What it actually costs
When to go
40°C+. The Acropolis has zero shade. Heatstroke is a real risk climbing marble steps at midday.
Acropolis: buy the €30 combo ticket online (covers 7 sites). Go at opening (8am) or last entry (5pm). Midday is hell.
What locals know
Psyrri and Koukaki are the local food neighbourhoods — not Plaka (tourist markup). Tavernas with handwritten Greek-only menus are always best.
Freddo cappuccino (iced, shaken) is the Greek coffee drink. Order it everywhere. €3-4.
The National Garden behind Parliament is a cool, shaded escape from the marble heat. Free entry, peacocks.
Rooftop bars with Acropolis view: A for Athens (free entry), Couleur Locale (hidden entrance in an arcade), 360 Cocktail Bar.
Honest warnings
Syntagma Square metro exits into chaos — aggressive tour sellers and fake petition scams.
Plaka restaurants with photos on the menu and someone beckoning outside: always bad, always overpriced.
Stray cats are everywhere. They're healthy and fed by locals — don't worry about them.
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