with the tourism, transportation or maritime industry, Athens can be the ideal place for your headquarters. Of course, arranging a trip to Athens in order to get to know the city, and booking an appointment with oikonomakislaw.com lawyers online to learn about Greece’s legislation are the first necessary steps before starting any official procedures.
Crime
Athens is a pretty safe city compared to other European capitals. Solo travelers can enjoy their time in Greece without worrying that they need company for extra safety. The only thing that you should be mindful of is thieves, who try to pickpocket tourists and steal their mobile phones and their wallets. Thieves usually hang out in buses and in the metro. Thus, if you always keep an eye on your personal belongings, you don’t have anything to worry about.
Another scam that you should know about is that taxi drivers sometimes charge tourists more than they should. Locals will be more than happy to tell you how much a taxi ride should cost you.
Now that you know how to protect yourself while in Athens, you can spend the rest of your time on planning all the activities you should do there.