Athens is no longer as cheap as during the crisis years, but it remains one of Europe's most affordable capitals, and many of its best experiences are free.
What to see for free
| Experience | Details |
|---|---|
| Archaeological promenade | The pedestrian streets around the Acropolis, with views of the temples, the Odeon and the Agora |
| Hills and viewpoints | Philopappos, Areopagus, Pnyx, Lycabettus on foot: see the hills |
| Changing of the guard | Every hour in front of Parliament, formal on Sundays at 11 |
| National Garden and Zappeion | The large shady park in the centre |
| Stavros Niarchos Center | The park, the panoramic lighthouse, often free concerts and films |
| Hadrian's Arch and Hadrian's Library | Clearly visible from the street |
| Byzantine churches | Free entry, see the churches |
| Central market and flea market | A free spectacle of colours and voices |
| Street art | Exarchia, Psyrri, Metaxourgeio: see street art |
| Syntagma metro station | Archaeological finds displayed in the concourse |
| Free beaches | On the Riviera, reached with a tram ticket |
Cheap museums and sites
- European Union citizens up to 25 enter all state sites and museums free, the Acropolis included: bring your ID card.
- On the year's free days (including 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, 28 October and some winter Sundays) entry is free for everyone. See tickets.
- Some private museums have a free or reduced evening each week.
- If the Acropolis is beyond your budget, you can see a lot from outside, from the promenade and the hills, and visit the Acropolis Museum.
Eating for less
Souvlaki or gyros in pitta costs a few euros and is a full meal. Bakery pies (spanakopita with spinach, tiropita with cheese), sesame koulouria sold on street corners and yoghurt with honey make cheap breakfasts and snacks. Neighbourhood tavernas in Pangrati, Kypseli, Exarchia and around the central market are much cheaper than Plaka. At supermarkets and street markets (laiki) you can buy fruit, olives, cheese and bread for a picnic. See where to eat.
Sleeping for less
Modern central hostels, some with Acropolis-view terraces, offer dorm beds at modest prices and cheap private rooms. Districts such as Kerameikos, Pangrati, Kypseli and the area around Omonia have cheaper hotels and apartments, provided you check the exact location. In winter prices plummet. See where to stay.
Getting around for less
The 90-minute ticket is cheap and valid on all transport; the day and 5-day passes suit those using the metro and tram a lot; the 3-day tourist ticket includes an airport return. From the airport, the X95 bus is cheaper than the metro. The centre is walkable. See transport.
Other tricks
- Drink from fountains and the tap, which is drinkable, instead of buying bottles.
- Central cafés can be pricey: a takeaway freddo espresso from a kiosk costs half as much.
- Summer open-air cinemas have cheap tickets and an Acropolis view.
- Many summer festivals have free or low-cost shows. See events.