About Athens
Athens is the historical capital of Europe, the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilization. Home of Plato, Socrates, Pericles, Euripides, Sophocles, Aeschylus.
Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. It’s recorded history spanning around 3.400 years and it is being inhabited since the 11th millennium B.C. E. Today, under the shadow of Parthenon, the contemporary urban scenery of the sprawling city reflects its exciting history, its multi- cultural modern personality as well as the infrastructure and facilities.
The perfect Mediterranean climate with the legendary Greek sunlight, the unique combination of glorious history with modern, urban innovation, the coexistence of great culture with astonishing natural beauty, the high standard hotel accommodation, modern means of transportation such as the cutting edge modern metro, the vibrant rhythm of life, the wide choice of opportunities for shopping, dining and night life and of course the warmth of the Athenians people feature Athens as the ideal all year round city break destination. The city of Parthenon is an open-air museum. A large part of the town’s historic center has been converted into a 3 km pedestrian zone, one of the largest in Europe. It leads to the major archaeological sites (“archaeological park”), reconstructing – to a large degree – the ancient landscape. Either on foot or by bike, the ‘’Grande Promenade’’ around Acropolis is an unforgettable journey through history.
Currency
Currency is the Euro. It is advisable to exchange money in banks or use the ATMs. Banks open solely on working days and hours (Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 14:00)
For current exchange rates please check the daily central bank rates.
https://www.bankofgreece.gr/en/main-tasks/markets/exchange-rates
Credit cards are widely accepted and almost every field of the economic activity is obliged to maintain POS systems. Cash recommended for small local shops or flea markets.
Insurance
The Organizers do not accept liability for personal injury, loss or damage to private property of participants and accompanying persons during or while travelling to the Academy.
Electricity
Please check before your trip whether you need an electrical adaptor for your equipment. For Greece there are two associated plug types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Greece operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Emergency numbers
Valid everywhere in Greece and free of charge.
General emergency number: 112
Ambulance: 166
Police: 100
Fire Brigade: 199
Tipping
In the restaurants is customary for the guests to leave about 5 – 10% tip to the waiter.
Getting around Athens
Athens public transportation system is anchored in the subway (Metro), the fastest means of getting around. The Athens Metro system consists of 3 lines and connects to the tram, bus routes and suburban railway. The Metro runs daily from 5:00 am to midnight. Lines 2 and 3 operate until 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. At peak hours, trains run every 5 -6 minutes.
The Hellenic American Union (the Academy’s Venue) is located at the city center. Thus, all major destinations can be reached by walking.
Ticket Prices
The cost for a single public transportation ticket applicable to all means (metro, tram, trolley, bus) is 1.20 EUR, lasting for 90 minutes. Tickets are primarily sold in all stations (you can be served by an officer or by vendor machines) but also in a variety of spots in the city and its suburbs. For more specific information you may use the following link:
https://www.oasa.gr/en/tickets/points-of-sale-reloading/points-of-supply-for-tickets-and-cards/
You can select between a number of ticket types according to your needs (daily ticket, 5-day ticket, 3-day tourist ticket etc.). To explore the options you can follow the link:
https://www.oasa.gr/en/tickets/prices-of-products/
Airport Transport
City center (Syntagma Square) is connected to the airport directly by the blue metro line (Line 3). The station Aerodromio (airport) is directly next to the terminal and connected with it. To get to the event spot, get off at Syntagma Station, change to red line (Line 2, destination Elliniko) and get off two stops after, at Syngrou Fix station. The conference venue is one kilometer away, and can be reached either by foot or by bus.
Taxi
Before taking taxi from the airport make sure to agree on a fixed price with the driver. The official charge is 0.9 EUR. per kilometer while the minimum charge for a drive is 4.00 EUR. The official charge from the airport to the city center is 40.00 EUR, all other costs (tolls, etc.) included.
Μost well known taxi apps (Uber, Beat) operate in Athens in a credible fashion. You can always call a taxi from an agency or pick one from the street (the most common practice).
Accommodation suggestions
Bedway Athens Hostel (13 – 15 euro / night) – Right next to the Neos Kosmos metro station.
Pella Inn (17 euro / night) – Very close to Monastiraki metro station.
Crafoord Place Hostel Athens (from 15 euro / night) – Bed in a mixed room for eight (8) people. Close to Syntagma Square.
The Student & Travellers Inn (24 euro / night) – Bed in a mixed room for four (4) people. Kydathinaion St. near Syntagma.
Athens Backpackers (40 euro / night) – Bed in a mixed room for four (4) people. Breakfast included. Very close to the Acropolis metro station.
Useful links
- Airport:
- Currency converter:
https://www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
- Central bank exchange rates:
https://www.bankofgreece.gr/en/maintasks/markets/exchange-rates
- Public transport in Athens:
https://www.thisisathens.org/getting-around/public-transportation-metro-bus-tram
- Information about Athens:
https://www.visitgreece.gr/mainland/attica/athens/
- Cost of living: