Some athenian tips: 1) Unless you have nerves of steel don't drive in Athens. The only thing we obey are traffic lights and sometimes stop signs. Also pedestrians rarely have the right of way so unless someone actually stops, don't cross. 2) Do yourself a favor and ask locals. We'll probably refer you to better places than the touristy stuff that charge 50 euros for two bites worth of salad. 3) While on the local part, also ask about the sketchy areas so that you can stay away from. Most common one is Omonoia, our city centre where you should probably stay away from after 8-9 PM. 4) Internet is everywhere, every shop has free wifi and some metro stations have too. You don't actually need a SIM card or pocket Wifi unless you plan on going to rural Greece where things noticebly are older. 5) Don't go to beaches in Athens like Edem or Kalamaki. While they pass the safe surveys before season, they aren't that clean to be honest. Your starting point should be Glyfada and on. 6) We love to teach you guys our language from basic greetings all the way up to our flagship "Malaka" and other delicacies. Just translate-check everything we teach you before using it. Cheers!
Point #2 is what I want to see and read. Can you share some good small local tavernas or restaurants that are actually local based and low touristy. Thanks
@@gp3724 So basically, whatever you see around Monastiraki that has to do with food, don't go. I mean there are some exceptions but I haven't had good food around that area in a long time. What you should look for in Monastiraki, Syntagma, Psirri, Thiseio, Kolonaki, Koukaki are bars. There are some that are seasonal and open their rooftops after easter. Also stay away from international brands like McDonald's etc, completely garbage, we only eat those when we are drunk at 6:30 AM and our taste buds are dead from alcohol. For food some of my favourites are: 1)A bar restaurant in Koukaki called "Riza-Riza". Pretty solid food, coktails as well, also not that expensive. They make coktails with greek spirits as well and some are fire. And it's close to metro as well. 2)In Moschato, which is an area south of athens next to Pireus, there is a place called "To Zempereki". It's more of a traditional taverna, good food but all plates are , as we Greeks call them, "in the middle plates" which means that we order to drink ( most of the times wine ) and order a bunch of plates for everyone to nimble while we drink. There are no main courses like steak or pasta or whatever but to be honest you don't need a main dish. Also I recommend "Pink semi-sweet wine" to drink. 3)If you want fish food, in Kallithea there is a fish tavern called "Psarotaverna Antonia". Hands down, one of the best fish I have eaten in Athens. You can also go to Mikrolimano in Pireus to some restaurants like "Fraoula" or "Jimmy's Fish" but expect to pay way more. 4)"Alladin", if you want to eat middle eastern cuisine. Kebab, falafel, gyros, stuff like that. ( They aren't afraid to use their spices, food is good but you feel like a rock afterwards ). 5) Classic taverna as you seek : "Mirtia". It's in the area called Nea smirni. All good nothing to say more. Those are some places that came to my mind , also if you want street food like Souvlaki or burger mostly anywhere you see is fine except those in Monastiraki centre. For burgers if you see a place called "Jackaroo" , that's where most of us eat when we want burgers. All those places are value for money and you'll eat pretty good. There are many more too, so take those I mentioned with a grain of salt and ask around some more! Tip 1: Ask for peoples personal favourite places instead of generalizing. Tip 2: If you eat a lot and feel kinda bad and all heavy and stuff, order a shot of Mastich. We drink this so we can digest easier and faster if we eat a lot. Also it tastes awesome. Hope I helped, cheers
We really appreciate the historic and geographic context in your video. We also look for authentic experiences - especially in places that are extra “touristy”.
The culinary history of Greece is significant since ancient times. The Ottomans absorbed the foods of many nations as Greece influenced they're cooking. Also you can find an ancient Greek cookbook which is similar to various Greek cuisine to this day.
Loved your video. Many TH-camrs seem to focus only on island hopping and your video felt well-rounded with country background, culture, practical tips and more.
Thanks for the video!! I'm heading out there in a couple weeks and you covered a lot of things I've been wondering about! May the algorithm be ever in your favor !
Nice video about Greece. I visited fall 2022 and had a wonderful time. Have relatives in Athens, Northern Epirus and Corfu. They took me everywhere including Meteora ( the monestaries on the mountains in Kalambaka). In Athens enjoy the street food (gyros, souvlakia). Your video made it easy to undertand how to navigate the country. Thanks.
Funny that you mentioned Greek cuisine as largely influenced by the Ottoman one, for the Ottoman cuisine is vastly the Byzantine cuisine, which the Ottomans (REMINDER: Ottomans were nomads with therefore a nomadic cuisine) fully incorrporated and nowadays Turks consider just Turkish, erasing any historical memory of their nomadic past... and cuisine. The Byzantines had one of the most advanced cuisines you know. EDIT: (I forgot my manners) Thank you for making this video!
I've lived here in Greece for most of my life. Well done! that was a pretty good video, accurate and helpful to any traveller. So you got your loukoumades mixed up with your kourabiethes - happens all the time but hey whatever it is it tastes great!
Great advice. We just got back from Greece recently and have a full series of guides coming out over the next few weeks. Keep up the good work. I really enjoyed this video. If you want we have 5 Greece vlogs up already. Cheers! - Turtle
Good information, thank you. Only in 1453 did Mehmed II capture Constantinople, putting an end to the Byzantine Empire. I think the Greek food culture might have been established long before the Ottoman empire. Just some fun facts;)
I will watch this a few more times before September. Very informative. What’s the weather like in September to October? I’m from the Philippines and it is mostly hot here all year round.
Cash is always a good idea to have especially if you are going to rural areas. Since covid I would say many transactions are now done with credit cards but it wasn't the case in the past. Just remember to ask for a receipt either way to avoid any tax evasion on the owners part. And if you are eating out always ask for a menu to see the prices as you might get charged something completely different. It has even happened to me as a greek.
Hold on: You said the "northern" region of Greece, which borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, is home to Athens and the Acropolis. That's not right. Northern Greece's most important city is Thessaloniki. Athens is at the heart of southern Greece and has zero influence from neighbouring countries, unlike the north.
@@conniep3164 It's true that Athens being situated in Attica is considered central Greece, but because we have the north-south divide (and rivalry) like Italy, Athens is by default considered the main city of "southern" Greece. Besides, the Peloponnese has no city that is on par with Thessaloniki or Athens in terms of size, culture, and significance.
More like central with a bit southern in it. But lets be honest: with so many albanians Athens has the last few years the "influence" part from Albania is on point😂
I’m flying to Greece from the US this summer and the flight layover is in Iceland. Do I need a visa or like a transit visa because of the layover in Iceland? Also, I’m staying in Greece for 1 week then plan of flying to Poland but was hoping to stay in Poland for more than 1 week, how would I be able to do that? What/how do I get what I need if that is possible? I appreciate any help!!
There are plenty of scammers,loads and loads of pickpockets in the centre of Athens, on buses,on trains,anywhere that is crowded. There have been shootings and terrorist attacks in the past but not in recent years. It's still safe in general but if you do stand out like a tourist just be careful.
We are travelling to Greece (from U.S.), and want to bring about 9500 dollars in cash with us. Can we keep the cash (and passports) on us in our pants pockets when going through security or customs? I would hate to have to put cash in that plastic bin, only to have it stolen! And is the limit still 10,000 dollars? Thanks in advance!
Hello there, I was wondering, if I can share with you the most important thing ever in life. God the Father sent His holy Son Jesus to earth, to be born of a virgin. He grew up and died on the cross for our sins. Then He was put into a tomb for 3 days, after that Abba Father raised Jesus to life.He appeared to people, and went back to heaven. We all must sincerely receive Jesus into our life to be God's child. See John 1:12 for this please. Will you today genuinely by faith receive Jesus into your life for salvation?
We just got back from Greece and we didn’t need to show our vaccination cards. Some taxis we did wear masks but other than than that it’s pretty open and flexible.
03:18 - You made an error when you mention that the many great foods and dishes found in Greece came from Turkey, Nothing like that happened ! - First, the many great food and dishes were there during the Byzantine empire long before Turkey was a country and the foods came from Arabia, Persia, an as far as india and also from Italy (i.e the Roman Empire !). First, Name a dish or food that came from Turkmanistan and the Central Asian Countries ... None Exist ! Second, Eggplants (or aubergines), tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, lemons and corn and many other foods, did not exist in the past and were introduced to Europe in the 19th century. Eggplants came from India, tomatoes, potatoes and corn came form America, Lemons and oranges came from China. Nothing came from Turkey ! Turkey and the Otoman Empire got what it has today from the Byzantine and Persian Empires. There is nothing Turkish in Turkey, Just like in the British Museum !
03:15 - You got the food part wrong, there is nothing Ottoman Turkish about the Greek food culture, it is the other way around- - The Greek food culture was there during the Byzantine empire long before the Ottoman turks came along - The Byzantime food culture was developed from the entire mediterannian sea region including the are of todays Turkey. - I other words, the fodd culture was developed from Greece, Italy, Egypt, Syria and the entire North Africa regions. - The Ottoman Turks came from central Asia, There is no such food culture there today or in the past. Let the Greeks tell the world about Greece .... you must go back to school and learn the history of Greece !
we were not part of turkey. they stole our land. don't mix that because others will think we took it from them. Watch what you say in Greek they will be offended like me!!!!!
Want personalized travel consulting for you next trip to Greece or anywhere else in the world? Book me here: www.tastesfromtheroad.com/about-5
Some athenian tips:
1) Unless you have nerves of steel don't drive in Athens. The only thing we obey are traffic lights and sometimes stop signs. Also pedestrians rarely have the right of way so unless someone actually stops, don't cross.
2) Do yourself a favor and ask locals. We'll probably refer you to better places than the touristy stuff that charge 50 euros for two bites worth of salad.
3) While on the local part, also ask about the sketchy areas so that you can stay away from. Most common one is Omonoia, our city centre where you should probably stay away from after 8-9 PM.
4) Internet is everywhere, every shop has free wifi and some metro stations have too. You don't actually need a SIM card or pocket Wifi unless you plan on going to rural Greece where things noticebly are older.
5) Don't go to beaches in Athens like Edem or Kalamaki. While they pass the safe surveys before season, they aren't that clean to be honest. Your starting point should be Glyfada and on.
6) We love to teach you guys our language from basic greetings all the way up to our flagship "Malaka" and other delicacies. Just translate-check everything we teach you before using it.
Cheers!
Point #2 is what I want to see and read. Can you share some good small local tavernas or restaurants that are actually local based and low touristy. Thanks
@@gp3724 So basically, whatever you see around Monastiraki that has to do with food, don't go. I mean there are some exceptions but I haven't had good food around that area in a long time.
What you should look for in Monastiraki, Syntagma, Psirri, Thiseio, Kolonaki, Koukaki are bars. There are some that are seasonal and open their rooftops after easter. Also stay away from international brands like McDonald's etc, completely garbage, we only eat those when we are drunk at 6:30 AM and our taste buds are dead from alcohol.
For food some of my favourites are:
1)A bar restaurant in Koukaki called "Riza-Riza". Pretty solid food, coktails as well, also not that expensive. They make coktails with greek spirits as well and some are fire. And it's close to metro as well.
2)In Moschato, which is an area south of athens next to Pireus, there is a place called "To Zempereki". It's more of a traditional taverna, good food but all plates are , as we Greeks call them, "in the middle plates" which means that we order to drink ( most of the times wine ) and order a bunch of plates for everyone to nimble while we drink. There are no main courses like steak or pasta or whatever but to be honest you don't need a main dish. Also I recommend "Pink semi-sweet wine" to drink.
3)If you want fish food, in Kallithea there is a fish tavern called "Psarotaverna Antonia". Hands down, one of the best fish I have eaten in Athens. You can also go to Mikrolimano in Pireus to some restaurants like "Fraoula" or "Jimmy's Fish" but expect to pay way more.
4)"Alladin", if you want to eat middle eastern cuisine. Kebab, falafel, gyros, stuff like that. ( They aren't afraid to use their spices, food is good but you feel like a rock afterwards ).
5) Classic taverna as you seek : "Mirtia". It's in the area called Nea smirni. All good nothing to say more.
Those are some places that came to my mind , also if you want street food like Souvlaki or burger mostly anywhere you see is fine except those in Monastiraki centre.
For burgers if you see a place called "Jackaroo" , that's where most of us eat when we want burgers. All those places are value for money and you'll eat pretty good.
There are many more too, so take those I mentioned with a grain of salt and ask around some more!
Tip 1: Ask for peoples personal favourite places instead of generalizing.
Tip 2: If you eat a lot and feel kinda bad and all heavy and stuff, order a shot of Mastich. We drink this so we can digest easier and faster if we eat a lot. Also it tastes awesome.
Hope I helped, cheers
@@tripokarhdos Thank you for the suggestions
@@tripokarhdosAs someone looking to travel to Greece soon, this helps so much 🙏🏻
Loukoumades are not a shortbread cookie they are a fried donut normally with honey and cinnamon. You are describing Kourabiethes
We really appreciate the historic and geographic context in your video. We also look for authentic experiences - especially in places that are extra “touristy”.
The culinary history of Greece is significant since ancient times. The Ottomans absorbed the foods of many nations as Greece influenced they're cooking. Also you can find an ancient Greek cookbook which is similar to various Greek cuisine to this day.
Oh! Could you name drop the book? 😊
Loved your video. Many TH-camrs seem to focus only on island hopping and your video felt well-rounded with country background, culture, practical tips and more.
Thanks for the video!! I'm heading out there in a couple weeks and you covered a lot of things I've been wondering about! May the algorithm be ever in your favor !
The food in Greece is very tasty !
This video was amazing!! I am so glad i listened to this before going to Greece!!
Patras is a wonderful city as well. I spent Christmas there a few years ago visiting my ex. Beautiful views and lots of restaurants with great food.
Nice video about Greece. I visited fall 2022 and had a wonderful time. Have relatives in Athens, Northern Epirus and Corfu. They took me everywhere including Meteora ( the monestaries on the mountains in Kalambaka). In Athens enjoy the street food (gyros, souvlakia). Your video made it easy to undertand how to navigate the country. Thanks.
I love Grace been there many times even leave for three years. Looking forward to go next spring.
we're making a tour through greece in a couple weeks with school, I'm kinda scared but this was very helpful!
I’m loving this series! These in depth deep dives of countries are super inspiring and make me wanna go!
Great to hear!
Funny that you mentioned Greek cuisine as largely influenced by the Ottoman one, for the Ottoman cuisine is vastly the Byzantine cuisine, which the Ottomans (REMINDER: Ottomans were nomads with therefore a nomadic cuisine) fully incorrporated and nowadays Turks consider just Turkish, erasing any historical memory of their nomadic past... and cuisine. The Byzantines had one of the most advanced cuisines you know.
EDIT: (I forgot my manners) Thank you for making this video!
@@papertoyss lol; thanks 965
I've lived here in Greece for most of my life. Well done! that was a pretty good video, accurate and helpful to any traveller. So you got your loukoumades mixed up with your kourabiethes - happens all the time but hey whatever it is it tastes great!
Great advice. We just got back from Greece recently and have a full series of guides coming out over the next few weeks. Keep up the good work. I really enjoyed this video. If you want we have 5 Greece vlogs up already. Cheers! - Turtle
Wonderful video❣️ Thank you for the in-depth experience.
Very informative,thanks!
thanks for watching!
One of those i just went to a country for the first time and spent a week so you got to listen to my tips videos.
Great video very helpful with awesome details.
Good information, thank you. Only in 1453 did Mehmed II capture Constantinople, putting an end to the Byzantine Empire. I think the Greek food culture might have been established long before the Ottoman empire. Just some fun facts;)
I was in Greece last year, the entire month of June.
Amazing video great info, thanks man!
Excellent video with useful, practical information.
Greece is not only the Classical years,Greece is the Minyan,the Cycladian,Minoan, Mycenaean,classical Greece, Macedonia,and Byzantine civilizations.
“‘Must watch”
Great video!
Great Advice! thank you :)
great information! Thanks for sharing
You bet!
if I want to come and ride the mountain roads in Greece, what's the best time of the year to come? Is the any snow in the mountains during winter?
I will watch this a few more times before September. Very informative. What’s the weather like in September to October? I’m from the Philippines and it is mostly hot here all year round.
excellent
Can you also reach the historic sites outside the cities with public transport?
Good video but you forgot my favorite island,Kefalonia!
Great video,
how widely are credit cards accepted? and how much cash should someone carry?
Cheers
Cash is always a good idea to have especially if you are going to rural areas. Since covid I would say many transactions are now done with credit cards but it wasn't the case in the past. Just remember to ask for a receipt either way to avoid any tax evasion on the owners part. And if you are eating out always ask for a menu to see the prices as you might get charged something completely different. It has even happened to me as a greek.
Good personality sound intelligent.
Hold on: You said the "northern" region of Greece, which borders with Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, is home to Athens and the Acropolis. That's not right. Northern Greece's most important city is Thessaloniki. Athens is at the heart of southern Greece and has zero influence from neighbouring countries, unlike the north.
Southern Greece is the Peleponnnese
@@conniep3164 It's true that Athens being situated in Attica is considered central Greece, but because we have the north-south divide (and rivalry) like Italy, Athens is by default considered the main city of "southern" Greece. Besides, the Peloponnese has no city that is on par with Thessaloniki or Athens in terms of size, culture, and significance.
Athens is the capital of Greece.
More like central with a bit southern in it. But lets be honest: with so many albanians Athens has the last few years the "influence" part from Albania is on point😂
I’m flying to Greece from the US this summer and the flight layover is in Iceland. Do I need a visa or like a transit visa because of the layover in Iceland? Also, I’m staying in Greece for 1 week then plan of flying to Poland but was hoping to stay in Poland for more than 1 week, how would I be able to do that? What/how do I get what I need if that is possible? I appreciate any help!!
If you’d like to have a travel consult you can visit my website and book a time
Scams and thefts are the not the only ones in the safety section. You forgot to say there are no shootings, wars or terrorist attacks.
There are plenty of scammers,loads and loads of pickpockets in the centre of Athens, on buses,on trains,anywhere that is crowded. There have been shootings and terrorist attacks in the past but not in recent years. It's still safe in general but if you do stand out like a tourist just be careful.
well, Greece doesn't have that many shootings or terrorist attack etc.
Έχεις κάνει κάποια λάθη αλλά δεν πειράζει. Ξέρω ότι δεν τα έκανες επίτηδες
Do you have any experience using an esim with an iphone 14 in Greece?
We are travelling to Greece (from U.S.), and want to bring about 9500 dollars in cash with us. Can we keep the cash (and passports) on us in our pants pockets when going through security or customs? I would hate to have to put cash in that plastic bin, only to have it stolen! And is the limit still 10,000 dollars? Thanks in advance!
Very nice. A bit too fast--could not write fast enough.
2:28 why is there a German swastika
That sign predates the Germans by thousands of years.
cyprus
Hello there, I was wondering, if I can share with you the most important thing ever in life. God the Father sent His holy Son Jesus to earth, to be born of a virgin. He grew up and died on the cross for our sins. Then He was put into a tomb for 3 days, after that Abba Father raised Jesus to life.He appeared to people, and went back to heaven. We all must sincerely receive Jesus into our life to be God's child. See John 1:12 for this please. Will you today genuinely by faith receive Jesus into your life for salvation?
สวัสดี
my friend must read the story first and then have an opinion
The accoustics is disturbing..
Are any methods of transportation in Greece requiring people to wear masks?
not that I know of
Not anymore but it wont be bad to wear. Especially if its really crowded
Νο
There is only 1 Macedonia and it is Greek
"I want a trip to Athens." Me: *I buy ticket to Athens，GA* find a Greek fest!
💖 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘮𝘰𝘴𝘮
Do you need to be vaccinated to go to Greece ?
We just got back from Greece and we didn’t need to show our vaccination cards. Some taxis we did wear masks but other than than that it’s pretty open and flexible.
Not any longer.
Not anymore
What are the COVID entry rules for Greece? Thinking of going in August
COVID restrictions have been completely lifted, only in hospitals/ pharmacies/ at the dentist, face masks are required.
@@doublep1980 cool thank you for the response!
No. Its completely free although on very crowded places it wont be bad if you wear mask to be completely safe. But its yiur choice
I see a lot of Aegina in this video...
Also... you're cute as hell 🤭
03:18 - You made an error when you mention that the many great foods and dishes found in Greece came from Turkey, Nothing like that happened !
- First, the many great food and dishes were there during the Byzantine empire long before Turkey was a country and the foods came from Arabia, Persia, an as far as india and also from Italy (i.e the Roman Empire !).
First, Name a dish or food that came from Turkmanistan and the Central Asian Countries ... None Exist !
Second, Eggplants (or aubergines), tomatoes, potatoes, oranges, lemons and corn and many other foods, did not exist in the past and were introduced to Europe in the 19th century.
Eggplants came from India, tomatoes, potatoes and corn came form America, Lemons and oranges came from China. Nothing came from Turkey ! Turkey and the Otoman Empire got what it has today from the Byzantine and Persian Empires. There is nothing Turkish in Turkey, Just like in the British Museum !
Facisct country
03:15 - You got the food part wrong, there is nothing Ottoman Turkish about the Greek food culture, it is the other way around-
- The Greek food culture was there during the Byzantine empire long before the Ottoman turks came along
- The Byzantime food culture was developed from the entire mediterannian sea region including the are of todays Turkey.
- I other words, the fodd culture was developed from Greece, Italy, Egypt, Syria and the entire North Africa regions.
- The Ottoman Turks came from central Asia, There is no such food culture there today or in the past.
Let the Greeks tell the world about Greece .... you must go back to school and learn the history of Greece !
we were not part of turkey. they stole our land. don't mix that because others will think we took it from them. Watch what you say in Greek they will be offended like me!!!!!
PORTERKALAKOPITA🤣
Do Greeks accept U.S. $s ?
no. They only use euro. So exchange your money when you arrive or even before then, maybe at your bank?
Some yes i think but they are really few. So use euro
so full of false information in here.....
You’re false information
@@TalesFromTheRoad you think you know everything...just visiting once a country..pfff
just got back greece is a 3rd world country the people are great but do your self a favor pass it buy go to Italy or croatia
really dude? I mean really???
If you have such opinion,please don't go back.
@@AthenBerlin we will not
How are you going to mention anything about the cyclades.. those are some of the most beautiful parts of Greece.