Athens on a Budget

If you are traveling to Athens on a tight budget or you just don’t want your stay in the Greek capital to use up all your savings, we have a solution. Athens offers a range of low-cost ways to enjoy the holidays without busting your budget.

 

The Acropolis and related museum are must-sees for anyone who comes to Athens, and their prices are also affordable and easy on the pocketbook. Visiting the ancient Athenian Acropolis costs only 12 euros and the entry fee also includes access to the museum and the archaeological site of Ancient Agora, the museum and archaeological site of Keramikos, the Library of Hadrian, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Roman Agora. In addition, access to the Acropolis is free every first Sunday of the month from November to March and additional designated days throughout the year. However, entrance to the Acropolis Museum in Athens is not included in this price and general access to it costs 5 euros.

Another item you must see during your time in the Greek capital is the changing of the guard. Held next to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, in front of the Greek Parliament, this ceremony is led by evzones, a regiment of Greek Light Infantry since the early nineteenth century. Their solemn steps and original and historical attire captivate the many onlookers who congregate in Syntagma Square. The changing of the guard is free of charge, of course, and takes place in a very ceremonious version every Sunday at 11 am, and every other hour of the day in a shorter version.

 

When lunchtime arrives, Athens has many affordable options for all budgets, including souvlaki and gyros. Souvlaki is a skewer of meat or grilled fish served in pita bread and accompanied by tzatziki, a sauce of yogurt, cucumber and garlic. A gyro consists of pita bread stuffed with roast chicken or lamb, tomato, onion and sauce, which is usually yogurt-based. Both specialties can easily be found in local stands and takeaway places for prices starting at 2 euros.

 

Another gem of Athens is the Archaeological Museum, which is located in the district of Eksarhia. It brings together the most extensive collection of artifacts and objects of the ancient Greek world. The main entrance fee is 7 euros and they offer free admission every first Sunday of the month from November to March and additional designated days throughout the year.

 

Of course, if you want to find the best panoramic views, you won’t want to miss Mount Lycabettus. At 227 meters, this hill is the highest point of Athens. From the top, you’ll have the best views of the city and the Acropolis. You can get there on foot or by a funicular that will drop you off at the top of Mount Lycabettus for just a little more than 3 euros.

 

At dusk between May and October, one of the most recommended places to enjoy the Athenian sunset is at one of the city’s open-air cinemas. One of the most famous is the Cine Thisio, which enjoys a privileged view of the Acropolis. For 6 to 8 euros, they offer movies in Greek and English.