Good planning for your bag and budget saves a lot of exhaustion and surprises in Athens, a city that combines long walks on stone surfaces with intense summer heat.

What to pack in summer (June-August): Temperatures can exceed 35°C under strong sun, so pack light, breathable clothing (linen or quick-dry fabrics), a wide-brim hat, and high-SPF sunscreen. Shoes are the most important item: bring comfortable sneakers or leather sandals with a solid sole, since Plaka's streets and the Acropolis pathways are paved with stone and smooth marble. Add a refillable water bottle — public water fountains are available around the city.

What to pack in shoulder season (April-May, September-October): These are the best months weather-wise, but bring an extra light layer (a jacket or thin cardigan) for evenings, when temperatures can drop to 15-20°C.

Considerations for visiting religious sites: If you plan to visit churches or monasteries, pack a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders, and avoid very short shorts — some religious sites require modest dress as a condition of entry.

Daily budget, broken down: Realistically, a €70-120 daily budget (excluding accommodation) breaks down roughly as: €25-40 for three meals (a main meal at a local taverna runs €12-20), €10-15 for metro or bus fares, €15-30 for a single archaeological site admission or activity, and the rest for shopping and miscellaneous tips. Travelers wanting to save more can rely on the 3-day tourist Ath.ena ticket (€20), which covers all public transport including the airport trip.

One final tip: Carry a paper copy of hotel bookings, insurance, and flight tickets — some checkpoints still ask for them despite the spread of digital copies — and make sure to withdraw enough cash right after arrival, since some small shops in the old neighborhoods don't accept cards.