What NOT to do in Athens

1. Don’t Eat in Plaka or Other Tourist Hotspots

Plaka is a busy tourist cluttered street that’s lined with souvenir shops – hundreds and hundreds of them. While it’s the perfect place to get a bunch of keepsakes whether olive soap or Greek fridge magnets, it’s probably not the best place to enjoy a local meal.

Out of all the places we had a meal, Plaka was our least favourite. The food was catered to tourists – high prices and mediocre quality; the gyro and the dakos were subpar. Suffice to say, we were disappointed.

In addition, it was SO crowded and busy, there was so much commotion that we were just stressed and anxious the entire time. The loud, up-tempo Greek music from a local band didn’t help either and we found ourselves involuntarily wolfing down our meals. I, then understood the power atmosphere and setting has on your dining experience.

If you’re looking for authentic Greek cuisine, go out of your way to find a place that isn’t located in the middle of a tourist hotspot.

2. Be Wary of Beggars

We came across a lot of beggars in Plaka. So, to add to the hectic atmosphere, this hiked up our stress more, cause we didn’t want to get robbed. Living in Sri Lanka, you tend to hear so many horror stories of beggars snatching your things while trying to give them a few bucks – so you can’t be too careful, especially in a foreign country. While it’s completely up to you; do so with caution. As all my money was in one wallet, I definitely didn’t want to take out the entire wallet out on this busy street.

There was the occasional old lady begging near tables cluttered with tourists, but most of the beggars at Plaka were young girls begging us to take red roses – FOR FREE. We couldn’t understand this but later found out that it was a way for men to later target young, tourist girls. Not sure how far this was true, but it was the closest thing we could find for someone handing out free roses. AND though we didn’t take a rose, coincidentally, it was the same evening we got robbed on the way back home in the metro. Definitely creepy.

3. Watch your Bag

I was warned at least three different times to carry my backpack in the front of my body as we walked around Plaka. With a high number of thefts reported in the area – local shop owners warned us several times to be extra careful about how we carried our bags. The safest way to protect your belongings would be to carry it in the front; like you’re pregnant and wrap an arm around it. Even sling bags should be worn with caution.

4. Cash and Cards

After getting robbed, I learnt a crucial lesson. ALWAYS, always separate your cash and never carry all your cash in one wallet. I separated some cash for souvenirs into my wallet and tucked the rest of my cash into my backpack. When my purse got robbed, I was thankful I still had some cash hidden in a separate compartment to help me survive until I got back home.

Don’t carry your credit cards and national IDs in your ‘going out’ purse. IE. The one you’re always going to be taking out to pay for things. Keep a backup wallet with the important stuff and keep it hidden.

5. Avoid Rush Hour

Avoid using public transport during rush hour. This is true in any country you visit! Congested trains, metros and buses is the perfect setting to get pickpocketed. Rush hours are usually between 4pm-7pm so do your best to avoid using the public transport during this time. If you do need to get around during this time, play it safe and book a taxi via an app. We used Beat in Athens!

6. Don’t Look Like a Tourist

While this might be hard for most of us – it’s imperative to not look like a typical tourist. I.E. While you may be in awe at everything you see in Athens; I mean, even the metro station has been dug around an archaeological site with tombs and giant wine casks lining up along the escalators and busy platforms; be more aware of your surroundings when you’re ogling at these beautiful things. Avoid carrying a truck load of souvenirs bags too – try to fit most of your souvenirs in your backpack so you look less like a tourist. Don’t look lost and dazed – be confident like you know where you’re going.

Ditzy Tourist at Syntagma Metro Station.

Keep these in mind during your adventure in Athens, Greece. You can thank me later.

Yours truly,

Imperfect Traveller

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