After six weeks spent in Greece, including about a month in Athens, visits to two islands, seeing some of the top sights on the Greek mainland, and wandering another top-five populous Greek city for more than a week, I am far from an expert on the country. But there are some things I noticed from logistical and cultural standpoints that hold true almost regardless of where you might be. So as I’ve done with some other countries I’ve had the fortune to travel extensively in, here is a list of those things I think you need to be aware of before planning a Greek trip. Some are incredibly important, others more quirky and fun. All are based on my own personal experience.

I’ve tried to organize these by category just to make reading them through a bit easier. I hope it helps!

Let’s talk about eating out

1. Service is slow

This isn’t something unique to Greece, but is worth mentioning. In the U.S., one expects a server to immediately respond to a request, to check routinely on how things are going, to bring the check quickly when asked for, etc… Part of that is that servers at home are paid mainly from tips, without which they don’t have enough money to pay bills. And part of it is the need of American restaurants to turn tables, to get people out so others can come in so more money and tips come through.

Well, in Greece, like in much of Europe, that isn’t the case. If you sit down at a table, you can expect not to be rushed to get up so they can give it to another party. And servers are (theoretically) paid enough that even without tips – although they are still appreciated and helpful given the current Greek economy – they make enough to live. Service reflects those things. If you ask for something, it might take a bit. You might have to actively seek someone out to get the bill to pay. But despite being slow, the service will be incredibly friendly. Just don’t be in a hurry.

2. You can get tap water in many, but not all, places

In some countries, tap water isn’t available when dining out, either due to cleanliness issues or a desire of places not to give out water for free. Here in Greece, tap water is a) generally safe (although not universally) and b) able to be ordered in many restaurants. In Greek, you’ll ask for nero vrissis, or just tap water if your server speaks English.

3. Coffee is a bit different here

While basic coffee drinks like a latte or americano are the same everywhere, Greece has a couple of unique drinks that you’ll want to try if you’re a coffee fan.

First, let’s talk about Greek coffee. A Greek coffee (available in a single or double) is a reasonably small and thick brewed coffee. Like a Turkish coffee, it has some grounds still in it, so you’ll need to wait a few minutes for those to settle before drinking. And don’t drink the sludge at the bottom. It is strong and bitter (though adding sugar is ok – more on that in a moment) and you’ll either love or hate it.

Second, the freddo. Think of this as the Greek version of an iced coffee. It will either be freddo espresso or freddo cappuccino, and will be shaken with ice before being poured. A freddo cappuccino is an oddly wonderful thing, with the foam on top being almost a meringue consistency.

A note on sugar. Many coffee shops will ask you if you want your drink sweetened or not, and do that for you in the process of making it. Sweet really means it, so you can ask for half or “just a little” sweet.

Wandering around Greece

4. The drivers here are terrible

Seriously, Greece has come out on top (bottom?) of the “worst drivers in Europe” polls regularly. Drivers are routinely distracted, eating, drinking, or texting while driving. They are aggressive, with turns against a light or without one being made seemingly without looking. And it doesn’t help that it is mainly a driving culture so there are a lot of cars out on the roads in the cities.

First off, I would never – never! – rent a car and drive within Athens. On intercity highways (most have tolls) I could maybe be convinced if there were no other truly viable way to reach a place I was desperate to see. But within the city, no.

Second, as a pedestrian, be careful. Assume that cars don’t see you, aren’t even looking for you, and hate you enough to want you dead. (They don’t, but sometimes it feels that way.) Pedestrian streets will often still have motorbikes on them, similar to Italy.

Finally, if you take taxis, be aware that your driver will probably be going fast, might be – or at least might appear to be – distracted, and will probably have the window open so as not to run AC.

5. Summer is hot

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention this regularly. In Athens, summer days will routinely be over 90 Fahrenheit, and will hit 100 or higher sometimes. On the islands, it will be a bit cooler but more humid. It can be unpleasant, and a health risk. (Athens actually closes the Acropolis on afternoons over 100 at times due to tourists actually dying of heatstroke and dehydration.)

Carry water. Wear sunscreen. Take breaks in air conditioned places. Buy cold drinks more often than you otherwise would. Don’t walk long distances in the heat of the day. Basically, use common sense and prioritize health over everything else.

6. Greece is so old… and so new

This is something that amazed me. When exploring Greece, the history is something apparent all over. Old (Roman times, classical Greek, and even older to the Bronze Age) remnants are everywhere. Literally, you are likely to wander across something well over 1000 years old, and often much much older, just by strolling.

But Greece as a country is so new also. Take Athens, for instance. Now home to about 4 million people, in 1830 – on the cusp of Greek independence – the city had a population of about 10,000. So basically everything other than the ancient ruins is brand new.

It’s a fascinating dichotomy, and one absolutely worth paying attention to and marveling about when wandering.

The Greek people are awesome

7. Greeks are loud and friendly

Greek hospitality is totally a thing. In few other places I’ve visited have I been routinely personally and warmly welcomed anytime I’ve walked into a shop or restaurant. I’m asked about myself, engaged in conversation, smiled at and joked with, and made to feel like my presence is appreciated. It is amazing.

On the other hand, the volume of the average Greek takes some getting used to, especially in public places. I find it endearing, but there are times I need more quiet than I’m afforded.

8. There is more English spoken here than I had expected

I was shocked at how much I was able to get by using English. Yes, as I always try to do, I learned my 10-15 phrases in Greek before coming, and attempted to at least greet and thank people in their language. But an astounding number of people at least spoke enough English to be passable and communicate with me, from the expected tourist-facing professions to random grocery store clerks. And they were almost all excited to hear I was from the U.S., which is refreshing these days.

Some other category-nonconforming tips

9. Greece is somewhat closed on Sundays

The country is 90+% Greek Orthodox Christian, and they take religion seriously. While a lot of the shops and restaurants catering to tourists might be open, those dealing mainly with locals might close on Sundays. This is especially true for grocery stores. It’s not a huge deal, but worth keeping in mind from a logistical standpoint, especially if you are a traveler who prefers renting an apartment and cooking at home.

Most museums are open Sundays, though not all, instead taking either Mondays or Tuesdays off. Coffee shops were about 50/50, and at least kept limited hours on Sundays. And restaurants were hit and miss depending.

10. Prices for tourist sites reflect Greek debt

Greece, while doing better financially than they were a decade ago, is still massively in debt to the European Union for bailouts. One of their plans to spend that down has been increasing admission prices to the main tourist sites. For instance, the Acropolis is supposedly increasing by €10 for 2025, from €20 to €30 for a basic entry. While a portion of that is for the slow and constant renovations to the site itself, much of it is for that debt repayment.

The way I see it, while it can be frustrating to have prices increase like that, this is a smart way to increase revenue on a segment that can largely afford it while not impacting the average Greek who might be struggling. And even if it were €50, I’d still universally recommend seeing the Acropolis on your visit. But be aware that prices can be a bit higher than you’d expect, and might increase further year to year.

11. Don’t flush toilet paper

This was a surprise for me. It’s something I expect in most Latin American and Caribbean countries, but not in Europe. But in much of Greece, you’ll see warnings not to throw paper in the toilet, and that might include your hotel or Airbnb. When out, throw toilet paper in the trash next to the toilet. When in, my solution was just to take a quick shower after using the restroom if needed. It is annoying, but far from the end of the world.

Greece is amazing, and I don’t say that callously. I loved my time there, and am eagerly looking forward to returning and seeing more of the country. I am confident that you, too, will enjoy a visit. But these are just a few things to keep in mind before booking that trip, just in case they make a difference for you.

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