Official Language
Modern Greek
Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: introducingathens.com, greeceinsiders.travel
Good to know
Good to Know
- English is very widely spoken in Greece, especially in the most touristy parts of the city.
- It is always a good idea to carry around a small list of useful expressions and your favorite food in Greek once you get to Athens, just in case you come across non-English speakers.
- You can get easily by with nothing but English, though tossing an occasional συγνώμε (thank you) and παρακαλώ (please) in the mix helps.
- English proficiency is notably higher in the city center and tourist areas; venture into residential neighborhoods for a different experience.
Official Language
Modern Greek
Neighborhood Variation
In other areas of Athens such as residential neighborhoods, finding people who speak English may be more difficult.
English Speaker Percentage
About 51% of Greeks are generally highly proficient in English and are able to communicate fluently.
Proficiency By Demographic
- Age Factor
- In urban areas like Athens, English is widely spoken, particularly by younger generations.
- Tourism Industry
- Most Greeks working either in hotels, restaurants or in shops will have no difficulty communicating with English-speakers.
- Generation Detail
- English is a compulsory subject in Greek schools so almost everyone under about 40 can speak at least a bit.
English Proficiency Overview
Greece ranks 8th among 116 countries for English proficiency among non-native speakers. Athens specifically ranks 11th globally for English proficiency in capital cities.
Why High English Proficiency
English is a compulsory subject in Greek schools from an early age, and many students attend private language institutes (frontistiria) for additional learning.
Practical English Accessibility
You can almost always count on restaurants, cafes, hotels, shopowners, and grocery store employees to know some English to answer questions or give directions.
English Friendliness In Athens Center
English is widely spoken throughout Athens with menus translated from Greek to English and other languages, as well as street signs.
Sources cited for this category
These are the sources cited in this language & english friendliness research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.
More About Athens
Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.