PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Athens is a city where ancient history and contemporary life exist side by side. While visiting for the symposium, we encourage you to take some time to explore the neighbourhoods surrounding the venue and experience the unique atmosphere of the Greek capital.

The symposium will take place at Technopolis in Gazi, one of Athens' most vibrant cultural districts. Technopolis has been transformed into a major cultural centre hosting exhibitions, concerts, festivals and conferences throughout the year.

• Monastiraki, known for its markets and lively atmosphere
• Psyrri, a neighbourhood full of cafés, restaurants and street art
• Plaka, the historic old town beneath the Acropolis
• Anafiotika, a picturesque neighbourhood resembling a small Cycladic island village

The Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum
The symbol of Athens and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and a world-class museum housing treasures from the Acropolis and offering stunning views of the Parthenon. Visiting the Acropolis The Acropolis is one of the most popular attractions in Greece. During the tourist season, queues at the entrance can be long. We strongly recommend purchasing your entrance ticket online in advance and selecting a timed entry slot. This allows you to avoid waiting in line and helps you plan your visit more efficiently. Morning (before 10:00) and late afternoon are generally the most comfortable times to visit, particularly during the warmer months. For the latest ticket information and online booking, please visit the official Hellenic Heritage e-ticket platform ( https://www.hh.gr/en/ ) before your arrival.

Ancient Agora
The political, social and commercial heart of ancient Athens.

National Archaeological Museum
Home to one of the world's richest collections of ancient Greek art and artefacts.

Athens offers a wide variety of dining options, including excellent vegan and vegetarian restaurants.
Traditional Greek vegan dishes include

• Fava (yellow split pea purée),
• Gigantes (giant baked beans)
• Gemista (stuffed vegetables)
• Dolmadakia (vine leaves stuffed with rice)
• Lentil soup
• Briam (roasted vegetables)

Athens International Airport (ATH) is located approximately 35 km from the city centre. There are several convenient ways to reach central Athens.

Metro (Recommended)
The Metro is the fastest and most reliable public transport option.

• Line: Metro Line 3 (Blue Line)
• Travel time: Approximately 40–45 minutes to Syntagma Square and 45–50 minutes to Kerameikos (Technopolis).
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes.
• Operating hours: Approximately 06:30–23:30 daily.
• Tickets: Available from ticket machines and ticket offices at the airport station.

If you are travelling to the symposium venue, exit at Kerameikos Station, which is just a short walk from Technopolis.

Airport Express Bus (X95)
The Airport Express Bus, operating 24/7, is an excellent option for late-night arrivals.

• Route: Athens Airport ↔ Syntagma Square
• Operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
• Travel time: Approximately 60–70 minutes, depending on traffic

From Syntagma Square, you can continue by Metro Line 3 to Kerameikos or take a taxi.

Taxi
Official taxis are available outside Exit 3 of the Arrivals Hall.

• Travel time: Approximately 35–45 minutes
• Fixed fare to central Athens:
• €40 (05:00–24:00)
• €55 (00:00–05:00)

These fares include standard surcharges.

Ride-Hailing Apps
Ride-hailing services are widely used in Athens.
Recommended apps:

• Uber (operates with licensed taxis)
• Free Now
• Bolt

These apps allow you to book licensed taxis, view estimated fares, and pay by card directly through the app.

Private Transfer
If you are travelling with a group, carrying significant luggage, or arriving late at night, you may wish to pre-book a private airport transfer through your hotel or a local transfer company.

Our Recommendation

• Best overall: Metro
• Best for late-night arrivals: X95 Airport Express Bus
• Best for groups, families or heavy luggage: Taxi or ride-hailing app

Athens offers a safe, affordable, and comprehensive public transit network, consisting of the Metro, Tram, City Buses, and Trolleybuses. Extensive information on the matter is available at https://www.thisisathens.org/getting-around/public-transportation-metro-bus-tram

Useful apps related to public transport within Athens

• OASA Telematics
• Google Maps

The official currency in Greece is the Euro. One euro is made up of 100 cents. Coins are minted in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, and 1 and 2 euros. The most frequent denominations of euro banknotes are €5, €10, €20, €50, €100. Transactions in foreign currency are not allowed. Foreign currency may be exchanged at the airport and in all the banks, currency exchange bureaus, and hotels where branches exist. However, it is advisable to participants to avoid “private” ATMs like Euronet, Eurochange, etc., as they charge high commissions, and use instead ATMs of “official” banks such as Alpha Bank, National Bank of Greece, Piraeus Bank and Eurobank. Another important hint to travelers from outside Eurozone is that, if the ATM asks whether you prefer to be charged in your home currency, select “decline conversion” or “charge in local currency”. Personal cheques will NOT be honoured for any type of payment; nor can cash be drawn upon presentation of personal cheques.

Banks are open Monday to Friday, from 08.00 hrs. to 14.00 hrs. Hotels and shops will accept most credit cards.

Monday to Friday: 09.00 - 20.00 hrs.
Saturday: 09.00 - 15.00 hrs. (large department stores and super markets however stay open till late afternoon

Tipping is appreciated but never mandatory in Greece. The following guidelines will work perfectly: In casual tavernas, 5-10% of the total bill is OK. In fine-dining places, count on a 10-15% of the bill. In coffee shops, one Euro will suffice. Taxi drivers in Greece don't expect large tips, but rounding up the fare or adding €1-€2 for helpful service is customary. If your driver assists with luggage, provides excellent recommendations, or navigates challenging routes, slightly more shows appreciation.
It is strongly recommended to tip in cash instead of including the tip to a credit card payment.

Line voltage is 230 Volts, 50 cycles. Power plugs are type C and/or type F.
American / UK appliances require an adapter.

You may dial 112 for any emergency

We look forward to welcoming you and we hope your visit to Athens will be both professionally enriching and personally memorable. We wish you a pleasant stay and an inspiring symposium experience.