What's considered rude that travelers do in Athens?
Photographing the Evzone guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is fine; getting physically close, mimicking their movements, or stepping into their path during the changing of the guard is genuinely offensive and will earn a sharp rebuke from the guards themselves. Beyond that, entering Orthodox churches in shorts or bare shoulders is taken seriously, not just as a tourist nuisance but as a real sign of disrespect to worshippers who are actually there to pray. Greeks are generous hosts, so refusing food or drink when offered in someone's home, or at a small family taverna where the owner sends something complimentary, reads as cold. On a practical note, Greeks negotiate price informally and expect you to sit and talk, so rushing a meal, asking for the check the moment you finish eating, or eating on the go near a cemetery or church draws quiet disapproval. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill is the norm, not a percentage calculation left on the table.
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