53rd International Conference on Very Large Data Bases Athens, Greece — Aug 23rd - Aug 27th, 2027

Location

Athens, a city of timeless charm!

Athens is a city where past and present coexist in remarkable harmony. Steeped in ancient history, it is home to some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. These enduring monuments offer a glimpse into the ancient world, captivating visitors and inspiring locals with their timeless beauty and cultural significance.

The city’s extraordinary heritage is woven into everyday life, revealed at every turn, from ancient ruins to centuries-old neighborhoods. It was here, during a remarkable period in human history, that political thought, theatre, the arts, philosophy, science, architecture, and many other expressions of human intellect flourished, reaching unprecedented heights in a unique convergence of historical circumstances and intellectual and spiritual achievement.

Yet, Athens is far from being a city frozen in time. The modern cultural scene thrives alongside the city’s ancient heritage. With contemporary art galleries, innovative architecture, and vibrant street art, Athens has become a hub for creativity and expression.

Athens Highlights

Historic Centre: A vibrant dialogue between the splendor of ancient monuments, the elegance of neoclassical architecture and the rhythm of the contemporary urban landscape.

At the Heart of the City: Bustling neighborhoods, lively squares, vibrant meeting spots and an energetic nightlife define a metropolis that is constantly on the move.

Cultural Hubs: Archaeological sites, museums, monuments, art galleries and theatres showcase Greece’s rich heritage while inspiring contemporary cultural expression.

Useful Tips

Travel Documents
Depending on your country of origin, you might need a passport and a visa; you could obtain a visa through the Greek consulate nearest to your residence.

Time Zone
Athens is on Eastern European time.
Eastern European Time (EET), UTC/GMT +2
Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), UTC/GMT+3

Official Language
Although the official language is Greek, a large majority of people in the tourist industry speaks English. English is also part of the standard school curriculum; therefore, most Greeks have a good command of the English language as well as a few other languages as well (ex. French, German, Italian etc).

Currency
Greece’s currency is the euro (€). All major credit cards are widely accepted in Greece, though some establishments do not accept American Express and Diners.

Banks
In Athens, banks are open Monday—Friday from 8 am to 2 pm, except on public holidays.
You can find ATMs all around the city that can disperse cash from your accounts at home, but they will charge you €2-3 per transaction.

Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be exchanged at most Greek and foreign banks and at exchange bureaus located at Athens International Airport, Piraeus port, and around the city centre. You will need your passport to exchange money. Travellers checks and credit cards are also widely accepted.

Tipping
There is no service charge at bars and restaurants, so do leave a tip for the staff, especially if you are pleased with the service. The amount you tip is at your discretion, and depends on the bill. Anywhere between 5% and 15% is the norm, but definitely not the rule.

Weather
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with plenty of sunshine, mild temperatures and a limited amount of rainfall. In summer, the dry hot days are cooled by seasonal winds called the meltemi.

The average temperature in August in Athens is 31°C to 35°C (88°F–95°F), with afternoon peaks occasionally exceeding 38°C–40°C (100°F+) during heatwaves. Evening lows drop to a warm 22°C to 24°C (72°F–75°F).

Electrical Appliances
Electric power voltage in Greece is 230 V / 50 Hz and the plugs are F type. To avoid the danger of short circuit, make sure to have in your suitcase the necessary transformers / adaptors for your electronic devices or make sure that this will be provided by the relevant socket.

Calling Code
Country code: +30
Athens code: 210

Emergency Numbers
Police Hotline: 100
Tourist Police: 1571 (English, French and German)
Airport Police: +30 210 353 6919
European Emergency Number: 112
Ambulance: 166
Hospitals & Pharmacies: 14944
Roadside Assistance (ELPA): 10400
Fire Brigade: 199

Health & Safety
If your country of origin is an EU member-state make sure you are a holder of the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or any other legal EU document issued by your nation’s social security agency. In such cases, the necessary treatment in Greece is provided by the following:

If you are a Schengen Area citizen or resident, see more info on the EHIC here.

If your country of origin is not an EU member-state, make sure you have consulted your social security agency for information before travelling.

Pharmacies
Monday, Wednesday: 8 am-2 pm,
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8 am-2 pm and 5:30 pm to 8 pm.
Selected pharmacies in each area stay open after hours.

Shopping
Shops are generally open:
Monday & Wednesday: 9 am-3 pm
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9 am-2 pm and 5.30 pm-9 pm
Saturdays: 9 am-3 pm
Almost all shops are closed on Sundays.

Department stores are open:
Monday-Friday: 10 am-9 pm
Saturday: 9 am-8 pm or 10 am-9 pm, depending on the store.
Note: Most shops in the center stay open throughout the day on Monday and Wednesday, and do not close for the 2.5 hour break on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Getting to Athens and getting around

Airport
At the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, Athens has never been more accessible. The award-winning Athens International Airport services 130 countries and is the gateway to dozens of Greek islands and mainland destinations.

Athens International Airport-Eleftherios Venizelos, airport code ATH. Location Spata, approx. 33 km from city center.

Athens Public Transport
The Athens public transport system is affordable, reliable and covers most of the city and suburbs. You can use all means of public transport using the same ticket valid for 90 minutes.

Tickets for Public Transport
Athens’ public transport uses Ath.ena tickets and cards, available at metro and tram stations.
For added convenience, Tap2Ride lets you pay directly at validators with a contactless Visa/Mastercard (physical or digital via Apple Pay/Google Pay).

Good to Know

If you prefer a traditional ticket, Ath.ena tickets and cards remain available.

For more information on tickets, routes and prices visit oasa.gr.

Taxis
All licensed taxis in Athens are equipped with metres. The fare is charged per kilometre and per hour. Make sure the metre is switched on as soon as you set off. All licensed taxis are required to take credit and debit cards, and you’ll spot a sticker on the rear right door window confirming this. That said, it’s always a good idea to check with the driver before setting off.

It is highly recommended to use a taxi-booking app when traveling around Athens.

Car Rental
There are numerous car rental agencies in Athens. Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise and Sixt all have offices at Athens Airport, as well as around the city.

EU citizens can use their European driving licence. Other nationals should have a valid international driver’s license.

Traffic can be heavy in central Athens, especially during morning and afternoon rush hours, and on Friday and Saturday nights.

There are many parking lots throughout Athens, where you can safely leave your car. Street parking can be a challenge, but if you find a spot where non-residents are permitted to park, you need to purchase a ticket (for 1-3 hour time slots, available at most kiosks).