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Must-have apps for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Athens

Athens, with its ancient landmarks and vibrant nightlife, is an unforgettable destination for New Year’s Eve. Whether you are looking to explore the city, find the best events, or make the most of your visit, technology can be your guide. Here are the must-have apps for tourists celebrating New Year’s Eve in Athens, helping you navigate the city, stay informed, and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

SmartGuide Athens: Your personal city guide

SmartGuide Athens transforms your smartphone into a personal tour guide, offering detailed information about the city’s landmarks, attractions, and hidden gems. The app features offline maps and audio guides, making it ideal for tourists who want to explore Athens without relying on constant internet access. As the city lights up for New Year’s Eve, SmartGuide ensures you don’t miss iconic spots like the Acropolis or Syntagma Square. It also provides practical tips on transportation and nearby facilities, making it a must-download for your trip.

This is Athens. Stay updated on events

This is Athens is an official app by the city of Athens, designed to help visitors stay informed about ongoing events and activities. The app is particularly useful for New Year’s Eve, as it highlights concerts, fireworks displays, and cultural events around the city. From live music performances at Technopolis to traditional celebrations in Plaka, This is Athens ensures you have all the details to make the most of your night. Its user-friendly interface and real-time updates make planning effortless.

This is Athens is part of This is Athens + Partners, a consortium of key stakeholders in the Athens tourism and travel industry, whose mission is to enhance and promote Athens as a great place to visit, work, live, and invest. You can even hook up with an Athenian insider through This is Athens With a Local programme—free, themed walks led by a community of locals who love to share their city secrets with travellers. You’ll find everything you need to know to plan your stay in Athens and experience one of Southern Europe’s most exciting city break destinations in full.

Beat: Navigate Athens like a local

Getting around Athens is simple and efficient with Beat, a taxi app that connects you to professional drivers across the city. Beat is highly rated for its reliable service, competitive pricing, and user-friendly interface. On a bustling New Year’s Eve, this app can save you from the hassle of searching for transport or dealing with language barriers. You can even use it to plan trips to Athens’ vibrant neighbourhoods, like Gazi or Kolonaki, where New Year’s parties are in full swing.

Foursquare City Guide: Find the best dining and nightlife

Athens is renowned for its culinary delights and dynamic nightlife, and Foursquare City Guide helps you uncover the best spots. The app offers personalised recommendations based on your preferences, whether you are searching for a rooftop bar with Acropolis views or a cosy taverna serving authentic Greek dishes. On New Year’s Eve, it’s your go-to source for finding restaurants with festive menus or bars hosting countdown celebrations. Foursquare also includes user reviews and ratings so you can make informed decisions.

Bonus: Google Maps and translator tools

While the specialised apps above are excellent for specific needs, don’t underestimate the power of Google Maps and language translation tools. Google Maps is essential for navigating Athens’ bustling streets, identifying public transport routes, and estimating travel times. Meanwhile, apps like Google Translate or iTranslate can help you communicate with locals or understand menus and signs, ensuring a smoother experience.

New Year’s Eve in Athens is a blend of tradition, modernity, and festive energy. These apps provide everything you need to enhance your experience, from finding cultural events and nightlife to navigating the city like a local. With tools like SmartGuide for exploration, Beat for transport, and This is Athens for event updates, your visit to Athens becomes stress-free and memorable. Whether celebrating at a lively square or enjoying a more intimate evening overlooking the city’s illuminated landmarks, these apps ensure you make the most of Athens’ vibrant New Year’s celebrations. Download them before your trip, and prepare for an unforgettable start to 2025.

George Mavridis is a journalist currently conducting his doctoral research at the Department of Journalism and Mass Media at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH). He holds a degree from the same department, as well as a Master’s degree in Media and Communication Studies from Malmö University, Sweden, and a second Master’s degree in Digital Humanities from Linnaeus University, Sweden. In 2024, he completed his third Master’s degree in Information and Communication Technologies: Law and Policy at AUTH. Since 2010, he has been professionally involved in journalism and communication, and in recent years, he has also turned to book writing.