is athens expensive to visit 2022

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Athens Travel Guide

Last Updated: March 12, 2024

Athens, founded in 508 BC, is a gigantic city that sprawls over 1,131 square miles (2,929 square kilometers) and is home to over 3 million people.

There are over 5,000 years of history in Athens and you’ll find some of the largest collections in the world of Greek ruins and artifacts here.

But I’ll be honest: I don’t love Athens. I didn’t like it when I first went in 2006 and, after four visits (most recently last year), I’m still not completely sold on it. I think it’s dirty, ugly, and, overall, there’s just something about it I just don’t like.

That said, it’s not all bad.

I love the Plaka area (that’s where all the history is) and Psyri, just north, is my favorite neighborhood in the city. It’s got this cyberpunk/hipster vibe to it and has a lot of excellent bars, street drinking, cafes, and restaurants.

Overall, I have a feeling that Athens is a place that truly reveals its magic when you live there. So, while I’m still not sold on it, I warmed up to it after my last visit and can see why some people like it.

Given the amount of history and sights here, I suggest you spend at least three full days when you visit. There’s a lot to see and do here.

This travel guide to Athens will give you the low down on everything you need to know to plan your visit, save money, and make the most of your time here!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Athens

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Athens

1. Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis is a 5th-century BCE citadel overlooking Athens. The hilltop complex includes ancient buildings and ruins like Propylaea, the temple to Athena, and the famous Parthenon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s undoubtedly one of the best historical spots in the city. Lots of plays are hosted in the Odeon of Herodes here in the summer too. Arrive super early or late to avoid the crowds. Admission is 20 EUR, or for 30 EUR you can get a 5-day combined ticket that includes many other archaeological sites in Athens (more on that below). For a guided tour, Athens Walking Tours runs guided tours for around 50 EUR (including admission) that skip the line.

2. Visit the Acropolis Museum

This newer (opened in 2009) museum is housed in a modern building that’s juxtaposed with the archaeological treasures that it holds. One of the highlights is the glass floor where you can walk over the ruins of an ancient neighborhood. There are also over 4,000 excavated finds, including sculptures, friezes, pottery, and more. End your visit at the museum’s restaurant for one of the best views of the Parthenon in the city. Admission is 5 EUR in the winter and 10 EUR in the summer.

3. See the National Archaeological Museum

This museum, founded in the 19th century, has one of the most extensive collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world. There are five main permanent collections with exhibits covering Prehistoric Antiquities, Sculpture, Metalwork, Vases and Minor Arts, Egyptian Antiquities, and Cypriot Antiquities. You can even see the 2,000-year-old analog “computer” found in a shipwreck off the island of Antikythera. Plan to spend at least a half-day here. Admission is 6 EUR in the winter and 12 EUR in the summer.

4. Hike Lycabettus

Legend has it that the mythological goddess Athena created Mount Lycabettus when she dropped a limestone mountain on the spot. If you want some exercise and a great view of the city and the Acropolis (especially at sunset), hike up to the peak of this 277-meter (909 ft) hill, which is the highest point in Athens. The path starts at the end of Aristippou Street. There’s a (pricey) cafe at the top if you need a drink, as well as an open-air amphitheater that hosts concerts in the summer, and a 19th-century chapel. If you don’t want to walk up, you can pay 7.50 EUR for a return trip on the funicular (5 EUR one-way).

5. See the Historic Sights

The ancient ruins of old Athens are littered around The Plaka, an area that’s known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods.” Located in the shadow of the Acropolis, this is the oldest part of Athens and ruins are everywhere. The Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, Olympieion, Kerameikos, and a ton more other stuff are all here. Plan to spend a while roaming the sites. For the big 5, get a combo ticket. It costs 30 EUR and is valid for 5 days so you don’t have to rush.

Other Things to See and Do in Athens

1. take a walking tour.

The first thing I do when I arrive in a new city is take a walking tour. They give you the lay of the land, introduce you to the main sights, and give you access to an expert local guide who can answer all your questions. This post lists all my favorite walking tours in Athens . Just remember to tip your guide at the end!

And if you’re looking for more in-depth and specific tours, Take Walks is the way to go. You get lots of behind-the-scenes access, including at the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Tours start at 59 EUR. It’s worth the money if you’re a history buff like me!

2. Visit the Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)

This 19th-century public market is one of my favorite places to wander, people watch, and sample the local delicacies. Come early to watch the produce and fish being unloaded. There are a ton of Greek specialties, like olives, halloumi, and feta for sale here. It’s open every day of the week except Sunday, from 7am to 6pm (it gets very crowded around lunchtime so arrive early). If you have an appetite, stop at Diporto to eat. The restaurant has no menu so they serve whatever they cook for the day. The owners barely speak English but the food is excellent!

3. Go to Cape Sounion and visit the Temple of Poseidon

Constructed in 444 BCE, the remarkably well preserved Temple of Poseidon sits on a rocky outcrop 70 meters (300 ft) above the ocean. Built to honor the god of the sea, the temple served as a welcomed sight for returning sailors. The sunset from here is incredible and there are several beaches nearby in Legrena and Lavrio. Admission to the archaeological site is 10 EUR. It’s about an hour away from Athens.

4. Visit the Kanellopoulos Museum

This former mansion dates to 1884 and houses a collection of over 6,500 items, including jewelry, weapons, clay-and-stone vases, Byzantine art, figurines, and furniture that once belonged to the wealthy Kanellopoulos family. The collection was bought by the government and turned into a museum in 1976. Although there isn’t much English signage, you rarely have to compete for views with other visitors. Admission is 3 EUR.

5. See the Tower of the Winds (Aerides)

Originally built by Andronicus in the first century BCE, this octagonal tower once functioned as a sundial, weather vane, compass, and water clock. It’s widely accepted to be the world’s first meteorological station. The entire tower is made of Pentelic marble, which is the same used for the Parthenon and was rarely used for anything other than temples. It’s 8 EUR to visit with a combined ticket to the Ancient Agora.

6. Witness the Easter Vigil

If you happen to be in Athens during Easter weekend, don’t miss this enchanting vigil procession. Every Good Friday, thousands upon thousands of people form a procession throughout the city, all holding lit candles. Head to Lycabettus Hill and join the crowds ascending to the St. George church. Even if you’re not religious, it’s a cultural experience worth seeing. You can also climb the hill anytime to watch the sunset (it’s the highest point in the city so the views are excellent). The neighborhood below, Kolonaki, also has lots of upscale bars and cafes if you want to splash out and relax.

7. Hike Parnitha National Park

Located 90 minutes from Athens by car, here you can find several caves, gorges, and springs to explore. Mount Parnitha is also the highest mountain in the region, standing 1,413 meters (4,635 ft) tall. There are around 75 well-marked paths in the park so a guide isn’t necessary. For an easy hike, the trek to Bafi Refuge from the church of Ayia Triada only takes 40 minutes. For something more challenging, try the 20-kilometer (12-mile) trek from Avlona to Agia Marina.

8. Stroll through Anafiotika

Anafiotika is a 19th-century neighborhood built into the northern side of the Acropolis hill. It lies above Plaka, near the entrance to the Agora, but has none of the hustle and bustle of the city center. This place embodies the feel of the Greek islands, boasting whitewashed walls, shuttered windows, and tiny sidewalk cafes.

9. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Dating from the 6th century BCE, the Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest temple in Greece (it took almost 700 years to build). Peisistratos, the son of Hippocrates and ruler of Athens from 561-527 BCE, started its construction and then abandoned it after funds ran dry. Hadrian finished the job in 131 CE, and then built an enormous statue of Zeus (and then an enormous statue of himself). There are only a few Corinthian columns still standing. Admission is 6 EUR but really there’s not much here so just look at it from the gate and save yourself some money!

10. Take a food tour

Athens is one big gastronomic adventure. To sample the city’s best eats, Devour’s Ultimate Athens Food Tour provides a fantastic introduction to the local cuisine, with thirteen tastings across nine traditional establishments. You’ll sample fresh cheeses and cold cuts, visit the central market, learn about Greek dining culture, enjoy loukoumades (fried donut balls), and taste some classic souvlaki, all while exploring three historic neighborhoods. Tours start from 69 EUR.

11. Hang out in Psyri

This small neighborhood north of Plaka was given a major upgrade for the 2004 Olympics and consists of an eclectic mix of bars, nightclubs, tavernas, cafes, and restaurants. It’s one of my favorite areas in Athens. It’s got this cyberpunk/hipster vibe to it and is really popular with locals on weekends. There are a lot of hostels here and nearby you’ll find one of the Middle Eastern/Indian neighborhoods in the city (they are blended here) with lots of good food options.

13. Hit the beach

The closest beaches to the center of Athens are in Piraeus and Alimos, just 10-15 kilometers (6-9 miles) south of Athens center. They offer beaches with clear water, sand and pebbles, and have a good selection of restaurants to choose from. Their easy access from Athens by public transport means they get busy in the summer — especially on weekends and holidays. If you have more time and want to escape (some of) the crowds, head further along the Athenian Riviera to places like Lagonisi or Saronida or go on to Sounion (you could combine a beach trip with visiting the Temple of Poseidon). If the sea is too cold for swimming, head to Vouliagmeni Lake. The water in the lake is thermally heated so it’s much warmer than the ocean!

14. Hike Filopappou Hill

Right across from the Acropolis is this hill that gives you one of the best views of the Parthenon. The hill takes about 15 minutes to walk up and there are a number of ruins and sites all around the hill you can stop at (they have a lot of good signs that explain what was there). Definitely go up. The views are great!

15. Day trip to Delphi

Delphi was a place of spiritual significance to the ancient Greeks. Located around 2.5 hours northwest of Athens, this is where the omniscient Oracle would contact the god Apollo and give his advice to those seeking good fortune. Although the eternal flame no longer burns inside the temple, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is obligatory if you’re nearby. Admission is 12 EUR and includes entry to the museum as well as the archaeological site itself (which includes far more than just the Temple of Apollo).

16. Watch the sunset on Mars Hill

A very popular sunset spot with locals is Mars (Areopagus) Hill. It was once the site that served as the high court of appeal in ancient Greece. Today, it’s a great spot to relax and see the sunset. Bring some beer or wine up here and enjoy the view of the city right under the Acropolis. It’s like a free “rooftop” bar!

17. See Hansen’s Trilogy

There are three buildings just five minutes walk from the Syntagma main square and are considered some of the most beautiful neoclassical buildings in the world. Designed by Danish architect Theophil Freiherr von Hansen in the 19th century, The Academy, the University, and the National Library look exactly like how you’d picture ancient Athens. The simple use of geometric shapes gives these buildings a grand, eloquent design. Don’t miss seeing them!

18. Explore the Panathenaic Stadium (Kalimarmaro)

This stadium is where the first modern Olympics took place in 1896. The stadium was originally used in 330 BCE by the Greeks. The Romans rebuilt it entirely out of marble in 144 CE, expanding it to hold over 50,000 people. It eventually was abandoned and wasn’t used again until the 19th century when it was refurbished for the Olympics. Admission is 10 EUR. In the summer, lots of concerts are held here for big touring bands.

For more information on other destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

• Corfu Travel Guide
• Crete Travel Guide
• Ios Travel Guide
• Mykonos Travel Guide
• Naxos Travel Guide
• Santorini Travel Guide
• Sparta Travel Guide

Athens Travel Costs

Hostel prices – In peak season, a bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds starts at 35 EUR per night, while a dorm with 8 beds or more costs 20-25 EUR per night. Private rooms cost between 95-105 EUR per night in peak season and around 55 EUR in off-peak season. Free Wi-Fi is standard and most hostels have kitchens if you want to cook.

For those traveling with a tent, camping can be done outside the city for around 16 EUR per night for a basic tent plot without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – Budget two-star hotels with a private bathroom start at 40 EUR per night, though expect to spend closer to 50-60 per night if you’re booking last minute.

You can find Airbnbs anywhere in Athens, with private rooms starting at 20 EUR per night (although they average closer to 45 EUR). A full apartment averages about 130 EUR per night.

Average cost of food – Traditional Greek cuisine is very healthy with a lot of fresh vegetables. Olive oil, lamb, fish, pork, cheeses (especially feta), and yogurts are also super common. Filo pastries stuffed with meat or spinach and cheese are a local favorite as are souvlaki and gyros.

You can find gyros or souvlaki for between 2-3 EUR, while a breakfast pastry with a coffee isn’t more than 3 EUR.

At a casual restaurant that serves traditional cuisine, expect to pay around 10 EUR for a main dish and about 2-4 EUR for a glass of wine. A Greek salad costs between 5-8 EUR. Fish will be more expensive around 15-20 EUR. A lot of restaurants charge for bread. The price is between .50-1.50 EUR. A bottle of water at a restaurant is about 2 EUR.

All in all, if you’re going out at a casual taverna, expect to spend between 12-20 EUR depending on how much food you get. After that prices, go up depending on how fancy you get!

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 7 EUR for a combo meal. A large pizza costs 7-10 EUR while Indian/Chinese food can be found for around 7-8 EUR for a main dish.

Beer is 5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3 EUR. Bottled water from the supermarket is 0.50 EUR. Cocktails are expensive, however, usually costing 8-12 EUR.

My favorite places to eat in the city are Kostas for souvlaki (they use this red sauce that is to die for), Feyrouz for Lebanese food, Avli Psiri or Ella for Greek, Shiraki for Japanese, Dosa House for dosas.

If you cook for yourself, you can spend as little as 40 EUR on groceries per week, which will get you staples like pasta, rice, fresh veggies, and chicken. Head to the Central Market for the cheapest, freshest food.

Backpacking Athens Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 45 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook most of your meals and a little fast food, limit your drinking, use public transportation to get around, and stick to mostly cheap or free activities like free walking tours. If you plan on drinking more, add 5-10 EUR more to your budget per day.

On a mid-range budget of 105 EUR per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, drink more, eat out for all your meals at cheap street stalls, take the occasional taxi, and do more activities like visiting the Acropolis and the Archeological Museum.

On a “luxury” budget of 220 EUR per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you’d like, rent a car to get around, and do more paid activities and guided tours. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Athens Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Greece in general is pretty cheap and Athens is no exception. Stick to cheap eats, a few attractions, and boom, you’re set! But, with a few extra tips, your money can go a lot further. Here are some suggested ways to save money in Athens:

• Take a free walking tour – To get a feel for the city and learn some history, be sure to take a free walking tour when you arrive. Exploring a city on foot is the best way to understand it, and if you love architecture and history then this is a must! Just be sure to tip your guide at the end.
• Get a transportation pass – Buying combo tickets for Athens’ metro system is one of the best ways to save money. A one-day unlimited pass is 4.10 EUR, and a five-day pass is 8.20 EUR. You can also get a three-day tourist pass, including round-trip tickets to the airport for 20 EUR.
• Visit the sites for free – From November 1st to March 31st, all major sites in the city are free on the first Sunday of the month. Though the crowds tend to be big, it’s a great way to see all the major sites and save yourself the entrance fee! Prices are also heavily discounted during these months as well.
• Get a combo ticket – For 30 EUR you can get admission to the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more. Considering the entrance fee is 20 EUR for just the Acropolis, this is a steal!
• Have an ISIC Card – To save up to 50% on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
• Stay with a local – If you plan ahead, you can usually find really nice Couchsurfing hosts in Athens. This way, you not only have a free place to stay but you get a local host that can tell you the best places to go and share their insider tips.
• Go to museums on their free admission days – Most of the museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
• Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Use the Greek Salad/Bread Rule – Is a restaurant cheap or expensive? Here’s a good rule of thumb: If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more that, the place is expensive.
• Eat super cheap – Gyros (and other street snacks) usually only cost a few euros. They are quick and easy and can keep you full for less than 10 EUR per day!
• Use points if you can – If you have points, use them to book accommodation. For only a few thousand points per night, you can save a ton of money. This post has more info if you’re new to points and miles .

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens has plenty of affordable hostels to choose from. From hostels to hotels to quaint B&Bs, you have a lot of choice. If you’re looking for a hostel, here are some of my favorites (they all offer private rooms too):

• Athens Hawks Hostel

How to Get Around Athens

A one-day unlimited pass is 4.10 EUR and a five-day pass is 8.20 EUR. You can also get a three-day tourist pass, including round-trip tickets to the airport for 20 EUR.

The express bus from the airport for 6 EUR each way. The subway costs 9 EUR each way and takes about an hour from the city center to the airport (and vice versa).

Bicycle – If you’re not afraid of navigating Athens’ chaotic traffic, bike rentals are an enjoyable way to get around. Rentals start at 12 EUR per day, though electric bicycles can be double that price. Athens By Bike and Bike Me Up are two reputable companies to use.

Taxi – Base fare for taxis in Athens is 3 EUR, with each additional kilometer costing 0.74 EUR. Skip the taxis if you can as the prices add up quickly. Also, make sure the meter is turned on. It’s illegal for drivers not to use the meter, however, some drivers might try to get sneaky to rip you off. Additionally, make sure the meter shows a number “1”. The “2” is only for 12am-5am, when the rates are double.

Ridesharing – Uber no longer exists here so you’re stuck taking taxis. (You can still use the Uber app, but it will just call a taxi for you).

Car rental – Car rentals can be found for as little as 20 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. However, you won’t need one unless you’re going to be leaving the city to explore the surrounding area. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and have had their license for at least one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.

When to Go to Athens

Summer (June-August)is the most popular time to visit. However, it’s also super hot. Temperatures climb as high as the mid-30s°C (mid-90s°F), which can often be unbearable. Sometimes they get even higher and get closer to 40°C. On the other hand, if you’re planning on doing some island hopping from Athens, this is a good time to come to enjoy the Mediterranean waters.

Winters in Athens are mild, with temperatures hovering around 10°C (50°F). It rarely snows so this can be an excellent time to see the Acropolis and other famous sights without the tourist crowds. Easter is an excellent time to visit to appreciate all the Greek Orthodox celebrations.

Personally, I think that the shoulder season (April/May and September/October) is the best time to visit. Prices are a bit cheaper, temperatures are pleasant, and you can avoid the busiest time of the tourist season. If you’re on a budget and want to beat the crowds, this is when you should visit.

How to Stay Safe in Athens

Athens is generally a very safe city to visit, even for solo travelers. Your biggest risk is pickpockets, especially on the subway. The city is rife with them. Be sure to keep a close eye on your stuff and watch out for groups who come near you. Usually, they are working in teams to distract you while someone picks your pocket. Other than that, there’s not much to worry about.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, however, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).

At night, it’s best to avoid the areas around Omonia, Exarcheia, Victoria Square, and Kolokotroni.

If you hike to Fillopapou hill, keep an eye out for pickpockets. The pickpockets know tourists go up there so they tend to hang out around there looking for an easy target.

Scams can occur around Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Glyfada when tourists are lured into a bar with special discounted drink prices, and then are later forced to pay huge prices on their bar tabs or get threatened with violence. You can read more about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you rent a vehicle, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are rare but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Athens Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
• Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.
• Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Greece.

Athens Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Greece travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

• Visit Liverpool
• Visit The U.K.
• Other Destinations
• Ella In The Media
• Work With Me!

Is Athens Worth Visiting? 13 Pros and Cons of Visiting Athens, Greece

• April 22, 2023

There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. As ever, all opinions are my own.

I recently visited Athens, Greece for the first time, a city I’d been dreaming about for what felt like forever. I had high expectations .

After all, this is a city with more history and ancient ruins than you can shake a stick at and, after the eye-watering prices of the Greek Islands, I was excited to spend time in a more affordable area of Greece.

Athens… isn’t for everybody , though. Before my visit, I didn’t realise that a lot of people actually really dislike Athens. Some people even told me that Athens is not worth visiting at all!

So, is Athens worth visiting? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the pros and cons of visiting Athens so you can decide if it’s worth your time and money or not.

Before we get started, I’d like to remind you that the best city in the world for one person is the worst for someone else, so I can’t definitively tell you whether or not you’ll like Athens.

What I can do is tell you the reasons Athens is worth visiting, as well as the reasons why you might not like it, so you can decide for yourself. Stick around until the end, because I’ll share my honest, unfiltered opinions on Athens !

Let’s get started.

Table of Contents

Reasons Athens is Worth Visiting

1. it’s a convenient hopping off point to the islands.

Athens has three ports : Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrion. These ports make Athens an ideal transport hub as they connect the mainland to the numerous islands of Greece.

Piraeus, the largest port, offers the most extensive network of ferries to various destinations like Paros , Santorini, Naxos , and many more.

Rafina and Lavrion, on the other hand, serve the eastern coast of Attica and offer ferry services to the northern Aegean islands.

With so many different ferry companies operating out of these three ports, competition among them is fierce, resulting in competitive prices, making Athens a sensible place to begin your island-hopping adventure .

2. Athens is cheaper than the Greek Islands

If you’re looking for an affordable way to experience the wonders of Greece, Athens is the perfect place to start. Parts of Athens are definitely expensive, like any city, but overall it’s far cheaper than the Greek islands , which are… expensive, to say the least.

One of the main reasons Athens is cheaper than the Greek islands is thanks to the huge range of accommodation on offer. With more options comes more competition and lower prices!

Not to mention, food and drink is also much cheaper than on the Greek Islands, especially compared to the expensive island of Santorini , where I paid a whopping €13 for a Greek Salad!

In addition, attractions in Athens aren’t ~incredibly~ cheap, but they’re definitely worth it.

After all, the city is home to some of the most impressive ancient ruins and artifacts in the world, including the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Combination tickets like the Athens Combined Ticket can save you money on some of Athens’ top attractions.

All in all, Athens is ideal if you want to explore Greece on a tight budget .

3. Athens has an international airport

Located just 33 kilometres from the heart of the city , Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport is a transport hub that connects Greece with the rest of the world.

Competition between airlines keeps prices relatively low, making it cheaper to get to Athens than other areas of Greece. With a wide range of national and international flights, getting to Athens has never been easier or more affordable!

But the convenience doesn’t stop there – Athens Airport also boasts an array of domestic flights so you can effortlessly hop between destinations in the country.

Thanks to Athens’ airport you’ll probably end up here at some point in your Greek adventure. The city’s proximity to the airport makes it ideal for a layover of a couple days or two .

4. It’s easy to cover the highlights in a day or two

Athens a city that is perfect for quick visits, as you can easily cover its highlights in just one or two days .

The city’s most famous attractions are all centred around the Acropolis, making it easy to navigate and see the top sights in a short amount of time.

A visit to the Acropolis is a must, as it offers an incredible view of Athens and its surrounding areas. The Parthenon, which is located on the Acropolis, is one of the most famous ruins in the world, and is definitely worth a visit.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is another important attraction that can be visited in just a few hours.

5. Athens is close to some beaches

Although city centre of Athens itself doesn’t have any beaches, there are loads that are easy to visit from the city on public transport. 

One of the closest beaches to Athens is Glyfada Beach , located just 16km from the city centre. With crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches and a charming promenade, Glyfada Beach is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

It’s also home to many trendy beach bars and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a day soaking up the sun.

Another must-see beach near Athens is Edem , which is just a 20 minute drive from the city. The beach has clear turquoise waters that are ideal for swimming and enjoying water sports like windsurfing, sailing, and kite surfing.

Overall, Athens’ proximity to these fantastic beaches makes it a great destination for those looking to combine history and culture with beach relaxation .

There’s no sugar-coating it – these are hardly the best beaches in Athens, but a beach is a beach at the end of the day!

6. It’s the ideal day trip hub

As the capital city, Athens serves as a hub for day trips all over the country , making it an ideal base for travellers wanting to explore numerous areas of Greece.

One of the most popular day trips from Athens is a visit to Delphi , located just two and a half hours outside the city. Delphi was once considered the centre of the ancient world and was home to the famous Oracle of Delphi.

Today, visitors can explore the ruins of the Sanctuary of Apollo and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Another popular day trip from is the car-free island of Hydra , known for its picturesque harbour and traditional stone houses, which is just a short ferry-ride away from Athens.

Athens’ role as a hub for day trips all over Greece makes it the ideal place to base yourself for a few days as you explore its surroundings.

7. The ancient ruins really are All That™

For all the history buffs out there, Athens is a dream destination. This city has been around for more than 3,000 years! Even with all the modernization that has taken place, Athens has managed to preserve the remarkable remnants of its ancient past.

Athens’ ancient ruins are probably the main reason people visit the city, and there’s just no way of arguing against it – they’re SO worth visiting.

Even if you’re not interested in history at all, the Parthenon is incredible to visit, and well worth the time and money it takes. It’s one of the most famous structures in the world for a reason!

The most noteworthy ancient ruins in Athens are, of course, the ones located on the Acropolis . This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a true architectural marvel, and the Parthenon is undoubtedly its crowning jewel.

And yes, the Parthenon looks even better in real life than in photos!

8. Athens has a good public transport system

Athens’ good public transportation system is another reason why the city is worth visiting for travellers. The city has an extensive network of buses, trams, and metro lines which means that getting around the city is a breeze .

The Athens Metro, in particular, is a modern and efficient system that boasts four lines covering over 85 km of track.

It connects many of the city’s major historical sites, including the Acropolis, the National Archaeological Museum, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Additionally, the trains run frequently and are relatively inexpensive, making the metro accessible to budget-conscious travellers.

It’s also worth mentioning that since many of Athens’ top attractions are in the same area it’s actually really easy to walk from attraction to attraction , which will save you money.

Athens’ good public transportation system makes it so easy to explore without having to worry about renting a car or getting lost in a new place .

Reasons Athens isn’t Worth Visiting

9. athens is actually pretty ugly.

Honestly, Athens is a bit of a letdown in terms of its appearance. The city is pretty run down and you can see a lot of poverty and graffiti everywhere you go.

Don’t get me wrong, the city is definitely worth visiting for its ancient ruins and rich history, but if you’re looking for a picturesque destination, Athens isn’t it.

The streets are filled with dilapidated and abandoned buildings with fading paint, and while some people might find it charming, I just found it depressing.

The pollution doesn’t help, either – you’ll definitely notice the smog and the general grittiness of the city.

Of course, the graffiti is another thing altogether. It’s hard to ignore the overwhelming amount of it that covers pretty much every surface in the city. And most of it isn’t street art – it’s just random scribbles and tags.

Athens has been through a lot in recent years, so it makes sense that being “beautiful” certainly hasn’t been the city’s main priority, but if you’re heading to Athens expecting to see a beautiful city you’re going to be disappointed.

10. Tourist sites are super crowded in summer

The absolute worst part of Athens in summer is the crowds , which can get totally insane at the city’s top tourist attractions.

At the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum you’ll be shoulder to shoulder with strangers trying to catch a glimpse of ancient artifacts while also trying not to pass out from heat exhaustion. Fun times, right?

And forget about trying to get a good photo. You’ll be lucky if you can even lift your arm high enough to snap a shot without some other tourist’s head in the way.

Plus, all that jostling and shuffling takes away from the experience of actually appreciating the history and beauty of these sites.

So, unless you love being squished in with a bunch of strangers in 100-degree heat, Athens may not be worth visiting in the summer .

11. Athens didn’t feel 100% safe

While Athens definitely has its perks, safety isn’t always one of them. Especially if you’re doing solo travel in Greece , you might want to exercise some caution when out and about in the city, especially at night.

I personally felt uneasy several times in Athens , and did not feel comfortable leaving my hostel, which was in quite a rough area, in the dark. Of course, “feeling safe” is often subjective , but I’m sharing my experience. You can check the safety stats here .

It’s not uncommon to see pickpockets and purse-snatchers in crowded areas like Monastiraki and Omonia.

Additionally, the Exarchia neighborhood has a reputation for being a bit rough around the edges, with a history of protests, demonstrations, and anarchist activity.

Of course, this isn’t to say that you should avoid Athens altogether because it’s unsafe – far from it. But it is important to be aware of your surroundings and take appropriate precautions to keep yourself safe.

Stick to well-lit areas and avoid wandering too far off the beaten path, especially if you’re on your own.

12. The beaches near Athens aren’t the best

While Athens does have some beaches nearby, let’s face it, they really aren’t anything special. Sure, there are some nice stretches of sand and the water can be clear, but these beaches are often overcrowded and have litter problems .

So while Athens might have a few nice beach options, they just don’t compare to what you can find elsewhere. Especially not the Greek islands! If you’re looking for a beach vacation, Athens isn’t it.

Instead, it’s a city break destination that has beach options. Does that make sense?

13. You can cover the highlights in just a day or two

This was listed as one of the reasons Athens is worth visiting, but to many visitors (including myself) the fact that you can see and do all of Athens’ best attractions in a day or two is a bit disappointing.

It makes it difficult to argue that Athens is worth visiting for an extended period of time.

Don’t get me wrong, the Acropolis and the Panathenaic Stadium are all impressive and well worth a visit. But I’d argue that they’re only must-see sights in the city, and you can easily fit them all into one day

When you take into account the drawbacks of spending more time in Athens – the crowds, the pollution, the lacklustre beaches, and the safety concerns – it’s hard to justify spending more than a couple of days there .

Plus, you’ll probably find that after you’ve seen the major attractions, there isn’t much else to do in Athens that couldn’t be replicated in other, more enjoyable destinations.

Final Thoughts – Is Athens Worth Visiting?

Okay! Here is the part when I tell you my honest opinion on whether or not Athens is worth visiting. And remember, this is my OPINION only, so don’t come for me.

The short answer is I’m glad I went to Athens, and I do think it’s worth visiting, but I don’t want to go back .

I feel like one short visit of just a day or two is plenty of time in Athens. The ugliness and sketchiness of the city outside of the super touristy areas had me wanting to leave, and glad that I was only staying for two nights.

The Acropolis makes Athens worth visiting . Even if pretty much everything else felt “meh” to me, there’s nothing that compares to the Parthenon. It’s incredible! You should visit Athens so that you can see it. That’s probably it, in my opinion.

So, while Athens is an interesting city to visit, especially if you’re a history buff or a lover of classical architecture, it’s definitely a short break kind of place rather than a destination for a longer trip.

Spend a day or two taking in the sights, then head off to the Greek Islands to round out your trip. You’ll get the best of both worlds – a taste of Athens’ ancient history, without the inconvenience of staying too long in a city that has its fair share of downsides.

Ella Moore is the founder of Many More Maps. Growing up just 45 minutes away from Liverpool, Ella has spent years exploring the city inside out. In her teenage years, she was introduced to the music of The Beatles, and the rest, they say, is history! Today, she stands as a leading authority on Beatles tourism in Liverpool, helping over 40,000 people a month to plan their dream trip to the city.

You May Also Like

2 Days in Naxos Itinerary: Perfect For Your First Visit

• June 12, 2023

6 Fabulous Paros Boat Tours You Can’t Miss in 2024

• May 3, 2023

Paros to Antiparos Day Trip – Everything You Need to Know!

• April 29, 2023

8 Best Naxos Boat Tours You Can’t Miss in 2024

• April 8, 2023

The Athens Combined Ticket: Is It Worth It?

• January 9, 2023

12 Best Greek Islands For Solo Travel – Safe, Social & Stunning!

• January 4, 2023

The Best of Paros in 3 Days: An Unforgettable Itinerary

• December 31, 2022

Solo Female Travel in Greece – The Ultimate Guide

• October 1, 2022

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Daily costs to visit athens, greece | athens price guide.

How much to budget for visiting Athens, Greece — including prices for food, attractions, hostels, hotels, and transportation.

City Price Guides

Athens is bursting with impressive ruins from the ancient world but travel costs in Athens are fairly affordable — prices in Athens drop once you get away from the main tourist sights. In this guide, I’ll cover typical travel prices in Athens to help you budget your trip.

This article is part of our City Price Guide Series —  Click here to see all our city price guides .

NOTE: Your travel costs will jump considerably once you start visiting the surrounding islands so factor that into your travel budget.

Average Daily Cost for Visiting Athens

For budget-minded travelers, it costs around €55-€85/day to visit Athens. These Athens prices are based on what you’ll need to visit the city comfortably as a budget traveler staying in a well-rated hostel. If you want to upgrade your accommodations then you’ll want to add another €100/night. These prices also don’t include things like big nights out at the bar/pub, club entry fees, souvenir/clothing shopping, tours, random purchases, nicer food, etc. Don’t forget to budget extra for those “non-essentials.”

Daily Cost of Budget Travel in Athens: €70 (Approx. $75)

• Attractions:   €10 (one paid attraction + any free sights)
• Breakfast: €3
• Dinner: €1 4
• Treat (dessert/beer/wine): €2.5
• Transportation: €2
• Accommodation (Hostel): € 30

Daily Cost of Frugal Travel in Athens: €45 (Approx. $48)

• Attractions: € 5 (free walking tour + visit one of the free sights)
• Breakfast: €0  (free hostel breakfast)
• Lunch: €6.0  (street food or takeaway shop fare)
• Dinner: € 10 (make your own meal in the hostel or grab something cheap)
• Beer: €1.5  (chill out at the park and have a cold one)
• Transportation: €1.20
• Accommodation: € 20 (cheap hostel bed)

Athens Attraction and Museum Prices

History buffs are in luck because Athens is full of a number of ancient ruins and cheap museums.

There is a  € 30 pass that covers all the major ancient sites. The pass is good for five days so you can take your time exploring. Check out the official Athens Ministry of Culture website for more details.

• Parthenon : €20
• Acropolis : €20
• National Archaeological Museum : 12 €
• Ancient Agora : € 10
• Benaki Museum : € 12
• New Acropolis Museum : €15
• Temple of Olympian Zeus : € 6
• Walking Tour : Free (but you should tip the guides at least €5) – €35

Athens Food Prices

Food prices in Athens are reasonable, so you shouldn’t have to live on bread and water. As always, food does get pricey around the main tourist areas, so you should seek out restaurants catering to locals. The best way to fill up on a warm meal is by hitting up the street food stalls or takeaway restaurants. 

Athens Budget Breakfast Prices: Free – € 7

• Many hostels will offer a free simple breakfast that normally consists of cereal, bread/croissant, and maybe milk, coffee, tea, or juice (some hostels will offer more and some less). Hotel breakfasts tend to be overpriced, so skip those in most cases.
• A breakfast pastry from a local bakery will cost €1-€4.

Budget Breakfast Spots in Athens

• Stani : Known for their homemade Greek yogurt.
• Happy Blender : Smoothie and Açai bowls.

Athens Budget Lunch Prices: €5-€ 12

• Super budget travelers can make a super cheap lunch of bread, cheese, and fruit from any grocery store for a few euros.
• Caesar or Greek salad: € 5 -€ 6
• Fresh sandwich: €4-€ 7
• Toasted cheese sandwich: € 3
• Pita kebab: €3-€ 6
• Souvlaki (pita bread, fried potatoes, vegetable, chicken) with gyro meat: €3-€6

Budget Lunch Spots in Athens

• 5F : Family-run lunch-only spot serving authentic Greek food.
• Atitamos : Traditional Greek food in a solid location.
• Falafellas : Grab and go falafels.
• Taqueria Maya Athens : Tacos in Athens? Sure, why not.
• Just Made 33 : Sandwiches and a bit of everything.

Athens Budget Dinner Prices: €9-€1 8

• You should be able to find dinner at a restaurant in a less touristy part of town for around €12-€18.
• A basic Greek meal (moussaka for example) will cost around €7-€14.
• An upscale burger with fries runs €6-€11.

Budget Dinner Spots in Athens

( Many of the options from the Budget Lunch section above also work for dinner. )

• Sfika : A small gastropub featuring tasty tapas.
• Rakor : Greek restaurants with plenty of vegetarian options.
• Feyrouz : Off the tourist path serving up tasty Turkish/Lebanese dishes.

Athens Drinks and Alcohol Prices

• A pint of standard beer out: €2-€ 5
• Pint of beer from a grocery store: €1
• Bottle of (drinkable) wine from the grocery store: €8
• Espresso: €1-€2

Athens Public Transportation Prices

In addition to walking, Athens has a number of public transportation options. The bus, tram, and subway all operate on the same (affordable) ticket. Visit the official Athens public transportation website .

• Individual ticket (valid for 90 minutes): €1.20
• Daily ticket: €4.50
• 3-day unlimited travel (includes a round-trip ticket to the airport): €22

Athens Hostel, Hotel, & Rental Apartment Prices

Accommodation prices in Athens are about normal but hotels tend to be more expensive than you might expect.

Athens Hostel Prices: €18-€38

You should budget about €25/night per person for a decent hostel, although many hostels raise their prices on the weekend. Remember, these prices are for a bed in a shared dorm room. If you want a private room, expect to pay €70-€100 total (for two people). Visit Hostelworld to get the best price and selection of hostels in Athens.

Top-Rated Hostels in Athens:

• Athens Backpackers
• Safestay Athens Monastiraki
• City Circus Athens
• Pagration Youth Hostel

Read The Savvy Backpacker’s Guide To The Best Hostels in Athens for more in-depth reviews.

Athens Budget Hotel Prices: €55-€15 5

Hotels aren’t super affordable since Athens is a very popular destination. A decent budget hotel in the city center will cost around €100-€140/night. You can find cheaper hotels if you want to stay farther away from the center of the city.

We recommend Booking.com because they have the biggest inventory of affordable hotels.

Athens Rental Apartment Prices: €50-€120/night

From my experience, rental apartments tend to be a bit bigger than similarly priced hotel rooms. Plus, you’ll get a kitchen so you can save more money by cooking your own meals but hotels do offer some nice conveniences.

There are quite a few nice rental apartment options available in Athens — you should be able to find a highly rated studio for around €50-€90/night or a 1-bedroom closer to €70-€110. If you want to rent a room in someone’s place, expect to pay around €30-€45/night. Airbnb is always popular but you can find cheaper/better options on our list of Airbnb Alternatives .

Other Travel Costs To Keep In Mind

There are a handful of pre-travel costs that you should factor into your travel budget. I’ve listed a few below.

• Data Plans and Smartphone Phones Abroad: Staying Connected While Traveling Europe
• How To Buy A SIM Card and Mobile Data Plans in Europe
• Guide To Using eSIM Data Plans in Europe
• Europe Packing List for Men
• Europe Packing List for Women
• The Best Travel Backpacks
• The Best Travel Shoes For Women
• The Best Travel Shoes For Men
• Avoiding Pickpockets and Travel Scams: Check out my guide to pickpockets in Europe and my guide to Europe travel scam s to avoid getting your money, phones, and property stolen while traveling.

Learn More About the Costs of Visiting Europe

We’ve created a super in-depth guide about how much it costs to backpack Europe (including more city price guides).

• Recent Posts

• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Backpacking Europe Packing List — My Europe Travel Packing Guide - April 6, 2024
• Best eSIM For Europe Travel | Everything You Need To Know About European Prepaid eSIM Data Plans - March 24, 2024

No Funny Business

The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means when you buy products/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission—it doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps support the site.

Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

Related Reads

Copenhagen price guide | calculating the daily costs to visit copenhagen.

The daily costs to visit Copenhagen. How to estimate your travel costs for food, hostels, hotels, attractions, alcohol, and more.

Stockholm Price Guide | How Much It Costs To Visit Stockholm, Sweden

Calculating the daily costs to visit Stockholm. How to estimate your budget for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and more.

Naples Price Guide | How Much It Costs To Visit Naples, Italy

The daily travel costs to visit Naples, Italy. How to estimate your budget for food, hostels, hotels, attractions, alcohol & more.

Riga Price Guide | Calculating The Daily Costs To Visit Riga, Latvia

The daily costs to visit Riga. How to estimate your budget for food, accommodation, attractions, alcohol, and more.

City Guides

Choosing travel insurance, travel packing lists, budget travel newsletter.

The best budget travel tips sent straight to your inbox.

Join My Journey

Europe travel tips, advertising & privacy policies.

TheSavvyBackpacker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

© 2010 - 2024 The Savvy Backpacker

Website Design by FHOKE

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Athens, Greece, According to Travel Experts Like Rick Steves

The ancient Greek city delivers one memorable vacation.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

There’s not much that hasn’t been written about the perks of visiting Athens, Greece. The ancient city has long been a popular travel destination, thanks to its bountiful historical sites, distinct architecture, and oh-so fantastic food. But just because it’s all been said doesn’t mean it isn’t worth repeating. So, we’ll say it one more time: Athens is, without question, one of the world’s greatest travel destinations, especially for those famed attractions. And we’re not the only ones who share this sentiment. 

“The Acropolis, one of the most important ancient sites in the Western world, is crowned by an architectural masterpiece: the mighty Parthenon,” Rick Steves told Travel + Leisure . “I visit in the cool of the early evening, when the crowds are gone and the setting sun turns the marble golden.”

But Athens' appeal goes far beyond its history lessons. “Athens has a vibe. The restaurants and bars feel intimate, and visitors can either indulge in the city's vibrant nightlife scene or simply go for a stroll at night — the city is second to none during the evening,” Alys Colayera, the lead travel expert for Greece at Black Tomato, shared with T+L. Colayera also called out the city's shopping scene, noting, "The boutique shops have tons of local artisans selling high-quality Greek crafts, jewelry, and clothing.”

Ready to start plotting your own Athens adventure? Here’s how to plan the perfect trip. 

Top 5 Can’t Miss

• Don't miss Greece's most recognizable landmark — the Acropolis. Get there early to experience it with fewer crowds.
• Spend a night at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, T+L readers' favorite hotel in 2023 World's Best Awards.
• Head to Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guard every hour on the hour.
• Grab a souvenir or a snack in the famed Plaka neighborhood.
• Order a coffee at Minu, arguably the coolest cafe in Greece, and then sit in its garden or take it to go to explore the antique shops nearby.

Courtesy of The Four Seasons

Best Hotels and Resorts 

Four seasons astir palace hotel athens.

The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens — a T+L reader favorite in 2023 — holds a prime location along the Athens Riviera, providing ocean views while remaining just a short drive from all the city's major attractions. It also sits on 75 private acres, making it an ideal spot for those looking for a bit of solitude. 

Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

“My all-time favorite [hotel] is the Grande Bretagne , a landmark right in the heart of the city that celebrates 150 years of history this year,” said Christos Stergiou , a T+L A-List Advisor and founder of TrueTrips . “From its rooftop restaurant to its elegant lobby and rooms, it epitomizes class and culture.” Plus, it doesn’t hurt that this property is consistently a top choice in T+L’s World’s Best Awards, coming in second for our readers’ favorite hotels in Athens in 2023. 

Gatsby Athens

For a truly central stay in the city, there's no better place than the Gatsy Athens . Located right outside the Plaka neighborhood, the property makes for a fantastic home base for those looking to walk just about everywhere in the city. Inside, guests will find a playful space filled with art deco touches and a fantastic food and beverage program. Just don’t miss the guest-only rooftop, which provides spectacular views of the city. 

Gautier Houba/Travel + Leisure

Best Things to Do 

Visit the acropolis..

As Steves alluded to, no trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis . And it’s a sentiment Colayera agrees with. “The Acropolis is the epitome of ancient Greek architecture and a symbol of Athens. It houses several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon,” said Colayera. The best time to go is early morning or late evening, when the crowds are thinner, though you should always expect other tourists hanging around. Want to make the most of your visit? Colayera also suggested checking out the Acropolis Museum, home to a collection of artifacts discovered during archaeological excavations of the Acropolis. “The exhibits offer insights into the daily life, rituals, and artistry of the people who lived in Athens during different periods,” Colayera added. 

See Hadrian’s Library.

Another fantastic historic landmark to visit while in Athens is Hadrian's Library. The building, built in 132 A.D., was used as an entertainment space, lecture hall, and, yes, an actual library. Today, just a few columns and sections remain, but visitors are welcome to walk through and imagine what used to be. Tickets are only $3 or can be purchased as a combination with the Acropolis. 

Watch the changing of the guard at Syntagma Square.

Looking for a fun free activity in the city? Visitors to Athens can watch the changing of the guard in front of the Parliament building at Syntagma Square every hour on the hour. And every Sunday at 11 a.m., the official event takes place in full regalia. Just plan to arrive a little early to snag a front-row seat. 

Visit the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

For something a little more new school, head to the National Museum of Contemporary Art . The museum’s mission is to preserve contemporary works by Greek and international artists across disciplines. It includes both permanent and rotating collections, so check its website before going to know what to expect. 

Ken Welsh/Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Best Shopping 

It’s hard to ignore the Plaka neighborhood of Athens. It is, after all, at the base of the Acropolis. But really, there’s no need to ignore it, especially if you want to go home with a memorable souvenir or two. Explore the area by simply allowing yourself to wander its streets, popping into any shop that catches your eye and perhaps grabbing a frappe along the way on a hot day, too. 

Find yourself in one of the city’s most colorful neighborhoods with a visit to Psirri. Located about a 15-minute walk from Plaka, Psirri offers travelers the chance to admire some of the best street art in the world ( book a tour with Kalliopi for the ultimate insider experience), peruse unique stores, step into a few third-wave coffee shops, and eat plenty of local Greek cuisine. 

Anthologist

For those seeking an all-around shop, where you can pick up everything from high-end goods to more affordable trinkets curated from around the globe, look no further than Anthologist . The store, owned by travel tastemaker Andria Mitsakos, is a visual paradise, filled with goodies you’ll want to stuff in your suitcase. 

RUBEN RAMOS/Getty Images

Best Restaurants 

Begin a day in Athens by mixing fantastic food with shopping at Minu , a third-wave coffee shop and boutique. The space is gorgeous — find a back corner to settle into, go all the way up to its loft area, or sit outside on the patio when the weather is right. Order a coffee and a bite to eat (menu items include smoothie bowls, avocado toast, and more).

Enjoy another delicious alfresco meal in Athens at Soil , a sustainably focused, Michelin-starred restaurant. The ingredients here are grown in the chef’s private garden, providing flavors you can’t taste anywhere else. Book a table (preferably outside) and don’t even worry about ordering, as you can opt for the seasonal tasting menu and enjoy every bite. 

Don’t leave Athens without digging into some tasty Greek desserts. When I was a child, my Greek grandmother would make loukoumades , so it’s a personal favorite, and in Athens, you can get a taste of the same at Lukumades . Smothered in honey and cinnamon, the dough balls are small enough to pop in your mouth one after another — and you won't be able to stop at just one.

Starcevic/Getty Images

Best Time To Visit

There's no bad time to visit Athens, but according to Steves, the spring shoulder season is particularly lovely. “I was last in Athens in April 2022, and it was a great time to visit. The weather was cool and pleasant, and the city wasn’t crowded,” he said. “It just felt good.” Indeed, both the spring shoulder season (April to mid-June) and the fall (September through October) offer visitors the chance to explore the city in milder weather. Summer is the peak period, and with it comes sweltering temperatures . So, if you don’t tolerate heat (or crowds) well, try to book your stay outside of July and August.  

How to Get There

By Air: Travelers from around the world can make their way to Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos). It’s serviced by every major airline, including Delta and American, which offers direct flights from the U.S. 

By Sea: Athens is an ultra-popular port for cruises, including MSC Cruises , Crystal Cruises , Seabourn , Royal Caribbean , and more.  

How to Get Around

By Rental Car: Rental cars are readily available in the city, at the airport, and at the ferry terminal. Just make sure to book an automatic as early as possible if you can’t drive a manual, as they tend to be in short supply.  

By Taxi: Both yellow cabs and Ubers are plentiful around Athens. Simply open the app or hail the next one you see. Prices are about €1 per kilometer .

By Metro: Athens has a robust metro system to get you around the city with ease. There's also a metro line directly to and from the airport. Pick up a rechargeable Ath.ena ticket , which starts at €1.20. 

By Foot: Athens is a walkable city. If you enjoy slowly taking in the sights and popping in and out of shops and cafes, this is the way to go. You never know what you may find along the way.

• General Information
• Plan your trip

Prices in Athens

The financial crisis and the new taxes on tourism have increased the daily costs in Greece . Discover how much things cost to make a budget for your holiday.

The prices in Greece are very similar to those in Spain. If you visit the Hellenic Republic during the low season , the hotels , restaurants and even souvenir shops are more economical .

Some examples

Below you’ll find a list of average prices in Athens, so that you can plan your budget for your trip:

Lunch and beverages

• Gyros (typical Greek dish of cooked meat) : € 2 ( US$ 2.10) or € 3 ( US$ 3.20).
• Main dish at a normally-priced restaurant : € 8 ( US$ 8.50) - € 13 ( US$ 13.80).
• Desserts : € 3.50 ( US$ 3.70) - € 5 ( US$ 5.30).
• Dinner for two in a restaurant : € 40 ( US$ 42.50) (without wine).

Transportation

• 90-minute one-way journey ( metro , bus or tram ): € 1.40 ( US$ 1.50)
• 24-hour travel card : € 4.50 ( US$ 4.80)
• Five day card : € 8.20 ( US$ 8.70)
• Taxi from the airport to the city center : € 38 ( US$ 40.40) (at nighttime € 56 ( US$ 59.50)).

Accommodation

• A double room in a cheap hotel in central Athens : € 50 ( US$ 53.10) minimum
• Luxury hotels : € 80 ( US$ 85.10) minimum

You may also be interested in

Although the official language in Greece and Athens is Greek, English is also widely spoken, so you shouldn’t experience any problems when visiting the city. 

Athens has a mild Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers and cool and rainy winters. 

Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Ultimate Athens Guide – Plan Your Trip To Athens

This Ultimate Guide to Athens reveals the best of the city. From where to stay near the Acropolis, to sightseeing in Athens, this Athens guide helps you plan the perfect city break.

Explore Athens when you Visit Greece

Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece. It is one of the world's oldest cities, and with a population of over 3 million, it is also one of the largest metropolitan areas in Europe. Situated in the Attica region on the Saronic Gulf, Athens has been continuously inhabited for more than 3,000 years.

Named after the Greek Goddess Athena, its long history has influenced Western Civilization in fields such as philosophy, mathematics, and the arts. The ancient sites of Athens such as the Acropolis and world class museums such as the National Archaeological Museum make it a must-see destination for a history buff.

If you're planning on spending time in Athens when you visit Greece, this guide has all the information you need.

Related: What is Athens known for?

Athens Trip Planner

I've been living in and writing about Athens for over 8 years now. During this time, I've created a lot of travel guides for Athens!

To make finding it all easier, I created this Ultimate Guide to Athens . Hopefully this can help you plan the perfect trip to Athens.

The idea is that these cover all the basics you need to know when putting a travel itinerary together. You'll find practical information such as how to get from the airport, as well as guides on the best things to see and do in Athens.

I suggest bookmarking this Athens travel blog post so you can come back to it from time to time.

How long do you need in Athens?

2 or 3 days is about the right amount of time for most visitors to spend in Athens. It allows for plenty of sightseeing in the historic center at the Acropolis and Agora, the chanve to experience the rooftop bars of Athens at night, and even a side trip or two to places like Cape Sounion.

Read in more detail here: How many days do you really need in Athens

Plan Your Trip To Athens

This Athens travel guide has everything you need to plan your trip to the Greek capital. There's also more useful travel blog posts linked throughout the article.

Best Time To Visit Athens Greece: City Break Guide For 2022

Step one to planning your trip to Athens is choosing the best time of year. Athens makes a surprisingly interesting winter city break destination, but is most popular during the summer. This travel guide takes you through month by month, so you know what to expect when visiting Athens.

Where to stay in Athens

If you are only staying in Athens for a few days, it makes the most sense to stay in or near the historic centre. By staying in the heart of the capital city of Greece, you'll be able to easily walk to all the attractions and ancient ruins such as the Acropolis and Parthenon, Roman Agora, Ancient Agora, Parliament Building, National Gardens, and more. This guide introduces you to the best hotels near the Acropolis.

Getting from Athens airport to the city

Once you've landed at Athens airport, you'll need to get into the city centre. Your options include taxi, metro and bus. This guide explains them all to make your life easier!

How To Get From Piraeus To Athens Centre

Not everyone arrives in Athens via the airport. Some arrive at Piraeus Port. This travel guide will help you choose between taking a taxi, bus or the metro to get from Piraeus to Athens centre.

Top 10 Things To Do In Athens

Unsure of what to see in Athens? This article acts as a quick guide to the top 10 things to do in Athens, Greece.

Athens in a day Itinerary

If you only have one day in Athens, this one day Athens itinerary will help you make the most of your stay. Click continue reading for an easy to follow one day Athens itinerary.

2 Days in Athens Itinerary

If you're staying longer in Athens, this 2 day guide is ideal. I actually use this myself when friends and families come over to visit and I show them around. This is the best itinerary of Athens for a short break, as you'll get to see the most important places such as the Ancient Acropolis as well as cool out of the way places to get a taste of contemporary Greek culture.

Athens 3 Day Itinerary - What to do in Athens in 3 days

A comprehensive guide to sightseeing Athens in 3 days. This 3 day itinerary will take you to all the main highlights and a few hidden gems.

• Athens Walking Tours

Whether you are looking for guided walking tours in Athens, or routes you can follow yourself, this article is for you! Combine these walking tours with any of the itineraries mentioned for the ultimate trip to Athens.

Top 5 Museums in Athens

There's over 80 museums in Athens to choose from, and whilst I haven't been to them all yet, I'm getting close! Narrowing them down to the top 5 was no easy task, but I got there in the end!

Day Trips From Athens

There are numerous day trips from Athens to choose from. These include day tours to Delphi, Cape Sounion, Mycenae, Hydra, and Meteora.

The Best Neighborhoods in Athens for Urban Explorers

A look at all the neighborhoods in Athens, and the things to see and do there. Includes information about visiting Exarchia in Athens.

What to see in Athens - Buildings and Landmarks in Athens

This is a comprehensive guide to almost every major building in Athens, covering over 3000 years! From the Acropolis to Neoclassical buildings in Athens, this guide reveals places in the Greek capital that even Greeks are not aware of!

How to get from Athens to Santorini - 2022 Travel Guide

Do you want to go to the Greek islands after sightseeing in Athens? For anyone planning to visit Santorini after Athens, this guide is essential reading. It goes into full detail about the options you have from getting from Athens to Santorini, which airlines to look for, and how to find and book a ferry to Santorini from Athens.

Best Time To Visit Athens

Athens is a city you can visit at any time of year. Certainly, some months are better than others though when it comes to weather and the amount of other tourists visiting!

In my opinion, the very best month to visit Athens is September. The temperatures are just starting to dip down from their summer highs, and Athenians have returned from their vacations full of life and energy.

There's lots happening in September – from art exhibitions to gigs and events.

The second best month to visit Athens (again in my opinion!) is August. Now, I know this goes against the grain a little, as Greece is traditionally crazy busy in August, but hear me out!

In August, Athenians head for the islands for their summer vacations. This means that the city is super-quiet and peaceful. Rumour has it, you can even find parking spaces in Athens in August!

• When to visit Athens

You might find these blog posts on when to visit Athens useful:

• Athens in September
• Athens in August
• Tips for traveling to Greece
• Is Athens safe?

Where To Stay In Athens

Athens has literally thousands of hotels to choose from, which can make it slightly confusing when choosing where to stay .

For visitors only spending a few days in Athens, I would suggest a central location is the best choice.

By staying at a hotel near the Acropolis , you will be near all the main attractions of the historic centre, and be able to maximise your time in the city.

Athens also has a selection of budget hotels to choose from, which are outside of the historic centre. To be honest, these are located in the less salubrious parts of town.

You are definitely sacrificing comfort to save a few bucks, but if this is your thing, look for Athens hotels near Omonia and Victoria metro stations.

I'm also asked from time to time about hotels near Athens airport. There's really only one choice here, which is the Sofitel .

Places to stay in Athens

You might find these in-depth Athens guide articles about where to stay in Athens useful.

• Where to stay in Athens near the Acropolis
• Budget hotels in Athens
• Hotels near Athens airport

 How to get to Athens city center

Most visitors to Athens arrive at two main points of entry. These are Athens airport and Piraeus port. There are numerous transport options available to get from the airport to Athens city centre and from Piraeus Port to the centre. I've written two detailed guides which includes taxi, train and bus options:

• How to get from Athens airport to city center
• How to get from Athens Airport to Piraeus 
• How to get from Piraeus to Athens center

Things to see in Athens

So now you've got into Athens and have somewhere to stay, it's time to work out what you want to see! Athens has an endless amount of things to do, so there's no way you can possibly see it all. Even with a month, you couldn't see all the museums – there's over 80 of them!

Coming to a balance of choosing what to do in Athens with the time you have to hand is key. Fortunately, I've got some great Athens guides to help!

My ‘What to see in 2 days in Athens' guide has proven to be very useful for visitors, and can easily be expanded upon by adding extra things in.

I've also got guides to the museums in Athens, walking tours, and inside tips. Here's some guides on what to do in Athens to get you started.

Athens Guides

• 2 Days in Athens
• 4 days in Athens
• Ancient Athens
• The Ancient Agora of Athens
• The Panathenaic Stadium in Athens
• Walking tours in Athens
• Museums in Athens
• Athens inside tips
• Exploring Alternative Athens
• Things you must do in Athens
• Hop On Hop Off Athens Bus

Finally, if you are planning on spending longer in the city, you'll want to consider some day trip from Athens. There are numerous archaeological sites and UNESCO World Heritage sites you can visit on a day tour from Athens, including Delphi, Mycenae, and even Meteora.

Most of these you can do on a tour if you wish, or you could hire a car in Athens and drive yourself. I think a road trip is a great way to explore this fascinating country! Here's some more information on day trips you can make from Athens.

• Best Cities In Greece
• A guide to day trips from Athens
• Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon
• Vravrona Archaeological Site
• A day trip to Delphi
• Greek island trips to Hydra, Poros and Aegina
• Mycenae, Epidaurus, Nafplio

Please pin this Athens Guide for later!

I hope you've enjoyed this ultimate guide to Athens. If you are planning a trip, and have any questions or would like to leave me a message, please comment below. I would love to hear from you!

Trip to Athens FAQ

Here are some common questions readers have when planning an Athens vacation:

How many days do you need to see Athens?

2 or 3 days is enough time to see all the major highlights of Athens such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus, and to also experience its contemporary side and wonderful food scene.

What to do in Athens in 3 days?

Some of the main attractions you can see during an Athens 3 day vacation include: The Parthenon, the ancient theatre of Dionysos, Herodus Atticus theatre, the Acropolis museum, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch. the Plaka district, and the temple of Hephaestus in the Ancient Agora.

Is Athens expensive to visit?

The biggest expenses for travelers planning to visit Athens are accommodation and entrance ticket fees. Food and drink is very cheap by European standards, and the metro system is also very affordable. 

Can I drink the water in Athens?

The water in Athens is safe to drink, although people used to filtered or bottled water may not like the taste. If you prefer bottled water, the prices from stores and kiosks are regulated, meaning that a 500ml bottle of water costs 50 cents or less.

Related Athens blog posts:

• Best Time to Visit Athens
• Where to Stay in Athens
• How to get from Athens Airport to the center
• The Best Places to Eat in Athens
• The Best Museums in Athens
• Athens Tours
• Day Trips from Athens

2 thoughts on “Ultimate Athens Guide – Plan Your Trip To Athens”

What an awesome site with such helpful information. We (family of 6) are visiting this month for 7 day, really only 5 bc arrival and departure days doesn’t really count. It seems like this might be a long time to stay in Athens so we are looking for some day trips. We are trying to balance guided tours and what we can do on our own. I like your 2 days in Athens and we will do this and might stretch it out over 3 days. Other things I believe we would like to do is the Tour of St. Paul’s travels ( which I think includes Corith) and a trip Meteora. Are these things we can do on our own or would you suggest a guided tour? What would be your top things for a 5-day trip?

Hi Steve, I hope you are well! It sounds like you’d prefer tours with a religious edge? If so, I think Meteora is an absolute must – I’d recommend a two day trip though rather than a one day trip. This one also combines visiting Delphi – Delphi and Meteora If you’re interested in planning the Meteora trip yourself, then this article here might help – Athens to Meteora . For the Corinth themed tour, I’ve not taken one myself so can’t comment directly on the tour. However, I would say that the archaeology is disappointing visually when compared to the Acropolis or Delphi. One final suggestion for a day trip from Athens to see islands, would be the 3 islands trip. It can be a little rushed, but if it’s your only chance to see some islands, perhaps it could be worth it? More info here – 3 islands trip from Athens . My personal choice would be: Athens Athens Meteora Trip (includes Delphi) Meteora Trip 3 islands trip

Have a great trip to Greece!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

A first timer’s travel guide to the ancient city of Athens

Things to do in Athens Athens Travel Guide

Athens, the capital city of Greece is the largest & the most influential of all the cities in the country. A tourist hotspot in Europe, the city draws people from all over the world for it's wineries, scenic Mediterranean settings and ancient ruins. What's not to love?

The Mythology The name of the city is rooted in the rich mythology of the Hellenistic culture. It started with a competition between Athena, goddess of wisdom and warcraft, and Poseidon, god of the sea, both of whom wanted to be the patrons of the city. They were each to present one gift to it's citizens. Poseidon, god of the seas, created a spring by hitting the ground with his trident but the water was salty, just like the sea. However, the goddess Athena bestowed upon the people an olive tree, a resourceful gift which could provide them with eternal food, oil & firewood. With one voice, the citizens cheered for Athena and proclaimed her the winner. Thus, the name 'Athens' is a dedication to 'Athena' the patron goddess of wisdom & warfare. Art & Architecture The ancient city's heritage is reflected in its art and neoclassical monuments. Ruins from the peak of Greek civilzation still stand today, protected and revered amongst it's people for the history it stood for. The Acropolis , the Ancient Agora of Athens, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus are only a few of the remains that dot the city. Wine & Dine Greek food is diverse and welcoming for people all over. The flavours of the Mediterranean go with both meat and vegetables, so people who chose their dietary lifestyle will find that there's a lot of local cuisine for them to explore! There are wine countries and street foods to be indulged in as well.

Athens Travel Guide

Athens, the capital city of Greece is the largest & the most influential of all the cities in the country. Before COVID hit, the city saw an average of 6 million visitors every year. Since early ages it has been home to philosophers, warriors & thinkers; which has lent the city a great history, heritage & architecture.

Athens' history seeps into the streets in the city, with ruins peppered onto the beautiful Mediterranean landscape, the city is almost a dream. Orange trees line the streets in summer, and the weather is just right. There are plenty of museums to explore, not to mention the islands that dot the seas near the city, each with a unique culture of it's own. Every winding street is bound to lead you somewhere enchanting, somewhere that probably has a story to tell.

Athens is a huge city, but there's a certain quaint charm to it that makes it a lovely holiday destination. Athens has something for everybody, and make it a perfect destination, be it for lovers, friends or family.

Why Athens?

The city of Athens is one of the oldest existing cities with a great past of wars & acquisitions. Unlike other European nations, where monuments still stand in their pristine condition, Athens has ruins from a much more ancient time, spread across the city that narrate a gripping tale of its past.

Apart from its rich culture and historical remains, there is more to this fascinating city. With pristine beaches, wonderful landscapes, robust nightlife, and exquisite cuisine, there's something for everyone that makes it the ideal destination for a trip.

If you enjoy the sun, you're in luck because Athens has plenty of it most of the year. Summers are hot, and winters are pleasant. If you plan to visit in winter, the typical temperatures are around 10°C, which isn't too cold.

With a myriad of significant structures and museums galore, Athens is also a hub for artists due to its rich legacy of classicism. Don't forget to savour the local cuisine as you immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this historic city. If you enjoy street art, you will be blown away by the magnificent graffiti exhibitions with a touch of modernity.

Top 10 Things To Do in Athens

When one says 'Athens', The Acropolis comes straight to mind. No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to this magnificent temple that has withstood the tests of times and conquests. A traveller’s paradise, the city has something for everyone, be it art, history, culture, food, or nightlife.

In this guide, we will take a look at the 10 best things do in Athens — whether you're looking at museums, churches, or even monuments, from the Ancient Agora of Athens, to day trips to explore beyond Athens, you will find them in this list.

Athens Essentials

Language Greek

Time zone GMT +2

Country Code +30

Socket Types C & F

Currency Euro (€ )

Athens Trip Planner

All you need before you book your tickets and zip your bag!

When to visit

Weather in athens.

Athens is renowned for its warm weather all year & temperatures rarely fall below freezing. Unlike winters, summer is the busiest season with visitors flocking to the city. Spring and fall are transitional seasons, with excellent weather and fewer tourists, making them ideal for a visit. While winters often see some rainfall (or, rarely, snow).

Athens in Spring

April till June is the time of spring in the city. April is quite peaceful with fewer travellers, and the weather is ideal for swimming. May is the month for blooming flowers and long walks, leisure visits to historic ruins, and enjoying the heritage with less chaos and fewer guests. Temperatures range from 16 °C or 61 °F in April to a pleasant 26 °C or 79 °F in June.

Athens in Summer

Summers in Athens hit around July & August with the average temperature ranging between 24°C to 27°C. It is usually the hottest time of the year, attracting people towards beaches & breezes. It's time for shorts, swimsuits, tank tops, and sunglasses in the day. While the nighttime temperatures are pretty cool, lingering around 72°F (22°C) so you may want a light shrug to cover yourself. It is the peak season, thus it is pricy & crowded.

Athens in Autumn

October is a fantastic month to visit Athens, especially towards the beginning of the month. The weather is still pleasant, and the masses have mostly dispersed. There isn't much rain, and you can take advantage of amazing off-season costs. However, as the month progresses, colder weather begins to emerge, you might want to slip into lite warm clothes. The prices are reasonably low with additional discount deals, fewer crowds & the pleasant weather makes it an apt time to visit the place.

Athens in Winter

Undoubtedly, Athens is frigid in December & January. Temperatures range between 12°C to 9°C with the highest being 14°C. Also, there are 11 days of rain, the highest for most of the year, and only three hours of sun each day on average. But this also brings along the non-existent lines outside the monuments, restaurants & other tourists places. Compared to the rest of the year, the prices are low & deals are better than other seasons. You can experience the city lighting in the enchanting grey skies & cool breeze.

The months of March to May, as well as September to November, are ideal for a vacation to Athens. The weather is pleasant during the spring and fall months, and sunshine is almost always abundant. In addition, crowds are lighter, and hotel and flight rates are easier to find than in the summer. The city's usually busy attractions are damp with the crowd, offering more time, better savings & space to explore.

Best Time to visit Athens - For Different Kinds Of Travelers

Budgeting in athens.

Although Athens is not an expensive city, the prices are similar to other European nations. According to Lonely Planet , one day in Athens can be planned to cost less than €130 if you want to travel on a minimum budget. If you make top-end choices for your visit, it could cost more than €250.

Greece comes under the Eurozone, and hence requires the Schengen visa for tourists. If you’re travelling to other Eurozone countries, one Schengen visa will allow you to travel in Greece as well. Residents of the US are allowed to enter Greece for up to 90 days without a visa.

While there is no blanket rule for the need of a travel insurance when going to Greece, it is however highly recommended. Bear in mind that the purpose of your visit can also affect your requirement for a travel insurance.

What to Eat in Athens

This is a sort of bread that is traditionally made during the Easter season. It has three braids that represent the Holy Trinity. It's a delicacy not to be missed! Belle Vue is a great place to try this!

This is one of the most well-known traditional Greek dishes, consumed and served throughout Greece. This baked dish features roasted aubergines, minced beef cooked with tomatoes, a creamy bechamel sauce, and a fluffy layer of cheese on top. Oineas & Arcadia Restaurant are highly suggested!

Souvlaki – Grilled Meats

This dish can be found in every corner of the city as skewered and charcoal-grilled meat, most notably lamb and hog. Best eaten as gyros or wrapped in pita bread with tasty dips and sauces like Tzatziki. Lefteris O Politis & Kostas are the top-rated food outlets to taste this delicioush dish!

Horiatiki – Greek Salad

This salad is probably among the most delicious salads you'll ever find. With an abundance of fresh vegetables, feta cheese & olives soak in the flavours of Greeks. Maiandros restaurant & Lithos Tavern are great options to try this out.

This is a sweet and creamy pastry custard pie with a savoury variation that includes minced meat or cheese. This sweet variation is typically covered with icing sugar and cinnamon and served with coffee as a morning dish. Bougatsadiko Psirri, & Bougatsa Savvas restaurants are dedicated to Bougatsa. .

How to Save Money in Athens

Although Athens is not an expensive city, the prices are similar to other European nations. It's good to have some tips & tricks to save some cash.

• Advance Booking on accommodation & flights: Making the flight and hotel booking in advance can save you good money & hassle during the peak seasons. Most hotels and inns run off-season discounts which can be bagged if you plan things efficiently and ahead of time. You will find many hotel rooms that will cost you as low as $50 per night. These hotels might not be the most luxury stay options but they are sure to give you the experience of authentic greek charm.,
• Choose to walk or use public transport: Walking up to the nearby places or via metro is more pocket-friendly and economical, than renting cars or taxis. Using public transport like metros, buses or trams can help save you big bucks. You can purchase a common ticket: 90-minute ticket for $ 1.60 and a 24-hour ticket for $5.10
• Buy Tourist Cards: Tourist Cards are usually cheap and come in handy for visiting different monuments & museums in the city. 90-minute ticket: € 1.40 /24-hour ticket: € 4.50/ 5-day ticket: € 9/ 3-day tourist ticket (includes return transport from the airport): € 22. You can make the best out of these cards by planning strategically and visiting as many monuments as possible in the time that your card allows you.
• Enjoy Greek Street food: Street food in Athens is both cheap & delicious. The plethora of options available at affordable rates make Athens a budget-friendly a destination for tourists. You can easily get local dishes like chicken or pork Souvlaki for €2 to €3. Also, some places offer discounted prices & free wines. From pita filed munchies to tasty grilled meat, there is nothing you cannot find on Greeks street.
• Choose your drinks wisely: Athens is a city lined with cafes and bars, but regular cocktails in Athens can cost you around €7. Therefore, it is advisable to go for local wines at restaurants or beer bottles ( €1-2) from a shop and enjoy them as you explore the streets of Athens. In non-alcoholic drinks you can opt for cappuccino ( €2) or freshly squeezed pomegranate (€1.30) juice from a street vendor.

Day Trips from Athens

Greece's ancient capital, Athens is a thriving city, built with bricks that sing praises of a glorious ancient civilization. However, the Greek civilization was not limited to it's capital.

Remains of this founding civilation dot the Graecian landscape, and a lot of them can be seen around Athens as well. These cities each have their own histories and rich culture to boast of, and are quite popular amongst tourists. The surrounding Aegean sea is dotted with islands, each with their own distinctive culture and heritage.

10 Epic Getaways from Athens

Public transportation in athens.

The public transportation system in Athens is modestly priced, safe and covers the majority of the city and suburbs. The best part is that you can use the same ticket for all modes of public transportation, valid for 90 minutes/ticket, which costs around €1.40. There are a variety of options to choose from to suit your needs and depending on your destination.

• Taxis: Most taxis in Greece follow the meter system, which charges the customer as per kilometres travelled. TaxiBeat is the prime app-based yellow taxi service in the city. While other options available are Uber, Radio Taxi, Taxiplon, Ikaros etc.
• Metros: Metros are the quickest way to move about Athens. The metro system in Athens is made up of three lines that connect to the tram, bus routes, and suburban railway. It usually runs from 5 am to midnight but on weekends it works up to 3 am.
• Train: The trains in Athens connect the port of Piraeus with Athens International Airport. It also forms a link between Athens to Evia's Halkida and the Peloponnese's Kiato and Corinth. The suburban railway runs every day from 4:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Buses/ TrolleyBuses: The bus and trolleybus networks in Athens are extensive. Most buses and trolleybuses run every day from 5 a.m. to midnight but make sure to double-check your route's schedule.
• Airport: The international airport is 20 km away from Athens & you can take the metro for a quick arrival. The Airport Express buses are also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. These services link Athens International Airport to the city centre (Syntagma Square), the port of Piraeus, and the Intercity Bus Terminal (KTEL Kifissos).
• The Tram: The tram network connects urban Athens with the Faliro and Voula beach neighbourhoods. At four stops, the tram connects to the Metro and the overground train: Syntagma, Syngrou/Fix, Neos Kosmos, and SEF (Peace and Friendship Stadium in Faliro). The tram runs every day from 5:30 a.m. to 1 a.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays until 2:30 a.m.

If you want to explore the city at leisure, you can book yourself a tour on the Hop-On, Hop-Off tours available as well. These will take you to different points of interest and give you the flexibility to board any of the available service buses as you jump between tourist sites.

Athens Sightseeing Tours

Tours are a great way to experience the numerous facets of a city and can help you better understand the history, culture and contemporary scenarios in depth. Besides, you get easy commuting, ticket availability or skip the line entries, acquaintances & the best part is they can help you experience the best the has to offer.

Ancient cities like Athens especially have so much to offer that it can be hard to decide what to start with. There are sightseeing tours to be explored, as well as food & drinks for those who want to give local cuisines a try. We have curated some of the most poignant & popular tours for you below, but there are more to be explored!

1. Acropolis Guided Tour : You can get on an Acropolis Guided Tour by skipping the line entry by Headout. Learn about the history of the ruins & enchanting tales of the past with friendly guides.

2. The Parthenon : Take up hassle-free entry into the most visited site in Athens at an affordable price, which includes entry to the Temple of Zeus. The guide will tell you the tale behind the remains in English.

3. The Meteora Express Tour : Merge with a small group of people to explore the peaceful monastery carved by the monks into gigantic mountains. With a friendly guide & pleasant walk from the woods to the cliff, it's one of the most chosen tours by visitors.

4. Food Tour with Wine Tasting : In a charming century-old cafe, you can enjoy a superb meal. You can also sample some seasonal specialities, as well as local items like aromatized vinegar, Greek yoghurt, olives, cheese, ham, and homegrown coffee. If you wanna take back home some recipes, do take up the cooking workshops.

5. Athens by Night : Athens has a vibrant nightlife drenched in beautiful city lights encapsulated in the mountains. Witness the bustle of the city at night with expert local guides paving your way through some of the amazing places under the twinkling night sky. Say hello to locals & enjoy the locals' favourites foods & wines.

If you want to explore the beautiful neighbouring regions to Athens like Meteora, Delphi, or the nearby islands, the Day Trips we have curated are for you!

Hotels in Athens

In Athens, there are numerous neighbourhoods to select from. Some, such as Syntagma Square, are in the heart of the city, while others are only a metro ride or short walk from the majority of the city's key attractions.

If you are a first-time visitor, Plaka & Syntagma are great options to familiarise yourself with the city. You can also consider Gazi if you're on a budget trip.

Luxury Hotels

• Cocomat Athens : Adapted with proper health facilities, it is a 5-star hotel that offers luxurious services like restaurants, sauna, swimming pool etc. The nearest airport is Elefthérios Venizélos Airport, 19 km from Coco-mat Athens BC.
• Niche Hotel Athens : This 4-star hotel is located in the City Centre of Athens, within 1 km of distance from Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, & Odeum of Herodes Atticus. Offers absolute great services
• Elia Ermou Athens Hotel : It is located in the centre of Athens, only 800 metres from the world-renowned Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. This 4-star hotel has a restaurant and a spa centre. Free WiFi is also available.
• Electra Metropolis : The hotel interiors are an elegant blend of white marble & wooden decor exemplifying modernism. Work desk, smart TVs, laptop safe, free WiFi & mini bar is also available. It is located in Plaka.

Economy Hotels

• Acropolis Hill Hotel: : Witness the vista of the great Acropolis from the comfort of your room. It has great services & affordable prices.
• Acropolis Museum Boutique Hotel : Located in one of the most beautiful neighbourhoods of Athens and offers elegant accommodations with free Wi-Fi. It is only a short distance from the Acropolis and Plaka. The rooms are designed in a modest yet opulent style.
• Adrian Hotel : It is 1.2 km away from Acropolis, & 350m from Ancient Agora. The venue overlooks the hills, set near the lively Monastiraki Flea Market..

Budget Hotels

• Attalos Hotel : With its tradition of classic, comfortable accommodation, friendly staff and atmosphere, Attalos has created a name among a host of international visitors and guests.
• Metropolis Hotel : The hotel has nice rooms with modern bathrooms and rainfall showers, all of which are fully equipped with TVs, hairdryers, WiFi, telephones, bathroom amenities, and slippers and are ready to accommodate individuals, couples, and small families.
• The Nefeli Hotel : It is located in the beautiful Plaka neighbourhood, amid the foothills of the great Acropolis. This quaint family-run hotel has amassed a large number of loyal guests over the years.

Athens Culture Tips

Athens has a great history filled with wars, acquisitions, and victories that have led to the destruction, ruins & redevelopment of some of its magnificent architectural buildings. It has seen all forms of government be it monarchy, aristocracy, military etc. & is the birthplace of democracy.

Greeks are famed for their friendliness toward guests, and Athens has been a popular tourist destination. There are a few things however, to still keep in mind while on your visit.

• It's preferable to dress soberly while visiting churches & formal places instead of casual shorts & T-shirts.
• Thumbs up sign in Greek is considered offensive. You can use your head to nod up and down for a yes or no.
• Athenians dine late. Typically around 9 or 10 p.m.
• It's considered impolite to have your elbows on the table, but make sure to keep your hands off your lap, preferably on the table.
• Restaurants and bars include a 16% service fee, so while tipping is not necessary, it is expected that you round up your payment to the nearest currency note if paying in cash.

Festivals in Athens

• Epidaurus Festival (Summer, June-August): At this three-month celebration of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts, modern Greek artists perform the works of ancient Greek playwrights. The two principal venues, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the old theatre of Epidaurus, are as legendary as the stars who perform there.
• Plisskën Festival (Summer & Winter Editions): Plissken, one of Greece's most unique music festivals, surpasses genres and expectations. At this epic two-day event, expect to hear the sounds of the future, as well as multi-cultural events and displays. Orbital, Chromatics, Todd Terje, Bicep, are some of the top-performing artists.
• Colour Day Festival (Summer, June): Colour and sound collide during this adored event inspired by India's Holi. Go for the sizzling line-up of Greek talent and the rush of colouring yourself gorgeous with the event's spectacular explosions of coloured powder. Make sure to leave your finest clothes at home.
• Easter ( 17th April, Summer): Easter is the most religious holiday in Greece and Athens. The gorgeous Epitaphios Procession takes place in the evening before, followed by the Resurrection at midnight on the other day. You can also find a variety of local delicacies such as red oiled eggs and kokoretsi.
• Art-Athina: One of the most awaited festivals of the year in the aritistic circles, the Art-Athina was launched in 1993 the Hellenic Art Galleries Association. It is an international contemporary art fair, one of the oldest in Europe, where Greek and foreign art and cultural instituitions showcase their artists' works.
• August Full Moon Festival: The full moon in August is celebrated in Athens, when it's the brightest and fullest through the year. Plenty of events are organized, and a series of monutments and sites remain open with fewe entries. Concerts at museums and other celebrations are usuall scheduled as well.

Athens Insider Tips

• Language: Although you can find English speaking people, it is advisable to carry a Greek-to-English dictionary.
• Metros are arguably the most economical, rapid & effective to travel across the city.
• The days are nice and sunny, but the evenings can be quite chilly. Do bring some warm clothes and an umbrella if you want to explore the city at night.
• While photographing in public places with the consent of people is acceptable, clicking pictures of private moments, children & monks in monasteries are to be done with permission.
• September to November is the best time to visit Athens, as it offers fewer crowds, better deals & the opportunity to explore the city in peace.
• The first Sunday of each winter month is designated as an Open Day, with free entry to all the archaeological sites, monuments, and museums in Greece. If you plan to visit in winter, make sure to grab the opportunity.
• The monuments, transportation & tour timings differ according to the seasons, do double-check the timings & schedule beforehand.
• Athens is a beautiful city with myriads of islands & flea markets, do visit them for some good souvenirs.

How many days is enough in Athens?

It's frankly a personal preference; this historically rich city and the surrounding areas have plenty to offer. But if you want to cover all the important sites at the very least, and at leisure, at least 4 days are recommended. 

Is Athens safe for tourists?

Athens is a safe city for tourists, even for solo female travellers. So travel without any fear, but pickpocketers are known to lurk the metro and very crowded sights, so keep your passports and wallets as safely as possible.

What to know before visiting Athens?

• Carry cash. It's not a cashless city.
• Tips are optional.
• Nightlife in Athens starts later than normal.
• Use the metro as much as possible; it's pretty extensive.

What is the best month to visit Athens, Greece?

Between March and May, and September to November are ideal for visiting the city. 

What should I avoid in Athens?

It's suggested that  Omonia, Exarcheia, Vathi, and Kolokotroni Squares be avoided due to their high crime rates.

Is there a dress code in Greece?

As such no, but holy places like monasteries and churches are pretty strict with their dress codes. Shorts are not allowed, and women's arms are expected to be covered. Make sure to check in advance on sites' official websites in case of additional requirements.

Which Greek island is the prettiest?

Santorini is considered to be the most idyllic of all Greek islands!

Are high heels banned in Greece?

High heels are banned in most of the ancient sites in Greece to prevent damage to the monuments.

See more Athens. Save more money.

Flat 5% off your next experience with Headout when you use promo code 5OUT

EXPLORE NOW

Kavya Agarwal

Be a smart traveler

The first to know about trending destinations, travel deals, tips and all things travel.

• Hey Steven! Welcome Back
• Community Feed

Greeka  > 

Blog > Athens > How expensive is Athens? Basic costs for tourists

How expensive is Athens? Basic costs for tourists

Categories: Athens

By Greeka on 24-09-2015

Share this post:

As we often receive messages on how expensive is Athens, here is an article about the basic costs that a tourist should know before visiting the Greek capital. As the general cost is a very personal issue, we can’t name a daily budget for a visit to Athens but we can list possible costs and then… you do the math depending on what you want to do or see.

Is Athens expensive?

Athens is certainly not cheap, but it is not very expensive either. In comparison to other European capitals, we would say that Athens is somewhere in the middle. It all depends on what type of traveler you are and how much budget you wish to spend during your visit.

Accommodation cost

As for accommodation, for example, there are all types of accommodations : from luxurious hotels in Syntagma that cost 100-150 euros per night to small hostels in Plaka that cost 10 euros per bed in dormitory. Some of these accommodations also offer breakfast, which can save you a lot of money spent in cafeterias for breakfast or snacks.

Transportation Fares

As Athens has a very good transportation system, it is not necessary to spend money on a taxi. You will find the metro line very useful as it connects the most central parts of the city, where the important sights are found, and also connects the city of Athens with the airport and the port of Piraeus. The ticket fare (2015) for all transportation means in Athens is 1.20 euros for 70 minutes and the metro ticket from the airport to the center of Athens and the port of Piraeus is 8 euros .

Entrance ticket for sightseeing

Sightseeing is the main thing to do in Athens. There are many sites and museums that a tourist can visit in the Greek capital. For the main sights, there is a Special Ticket Package of 12 euros per person that includes entrance to the following monuments and sites: the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Museum of Ancient Agora (Stoa of Attalos), the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Ancient Cemetery of Kerameikos and the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos. A must-visit museum in Athens is also the Acropolis Museum (ticket entrance 5 euros). In general, tickets for private museums in Athens vary from 4 to 7 euros.

Restaurants and bars

Just like hotels, types of restaurants also vary in Athens. There are restaurants, taverns and grill houses in all quarters of Athens. The majority of tourists choose a restaurant in the historical triangle of Athens: Syntagma-Plaka-Monastiraki. In Syntagma and Monastiraki, there are many grill houses with souvlaki and other meat dishes. The cheapest meal in Greece is one pita souvlaki (wrapped souvlaki) that costs about 2 euros and you can even take at hand. There is also a full plate with souvlaki that costs about 7-8 euros.

In Plaka, restaurants are mostly traditional taverns with homemade dishes. Some taverns organize Greek nights with live bouzouki music. A general cost of a meal per person with beer or house wine is about 20-25 euros in such taverns in Plaka. In a walking distance from Syntagma, in the quarter of Kolonaki, visitors will find ethnic cuisines, such as Mexican food, sushi bars, Chinese restaurants and more.

Upscale restaurants are also found in the region of the Acropolis and in hotel premises. In such restaurants, a three-course meal with bottled wine starts from 50-70 euros per person and rising.

*All these costs are valid for the present writing time, which is the year 2015. They may change in the future.

Research has shown that 7 nights is the average period of stay for tourists in Greece....

Athens in winter could also be called the city of the locals, not the tourists. This...

With a history of more than 3,000 years old and a rich culture, there are many...

Is Athens Expensive To Visit? Cost Guide

Are you thinking of planning a trip to Athens? But you are curious, is Athens expensive to visit? You’ve come to the right place!

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, with its many archaeological sites, mountainous hills, and delicious food, Athens is on nearly everyone’s must-travel list!

According to BudgetTravel , the average daily spend for tourists in Athens is $140 US per day.

Below, you’ll find three different visitor budgets for Athens, with figures of how much you should expect to spend each day, depending on how you travel!

Remember that these are only average figures. It may be different for you depending on how you travel and what you’d like to do. Read further as I discuss in-depth the various costs of a trip to Athens.

In this complete cost guide, I’ll cover hotel costs in Athens for all budgets, how much it costs to eat out in Athens, day trips, and more.

Athens isn’t expensive to visit, especially compared to many of Europe’s most popular destinations, such as Barcelona, Positano , London, Paris, Venice, etc.

How to Get to Athens

Once you’ve arrived at Athens International Airport, there are a few different ways to get to the city center of Athens.

Metro/Train : Metro line 3 connects from Athens airport to the city center and runs every 30 minutes to Syntagma Station, and takes 40 minutes. This Metro line operates every day from 6:30 AM – 11:30 PM . It cost 10 Euros for a ticket.

Taxi : Like any airport, several taxis are waiting for visitors. The price of a taxi from Athens Airport to the city center is 40 Euros and up to 60 Euros at night.

Private Airport Transfer : Pre-book a private transfer for convenience; your driver will wait with a sign to take you into town. The cost depends on your vehicle of choice.

Curious about how to get around Athens? Walk, take the metro, taxi, or rent a scooter !

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens has many accommodations, old-style boutique hotels, big-name hotels, and budget-friendly hostels.

Athens is a popular destination to visit from May to October, and accommodations get fully booked. So if you plan on visiting then, book your hotel earlier for the best prices!

Hostel Average Prices:  $40 – $70 US

Mid-Range Average Prices:  $140 – $220 US

Luxury Hotel Average Prices:  $340 – $600+ US

These are some average price figures for the different accommodation types in Athens!

Budget Hotels in Athens

Here are my picks for the best budget-friendly hotels in Athens, Greece, to consider:

Athens Hawks : This hostel is located in the city center & offers both private and shared rooms. They’ve got a stunning rooftop bar area to relax and mingle

Safestay Athens : High-rated hostel in the city center with rooftop views of the Parthenon

Mid-Range Hotels in Athens

Those looking for hotels in Athens mid-range priced, here are my picks for you to consider:

The Lekka Hotel & Spa : Decorated in beautiful chic bohemian decor, the Lekka Hotel is a lovely hotel with many amenities, including a spa, and its rooftop is stunning!

Polis Grand Hotel : A modern highrise hotel with large rooms known for its delicious breakfast buffet

Luxury Hotels in Athens

For those looking for luxurious, comfortable stays, here are your top hotel picks in Athens:

Grand Hyatt Athens : A very-modern decor with large rooms, a top-ranked restaurant, a large rooftop pool to enjoy, a stunning courtyard, and more

Electra Palace Athens : A beautiful boutique hotel in a renovated old building with a stunning rooftop pool, excellent restaurant, and many amenities

Is Athens Expensive to Eat?

Eating out in Athens is only expensive if you want it to be. That’s because the ancient city has restaurants everywhere.

From fine dining to multi-course restaurants to old-school taverns and your budget-friendly classic gyro sandwich shops!

Below I’ve shared with you restaurants for all budgets. Athens is a big city with a broad mix of many restaurant types!

How much does it cost to eat in Athens for a day?

Expect to spend an average of $33 – $44 US daily on food . This depends on your budget and where you choose to dine each day.

Tipping in Athens : The general rule of tipping in Athens is usually just a few euros €2-6, and at fine-dining restaurants tipping is 5-15%.

Looking to explore many food spots in Athens? Attend this Athens Food Tour !

Best Restaurants in Athens

Here is a short list of the best restaurants in Athens, fine dining, the best tavern, and two cocktail bars with exceptional views:

Aleria Restaurant: A fine dining restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean and a wide variety of artisanal wines

Geros Tou Moria: An old-school tavern serving classic Greek dishes paired with live performances every night

Thissio View: Known for its cocktails and amazing views of several ancient ruins

360 Cocktail Bar : Perfect rooftop bar to watch the sunset in Athens

Cheap Restaurants in Athens

My three favorite affordable restaurants in Athens I highly recommend you try when visiting:

Kostas: The most famous gyro shop in Athens, be prepared to wait a few minutes; this place is popular

All That Jatz: Sitdown restaurant serving all the Greek classics but mainly known for its bbq meats and veggies

Tavern Klimataria: Home-style restaurant serving various Greek classics; it doesn’t get more authentic than this

Athens Day Trips Costs

You must factor part of your budget into day trips in Athens. Visiting one of the most famous cities in the world, there are many things you’ll want to do here and several great day trips to consider!

The average cost of day trips in Athens is $120+ US ; it all depends on the types of tours or day trips you’d like to do!

Getting around Athens sightseeing will be relatively inexpensive if you’re on a tight budget.

Athens Half-Day Sightseeing Tour : On this excellent sightseeing tour, you will see most of the majority must-visit archaeological ruins in Athens

All Day Cruise – 3 Islands : This fun all-day island hopping includes snorkeling, visiting many islands, lunch, drinks, and more

Catamaran Cruise : Enjoy the day as you sail the bright blue waters of Athens, swim, snorkel, enjoy drinks, and lunch with beautiful views. Includes hotel pickup/dropoff

Meteora Day Trip : This all-day trip to the famous Meteora UNESCO-listed monasteries is perfect for those who love adventure. You’ll be going by train and accompanied by an English-speaking guide

Greek Food Tour : Foodies, this one is for you! On this tour, you will walk the streets and visit many restaurants/cafes as you try 9 different classic Greek foods/drinks, all included in the tour price

Is Athens Expensive to Shop?

There are many different areas to go shopping in Athens, all suiting the purpose of what you may be looking for.

The average cost of souvenirs in Athens is around 14-30 Euros . Depending on what you buy and the item’s size, there are uniquely crafted souvenirs that can cost you 2000+ Euros as well.

Ermou Street : A popular walking street full of big commercial stores like Zara, Mac, Footlocker, and more

Monastiraki Market : At this market, you’ll find leather goods and many tourist souvenirs to buy

Kolonaki : An upscale neighborhood full of all the designer shops, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, and others

Exarcheia : This area is best known for its vintage shopping. You can find pieces here for as low as 3 Euros!

Best Time to Visit Athens, Greece

The best time to visit Athens is during the Summer when the weather is warm enough to experience everything this beautiful city has to offer, as well as island-hopping neighboring islands!

Alternatively, the months of May, September, and October are also great times to visit Athens as well. These months align with the shoulder season in Athens because it’s a time when seasons are changing.

It costs less to visit during shoulder season, and hotel and airfare deals are easier to find than in Summer. Best of all, Athens is much less crowded during these months compared to the Summer.

Winter:  November – Feburary / Avg Temperature:  12 Celcius 

Spring:  March – May / Avg Temperature:  17 Celcius

Summer:  June – August / Avg Temperature:  26   Celcius

Fall:  September – October / Avg Temperature:  22 Celcius 

Visiting Athens in the off-season is possible, it’s not cold, but you will need a jacket. This is when the city is least crowded.

Just know there will be many things you won’t be able to do if you choose to visit during the off-season winter months.

Athens Travel Tips

As you prepare to visit Athens, here is a list of travel tips in Athens to keep in mind as well as a few scams in Athens!

Carry Cash : Many restaurants take cards, but not all do, so always have cash with you. Most of the small shops prefer cash.

Use the Metro : Athens has an excellent metro, you can get anywhere using it, and it’s very cheap. A 24-hour ticket only costs 4.50 euros, and you can go all over the city.

Tourist Trap Restaurants : As you walk the busy streets, you will spot several local workers enticing you to visit their restaurants. The food will likely be mediocre; you’re nothing but a way to make money for them.

Here’s a tip, any high-rated good restaurant won’t do this; you’ll naturally want to go to the restaurant yourself. Use the restaurant suggestions I’ve mentioned in this article!

Bad Taxi Drivers : No matter where you go in the world, this happens. Ensure the driver has a meter on; otherwise, download/use the Beat Passenger app.

Friendly Bar Friends Scam : Watch out for this scam when venturing to the bar, especially if you’re alone.

A few friendly people approach you at the bar, drink with you, and then suggest going to another bar. The bar they’re taking to you is in on the scam.

Once they bring you to the new bar, they’ll order drinks with you; after the bill comes, it’s 2/3 times higher than the regular amount for drinks, and the group of people suggests you pay. If you don’t, security escorts you to an ATM to pay up.

Is Athens Expensive to Visit? – Final Thoughts

So, is Athens expensive to visit for tourists? Well compared to most places in Greece and on a broad world scale, Athens is a mid-range cost destination .

It’s not cheap but not very expensive either. Athens can be visited on a budget, and the prices are similar to most European destinations.

When I visited Athens, I spent around $250 US a day , and I could have spent less, but I’m a big eater and love my food!

As I said, I am a mid-range traveler and spent less than the $300 US average!

How many days in Athens is enough?

Plan to spend at least three days in Athens. In three days you’ll have enough time to see the main attractions in Athens, make one day trip, try many foods and get a feel for the beautiful ancient city!

Is Athens, Greece walkable city?

Athens is very walkable; the ancient city also has an excellent metro system, so you can quickly get around the city.

Is Italy or Greece cheaper?

Greece is much cheaper than Italy for everything, accommodations, eating out, and transportation.

Subscribe to Travel Hiatus!

Receive updates on my latest posts, insider travel tips & the best destination guides to your inbox!

[yikes-mailchimp form=”1″]

Happy & Safe Travels

Planning Checklist

• Find the best Hotels/Resorts
• Book a Vacation Home Rental
• Book a fun Tour in the Place you’re visiting
• Find the best Hostels
• Find/Buy the Cheapest Flights
• Get Travel Insurance when traveling

Disclaimer : Please note that some of the links shared in this article might be affiliate links. This means that at no extra cost to you, we will earn a small commission for any sales generated through this article and/or this website.

We recommend products/services we’ve either used or researched thoroughly – Thank you for supporting me so we can continue to share helpful travel content!

Owity founded Travel Hiatus in 2022 to document his travel, food and cultural experiences from all over the globe in order to help fellow travellers along the way. His slow travels allow him to research and explore places in-depth, meaning only the best and most informational guides for fellow readers! From Europe to North America, Asia and more, so far Owity has visited 21 countries.

Similar Posts

Is Ksamil Worth Visiting? Ultimate Guide

Is Ksamil worth visiting? The short answer is yes; with its crystal clear waters, fresh seafood, many activities, and relaxing beach town atmosphere, Ksamil is definitely worth visiting! When you first lay your eyes on the many…

9 Best Things To Do in Puerto Morelos

Considering a trip to Puerto Morelos, or perhaps you’re already there and looking for the best things to do in Puerto Morelos? You’ve come to the perfect spot! The small town oftentimes gets overshadowed by its more…

How to Get from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao

Are you trying to find out how to get from Koh Samui Airport to Koh Tao? You’ve come to the right place! First, you must fly into Koh Samui Airport, go to one of the two piers…

How To Get Around Tulum: 5 Best Ways

Are you visiting Tulum and wondering how to get around Tulum? You’ve found the perfect guide to do just that! Tulum is a spacious beach town, far apart, so transportation is needed here. Regarding public transportation within…

5 Best Things To Do in Positano Italy

Are you planning a trip to Positano and looking for the best things to do in Positano? You’ve come to the right spot! In this guide, I’ll cover the best things to do in Positano, the best…

Krabi Itinerary 4 Days: Best & Complete Guide

Krabi is a tropical haven on Thailand’s Southwestern coast. It boasts immaculate beaches, remote islands, towering limestone cliffs, and warm and welcoming locals. This complete Krabi itinerary for 4 days covers the best things to do in…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

• Travel Planning Guide

Greece Travel Budget - Visit Greece on a Budget or Travel in Style

• Greece Costs

• Is Greece Expensive?
• How much does a trip to Greece cost?
• How to book Greek Island Ferries
• Mainland Greece
• Greek Islands
• Greece Hotel Prices
• Greece Cities: Hotel Prices by City
• Best Beach Hotels in Greece
• Best Party Hotels in Greece
• Best Hotels for One Week in Greece
• Best Romantic Hotels for Couples in Greece
• Best Hotels for One Night in Greece
• Best Hotels for First Time Visitors in Greece
• Best Luxury Hotels in Greece
• Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Greece
• Best Cheap Hotels in Greece
• Best Hotels for Scuba Diving in Greece
• Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in Greece
• Best Hotels for a Weekend Getaway in Greece
• Best Adults Only Hotels in Greece
• Best Business Hotels in Greece
• Best Hotels for Skiing in Greece
• Hostel Prices & Reviews
• Greece Activities
• Greece Tour Prices
• The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Greece
• The Best Hiking & Trekking Tours in Greece
• The Best Historical Tours in Greece
• The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece
• The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece
• The Best 3-Day Tours in Greece
• The Best 2-Week Tours in Greece
• The Best Bicycle Tours in Greece
• Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Greece
• The Best Christmas & New Years Tours in Greece
• The Best Coach Bus Tours in Greece
• The Best Adventure Tours to Greece
• The Best Eco Tours in Greece
• The Best Cruise Tours and Packages in Greece
• The Best Sightseeing Tours in Greece
• The Best Cultural Tours in Greece
• The Best Vineyard & Wine Tours in Greece
• The Best Food and Culinary Tours in Greece
• The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Greece
• The Best Self Drive Tours in Greece
• The Best Walking Tours in Greece
• The Best Honeymoon Tours in Greece
• The Best Tours Under $1000 in Greece
• The Best Luxury Tours to Greece
• The Best Budget Tours to Greece
• The Best Tours for Seniors to Greece
• The Best Contiki Tours to Greece
• The Best G Adventures Tours to Greece
• Thessaloniki
• How much does it cost to travel to Greece? (Average Daily Cost)
• Greece trip costs: one week, two weeks, one month

How much do package tours cost in Greece?

Is greece expensive to visit.

• How much do I need for a trip to Greece?
• Accommodation, Food, Entertainment, and Transportation Costs
• Travel Guide

How much does it cost to travel to Greece?

You should plan to spend around $168 (€155) per day on your vacation in Greece. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

• $43 (€40) on meals
• $32 (€30) on local transportation
• $161 (€148) on hotels

A one week trip to Greece for two people costs, on average, $2,354 (€2,173) . This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

• Travel Style: All Budget (Cheap) Mid-Range Luxury (High-End)
• Average Daily Cost Per person, per day $ 168 € 155
• One Week Per person $ 1,177 € 1,086
• 2 Weeks Per person $ 2,354 € 2,173
• One Month Per person $ 5,044 € 4,656
• One Week For a couple $ 2,354 € 2,173
• 2 Weeks For a couple $ 4,708 € 4,346
• One Month For a couple $ 10,089 € 9,313

How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Greece cost?

A one week trip to Greece usually costs around $1,177 (€1,086) for one person and $2,354 (€2,173) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Greece on average costs around $2,354 (€2,173) for one person and $4,708 (€4,346) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Greece will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Greece on average costs around $5,044 (€4,656) for one person and $10,089 (€9,313) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.

Organized tours are usually more expensive than independent travel, but offer convenience and peace of mind that your trip has been planned by a travel expert.

The average price for an organized tour package in Greece is $250 per day. While every tour varies by total price, length, number of destinations, and quality, this is the daily average price based on our analysis of available guided tours.

• Sailing Greece - Santorini to Athens 15 Days - 15 Destinations $ 2,623
• Grand Classical Tour Of Greece plus Mani and Monemvasia (Small group -… 10 Days - 32 Destinations $ 2,744

Independent Travel

Traveling Independently has many benefits including affordabilty, freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to control your own experiences.

All of the travel costs below are based on the experiences of other independent travelers.

Greece is a moderately priced destination to visit. It's about average with most other countries for travel costs. The prices for food, accommodation, and transportation are all fairly reasonable.

Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Greece is moderately priced compared to the other countries. The overall cost of travel here is comparable to Germany or Finland.

For more details, see Is Greece Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Greece?

The average Greece trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Greece travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers.

Accommodation Budget in Greece

Average daily costs.

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid for one person for accommodation in Greece is $80 (€74). For two people sharing a typical double-occupancy hotel room, the average price paid for a hotel room in Greece is $161 (€148). This cost is from the reported spending of actual travelers.

• Accommodation 1 Hotel or hostel for one person $ 80 € 74
• Accommodation 1 Typical double-occupancy room $ 161 € 148

Hotel Prices in Greece

Looking for a hotel in Greece? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Actual Hotel Prices The average hotel room price in Greece based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $86. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Recommended Properties

• Avra Private Suites Budget Hotel - Kayak $ 156
• Aldemar Olympian Village Luxury Hotel - Kayak $ 153

Local Transportation Budget in Greece

The cost of a taxi ride in Greece is significantly more than public transportation. On average, past travelers have spent $32 (€30) per person, per day, on local transportation in Greece.

• Local Transportation 1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc. $ 32 € 30

Recommended Services

• Greek Island Ferry Tickets Ferry Scanner View Price
• Private Transfer Services from Santorini Airport & Port Viator $ 27

What did other people spend on Local Transportation?

Typical prices for Local Transportation in Greece are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Local Transportation prices in Greece, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Metro from Airport to City Center € 8.00
• Taxi to Kalafatis € 13
• Taxi from Airport € 35
• Metro € 2.00
• Cable Car € 8.00
• Taxi Ride € 7.00
• Bus to Paradise Beach (for 2) € 5.60
• Metro € 1.50

Food Budget in Greece

While meal prices in Greece can vary, the average cost of food in Greece is $43 (€40) per day. Based on the spending habits of previous travelers, when dining out an average meal in Greece should cost around $17 (€16) per person. Breakfast prices are usually a little cheaper than lunch or dinner. The price of food in sit-down restaurants in Greece is often higher than fast food prices or street food prices.

• Food 2 Meals for one day $ 43 € 40

Recommended

• Flavors of Athens private food tour Viator $ 189
• Savor Nafplio Cooking Class Viator $ 125

What did other people spend on Food?

Typical prices for Food in Greece are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers and can give you an idea of the Food prices in Greece, but your costs will vary based on your travel style and the place where the purchase was made.

• Souvlaki € 2.20
• Ice cream € 3.00
• Coffee € 1.95
• Dinner for Two € 23
• Dinner for Two € 20
• Two Ice cream Cones € 4.50

Entertainment Budget in Greece

Entertainment and activities in Greece typically cost an average of $27 (€25) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

• Entertainment 1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc. $ 27 € 25

Recommended Activities

• Athens: Wheelz Fat Bike Tours in Acropolis Area, scooter, ebike Viator $ 64
• Athens Full Day Private Tour Viator $ 87

Tips and Handouts Budget in Greece

The average cost for Tips and Handouts in Greece is $17 (€16) per day. The usual amount for a tip in Greece is 5% - 15% .

• Tips and Handouts 1 For guides or service providers $ 17 € 16

Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps Budget in Greece

Unfortunately, bad things can happen on a trip. Well, you've just got to deal with it! The average price for a scam, robbery, or mishap in Greece is $17 (€16), as reported by travelers.

• Scams, Robberies, and Mishaps 1 $ 17 € 16

Alcohol Budget in Greece

The average person spends about $21 (€19) on alcoholic beverages in Greece per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

• Alcohol 2 Drinks for one day $ 21 € 19
• Heraklion SUV Private Guided Wine Tour with Lunch Viator $ 215
• Citron Tasting and Distillery 1-Hour Guided Tour in Naxos Viator $ 65

Water Budget in Greece

On average, people spend $2.99 (€2.76) on bottled water in Greece per day. The public water in Greece is considered safe to drink.

• Water 2 Bottled water for one day $ 2.99 € 2.76

Related Articles

Greece on a budget.

At A Glance

• Greece is one of the twenty most touristy countries in thew world and is visited by about 17 million people every year, most of whom come from Europe. It's also most visited during the high season which is between April and October. To avoid these crowds consider coming during the winter months when costs are lower and crowds are thinner.
• When this page was last updated all of Greece's international trains had been suspended due to the country's deteriorating economic situation. Check for updated information on government websites to confirm the situation before you begin your trip.
• Greece is well connected to its nearby neighbors by a system of international ferries . Some of the most popular ports include Venice, Marmaris, Haifa, and Alexandria. This is a fun, but expensive way to explore the region. Compare prices as there are several different companies that run some of the routes. Consider the speed of travel and the class of ticket before making a purchase to make sure you get the most bang for your buck. Most people end up flying or taking the bus because sometimes the ferries can be expensive. However, once in the country of Greece , the ferries can be a great way to get around the islands fairly inexpensively.
• Many people put a lot of thought into whether they should rent a car. It is advantageous if you're hoping to visit a large number of rural towns that are served by only one or two buses a day. If you are staying in more frequented areas, then a car is more of a disadvantage as it can be expensive, is a hassle, and traffic accidents are not uncommon. (The best car rental rates can be found here .)
• Taxis can be difficult to hail, particularly in Athens during rush hour. If you're getting desperate, a good option is to walk to the nearest hotel and have them flag down a taxi for you. This will help ensure you get a driver who is willing to go to your chosen destination.
• For information on what to bring to Greece, check out this great Europe Packing List .

Top Tourist Attractions

Popular foods, more related articles.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

Subscribe to our Newsletter

By signing up for our email newsletter, you will receive occasional updates from us with sales and discounts from major travel companies , plus tips and advice from experienced budget travelers!

Search for Travel Costs

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.

Travel Cost Data

You are welcome to reference or display our travel costs on your website as long as you provide a link back to this page .

A Simple Link

For a basic link, you can copy and paste the HTML link code or this page's address.

Travel Cost Widget

To display all of the data, copy and paste the code below to display our travel cost widget . Make sure that you keep the link back to our website intact.

• Privacy / Terms of Use
• Activities, Day Trips, Things To Do, and Excursions

The Ultimate 2, 3 or 4 Days in Athens Itinerary

Last Updated on March 4, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning a 2, 3 or 4 days in Athens itinerary can sometimes seem like an afterthought when mapping out a longer trip to Greece. Although some of the main images that the word Greece inspires for travelers are Athens and the Acropolis, few people spend more than a day in the capital city or outside of the port.

For most people, Greece is synonymous with the Greek islands such as Mykonos , Milos , Corfu and Santorini with vast deep blue seas, and dream-worthy sunsets. With a few days set aside to explore Athens, you’ll manage to get to know the heart of this special country, its people, and the birthplace of democracy.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Athens?

It can be tough to put your finger on just how many days to spend in Athens as it’s a relatively condensed city. However, there are also plenty of things to do and areas to explore outside of the heart of Athens.

In 1 day, you’ll be able to explore the main area of the center of the city and wander around the Acropolis.

With 2 days in Athens, you’ll be able to explore the city center at a much slower pace and maybe check out another museum.

Spending 3 days exploring the sites of Athens is ideal to do the city justice and get a better feel for what it is today.

And with 4 days, you’ll have the chance to get out of the city and take a day trip to one of the nearby areas rich in ancient history as well as beauty. If you have even more time, you can also go on a day trip somewhere further afield, such as to Meteora or Delphi .

Getting To & Around Athens

Chances are you’ll most likely be arriving in the city by plane or by ferry. While there is a train station in Athens, it’s more for local commuter routes so we’ll be skipping train transport in this article. 

If you’re arriving in the city by plane, you’ll be arriving at the Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. The airport is 27 km from the city center and there are a few ways of reaching it.

The metro line 3 runs directly from the airport through the center, stopping at various points throughout the city. You can reach the metro from the airport by about a 3-minute walk outside the terminal.

The journey is just under 40 minutes from the airport to the city. A special airport ticket is required, so keep this in mind while purchasing!

It is possible to take a taxi to the city from the airport. But keep in mind that if you arrive after midnight, taxi costs increase to over double what you would pay earlier in the day. You can also organise a transfer in advance here .

If you’re arriving by ferry from one of the Greek islands, you’ll be arriving at the Piraeus port. Fortunately, there is a metro stop at the port making it easy to transport you onwards to your destination in the city. You can book ferries in advance here .

The center of Athens and its sites are quite small, making it a walkable city. If you’re just spending time in the more touristy part of the city, it’s pretty easy just to walk between destinations.

Otherwise, the public transportation system is great and using it can keep your Greece trip cost lower. Buses run throughout the city during the day and night making it an efficient way to manoeuvre around the city.

The metro system has 3 lines that have points throughout the city which is one of the most ideal ways to get around Athens.

Tickets for both the metro and busses can be purchased at any metro station kiosk for 90-minute tickets once validated.

From Athens, there are also quite a few solid day trip options and although there isn’t a flourishing train system, there is a good bus system. The KTEL buses are more like charter buses connecting Greece. They tend to be on time and have good routes and frequent journeys.

If you’re hoping to go onward to the Greek islands from Athens, the Piraeus port is one of the main ports in Greece making it the perfect place to begin your trip to the islands.

2, 3 or 4 Days in Athens Itinerary

From eating classic Greek home cooking, mingling with the locals, and really getting to know the character and history of this city, this itinerary is full of history, fun, and delicious food. 

Day 1 – Acropolis & Ancient Athens

Greek breakfast .

The best way to begin your time in Athens is to enjoy a classic Greek breakfast. Greek breakfast tends to be coffee of any sort, (although classic Greek coffee or “freddo” iced espresso tends to take reign) and a pie. 

Hop into any fourno (bakery) and grab the most appealing pie for you. I recommend either ham and cheese pie or bougatsa (a custard pastry!)

Acropolis Museum

As we will head to the Acropolis later today on day 1 of this itinerary for Athens, there’s no better way to begin the day than by learning about this famous Ancient landmark at the Acropolis Museum.

The Acropolis Museum is home to the majority of the archaeological findings from the Acropolis and it’s truly an impressive collection of history.

The museum is located directly below the Acropolis and offers some of the most impressive views of the Acropolis from below. You can also see the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the incredible Temple of Hephaestus nearby.

The visiting hours and ticket costs are split into seasons; summer and winter. If visiting Athens in winter , the season is from 1 November – 31 March with reduced hours and ticket fees. The summer season is from 1 April – October 31 with lengthened opening hours. 

If you plan on visiting the Acropolis and numerous other Athens landmarks and museums, then it can also be worth purchasing the Athens City Pass to save a bit of cash.

Making its first appearance in the 5th-century BCE. and the star of the show, the splendor herself, is the Acropolis. Most people think that the temple on the hill in central Athens is the Acropolis when in actuality it’s the Parthenon. 

The Acropolis is the hill rising above the city that was quite common in most towns and cities in ancient Greece. You can get an incredible view of Athens here. If you’re just spending 1 day in the Greek capital, the Acropolis is a must-see during your stay. 

The Acropolis hosts the Parthenon as well as some of the other most striking pieces of ancient Greece; the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Old Temple, and the Erechtheion among others. 

Visits to the Acropolis are also divided into seasons. The summer season from April-October allows visitors between 8 AM-8 PM with the last entry at 7:30. The winter season is from November-March and closes earlier at 5:00 with the last entry at 4:30.

You can buy skip-the-line tickets here that include an audio guide. You can also get a combined ticket here for the Acropolis and many other sites in Athens.

If you’re interested in learning more during your visit, you can organise a guided tour here . It’s such a dense area with so much information and a guide or tour can really enhance the experience.

Also, keep in mind if you’re visiting during the summer months that there is no shade once you reach the top and it can become extremely warm. Either come early in the morning or later in the evening if the direct sun is something that you struggle with. Regardless of when you visit, this is no doubt one of the best things to do in Athens.

Roman Agora, Ancient Agora & Hadrian’s Library

Nearby you’ll also find a few other important pieces from Ancient Greek history and architecture. The Roman Agora, the Ancient Agora of Athens, and Hadrian’s Library (created by the Roman Emperor Hadiran) are all located near each other and are between the Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods.

It’s truly interesting wandering these areas of everyday Athenian life and imagining what life was like almost 2,800 years ago.

If you’re interested in visiting these sites as well, you can purchase a combined ticket which allows access to all of these sites.

Wander Around Plaka & Anafiotika

After your dive into Ancient Greece, a great way to wind down your first day in Athens is to stroll around the classic Athenian neighborhood of Plaka. 

Sitting beneath the Acropolis, you’ll find gift shops, clothing shops, delicious taverns, and ideal spots to have a drink and do some people-watching.

Another unique neighborhood worth spending some time in is the residential area of Anafiotika. It’s quite small and pretty tricky to find, but once you’re there you’ll feel as if you’re in a village far off on a Cycladic island. 

From the winding stairs and paths to some of the most gorgeous views, I highly recommend adding Anafiotika to your Athens itinerary. It’s difficult to find, but first, make your way to Plaka and then plug Agios Georgios church at Stratonos into your GPS. You’ll then be on your way!

Sunset at Filopappou Hill

Looking for the best spot in Athens to watch the sun go down? Head to Filopappou Park and follow the signs and crowds to make your way up the hill looking over the city. 

Here you’ll find one of the best views of the city and the perfect spot to bring a bottle of wine and good company to watch the sunset.

Alternatively, you could head to Lycabettus Hill – the top of which can be reached by funicular – where you can view the city from the highest point in Athens.

Day 2 – Central Athens

Benaki or archaeological museum.

If classical Greek sightseeing wasn’t enough for you on day 1, you’re in luck as Athens is the place to be. A few of the other best museums are the Benaki Museum and the Archaeological Museum.

The Benaki Museum is located in the center of the city near the National Garden and is home to over 100,000 artifacts from Ancient Greece.

The Archaeological Museum is located near the Victoria metro station and is known to be one of the greatest museums in the world. This museum is also the largest in Greece with important artifacts from prehistory to late antiquity.

Hours vary depending on the time of year as well as the cost of your ticket; summer season tickets are are more expensive.

Psyri & Monastiraki Neighborhoods

Lively Psyri and Monastiraki are both two central neighborhoods that can’t be missed during your Athens itinerary. With 2 days in Athens, you have the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the excitement of the city center. 

From Monastiraki station, you can wander around the markets that have a certain feel almost like Arabic markets. Then head to Ermou Street to do some shopping if you fancy. 

Afterwards head to Psyri which is full of cafes, artisanal stores, bars, and music-filled Greek taverns. Don’t forget to look around while you wander as there are some truly beautiful and interesting works of graffiti art in Psyri (among the rubbish ones).

Lunch at Lithos Tavern

As all of the walking and shopping is bound to make you hungry, it’s the perfect time to stop for some lunch. Lithos Tavern in Psyri is the perfect place to fill your classic Greek food needs and rest your feet. I recommend the Moussaka or maybe some classic Greek mixed grilled meats.

Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guard

After lunch, make your way to Syntagma Square and the Parliament Building of Greece. This is just about a 15-20 minute walk away from Psyri and many Athenians would call this the main square of the city.

At all times of the day and night, there are soldier guards standing watch on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the presidential and parliament buildings.

These soldiers wear traditional Greek uniforms inspired by what was worn during the Ottoman Period and change positions with other soldiers every hour.

During the changing of the guard, you’ll witness a uniquely coordinated and almost dance-like motion as positions are changed. It’s quite a remarkable experience to witness and a must-see.

Drink With a View at Attic Urban Rooftop

Modern-day Athens is synonymous with wonderful views as well as creative cocktail bars. A great place to enjoy a nightcap and wind down on your second day in Athens is to make your way to the Attic Urban Rooftop .

Here you’ll enjoy some of the most spectacular views of the Acropolis under the moonlight as well as a tasty drink and/or food. 

Day 3 – Explore the Food Scene, Panathenaic Stadium, National Gardens & More!

If you’re spending 3 days in Athens, you’ll have the chance to dive deeper into the food culture of the city as well as more of the unique neighborhoods the city has to offer.

Food Tour or Central Market

A food tour is a perfect way to get a better look and taste of the food scene in Athens. A guided tour with a knowledgeable local will take you to key foodie places in the city to try tasty local foods.

You’ll learn the history beyond what you taste as well as more about the history of the city. Some highly rated options include this gourmet food tour and this street food tour .

If you prefer to skip the food tour and would prefer to do something independently, I’d suggest heading to the Central Municipal Athens Market to get a taste of what food and life are like for a local Athenian. 

Panathenaic Stadium

One of the most impressive sites to visit in Athens is the Panathenaic stadium, which can be looked over by tourists due to the Acropolis!

The Panathenaic stadium is located in the Pagrati neighborhood of Athens and is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. 

The stadium was built primarily for the Panathenaic Games in 330 BCE with a capacity of over 50,000 seats. It hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympic games in 1896 as well as multiple sports during the games and other ceremonies. 

You can just take it in from the outside or pay an admission fee to wander around inside.

National Gardens

Whilst the city of Athens may truly be a concrete jungle, there are a few green areas available to get away and get a breath of fresh air in nature.

The National Gardens of Athens are located about an 8-minute walk away from the Panathenaic Stadium and are comprised of around 38 acres of greenery and different flora. 

Here you’ll also find a handful of ancient ruins, statues, and different memories of Greece’s past; modern and ancient. It’s free to enter the gardens and the entry gates are open every day.

Explore a Different Neighborhood

If you’re looking to get to know different parts of the city and stray away from the crowds, this is the perfect time to explore deeper. Two of my favorites are Glyfada and Exarcheia.

The neighborhood of Glyfada is likely the biggest neighborhood and residential area in the southern suburbs and by the Athenian coast. Known as the home to many ex-pats, Glyfada is bursting at the seams with restaurants, cute cafes, bars, and things to do. 

This is also the perfect place to head to if you want to spend some time at the sea; whether in the water or just by walking and taking in the Greek waters and sunset. 

Glyfada can be reached by bus but the best way to reach Glyfada is by the tram system (leaving from Syntagma Square.)

Exarcheia is most well known as one of the edgiest and most alternative areas of the city. To many Exarcheia is just referred to as the “anarchist” neighborhood of Athens but there’s a lot more to explore if you dig deeper. 

Here you’ll find crowds of students, artists, intellectuals, and all those looking to experience life and the city through more of a unique lens. There’s delicious food here, jazz bars, street art and independent local finds of all sorts.

Day 4 – Cape Sounion or Marathon

If your trip to Athens consists of 4 or more days in the city, I recommend trying your best to get out of the city to one of the many nearby towns to experience a different side of Greece. I suggest different locations depending on the time of year you visit as well as your interests.  

Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is located around 48 miles south of Athens and is the southern tip of the Attic Peninsula. While the entire area is full of idyllic views and things to see, the main attraction of Cape Sounion is the Temple of Poseidon. 

The Temple of Poseidon is a temple dedicated to the god Poseidon and is an important part of ancient Greek history. The temple looks out over the vast blue seas and standing at this southern tip of the Attic region surrounded by ancient monuments makes you feel like you’re in your own version of the Odyssey . 

There’s a cafe at the monument as well as nearby restaurants if you decide to make a longer day out of it. Visiting in the cooler months is ideal as it isn’t as crowded, and make sure to stay for sunset. The views are sublime.

To reach Cape Sounion you can either rent a car and transport yourself there or take public transport. Another option is to take part in a guided tour such as this sunset tour that will pick you up from your accommodation and return you there at the end of the day. 

The public bus system outside the city is KTEL and buses from central Athens to Sounion will depart near the Victoria metro from a bus stop across from Pedion tou Areos. The journey takes around 2 hours. You can find bus timetables here . 

Marathon/Schinias 

Another great option for a day trip from Athens is to visit the Ancient town of Marathon and nearby areas. We all know a “marathon” as the 26-mile race that happens all over the world, but it was actually inspired by the ancient and epic battle of Marathon. 

This battle then led to the legend of Philippides. Philippides was the Greek messenger who supposedly ran to Athens from Marathon, hence the 26-mile race today.

The town has many things to do from the Archaeological Museum of Marathon, Marathon Lake, the Marathon Run Museum, and my favorite, Schinias Beach.

Schinias Beach is a long sandy beach on the northern side of Marathon surrounded by the sea on one side and the lush pine forest of Schinias on the other.

The water is clean and warm, the environment is friendly, and it’s one of the best places to get some forest bathing and sea bathing all in one day. 

The beaches are much cleaner and better kept than those near Athens and also incredibly cheaper to visit. There are different options for restaurants and taverns on the beach, making it a solid option for a summer day trip from Athens.

To reach Marathon and Schinias from Athens, you’ll also want to take a KTEL bus. It’s about 45 minutes away from the center of Athens and you’ll take the bus from the Pedion Areos by Viktoria Station going to Marathon and get off at Marathon Beach.

From there, you’ll walk north along the coast until reaching Schinias. Tickets can be purchased when boarding the bus.

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens Ivy Suites – This centrally-located hotel is an excellent choice for mid-range visitors to Athens. They have a range of lovely rooms available and there is also a bar on site and a wonderful terrace boasting views over the city.

The Modernist Athens – Those looking for luxury in the Greek capital are sure to love this beautiful 4-star hotel. Perfectly located for exploring all Athens has to offer, they have a number of luxe, modern rooms available and plenty of amenities to ensure your stay is a great one.

101 Adrianou Apartments – If you’d like the privacy and convenience of your own apartment with all the benefits of staying in a hotel, then this aparthotel is an excellent choice. There are a couple of flats to choose from – some with views of the iconic columns of the Acropolis.

City Circus Athens – For those travelling to Athens on a tight budget or solo, this hostel is a great option. Offering both dorm beds and private rooms, they have a great location and excellent common areas. They organise social events, as well.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Athens hotels!

One of the most historic cities in the world, Athens today is a unique metropolis worth visiting before or after heading to the Greek islands. Although it may have a lot of grit, you’re bound to have an exciting visit to Athens filled with great music, sites, history, and tantalizing food.

Are you planning a trip to Athens? Have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Oia or Fira: Where to Stay in Santorini?

Is Mykonos Expensive? A Mykonos Trip Cost Guide

Naxos or Paros: Which Greek Island to Visit?

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

As a Greek from Athens, these are excellent recommendations. Especially the schinias day trip 😍

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Is Athens Worth Visiting?

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Nov 8, 2023 | Europe , Greece , Travel Tips

Most known for its ancient history, Greece is the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the Olympic Games. Its capital, Athens, is one of the oldest cities globally with origins dating back to 3,000 BC. 

But if you are eager to visit the islands, you may ask, is Athens worth visiting and whether you should add it to your Greece travel itinerary. 

Ready To Travel? Don't Go Without Travel Insurance.

Check Prices

So why visit Athens? It can be argued that the largest city in Greece is more than a jumping-off spot to visit the Greek islands. 

It is a city known for its ancient treasures and its modern charms. History, culture, food, nightlife, and even shopping are just a couple of reasons to visit Athens. 

But, the question remains is Athens worth visiting, and should you include it in your trip?

Let’s look at both the pros and cons of visiting Athens so that you can decide if it’s worth adding to your Greece bucket list .

Reasons To Visit Athens: The Pros

Athens is one of the oldest named cities in the world, and according to Greek mythology, the city is named after the goddess Athena. 

During ancient times Athens was known as a powerful city. As a result, two gods fought to become its patrons, the Goddess of Wisdom, Athena, and Poseidon, the God of the Sea.

At the top of the Acropolis, each God offered the citizens of Athens a gift. Poseidon promised safety at sea while Athena created the first olive tree. 

Proclaimed as the winner, Athena gave her name to the city of Athens. And if you look closely, you’ll be able to find an olive tree in the heart of the Acropolis along with several temples dedicated to Athena. 

Mythology aside, the city of Athens is an incredible place to visit. Here are some other reasons to visit Athens: 

The Culture & History

As the capital of the classical world, Athens should be a bucket-list destination for anyone who loves culture and history.

Although Athens is known as the home of the Parthenon, which was built as a homage to the Goddess Athena, there are hundreds of other historical sites waiting to be explored in this ancient city. 

So if you are looking to geek out on some Greek history, we recommend travelers visit ancient Agora, explore the temple of Olympian Zeus, watch the changing of the guards at the Greek Parliament, and head on over to Panathenaic Stadium, the home of the first modern Olympic Games.  

The Architecture

If you didn’t already know Athens is home to millennia of different architectural styles, from Greco-Roman to Neoclassical to modern.  

The world’s greatest ancient cultural monuments can be found in the center of Athens and include the Acropolis, Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Theatre of Dionysus, and The Temple of Hephaestus. 

Neoclassical buildings can also be found in the center of Athens, such as the Parliament, while neighborhoods like Exarchai and Koukaki are home to Art Nouveau and Art Deco styles.

Finally, travelers can find several iconic Byzantine churches and remanents of Ottoman rule, such as iconic mosques, and the famous Bathhouse of Winds. 

All of this beautiful architecture makes for a stunning photography background for any traveler looking to snap iconic photos in the city. 

Who doesn’t like Greek food? From Michelin-starred restaurants to street food, Athens is a foodie’s paradise.

Greek food, in general, is known to be one of the healthiest in the world.

The Mediterranean Cuisine diet emphasizes whole grains, seafood, olive oil, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, and seeds. So, no matter what you order, you can do so guilt-free. 

If you are looking to eat on the go, Athens is known for its simple yet delicious street food.

For breakfast ask for a spinach pie or a koulouri (a sesame-covered ring of bread), and for a late afternoon snack, make sure to order souvlaki or a gyro with a heavy helping of tzatziki. 

If you are looking for something a little more luxurious, then there are also plenty of mid-range and high-end restaurants that offer Greek and fusion-style cuisine.

Quick fact: Athens is home to seven Michelin-starred restaurants. 

Last but certainly not least, make sure to stop by a local taverna also known as koutoukia . These backstreet basement tavernas serve traditional food and drink with a side serving of Athenian history.

Known for feeding local hungry workers, these tavernas often serve a small yet fresh selection of dishes for a budget-friendly price. Make sure to look for ones with live music and dancing.

A quick tip: If you are looking to stop by a local taverna, we’d recommend visiting Diporto, a real, underground koutouki that first opened its doors in 1887.

The Nightlife

Athens is a city that doesn’t sleep. Its nightlife is not only diverse and vibrant but it also can be quite legendary. 

Whatever the vibe, Athens has something for you. 

Club-hoppers can head on over to Gazi and Monastiraki to find huge venues that often host international DJs and streets teeming with partiers.

Music lovers can visit Koukai to find live music venues and chill bars that are popular with the young locals. And those seeking a trendier hotspot can head on over to Exarchia known for its small bars and growing food scene.

Make sure to explore the Athens bar scene as each location is unique in its own right. The most famous of them, however, is “Vrettos” the city’s oldest distillery and bar that opened its doors back in 1909.

Whatever the location, remember that the Athens nightlife starts late, so don’t expect to head out until at least 10 pm. 

Downtown Athens is a shopper’s paradise. Besides, Plaka and Monastiraki, which are known for their tourist shops, central Athens is full of shops made for every type of shopper and budget. 

Make sure to head on over to Ermou Street, known as the fashion street. This street stretches for 0.9 miles (1.5 kilometers), connecting Syntagma Square with the Karameikos archaeological site.

And, if you are looking for a bargain, make sure to head on over to the shopping street of Eolou and Agiou Markou. 

Affordability 

Is Athens expensive? Athens is not cheap, but it isn’t expensive either. 

It all depends on the type of traveler you are and what you want to experience. If you want luxury, then Athens does cater to that type of traveler.

The city has luxury hotels, unforgettable experiences, and Michelin-Starred restaurants that will amaze and delight any type of luxury traveler. 

On the other hand, there are also budget-friendly options in the city. For example, street food or dishes from a local taverna can cost you as little as three euros per meal. 

In the end, Athens is as expensive or cheap as you want it to be. So whether you want to save or splurge, you can definitely do either in the city.

Staying in Athens?

Make sure to book a stay in one of the best hotels in Athens. Best hostel: Thanasis Place Best mid-range hotel: Downtown Athens Lofts – The Acropolis Observatory Best luxury hotel: Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Athens

Reasons To Visit Athens: The Cons 

Although the pros may seem to outweigh the cons, there are a couple of things to know when traveling to Athens as these particular cons may heavily influence your Athens travel plans.

Petty Crime & Scams

Is Athens safe to visit? Yes.

However, unlike many of the Greek islands, the risk of petty crime is more common in the capital city.

This is especially true ins specific neighborhoods, like Omonia, Exarchia, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Patissia —especially during the nighttime.

Nevertheless, most of these petty crimes are limited to pickpocketing and purse snatching. 

Another common problem is tourist scams. Scams like taxis overcharging, restaurants not showing prices, being short-changed or con artists offering you something and then demanding money. 

Remember to always watch your belongings, don’t flash cash, and ensure that you have travel insurance just in case.

Also make sure to be aware of which neighborhoods you are visiting and if in doubt, make sure to ask a local. 

The Heat 

Athens is the hottest capital city in mainland Europe, it even has a chief heat officer.

During the summer months, the heat in Athens can become unbearable as it becomes sweltering hot, and dusty.

Temperatures in August, for example, can exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).

The sun and heat make it incredibly difficult to do anything during the daytime. Athens is also a hilly city, especially if you plan on visiting the Acropolis. 

If you do plan on coming to the city during the summer, make sure to bring a water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, comfortable shoes, and breathable fabrics.

If you can’t beat the heat, then make sure to bring along the essentials that will help it be a little more bearable. 

In 2021, roughly 3.79 million tourists visited Athens. In addition, cruise ships port in the nearby port of Piraeus.

Many of these tourists end up flocking to the main sites, which are the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Crowds not only mean long queues in the sweltering heat but overcrowded attractions that are often more pricey than normal due to the high season. This can be a deal-breaker for some travelers. 

If it is, then maybe consider visiting Athens during the shoulder seasons (April-June & September-October). These months still have pleasant weather but they often have smaller crowds and lower prices.

The Final Verdict: Is Athens Worth Visiting?

So is Athens worth visiting? Definitely!

Athens should not be seen as just a quick stop-over before visiting the Greek islands. 

The city of Athens is the perfect mix of old and new. A city steeped in history and culture.

The birthplace of democracy and the playground of ancient Gods. A city that is renowned for its cuisine and picturesque viewpoints and that caters to every type of traveler, from budget to luxury. 

If you are still asking yourself should I go to Athens, then let’s end with this statement.

In Athens, you’ll never run out of things to see and do, whether you are exploring ancient ruins, partying the night away, admiring the Acropolis, shopping until you drop, or enjoying its delicious food. 

As a result, Athens should be on your bucket list but maybe just limit your time to around 3-4 days to capture enough of its magic without too much of the cons.

Learn more by reading our guide to figure out how many days in Athens you’ll need.

Visiting Greece soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Backpacking Greece itinerary
• Is Santorini worth visiting
• Elope in Greece

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Itineraries
• Italy Travel Guide
• Hawaii Travel Guide
• Travel Tips

Shortcut Guides

Essential travel guide to athens, greece [2024].

Many people visit Athens for the history and archaeology, of course. The Pantheon and other Roman ruins in the city are astounding. The views from the top of the Acropolis are unbelievable. And then there’s the food . Don’t forget about the incredible foodie experiences that will introduce you to the amazing food in Athens.

To show you the best side of Athens, we’ve put together this essential travel guide to Athens. It will help you start planning your trip by showing you the hotels we recommend, neighborhoods we love, things to do, and places to eat and drink in the Athens.

» Check out these 12 Best Greek Islands for Couples.

These are not only some of the top things to do, see, eat and drink in Athens, they are also some of our personal favorites. It is an awesome city, plus it’s easy and safe to walk around.

»» Seeing more of Greece? Be sure to check out our Greece travel guide , the most incredible places to see in Greece , as well as what to do in Santorini . We also have a guide to traveling by ferry to the islands.

Are you planning your trip to Athens?

If you’re  traveling to Athens , ensure you have lodging and tours booked ahead of time! Below are some of our top picks to help you plan!

• Book a transfer from the airport to Athens city center with Welcome Pickups.
• Rent a car from the Athens airport through Discover Cars for the best deals.

Where to Stay in Athens:

• The Pinnacle Athens  (5-star luxury hotel, amazing views from rooftop terrace)
• MET34 Athens  (In Syntagma Square, breakfast included)
• Athens Gate Hotel (Opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus, free breakfast)

Best Tours and Experiences in Athens:

• Acropolis Museum + Acropolis tickets (Skip-the-line entrance to the museum)
• The Athens Pass (Acropolis museum, Acropolis & Archaeological Sites: Combo Ticket, and city tour audio guide included)
• Tickets for Athens Bike Tour: Ride and Bite (2.5 hour bike ride, including food)

Table of Contents

What To Do in Athens

Most visitors who are new to Athens are interested in checking out the Acropolis and the Parthenon first. It will take you a full day to walk around the hillside citadel and the other well-preserved 5th century landmarks, like Ancient Agora and Keramikos Cemetery. You can visit these archaeological sites with one multi-site ticket.

After seeing the ruins of the mighty Roman empire, you’ll want to visit the Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum to fill in the picture of what life was like in ancient Athens.

For neighborhoods, the two you can’t miss are Plaka and Monastiraki. These two areas are bustling with people and filled with restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Make sure you save time for an afternoon Frappe (very popular cold coffee). In Monastiraki be sure to stop by the Varvakios Agora market to explore the indoor and outdoor market stalls.

We also recommend booking yourself an Athens food tour to become acquainted with all the delicious food and drinks of Athens. 

With so many great things to do in Athens, you really need to set up a good itinerary before you leave, to make sure you fit everything in.  You can pre-book some of the activities listed in our shortcut travel guide to Athens (below), by using the links below for Viator and GetYourGuide. (Note: They are affiliate links for which we receive a small commission.)

• Athens Full Day Private Tour
• Athens Small-Group Food Tour
• Acropolis Walking Tour Including Syntagma Square and Historical City Centre
• Private Greek Cooking Class with Organic Products – With Locals
• Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum In a Cultural Guided Walking Tour
• Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens
• Athens Highlights: a Mythological Tour

There are so many things to do in Athens that you will surely never run out. Here’s a great plan for a long weekend in Athens .

Tours To Book:

Where to stay in athens.

Most visitors will want to stay near the ancient ruins so they can easily get to and walk around the historical sites. That’s very easy to do in Athens and it puts you right in the middle of the action of the city, so I highly recommend doing just that. Since there are many parts of the city that are accessible to the historic sites, you can branch out a bit and still walk to everything.

Here are our hotel recommendations. You can use the links below to read reviews or book your hotel (these are affiliate links, for which we receive a small commission):

• New Hotel (near Syntagma Square): Lovely design hotel with in-room balconies, within walking distance of the main squares.  Read Reviews  |   Book a Stay  
• AVA Hotel & Suites Athens: Just a very short walk from the Acropolis, shopping and restaurants. Rooms are spacious, clean, and beautifully appointed.   Read Reviews  |   Book a Stay
• Electra Metropolis Athens:  Incredible views of the Acropolis from the rooftop terrace, and some rooms. Nice rooms and great service.  Read Reviews  |   Book a Stay

Need more options? Check out these Hotels in Athens, Greece

How to Get to Athens

Athens International Airport, Eleftherios Venizelos , is one of the most organized and modern airports in the world. It is well connected with public transport, so it’s easy to get there from anywhere in Athens. Many direct flights from  abroad arrive in Athens.

Once you’re at the airport, you can take Metro Line 3, which connects the airport to the city center. Trains run every 30 minutes, 7 days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The trip from/to the Airport to Syntagma Square station (which is likely where you’ll be staying) takes about 40 minutes.

Book a Transfer

The fastest way to get to the city is by taxi, but you might prefer to use Welcome Pickups instead. We like to pre-book a transfer service, so we know someone will be waiting for us at the airport and we’ll be able to go directly where we want without delay.

With Welcome Pickups, you can book a private transfer for the same price as getting a taxi from the line. Both cost 38€. The drivers are skilled, English-speaking and will monitor your flight for delays. It’s the clear winner. Book your transfer in advance here .

Essential Travel Guide to Athens

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

The Best Athens Food Tour with Greeking.Me

13 Incredible Places to Visit in Greece

10 Fun Things to Do in Santorini, Greece

21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe

Be Prepared For Travel Planning is the most important part of any successful trip. Do it the easy way:

🧳 Travel Packing List | ✔️ Why You Need Travel Insurance | ✈️ What to Do Before You Leave Home

• Find and book the best hotel (our favorite booking site is Expedia)
• Research flight options (our favorite tool is Skyscanner )
• Book a tour (we always use Viator to find the best tours)
• Rent a car through Discover Cars (they search the best deals for you!)

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

14 thoughts on “ Essential Travel Guide to Athens, Greece [2024] ”

Wow, what a detailed graphic! I look forward to checking some of this out, like Montastriaki since it’s a neighborhood for everyone 🙂

As a local in Athens, I totally approve your guide!Taf is one of my fave places for a drink or coffee too!

Love the infographic, thanks for the downloadable PDF! I’m interested to get to Athens and would love to explore Greece, though I don’t know what to expect from Athens itself. Have heard mixed reviews that it’s a very dirty city, but is a great base for exploring the surrounds. Only one way to find out I guess!

That’s a cool infographic, Laura. It’s an easy and quick reference at a glance. Nicely done.

Ohh, i really like the idea of presenting. It’s very informative and at the same time very engaging. Would try to do the same.

So jealous! I’ve always wanted to go to Greece. Such an amazing history. Hopefully I’ll get there and be able to use this guide soon!

What a fab guide and awesome graphic! You’ve covered so much and that it’s available in pdf for is great! Well done!

Great idea to compile an infographic with tips on visiting Athens! Bookmarking for our next visit to Greece.

not been to Athens since I was kid and I would love to go back and probably enjoy the history of the city a bit more now I am older

I think you’d likely enjoy it a lot more now. It’s definitely worth a return trip.

Pingback: Village Festivals You Should Experience At Least Once On the Greek Islands | this was forever

Woow. Great post. Missed athens

Pingback: 8 Fun Things to Do in Santorini, Greece | Savored Journeys

Pingback: 21 of the Best Cities to Visit in Europe | Savored Journeys

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Travel Resources

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Athens ranked cheapest location in Europe for city break

Prices have fallen and a weekend in the Greek capital costs £207, compared with £218 in runner-up Lisbon

Athens has been ranked the cheapest location for a city break on the continent, ahead of traditional budget-friendly eastern European destinations.

Analysis of a dozen typical tourist costs for UK visitors in 20 popular cities by Post Office Travel Money found prices in the Greek capital have fallen by 15% since 2021.

The bill for expenses including two nights’ hotel accommodation for a couple, meals, attraction tickets and local transport fares, came to £207, compared with £218 in the runner-up, Lisbon.

Both cities were ahead of eastern destinations typically renowned for low prices, such as Krakow in Poland (£219), Riga in Latvia (£220) and Budapest in Hungary (£221).

The Post Office said that it was the first time in 15 years of running its analysis that a city in western Europe had been found to be the cheapest.

after newsletter promotion

Nick Boden, the head of Post Office Travel Money, which accounts for a quarter of UK foreign exchange transactions, said: “Established favourites like Paris, Amsterdam and Venice may be top choices among the holidaymakers we surveyed but they are also expensive places to visit, and people who are prepared to swap to a city with a lower cost of living can make their pounds stretch much further.

“Athens and Lisbon are half the price and offer a sunny autumn climate as well as low prices. Our advice to holidaymakers is to do their homework and check prices before booking.”

Standout low prices in Athens include £38.96 for an evening meal for two with wine, £89 for two nights’ accommodation in a three-star hotel and £7.79 for a 48-hour public transport pass.

More than two in five of those planning trips abroad will be taking a city break, according to Post Office Travel Money, making it the most popular type of overseas holiday for the fifth consecutive year,

Lisbon’s ranking comes despite a 21% increase in prices since last year.

Boden said: “Britons need to be aware that the rising prices in Lisbon are typical of what we found across Europe, fuelled by big increases in accommodation charges.”

Accommodation costs surged across Europe earlier this year as demand surpassed pre-pandemic levels following the relaxation of travel restrictions.

Six of the cities analysed are more than twice as expensive as Athens.

They are Stockholm (£421), Paris (£423), Dublin (£436), Copenhagen (£456), Venice (£457) and Amsterdam (£593).

Separate research by Post Office Travel Money published in July found that Sunny Beach in Bulgaria and Marmaris in Turkey are the joint cheapest of 16 popular European resorts for a summer holiday.

• Athens holidays
• Greece holidays
• Europe holidays
• Lisbon holidays
• Portugal holidays

Most viewed

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Travel Expensive

Is Greece Expensive? The Cost to Travel Greece and How to Do it Cheap!

With turquoise beaches, sun-kissed ruins and delicious Mediterranean cuisine, Greece really is the whole dream-holiday package. Let’s not forget its buzzing arts scene and breathtaking mountains either! It’s been at the top of travelers’ bucket lists for centuries and continues to offer a picture-perfect vacation!

Many people think that the cost of a trip to Greece is very expensive, mainly because of all the beachside resorts and luxury yachts that pop up on Instagram. The truth is, Greece is actually very affordable, especially compared to other European countries.

When traveling mindfully while keeping an eye on your expenses, Greece can even be the dream for every budget backpacker. Staying in hostels, eating Greek fast food, and using public ferries will give you a great vacation for not a lot of money.

So, is Greece expensive? Not  if  you take care of your money! Sticking to the following tips will help you have an amazing holiday on a budget, so you can fully enjoy Greece, without a single worry about spending too much.

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

So, How Much Does a Trip to Greece Cost on Average?

Cost of flights to greece, price of accommodation in greece, cost of transport in greece, cost of food in greece, price of alcohol in greece, cost of attractions in greece, additional costs of travel in greece, some final tips for saving money in greece, so is greece expensive, in fact.

Your Greece vacation cost depends on many different factors. You’ll need to consider total accommodation costs, flights, local transport, food prices, food tours, activities, alcohol, and a few other expenses. Fortunately, this post will break down the rough amount for each category.

All Greece travel costs in this post are estimates and are subject to change. Prices are listed in US Dollars (USD).

Greece uses the Euro (EUR). As of April 2022, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 0.92 EUR.

To keep things simple, I have summarized the general costs for a trip to Greece. Take a look at the table below:

2 Weeks in Greece Travel Costs

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $120 – $1730 USD for a roundtrip ticket.

Flight prices change, sometimes dramatically, depending on the time of year. October tends to be the cheapest month to fly to Greece. You can expect to pay a lot more during the high season (usually the summer months).

Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) is the country’s busiest airport. If you’re visiting one of the Greek islands, it may be cheaper to fly to Athens, and then get a cheap flight with a regional budget airline, or even take the ferry.

So, how much does it cost to go to Greece? Find a quick breakdown below:

• New York to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 345 – 500 USD
• London to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 91 -167 GBP
• Sydney to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 962 – 2553 AUD
• Vancouver to Athens International Airport Eleftherios Venizelos: 1159 -1995 CAD

While these are the averages, there are some sneaky ways to save money on airfare. For instance, you can avoid travel agents’ fees by booking your own flights with comparison sites such as Skyscanner .

If you need to travel via another city, buy two separate flights as it may be cheaper (eg. if you’re traveling via London, book one flight to London and another to Athens). Remember to book ahead as airfare tends to get pricier the closer it gets to the departure date.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $15-$45 USD per night

Accommodation costs in Greece is pretty affordable. However, prices get steeper as you venture away from the mainland and head for popular Greek islands like Mykonos, especially during high season when tourism is booming. There are amazing locations you will want to see, so it’s not that easy to decide where to stay in Greece .

So, how much should you expect to pay for your accommodation in Greece? The cost will depend on what type of place you want to stay in. Shared dorms in hostels are a great option for backpackers and travelers on a budget. If you prefer to live more independently and with a bit more privacy, then you’re best off with an Airbnb.

Hostels in Greece

Hostels are undoubtedly the best way to keep your accommodation expenses low. There are an incredible amount of amazing hostels all over Greece . The average cost is around $15 USD per night, however, this can get even cheaper. Hostels are a perfect option for solo travelers looking to meet like-minded people. Lots of hostels run a variety of social activities, so you’ll be sure to find a lot of friends

Greece has a nice variety of hostels, especially in the main cities like staying in Athens and Thessaloniki. Some offer just the bare basics, but many go out of their way to make you feel at home.

The very best of the best are these three:

• Bedspot Hostel – This Santorini hostel is close to iconic Perissa Beach and their hospitality is absolutely amazing.
• Francesco’s – You may feel like you got the wrong address when you arrive at this hostel because it looks quite fancy. The budget-price and excellent staff make this hostel a favorite.
• Athens Backpackers – With a prime location in the heart of the historical center and spacious, clean rooms, Athens Backpackers has it all.

Airbnbs in Greece

There are many amazing Airbnbs available in Greece, which are especially fitting for solo travelers or couples that want a bit more privacy. The prices vary, but you can easily find an Airbnb for an average price of $44 USD per night.

Staying in a private apartment is a great way to enjoy a bit more luxury, quiet, and space, without having to empty your pockets completely. Having your own kitchen and cooking rather than going out will also help you save some money. An Airbnb is also a unique opportunity to see the inside of a local home. Your host will likely offer you lots of insider tips!

I’ve listed three of the best Airbnb’s in Greece:

• Converted Cave in Crete – This unique studio apartment was built around an ancient cave outside the charming town of Chania. The views of the countryside and sea are unbelievable.
• Central Athenian Apartment with Views – This place is in the heart of Athens’ historical center and offers a view of the Acropolis from the balcony. It’s been renovated and in a very quiet neighborhood.
• Studio in the heart of Mykonos – This rare find accommodates four guests in a bright studio. The location, right beside the iconic windmills, is the real gem!

Hotels in Greece

Hotels are certainly the most luxurious, and therefore the most expensive, accommodation in Greece. The nightly rate usually starts at $45 but can skyrocket up to hundreds in places like Santorini and Mykonos which can be quite expensive .

Of course, there are perks to staying in a hotel. Housekeeping, amenities and private rooms are just some of the comforts you can expect. Overall, if you want a break from daily chores like cooking or cleaning, hotels are for you!

However, if you’re on a budget, this might not be the best option for you (unless you find a budget hotel). Check out these three affordable hotels:

• Minoa Athens Hotel – With an affordable rate, a three-star rating and a location in the historical heart of Athens, this hotel is the real deal. Make sure to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
• Castellum Suites – This characterful four-star hotel in Rhodes Old Town offers lots of comfort. It’s also in a great location, near the old Palace of the Grand Master, and a peaceful garden.
• Orestias Kastorias – The friendly staff and impeccable cleanliness of this two-star hotel in Thessaloniki (Greece’s second main city) make it a popular option. It also offers airconditioning.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $50 USD per day

Costs on getting around can vary depending on how you travel. This is particularly true for transportation costs. Getting around Greece is generally affordable.

You won’t need any money for transport when walking around the city center. When it comes to long-distance travel, from city to city, you can expect a pretty low cost as well. If you want to have a look at the Greek islands, taking the ferry is always going to be much cheaper than choosing the airplane.

Although it doesn’t enjoy the reputation for efficiency that its fellow European countries do, Greece still offers a comprehensive public transport network. This includes bus, train, ferry, and planes.

Train Travel in Greece

Trains aren’t as popular as buses when it comes to getting around Greece, and they’re not the cheapest option either. They’re run by OSE, the national railway company . Due to recent economic trouble, many routes have been canceled and comfort isn’t first-class.

The train line between Athens and Thessaloniki, as well as the one between Athens and Patra, remains in use and quite popular. This means that there are plenty of places you can take some day trips from Athens too as well, which is a great way to see a lot on a budget.

Expect to pay $50 USD or more for the ride between Athens and Thessaloniki.

To save money on train travel, consider booking an overnight journey. It’s significantly cheaper and can save you the cost of accommodation for that night. The price of a journey between Athens and Thessaloniki, for instance, drops to $27.50 USD!

It also helps to check out prices online ahead of time so that you can choose the cheapest trip.

Additionally, there are rail passes that you can make use of. The Eurail Greece Pass offers unlimited train travel between Athens, Thessaloniki, and Meteora. There are various options (all are for travel on non-consecutive days within one month):

• 3-day pass: $139 USD
• 5-day pass: $202 USD
• 6-day pass:$232 USD
• 8-day pass: $286 USD

Bus Travel in Greece

Buses are the true stars of the Greek transport network, as they will reach even the remotest mountainside village. However, comfort levels vary (let’s be honest, no one likes sitting on the bus for a long time), especially in quieter areas, and they are quite slow. Nevertheless, taking the bus offers some epic views, and it’s also a great chance to meet locals.

How expensive is it to travel by bus? It’s actually very affordable. It’s around $7.70 USD for 62 miles. That works out to  $31 USD from Athens to Thessaloniki. Within cities like Athens, tickets cost $1.55 USD.

You can often save about 20% of the price if you book your ticket online. The bus network is run by KTEL, which has regional offices with their own websites. Although you’ll find the timetable online, you won’t always have the option to purchase online tickets.

Try to read up on the journey ahead of time. Long-distance buses, in particular, have odd routes. It may seem bizarre to be dropped along the side of the highway, but this actually serves as a transfer point to another bus. If you fail to get off, you will have to pay for an extra ticket, so be prepared

There’s another rule to bus travel. Officially, luggage should be weighed and excess should be charged but this doesn’t always happen. Still, it won’t hurt to find out the limit ahead of time and stick to it.

All in all, traveling through Greece by bus might not be the fastest option, but it’s definitely the most affordable one.

Getting Around Cities in Greece

Most of the attractions in the main cities are within walking distance to each other so you won’t have to rely on public transport, especially if you’re staying in the city center.

However, Greece’s cities do have well-developed public transport networks, comprising the underground system (the metro), the suburban railway, trams, and buses.

All in all, there are a number of options for getting around:

• Metro – Trains come by every five minutes during peak houses.  Expect to pay around $1.55 USD for a one-way ticket that covers a 90-minute journey across all forms of public transport.
• Suburban Railway – These lines are useful if you’re traveling further out, such as to Piraeus from Athens. The $1.55 USD ticket for a 90-minute journey applies to these trains, as well.
• Bus – In Thessaloniki, where the metro is still under construction, and on the Greek islands, the bus is your go-to. The usual $1.55 USD is applicable.
• Taxi – Taxis are plentiful and convenient. It’s about $0.80 USD per mile and the minimum fare is $3 USD.
• Rideshares – Uber is available, as is the local version which is called Taxibeat. You can pay around $5-$8 USD for a 2.5-mile ride, depending on the time of day.

Renting a Car in Greece

Renting a car is worth it if you’d like to travel outside of the cities without having to rely on public transport. Yes, it’s definitely not the cheapest option, and some roads are quite steep so you should only consider this option if you’re an experienced driver. However, the independence you get with a car rental will allow you to reach remote archaeological sites and peaceful sandy coves in your own time.

The rental starts from $28 USD per day. Keep in mind that you’ll have to pay for gas too at some point. Most major highways are toll roads which means an additional $22 USD to $33 USD. Then there’s also the cost of an international driving permit, which is around $15 USD.

So, is Greece expensive when you travel by car? It can be, though we found renting a car in Crete to be pretty affordable. Luckily, there are some ways of saving. Your car insurance from home may cover car rental abroad so find out ahead. Some credit cards offer insurance if you book or pay using that card. By returning the car to the same place you picked it up at, you’ll get a small discount.

Want to save some cash and explore Greece by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.

Using the Ferries in Greece

Traveling to, or around the Greek Islands is pretty easy and affordable nowadays since the country developed a massive ferry network. You can get from island to island, or even from city to city (these obviously have to be around the coast) without a hustle.

However, there are a couple of things you have to know before booking a ferry ticket.

Think of the ferries as an airplane. There are numerous companies, offering different rates, ship models and routes. Just like on an airplane, you can also book different luxury classes. These range from the typical economy (which is also the most affordable one) to deluxe and first-class (they offer a bit more comfort and service).

Taking the ferries and watching the waves and islands pass by is an incredible and relaxing experience, however, if you decide to take the overnight ferries, you’ll save a lot more money.

There are over 250 destinations. You can know more about the ferry schedule , book tickets, and find prices for each route online.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $11-$55 USD per day

Is Greece cheap when it comes to total food cost? Well, that depends on where and what you’re eating. Greek food is generally affordable, but if you’re eating out regularly, your expenses will shoot through the roof.

Greece is a culinary heaven! Its mild Mediterranean climate means it has an abundance of healthy, tasty products like olives and goat’s cheese. Make sure that you try the country’s top specialties :

• Greek Salad – This stable Greek food dish is much tastier in its homeland where chefs add an abundance of fresh veggies to the salad. Expect to pay $6.60 to $9.90 per dish at a restaurant.
• Baklava – Go into any Greek pastry shop and you’ll find plenty to satisfy your sweet tooth. Baklava remains a classic and costs around $3.70 USD per slice.
• Seafood – With its maritime location, it’s no surprise that Greeks love their seafood. The prices range depending on the fish. Top of the range is red-mullet, which can easily cost $27.50 USD for two people, while squid will cost less than half of that.

To make your food budget go further, follow these tips:

• Cook your own food – You’ll save a ton of money by only going out to restaurants every now and then. Make use of your hostel or Airbnb kitchen instead.
• Only drink during happy hour – This will save you around 50% of the price of alcohol. Just find out what time happy hour is.
• Book accommodation with free breakfast – Many hostels and hotels offer free breakfasts. This could save you around $4.40 USD per day!

Where to Eat Cheaply in Greece

If you’re eating in high-end restaurants twice daily, then you will burst the bank. In order to travel in Greece cheap, go to the budget haunts that offer good-quality, traditional food.

• Souvlaki (skewered pork or chicken wrapped in pita bread) – This is a traditional Greek fast food that costs as little as $1.65 USD! Keep in mind that Souvlaki always comes in form of a wrap! If it’s spread out on a plate, it’s not the traditional dish so check the menu beforehand.
• Tiropita or spanakopita (cheese or spinach pie) – Another delicious Greek meal, these pies are generally under $2.20 USD.

If you decide to cook on your own, you still need to get fresh and tasty products. These are our top two:

• AB – This supermarket chain has about one hundred stores of varying sizes in Athens. It’s good for convenience since it has a few stores in the touristy area, and is very affordable.
• Varvakeios Market – This bustling market offers the best local produce, and an awesome, authentic atmosphere. Look forward to fresh seafood, goat’s cheese and plump olives from the countryside.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0-$20 USD per day

Alcohol and partying can be significant contributors to your total expenses. The government levies a considerable tax on alcohol , especially beer. The most expensive alcohol is cocktails, which normally start around $8.80 USD per drink. Nevertheless, drinking in Greece is an experience. It doesn’t have to be in pricey clubs, but you should try some of the local drinks!

• Ouzo – Ouzo is an anise-flavored aperitif that remains very popular in Greece. It’s served by the glass which actual costs around $6.60 USD. However, this drink is best enjoyed with meze, various side dishes.
• Greek wine – Many regions in Greece produce wine, although the best tend to come from the mainland. Typical prices vary depending on the region. You can expect to pay $4.40 USD per liter in a quiet area like Thessaly, and $11 USD per liter in places like Santorini.

Fortunately, there are a number of ways to save money on alcohol and partying. Happy hour is popular in Athens, and you can save around 50% on the cost of drinks. Partying at less trendy bars will also work out a bit cheaper. Try the area around Gazi, where bars such as Spirtokouto offer plenty of drinks specials.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0-$34 USD per day

Greece truly has something for everyone. The landscape is full of rocky mountains that provide world-class hiking and adventure activities, as well as stunning beaches to relax on.

Not to forget, Greece is also famous for its history and culture. The Ancient Greeks left plenty of architectural masterpieces, while contemporary artists are ensuring that Greece becomes an international art destination.

You can find amazing hotspots all over the country. The Acropolis in Athens is the most famous attraction to visit. The city is filled with numerous historical sites and must-see places. You should also make time for the monasteries of Meteora, magical Delphi and the beautiful beaches of Santorini.

Most of Greece’s historical attractions have entrance fees that can add up. However, if you stick to exploring the countryside and lounging on the beach, you’ll barely pay a dollar!

Save money with these tips:

• Visit archaeological sites across Greece on free days. These include the first Sunday of the month from November to March, as well as the last weekend of September and the 5th of June.
• Book a free tour of Athens with a local via This is My Athens . No donations are expected either.
• The Athens City Pass provides free skip-the-line entry into the major sites, as well as the use of the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus. A two-day pass is $68.20 USD.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Bear in mind that Greece costs different amounts for different travelers and travel styles. It is dependent on each person and their buying habits. These may include souvenirs, shopping and luggage storage.

Souvenirs, in particular, can ruin the budget. You can get the usual touristy magnets for a couple of dollars, but when it comes to taking your favorite Greek wine or pastry home, you may have to break the bank.

To avoid financial chaos, set aside a certain amount of money for these expenses. Around 10% of your total budget should be more than enough.

Tipping in Greece

Tipping is a common practice in Greece. Hospitality professionals will expect tips — but only for good service.

You should tip the porter around $1.10 USD per bag. It’s also common to leave that same amount for the housekeeper.

In restaurants, adding 5-10% to the bill and rounding up is normal. However, some restaurants may already have rounded up the bill for you, in which case you shouldn’t feel obliged to tip.

If you’re on a group tour, tip your guide around $4.40 USD per person. Taxi drivers may expect a tip, but it’s up to you. Around 5-10% should do it.

Get Travel Insurance for Greece

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

You could always do with more ways to keep your Greece costs low. Here are some final tips for traveling on a tight budget :

• Visit remote Greek islands: Stay on Milos , Tinos, and Lesbos, rather than famous Greek islands like Santorini or Mykonos. You’ll get the same beaches, slow pace and Greek hospitality. In fact, it will be better due to the fewer crowds!
• Try Couchsurfing:  This is a great way to save money on accommodation. You can sign up for free on the website and start looking for hosts with similar interests to you. Naturally, it’s amazing for making friends with the locals.
• Book overnight ferries: These are cheaper than daytime ferries and save you money on accommodation. Just remember to bring a pillow and to dress warmly. Blue Star Ferries is one of the companies offering overnight trips.
• Pay in cash: Every time you use your card, your bank probably charges you conversion fees, as well as foreign transaction fees. Greece remains a largely cash-based economy so locals will appreciate the cash and may even be willing to negotiate a discount.
• Have a water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Earn money while you travel : Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Greece as a digital nomad .
• Become a volunteer : Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Greece.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Greece may be beautiful, but it is not beyond your budget. It’s actually one of the cheaper destinations in Europe.

If you’re smart with your money, you’ll be able to enjoy the country with very little money:

• Stay in hostels – This will save you so much money, compared to if you stayed in a hotel. It’s also a great way to make friends.
• Eat fast food – Greeks make incredibly tasty fast food that even luxury travelers have to try. Make the most of this and save your money for one or two fancy meals.
• Travel by bus and ferry – These two methods of transport are the ideal companions to any budget traveler. Book an overnight trip and you’ll save even more money.
• Visit Greece during the off or shoulder season – Avoiding the busy summer months of June, July and August also means avoiding high season prices. Additionally, you’ll enjoy milder weather and fewer crowds.
• Book in advance – Prices tend to go up nearer to the time so book your flights, local transport, and accommodation well in advance.

What I think an average daily budget for Greece should be:

With our amazing tips, you can comfortably travel Greece on a budget of $35 to $50 USD per day.

Make sure you are fully prepared for your trip (this can save a lot of money too). Find out what you need to pack for your vacation to Greece.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Mathilde Magnier

Share or save this post

This is a great travel article. I am not going anywhere but reading this, I took a trip to Greece!! It all started when I watched a Classical guitar presentation on TV. that was in Santorine. I wanted to know about this beautiful place and found your article. Thanks for writing this! By the way, I live in Florida USA. Barbara

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

The Cost of Travel in Greece: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

After 12 years of travel and over 90 countries, I have come to the conclusion that Greece is one of the greatest countries in the world.

I love it so much, in fact, that I make the effort to visit at least once every couple of years. And every time I do? I always ensure I visit at least one new part of the country while I’m there.

And so, I’ve spent a significant part of the last decade exploring the beautiful Greek islands.

What is it that pulls me to return to Greece over and over again?

Quite simply, I fell in love with Greek food. If you think you’ve had Greek food before but have yet to travel to Greece: you have the most incredible treat awaiting your arrival. Greek food is divine — it’s so fresh, healthy, and delicious, with the sweetest-tasting tomatoes and the creamiest slabs of feta. I deal with a bunch of health conditions and typically have to stick to a strict diet in order to control them, but for some reason, none of that applies in Greece! I can eat whatever I want there and feel as though I’m thriving . I guess it’s that wonderful Mediterranean diet coming into play.

I could write a love letter to Greek food with just a moment’s notice, but even I can admit the country has so much more to offer than it’s incredible cuisine.

Athens is a wonderful, world-class city full of the most impressive ruins and architecture — ignore the people who say it’s dirty and gritty, as it’s absolutely not and is well-worth visiting. You’ve got dozens upon dozens of islands to explore, from the iconic Santorini and Mykonos to the laidback Ithaca and Kefalonia. The other-worldly Meteora is well-worth a visit, and have you seen the famous shipwreck cove in Zakynthos (pictured below)?

It’s hard to believe one country can offer up so much.

I’ve been fortunate to have spent four months travelling across Greece, and over that time, I’ve been to Athens, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Corfu, Kalamos, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Meganisi, and Ithaca. Every September, I charter a yacht with a group of friends and spend a couple of weeks sailing through the Ionian islands, falling more in love with this part of the world after every visit.

Hopefully my passion for Greece shines through my words, and I can inspire you to visit this amazing country, too. Because the good news is that Greece is relatively inexpensive. And the even-better news is that I can tell you exactly how much it costs to travel there.

I’ve been recording every single cent I spend in the countries I visit from day one of my travels because I want to prove that seeing the world is inexpensive and achievable. I want to be able to give a realistic and accurate look at how much you can expect to spend in each country you visit.

Today, it’s Greece’s turn.

Here’s how much you can expect to spend on a trip to Greece in 2024.

How to Save Money on Flights to/From Greece

My European readers won’t have to worry too much about the cost of flights to Greece, as the wide range of budget airlines means finding something affordable is never too much of a problem. As always, I recommend heading to Skyscanner  to snag yourself a bargain.

If you’re flexible with dates and itinerary, you’ll find the best deals by searching to flights to “Greece” rather than an individual city, as you may find it’s far cheaper to fly into Corfu over Athens, for example. It’s also worth setting your flight departure date to be across an entire month, which you can do with Skyscanner . This will show you the cheapest dates to fly and ensure you have the very best deal possible.

In general, you’ll find that it’s cheapest to fly to Greece outside of high season, which coincides with typical European summer vacation dates (late-June to late-August). May and September are the shoulder season months, and October to March is the official low season, where you’ll find the lowest prices. If you do have the freedom to visit during shoulder season, I highly recommend it, as it’ll mean spending less on flights and accommodation while having to deal with fewer tourists. Shoulder season is my favourite time of year to travel, and it’s worth making the effort to do so in Greece.

What if you’re based in North America?

Fortunately, there are quite a few direct flights running between North America and Greece — while Newark is the only North American airport that offers direct flights year-round, from shoulder-season onwards, you’ll be able to catch flights from/to JFK, Toronto, Montreal, Chicago, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Washington DC, and Boston.

How to Save Money on Accommodation in Greece

As always with travel, it’s possible to cut your accommodation costs down to zero if you have the time and patience to seek out an offer.

Couchsurfing exists in Greece , and allows you to stay with a local for free, sleeping on their sofa and enjoying a local’s insight into life in their country. It’s not the most comfortable of living situations, but if your budget is tight, it’s worth sending out a few requests to hosts to see if anything comes of it.

Housesitting is another option. This is where you’ll take care of somebody’s house for free while they’re away, and usually look after their pets, too. It’s best for long-term travellers or retirees as you can’t pick and choose dates and destinations, so you need to have a lot of flexibility as to where you go and at what time of year. If you do have that freedom, it’s a wonderful way to cut down your travel expenses, soak up some home comforts, and live like a local for a while. Trusted Housesitters is one of the best sites for getting started with housesitting.

And finally, if you’re travelling long-term and don’t mind getting your fingers dirty, you could look at WWOOFing or WorkAway as a way to cut down your costs while working on a farm in exchange for accommodation and food. It’s not the most glamorous of experiences, but getting to live for free in a foreign country is an incredible experience, so if you’re backpacking around Europe, this may be the way forward for you.

I’m suspecting, though, that for most of you, you’re not interested in the free accommodation and just want somewhere clean, safe, and affordable to rest your head each night. If that’s the case, there are several options available for you.

The first of these are hostels . In Greece, you’ll come across hostels all over the country, finding them on tiny islands, in large cities, and even in the national parks. They’re one of your best options for saving money.

Hostels in Greece are slightly cheaper than equivalents in Western Europe, with the big exception being Mykonos and Santorini over the summer, both of which are eye-wateringly expensive (I once paid €72 a night for an 4-bed dorm in Santorini in July!) You can expect to spend around €10-15 for a dorm bed in most spots in Greece, with the price increasing to slightly about €15 a night on the popular islands, national parks, and more tourist-filled areas.

When it comes to private rooms in hostels, you can expect to spend around €25 a night for a clean, basic room in a good location, so if you’re travelling with friends or with your partner, you may find it cheaper to grab some privacy over settling for two beds in a dorm room.

If you’re an older traveller and put off by the thought of nights spent in hostels, you shouldn’t be! Private rooms are usually very quiet and clean, and most hostels are modern, safe, and centrally located. They tend to have a little more personality than generic hotels, and the staff are fantastic at offering kickass travel advice. As long as you check the reviews of any hostel before booking it to make sure nobody refers to it as a party hostel, you’re all good to make a booking there.

I use HostelWorld to find the cheapest hostels, as they tend to have the greatest number of listings at the lowest prices.

And, of course, there are always hotels, which will usually start at around €50-€150 a night for a decent, clean, mid-range property in a central location. I always use Booking , as they have the most accommodation options for the cheapest prices.

The Best Hostels and Guesthouses in Greece

I’ve visited Greece during various stages of my travel career, from a solo backpacker who was travelling on a shoestring budget to part of a couple that was looking for all things private and mid-range. I’ve even travelled on a luxury budget for an anniversary celebration with my partner. In other words, I learned a lot about how to travel affordably through this country in the process.

I always like to share which accommodation I stayed in on my travels, as well as recommend alternatives when mine sucked. Here’s my list of my favourite accommodation options in Greece, listed in Euros:

Athens: €72 a night

You’re not going to find a better hotel in Athens for this low of a price! The Hellenic Hospitality House receives an average rating of 9.8 on Booking from over 1,500 reviews. It’s all of those glowing reviews that led to me booking a stay there. And it was simply phenomenal! It’s located right in the heart of Athens, within walking distance to all of the main attractions. And the staff were amazing, giving restaurant tips, advice on how to make the most of our stay, and even treating us to a coffee on one occasion!

Santorini: €132 a night

Santorini sure is a pricey destination, but that doesn’t mean that you have to obliterate your travel budget in order to visit. I loved my stay at La Belle Vie , and was amazed that you could still land yourself a pool at a property this affordable. Here, it’s all about the central location, the beautiful rooms, the refreshing swimming pool, and the epic sea views. Throw in some wonderful owners and you’ve got yourself a perfect stay in Santorini!

Mykonos: €170 a night

The best properties in Mykonos tend to come in between €150 and €200 a night, and With-Inn fits nicely in the middle of this price range. And just wait until you see the photos of the breakfasts! This property is Greek-owned and run, and the mother puts on a delicious spread of fresh and organic local eats every morning. So good! On top of that, you’ve got a free pick-up and drop-off from the airport and port, excellent views, and such a comfortable bed! This is a great place to stay.

Corfu: €86 a night

I love staying in Sidari in Corfu, and recommend Sidari Beach Hotel while you’re in town. It offers such good value for money for what you get. You’ll be greeted by the most welcoming staff ever who simply cannot do enough for you. The swimming pool is excellent, the breakfast delicious, and you’re located on a quiet beach that, most of the time, you’ll have all to yourselves. What a little slice of paradise.

Crete: €91 a night

If you love your hotels to be quirky, original, and photogenic, you must stay at Pavo Art Hotel in Heraklion Town. I’ve never stayed in such a fun, beautiful property before! The hotel is brand-new and so clean that you’ll feel as though you’re the first guests in the property. It’s also in a great location for exploring Heraklion’s historical attractions. The staff are kind and helpful, and there’s even a free shuttle to the city centre, although I preferred to walk along the waterfront into town each day. All in all, a great place to stay!

Rhodes: €64 a night

If you’re going to be staying in the lovely Rhodes Town, I can’t recommend Hotel Anastasia highly enough. It’s an adorable, family-run guesthouse in the heart of all the action while still remaining quiet. The included breakfast is great, the staff are particularly helpful if you’re keen to book day trips across the island, and the property’s gardens are so beautiful! Rooms are cleaned everyday and overall, it’s great value for money!

How to Save Money on Transportation in Greece

Transportation is fairly inexpensive in Greece, so you won’t need to worry about it upping your travel budget by too much. The best, easiest, and cheapest way to travel around the country is by bus or by ferry.

Athens is home to an impressive metro system, and while the city is pretty walkable, you’ll still probably utilise it every now and then. It’s inexpensive to ride, costing €1.40 for a 90-minute ride, €4.50 for 24 hours of unlimited use, and €9 for a five-day ticket.

If you’re planning on travelling across the mainland, the domestic bus network — KTEL — will take you anywhere you need to go. And I’ll be honest here: while I’d love to tell you that taking the bus in Greece is super-simple, but it’s actually kind of complicated and annoying.

KTEL buses are run by dozens of individual bus companies, and each company has their own website. And so, to travel from town to town, you can’t simply head to a main KTEL website. Instead, you’ll need to find the specific KTEL website for the province you’ll be travelling from.

If you love trains, like I do, you’re not going to be impressed with the rail infrastructure in Greece. Travel between Athens and Thessalonki on a train but that’s about it. You can book a ride through TrainOSE .

If you’re anything like me, though, you can’t imagine visiting Greece and not  spending time on some of its gorgeous islands. In this case, you’re going to want to hop from the mainland to paradise. Many of the popular Greek islands are home to an airport, which makes travel particularly easy. You’ll be able to jet straight into Santorini, Mykonos, Corfu, Kefalonia, Lefkada, Zakynthos, Rhodes, Kos, Karpathos, Skiathos, Lesvos, Lemnos, Samos, and Crete! Phew! That’s quite the list of destinations!

If you’re on a tight budget, however, you’ll most likely opt to travel by ferry. Ferries leave from Piraeus, in Athens, and typically cost around €40, regardless of where you’ll be travelling to. I use Ferry Hopper to book my ferries in Greece.

When it comes to hiring a car to drive around Greece, I’d recommend against doing so. Roads are poor quality, local drivers can be chaotic, and on-street parking is tough to find. If you’re still keen, though, I hired my car out of Preveza Airport through my favourite RentalCars .com , a comparison search engine that brings up the best deals from all the popular providers.

You can also hire scooters in Greece, so if you’re competent on two wheels, you may want to opt for this instead! I’ve done this throughout the Ionian, as well as in Crete, and had so much fun! You don’t typically need to have a motorbike license to hire a scooter (although keep in mind that this means your travel insurance won’t cover you if you wreck the bike or injure yourself!)

Here are some of the typical transportation costs you can expect to run into while in Greece:

• Train from Athens to Thessaloniki: €52.50
• Ferry from Athens to Mykonos: €36
• Ferry from Athens to Santorini: €40
• Ferry from Athens to Chania (Crete): €40

How to Save Money on Food in Greece

You’ve already seen me spiral off into a soliloquy on the merits of Greek food, so I’m excited to dive into one of my favourite subjects in even more depth.

The first thing to know is that food is inexpensive in Greece, and I rarely spend more than €10 a meal. Still, there are plenty of opportunities for cutting costs as you travel around this wonderful country.

Cooking is always going to be more affordable than eating out, so if you’re willing to sacrifice some meals on your vacation, this is a great way to keep on track with your budget. Hostels will usually give you access to a shared kitchen, and if you’re opting to stay in an Airbnb, you can check that it allows you access to the kitchen. If that’s the case, you can head to a local market (a great cultural experience) and stock up on fish, vegetables, and gigantic slabs of feta fruits, and spend far less on your meals than you would at a restaurant.

Many accommodation providers will offer free breakfasts within their room rate, so if that’s the case, I always recommend opting for it, unless it reveals itself to be terrible on your first morning’s breakfast. In general, though, the food is so delicious in Greece that I’ve yet to stumble upon a bad hotel breakfast.

You’re also going to want to opt for a larger lunch and a smaller dinner. Most restaurants charge less for their lunch menus, even though they’re serving the exact same meal for lunch and dinner. If you can eat a bigger meal for lunch, you can then get by with a much smaller one for dinner and save money through doing so.

In general, you should expect to spend the following on each meal:

Breakfast:   €5  each for a local breakfast;  €10  each for something in a hipster cafe.

What can you expect from breakfasts in Greece? Often, the first meal of the day is the simplest, and you can expect to delight in fresh breads, olive oils, tangy cheeses, pastries, and plenty of coffee. Greek yoghurt is famous, so you can definitely expected to be presented with some for breakfast, usually drizzled with beautiful Greek honey — the sweetness balances out the tanginess of the dairy.

In cafes, you might want to order a spinach pie, or spanakopita, which comprises a crispy casing that encases spinach, feta, and plenty of local herbs.

If you require something a little more filling, try strapatsada or  kagiana s (the dish has two names). It’s a plate of scrambled eggs, with fresh tomatoes, feta, and herbs folded in. It’s simple yet delicious.

Lunch: €6 for a Greek salad; €10 for a souvlaki meal

Lunches in Greece are — you guessed it! — delicious. Personally, I aim to eat either a Greek salad or souvlaki for lunches — both of which are super-affordable and filling.

Dinner: €10  each if you’re on a budget,  €18  each for a mid-range restaurant,  €35  each for something higher-end.

What about tipping? In most restaurants you’ll frequent, tipping will be welcome but not in any way expected. So don’t panic — it isn’t seen as offensive if you don’t tip! And likewise, it won’t be viewed as offensive if you do. Expect to pay 10-15% in any fancy restaurants you head to, but anything laidback and local won’t require you to pay extra.

I don’t often have much success with this suggestion, but I do recommend keeping an eye on your drink consumption while travelling in Greece. Alcohol is obviously a big budget buster on the road, so if you’re happy to substitute the sodas, juices, and booze for bottled water, you’ll save a ton of money.

If you’re determined to jump headfirst into the Greek food scene and don’t want to spend your vacation cooking, you should look to eat at the tavernas as opposed to the fancier restaurants. Tavernas are small family-run restaurants that offer big dishes and low prices, and they’re just as tasty as the more expensive options.

You can always ask the locals for food recommendations, too! Ask at your accommodation for recommendations on the best budget eats, or simply walk around and see which restaurants are full of locals.

Here are some typical prices of food and drink in Greece to help you budget better:

• Pint of draught beer:  €2.00
• A bottle of house wine in a restaurant:  €10
• A slice of pizza: €2.50
• Sandwich from a deli for lunch: €4
• A 30 cm pizza for dinner: €11.00
• Seafood dish in a fancy restaurant:  €20.00
• Cappuccino in an expat area of town:  €1.50
• Litre of milk:  €0.75
• A loaf of bread:  €0.80
• A dozen eggs:  €1.80
• 1 kilogram of tomatoes:  €1.40
• 1 kilogram of potatoes:  €0.80
• A 1.5l bottle of water:  €0.90
• A risotto for lunch:  €10.50
• A steak dinner: €17.50

How to Save Money on Activities in Greece

We’ve covered accommodation, transportation, and food, but let’s face it: you’re not going to have the trip of a lifetime if you skip out on entrance fees and activities! Here’s a detailed breakdown of some of the costs you’re likely to encounter while travelling around Greece:

• Athens: Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket : €35
• Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip by Train : €98
• Athens: Delphi Guided Day Trip with Pickup & Optional Lunch : €87
• Santorini: Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit : €26
• Santorini: Guided Wine Tasting Tour with Pickup : €140
• Santorini: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar : €100
• Zakynthos Island: Navagio Shipwreck Beach & Blue Caves Tour : €45
• Mykonos Cooking Class : €140
• From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Dion and Mount Olympus : €55

Miscellaneous Items to Buy for a Trip to Greece

A Greece guidebook : A guidebook will give you an in-depth look into Greece’s culture, suggest the perfect itineraries for the amount of time you have, and offer recommendations for where to eat and what’s worth doing. I like Lonely Planet guidebooks, and their Greek offering receives great reviews . Readers of Never Ending Footsteps receive a 10% discount on Lonely Planet purchases by buying through the above link.

A dry bag :  Greece is all about the water, so I highly recommend packing  a dry bag  to take with you. A dry bag has saved me while travelling on so many occasions:

• On a kayaking trip from Koh Yao Noi to Koh Nok, a freak wave splashed over me, as well as my camera and phone. Had I not had them in a dry bag, the water damage would have likely destroyed them.
• On a ferry ride in Thailand, the boat sprung a leak and began to sink. I was able to put my laptop, camera, hard drive, passport, and money in my dry bag, seal it up, and know that they’d stay safe and dry if the worst were to happen.
• I chartered a yacht in Greece and relied heavily on my dry bag while I was there. When mooring in tiny bays, I was able to fill my dry bag with my camera, towel, and sunscreen, jump in the sea, and swim to the nearest empty beach without worrying about keeping my belongings dry.
• I also think dry bags are fantastic for solo travellers on beach days. It’s tough going to the beach when you’re travelling alone because you’ll need to bring nothing with you, risk getting robbed while you’re in the ocean, or stay on the sand at all times. If you have a dry bag, you can fill it up with your valuables and take it for a swim with you, rather than leaving them on your towel and hoping nobody will grab them.

I love all things Sea to Summit, and after trying several of their dry bags out, my champion is the  Ultra-Sil 8L  — it’s durable, thin, lightweight, and has never let me down.

Travel insurance : If you’ve read any other posts on Never Ending Footsteps, you’ll know that I’m a great believer in travelling with travel insurance. I’ve seen far too many Go Fund Me campaigns from destitute backpackers that are unexpectedly stranded in a foreign country after a scooter accident/being attacked/breaking a leg with no way of getting home or paying for their healthcare. In short, if you can’t afford travel insurance, you can’t afford to travel.

Travel insurance will cover you if your flight is cancelled and you need to book a new one, if your luggage gets lost and you need to replace your belongings, if you suddenly get struck down by kidney stones and have to be hospitalised, or discover a family member has died while you’re overseas and now you need to get home immediately. If you fall seriously ill, your insurance will cover the costs to fly you home to receive medical treatment.

I use and recommend SafetyWing for travel throughout Greece. They’re one of the few companies out there who will actually cover you if you contract COVID-19. On top of that, they provide worldwide coverage, don’t require you to have a return ticket, and even allow you to buy coverage after you’ve left home. Finally, they have a clear, easy-to-understand pricing structure, which is always a bonus.

How Much it Costs to Travel in Greece

I always like to share my own personal expenses when travelling in a country, as I think it helps you figure out what you should be expecting to pay each day while you’re there. A list of expenses is great and helpful, of course, but putting them all together in order to come up with a reasonable estimate can be trickier.

Here’s what I’ve spent on average over my many months in Greece:

Accommodation: €45 per day  Transportation: €7 per day Food: €23 per day Activities: €2 per day

My average daily cost of travel in Greece is therefore: €77 per day . Not bad at all!

Related Articles on Greece 3️⃣ How to Spend Three Days in Athens, Greece 🇬🇷  11 Highlights From My First Trip to Greece 🧳  A Carry-On Packing List for Sailing in the Greek Islands ⛵️  Conquering My Fear of Sailing in Greece

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 5 / 5. Vote count: 5

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

Thanks so much!

You can follow along on my travels through my social media accounts below

Sorry you didn't find this article useful!

Help me improve it by leaving your comments below

All feedback is anonymous and emailed directly to me. If there's anything I can do to improve the quality of this article, please do let me know and I'll make the suggested changes within 24 hours

Lauren Juliff

Lauren Juliff is a published author and travel expert who founded Never Ending Footsteps in 2011. She has spent over 12 years travelling the world, sharing in-depth advice from more than 100 countries across six continents. Lauren's travel advice has been featured in publications like the BBC, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Cosmopolitan, and her work is read by 200,000 readers each month. Her travel memoir can be found in bookstores across the planet.

Related Posts

The Cost of Travel in Mauritius: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

The Cost of Travel in Thailand: My Detailed Budget Breakdown

2023: My Travels in Review

The Cost of Travel in South Korea: My 2024 Budget Breakdown

What’s it Like to Travel in Liechtenstein?

What to Take On the Camino Primitivo: My Detailed Packing List

Thanks for sharing your Greece trip. If I have only 2 weeks, which islands do I go and your suggested itinerary.

Thanks and happy travelling!

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Meet Lauren Juliff

Real Greek Experiences

Greek Culture, Travel Information, Itineraries, Life in Greece

Is Greece Expensive? No It’s Not, And Here’s Why!

Travelling around Greece on a budget is absolutely possible. In this article, I’ve included a breakdown of our island-hopping vacation in May – June 2021.

Tips for travelling in Greece on a budget

Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens in Greece. After 40+ years of travelling around my country, I have a few tips to share with budget-conscious travellers. To begin with, you can check out this article on  island hopping in Greece on a budget .

In May – June 2021, my partner Dave and I took a few weeks to explore some of the Cyclades islands where we hadn’t been before as a couple. Our total budget came out to 40 euro per person per day, including all of our expenses.

If you think this sounds too little, and that a trip to Greece costs a fortune, you are probably not alone! Read on for some more information, including prices for accommodation, travel, food, drinks and activities.

Our Greek island-hopping itinerary for a month

We chose to travel at the beginning of the season, as the islands are always less busy then, and accommodation prices tend to be lower. In addition, we comfortably skipped the  meltemi summer winds .

When we left the port of Piraeus in Athens, we knew more or less which islands we wanted to visit. We planned all the logistics, such as accommodation and ferry tickets, as we went along.

In the end, we spent a total of 29 nights on five islands: Amorgos, Donousa, Koufonissi, Paros and Antiparos. Here is our Greek island-hopping itinerary:

Thursday 27 May:  Piraeus (Athens) – Amorgos

Saturday 5 June:  Amorgos – Donousa

Wednesday 9 June:  Donousa – Koufonissi

Saturday 12 June:  Koufonissi – Paros

Monday 21 June:  Paros – Antiparos

Friday 25 June:  Antiparos – Paros – Piraeus (Athens)

Cost for our Greece trip for a month

Here’s a quick look into the costs for our month-long trip in the Cyclades:

• Accommodation:  950 euro
• Ferry:  380 euro
• Transport:  100 euro (fuel)
• Food and drink:  800 euro
• Various activities:  75 euro
• Other:  35 euro

Total: 2,340 euro

And now, let’s break these costs down.

Accommodation cost on the Greek islands

Usually, our biggest expense when travelling around Greece is accommodation. To choose our rooms, we use  Booking.com .

We always try to stay in rooms that have a rate of over 9.0, which is totally feasible during the shoulder season. Most times, I call the properties up and sometimes book over the phone instead.

As we started travelling early in the season, we had plenty of choice for last minute bookings. In addition, we were actually given upgrades in most of the rooms we stayed!

Here are the rooms where we stayed on the five islands:

Studios Akrogiali  in Aegiali. We had an apartment big enough for a family of four, with a lovely sunset view from the balcony (price: 35 euro per night)

Makares  in the main town. We stayed in a spacious street-level room with an extra comfortable bed (price: 40 euro per night)

Archipelagos  a few minutes from the main town. We were offered an open-space room with a spacious, cosy balcony (price: 45 euro per night)

Yiannis Studios , in Logaras. This was a fantastic, spotless room with two balconies, great facilities and a super-friendly owner, Katrine, who offered us 5 star hotel service (budget price: 20 euro per night!!)

Asteras , a three minute walk from the main road in Antiparos town. This is a small family-run hotel with huge balconies, located on a quiet street (price: 40 euro per night)

All in all, we thought all of our rooms of choice were great, and I warmly recommend them. If you ever stay there, say hi from Vanessa!

Our total accommodation cost came to 950 euro. Considering that some of the most expensive suites in Mykonos or Santorini can cost twice that for a single night, I think we’ve done ok 😊 However, this wouldn’t have been possible during the summer months.

Note – these were not the cheapest rooms on the islands we visited. I’d say most of our rooms were low to mid range, but other people might describe them as budget rooms.

We were specifically looking for accommodation with a kitchenette. While we both love sitting at a taverna with lovely  Greek food , sometimes all we want to eat is a salad, which we can easily make ourselves. If you don’t care about a kitchenette, you can find much cheaper rooms.

Ferry cost for our Greek island vacation

As we travel to several islands, we always bring our own car. It is more convenient, and more cost-effective in the long run.

For this trip, we used a mix of ferries, run by four different companies:

Blue Star Naxos

This large ferry is run by a popular company called Blue Star Ferries. They are my preferred company to travel with! We have used Blue Star Naxos many times before and it’s great.

The price for a passenger ticket from Piraeus to Amorgos was 34 euro, which I believe qualifies for budget travel.

The only drawback is that it took us 10 hours to reach Amorgos. This is what happens when you choose to visit the most remote islands on the cheap ferries. Oh well!

Tip: if you prefer to sit indoors, it’s best to go for the airplane seats, as seating space inside the ferry is rather limited. Bring some warm clothes, as the A/C is ridiculous!

Here are more options on  how to get to Amorgos island in Greece .

Express Skopelitis

This small local ferry connects Amorgos, Naxos and the Small Cyclades. Getting the car in that tiny boat was definitely an experience! A passenger ticket costs around 4 – 7 euro, depending on your exact itinerary.

Tip: This boat is best avoided when it’s windy – trust me on that! If you must take it with strong winds, keep in mind that it’s much better to sit outside. I also recommend taking a dramamine, or a ginger tablet.

Local ferry between Paros and Antiparos

This local car / passenger ferry leaves from Pounta port in Paros. It only takes 7-minutes to cross the bay, and it’s the cheapest option from Paros to Antiparos. Passenger tickets only cost 1.20 euro!

These ferries run every half-hour, and you get your ticket right on board. It’s possible to pay with a debit / credit card, otherwise try to have exact money if you can.

If you don’t have a car, you can take the passenger boat straight from Parikia port. This boat only runs during the summer months. Tickets cost 5 euro.

Santorini Palace

This is a large highspeed ferry, run by Minoan Lines. All seats are indoors, and there is very limited outdoors space.

Unlike some other ferries run by Minoan, we didn’t fall in love with this one, but travel times suited us and would consider using this ferry again. Our Paros – Piraeus passenger tickets cost 29 euro.

Final tips about ferries in Greece

We booked most of our tickets online, on  Ferryscanner . If you book them through this link, the price is the same for you, and I will get a small commission that helps me run the website!

The total cost of all our ferry tickets was 380 euro. This breaks down to 200 euro for all our passenger tickets, and 180 for the car. 

Note: Ferries can often be delayed. Always, I mean ALWAYS, allow for some extra time when you are travelling by ferry in Greece. 

Transportation costs on the Greek islands

Since we had our own car, we didn’t have to rent a vehicle. We have used a car rental before in Greece, on short vacations.

People thinking to rent a car or quad on the islands should expect to pay around 25-30 euro per day during shoulder season. Prices go up in July and August, and you could consider pre-booking, especially if you want a specific type of vehicle.

Generally speaking, the price of a car rental will vary depending on the car model, the island you are on, and how many days you want it for.

You will also need to budget for fuel. Gas prices on the islands are ridiculous when compared to Athens, but what to do 😊 I am sure that any Americans on a trip to Greece will be shocked with gas prices anywhere in the country!

In our case, we drove a total of 860 kilometres, and spent just over 100 euro on gas.

To help you decide if a car rental is for you, here is an article about  driving in Greece .

Oh, and btw – we also walked and hiked around 200 kms. Not too much really… sitting on a beach is more appealing sometimes!

Public transport and taxis in the Cyclades

If you aren’t keen on driving, you can always use public transport, i.e. the local buses, or taxis.

Buses are quite cheap. The fare price typically ranges around 1.5 – 2.5 euro for the Cyclades islands. However, they only take you to a few areas and can often be crowded.

Depending on where you are from, you will probably find that taxis in Greece are quite affordable. It’s best to ask the average cost of your trip in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

(Note: The usual taxi apps don’t exist on the islands. I use an app called Taxiplon here in Athens).

Greek food costs

And now for everyone’s favourite subject – Greek food!!! So, how much does it cost to eat and drink on the Greek islands per day?

The answer is “it depends”. Meal prices vary a lot between tavernas, and obviously the more dishes you order, the more you will pay (duh).

It’s possible to eat for under 10 euro per person, especially if you go for the least expensive options such as fast food / street food like souvlaki . On the other hand, fresh seafood and some meat dishes will be a lot more expensive.

In our case, our meal prices ranged from 15 to 45 euro. Most of them cost us between 25 and 30 euro on average. This typically included a soft drink and some house wine or a beer, plus any tips .

Similarly, drinks prices on these islands varied widely. The cost of a coffee was between 2 and 4 euro – the Greek coffee culture calls for sipping your coffee for an hour or two.

Alcoholic drinks started from about 3 euro for a beer and went up to 9 – 10 euro for a cocktail. I’m sure there are a few more expensive nightclubs in Paros, however when we were travelling they were still closed.

If you are planning to shop at supermarkets, you should expect the cost of food to be higher when compared to Athens. A lot of the groceries that you buy on the islands has to be transported from other islands, or from the mainland.

Our total costs for food, drinks and supermarket shopping came to about 800 euro. Neither of us are big drinkers though – well, not anymore!! 😊

Cost of activities on the Greek islands

If you’ve followed my FB page for a while, you will probably know that we both like hiking! I also love swimming and snorkelling on wild beaches. Apart from being very enjoyable, these activities are totally free, and a great way to experience each island.

We are also super keen on driving along dirt roads and finding remote beaches. While none of these five islands have as many dirt roads as Milos, we really enjoyed exploring by car.

As it was the beginning of the season, some of the boat trips around the islands had not started yet. Which means that the only way to get to the remote beaches was by driving and hiking!

Some of the museums and other sights were not officially open yet, so we ended up visiting them for free. Not that we wouldn’t have visited otherwise.

Here are some of the places we visited during this trip, along with the usual costs:

Activities and sightseeing in Amorgos

• Visit Chozoviotissa Monastery (free)
• Hike to Ancient Arkesini (free)
• Hike to the lighthouse (free)
• Check out the Olympia shipwreck (free)
• Visit the Archaeological Museum (normally 2 euro, but as we were the first guests of the season we visited for free 🙂 )

Activities and sightseeing in Paros

• Hike around Paros Park (free)
• Butterfly valley (3 euro)
• Archaeological Museum (3 euro)
• Benetos museum (5 euro)
• Byzantine museum inside Ekatontapyliani church (2 euro)

Activities and sightseeing in Antiparos

• The amazing  Antiparos Cave  (5 euro)
• Cruise to Despotiko island and remote beaches (25 euro)

With that said, there are many more activities to choose from, especially in Paros. You can find plenty of watersports like kitesurfing, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing and scuba diving. There is also horse riding and organized hiking.

I warmly recommend kayaking, which is suitable for everyone, including families – check out my experience  kayaking in Mykonos .

Total budget for a month on the Greek islands

Along with a few other costs, our total budget for a month on the Greek islands was 2,340 euro. This wouldn’t be possible for people travelling during the high season of July and August – which is one of the reasons why we prefer to travel in low season.

Another reason is that we can take photos for our blogs, without the crowds 😊 While I love taking photos of people, I prefer not to post them, out of respect.

As a side note – when we got to Amorgos in late May, I found the sea too cold to swim for a long time. In fact, temperatures dropped to under 20 C at night.

By contrast, when we left Paros it was really warm, as the first heatwave of summer 2021 had arrived. Temperatures climbed to over 30 C and the sea was pleasantly refreshing!

Note that we didn’t spend any money on hiring loungers and umbrellas, as we have our own. We also didn’t take any catamaran tours during this trip, apart from the boat tour to Despotiko island.

Also, we didn’t do much souvenir shopping – though this doesn’t need to be expensive either, as certain Greek souvenirs only cost a few euro. Here’s some information about the best souvenirs from Greece .

Frequently asked questions – Is Greece expensive?

And here are a few answers to some questions I’ve been asked in the past!

How much does it cost to travel the Greek islands?

This can vary widely, and it depends on where you stay, where you eat, and how you choose to get around. You can easily travel with 35 – 40 euro a day per person during shoulder season. This will be difficult during high season, as prices go up.

With that said, not all islands are equal. As an example, you will find that Mykonos is not budget-friendly at all, especially when it comes to accommodation. You could easily spend well over 200 euro per day.

There are 119 inhabited islands in Greece . If you are on a budget, you can select the least visited ones, and you will find that they are very affordable.

How much does the average trip to Greece cost?

I don’t think there is such a thing as an average trip to Greece, as everyone’s itinerary is different. Athens, Santorini and Mykonos are among the most visited (and most expensive) destinations. In addition, some popular activities, such as sailing trips or winery tours, can be quite pricey.

With that said, if you can only visit Greece once, you should make the most of it, and enjoy all the activities you can! Here are some ideas on how to visit Santorini on a budget .

How do you get around the Greek islands?

The easiest way to get around the islands is by ferry. There are various search engines such as  Ferryscanner , where you can compare routes and book your tickets to the Greek islands.

How much does it cost to go to Greece for a week?

This would depend on the time of the year you go, and the destinations you visit. If you make smart choices, it is possible to spend a week in Greece for under 400-500 euro per person. But if you are interested in luxury hotels or upmarket restaurants, the average cost can easily jump to over 1,500 or 2,000 euro. It’s all a matter of choice!

Is food in Greece expensive?

All in all, food in Greece is rather inexpensive, compared to many other European countries. It depends where you choose to eat. There is a range of restaurants in Greece, ranging from very cheap to expensive.

How much does a meal cost in Greece?

Meal prices in Greece vary a lot. It is possible to eat for under 10 euro per person, especially if you are a large group and can share all dishes. Allow for about 20 euro per person for a decent meal for two with house wine or beer. It goes without saying that there are more expensive restaurants, especially on the popular islands like Mykonos and Santorini.

Is Greece cheap or expensive?

I wouldn’t say that Greece is the cheapest country in Europe. Still, it is definitely cheaper than many other countries, especially when it comes to accommodation. If you choose less popular destinations, you may be pleasantly surprised with the costs!  

How many days do you need for Greece?

Now this is an interesting question that I am asked quite often. I’ll put it like this – out of our 100+ inhabited islands, I’ve only been to about 40. So, I believe the right answer to this question is… a lifetime!

Budget for travel to the Greek islands

And this completes my article on our budget for a month travelling around a few of the Cyclades. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, and please share with anyone planning a trip here!

Before you go – here’s our guide for money in Greece . Includes everything you need to know about ATMs, bank cards, and what to expect when spending money here in Greece. 

And here’s my guide on buying a Greek SIM card . If you are traveling to Greece in summer, it will only cost you about 10 euro to have unlimited data for a month!

Also, since we are discussing costs, here’s an article about the cost of living in Athens . Who knows, you might want to move here one day!

Finally – have a look at this list of the hottest Greek islands in October . 

12 thoughts on “Is Greece Expensive? No It’s Not, And Here’s Why!”

Vanessa, thank you for this very helpful and detailed account. It brings everything down to reality. So glad you could enjoy yourselves on vacation!

You are very welcome! I hope you can enjoy this summer as well!!!

a really eye opening article!!! thanks for sharing

Thanks George! Feel free to share with anyone travelling here! Have a great summer!

Hi I am an archaeologist heading to Greece in May. Looking for some tips, etc for exploring.

You can start with Athens… there are 7 ancient sites that are all worth visiting! Some of the best areas to visit are Crete and the Peloponnese, but wherever you go in Greece there are ancient monuments!

Have you been to Ios? And if yes is it easy to get around the Island?

Yes we spent about a week in Ios with our own car, and most of the roads were absolutely fine – you can consider an ATV or motorbike as well for more remote beaches like Kalamos. There are also buses – as timetables often change by season, you can check them out here . Check this article with things to do in Ios for more information!

I really enjoyed reading this! Hopefully we’ll have a similar experience as we’re planning on travelling to Greece in mid october! Thank you for all the useful tips!

I hope so too! You will probably find that restaurant prices have gone up slightly, due to the increase in the ingredients – still, it depends a lot on where you are going and what type of places you choose. Enjoy your time!!

Currently in Kefalonia in skala and to be fair I wouldn’t say it’s that cheap £13 euro for meal every beer is £4.50 euros some cocktails are £10:00 sun-bed hire can be as high as £15 euro so quite easy to rack up 180 euro per day x 14 need around £2,500 to come away with come back drachma 😃

You are right John – I wrote this post two years ago, and prices have gone up since then. Still, I find it affordable for a couple, depending on the choices you make! Enjoy your time!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Philippines
• New Zealand
• Netherlands
• United Kingdom

Is Greece expensive? You asked, so we answered. Here’s the JTG guide to how much things cost in this sun-kissed land of feta and moussaka at the southern end of Europe. We’ll take a look at everything, from the average price of a midrange holiday in Greece to what you can expect to spend on food and drink while hopping the famously beautiful islands of the Aegean Sea.

Generally speaking, we’d say Greece is about halfway up the league table of Europe’s priciest destinations. It’s not as extortionate as Paris or London here, but then it’s not as cheap as some parts of Eastern Europe, like Poland or Ukraine. Things will also get WAY cheaper here if you choose to travel outside of the main season, which runs from June to the end of August, in line with Europe’s school breaks.

On top of that, the cost of a vacation to Greece depends a whole lot on where you want to go and how you want to travel. If you’re determined to see the legendary caldera of Santorini and only stay in uber-chic cave hotels with private infinity pools then you might need to have some more dollars in the bank than if you’re after a rustic jaunt to a cabin on the coast of the Peloponnese.

Table of Contents

The average cost of a holiday to Greece

We’d estimate that the average cost of a holiday to Greece in the summer season months is around $1,700-2,500 per person for two weeks. That will include everything from airfare to accommodation, right down to the smaller costs of eating out in tavernas and grabbing a cold water on the go for touring the Acropolis in Athens (hey, it all adds up!).

Find A Travel Buddy!

Of course, we’ve made quite a few assumptions and estimations in our calculation here. Let’s break it down so you can see the sort of holiday that $2k will get you in this land of gorgeous islands and mythic ruins…

• Airfare – $200 per person is a good estimation of what you can expect to pay on a European low-cost carrier for a flight back and forth from London or Berlin. Remember that long-haul flights in from the US to Athens will be considerably more than that, up to a whopping $1,400+ per person, and even more if you want to fly direct.
• Accommodation – Hotels in Greece vary a lot in price (more on that later) but we’ve estimated around $60 per night for a couple here.
• Food and drink – Assuming you’ll get breakfast in your hotel in Greece, we’d guess at about $80 per person, per day for food and drink.
• Transport – There are good deals on car rentals in Greece, but there’s also good public transport options around most islands and in Athens. Some folks also won’t even need transport, so about $10 a day is a good ballpark.
• Sightseeing – Admission to some of the most famous sights in Greece (the Acropolis, Mycenae , Epidaurus) costs as much as 15 EUR ($17) per head, but lesser-known sights won’t be quite as much as that. Overall, you’re looking at about $100 total if you visit a couple of places.

Now let’s take a look at the costs you can expect in Greece in a little more detail…

Is Greece expensive for accommodation?

Greece is about average for accommodation when you compare it to other vacation hotspots in Europe. We think a good range to look at spending here is between $40-120 a night. That can usually secure you a very nice hotel that’s close to the beach (if it’s an island) and close to the sights (in Athens), usually with breakfast included. The most expensive hotels of all can hit over $400 a night – you’re talking uber-boutique cave hotels on the side of the Santorini caldera , though. Budget stays can be had for $10 a night, in easy-going backpacker hostels in the towns.

Here’s a look at a few hotel options from both ends of the spectrum:

• Phos The Boutique ($$$) – A stunning hotel that’s crying out for the A-listers and the influencers, perched with its infinity pools above the southern side of Santorini.
• The Authentic Village ($$) – This all-new hotel in Crete’s rugged southern region is a joy to be at, offering sleek rooms at midrange prices within reach of iconic Loutro Beach.
• The Pink Palace Hostel ($) – A good option for budget-conscious backpackers on Corfu Island, the Pink Palace has dorm rooms, views of the sea, and in-house pub crawls.

One thing you will notice in Greece is that the cost of accommodation will plummet when the high season turns to the shoulder season. Yep, stick around for September, or fly early on in May, and you could find that you pay about 40% less for a room that costs way more in June, July, or August.

Is Greece expensive for food?

The food in Greece is one of the highlights of a trip. Whether you’re munching down on a gyros from a hole-in-the-wall in Athens or settling in for some meticulously cooked seafood fusion on the shores of Little Venice in Mykonos, you won’t want lack of funds to get in your way of enjoying the local kitchen.

So, how much can you expect to spend on grub in these parts? Here’s a look at some average prices of dishes in Greek eateries.

• A gyros from a fast-food stall in Athens – €2.50-€4 ($2.80-4.50)
• Four or five small dishes (mezze) in a local taverna – €12 ($13.50)
• Grilled beef steak in a local taverna – €14 ($16)
• A Greek beer in a restaurant or bar – €3-6 ($3.40-6.75)

Food, unlike accommodation, won’t change in price just because of the season. That said, you might find that there are far fewer places open in the winter months as in the summer, especially on tourist-driven islands like Milos, Zante, and Ios.

Is Greece expensive for nightlife?

That all depends on the sort of nightlife you’re after. We’ll go right ahead and assume you’re not some A-list Hollywood star wanting to glug the best champagne in the best bars and the top-shelf ouzo all night. In that case, Greece actually comes in as pretty affordable when weighed against other Euro party hotspots.

We’d say Mykonos, which is probably the chicest party island of them all, has places that are roughly in line with what you’d pay in Ibiza. However, it doesn’t have the same soaring prices for entry to the mega-clubs – think DJ show tickets in the region of €40-50 ($44-56), not €100+!

When it comes to drinking, there are some islands that are WAY pricier than others. Mykonos, again, stands out from the crowd, with cocktails that can be €8-15 ($9-17) and beers that cost €5 ($5.60) at popular party areas like Paradise Beach. On the flip side, you can find chilled bars that aren’t in Greek nightlife towns that offer beers for less than $3 each.

There are also some great deals on all-you-can-drink parties and shots on entry in 18-30s places like Malia and Kavos – just keep a lookout for the reps!

The cost of things to do in Greece

Because a lot of the fun of Greece is in lazing on the beach, the things you do during your vacation here aren’t likely to cost anything near the same amount as, say, a ski holiday in Aspen or the Alps. The reason? Lazing on the beach is totally, 100% free. You won’t have to pay a penny for the privilege of enjoying the shoreline. Good, eh?

There are some exceptions to that rule. You will have to fork out for a car rental or a boat trip (costing between $50-60 for the whole day) to see the likes of Shipwreck Beach in Zakynthos. And you might want to rent a sunbed to sit on – the price for those ranges from free (so long as you buy something in the associated restaurant/bar) to $20 for the day in the most expensive spots.

Access to the famous historical sights of Greece isn’t cheap. But that’s the cost of them coming well-maintained and protected. As an example, it’s €15 ($17) a head to get into the Acropolis compound in Athens, and the ancient ruins of Delphi and Epidaurus alike. Smaller sites do cost less, with the Minoan palace of Phaistos in south Crete costing just €6 ($6.75) per person. There are also great discounts for students, so bring that ID card!

The cost of traveling to Greece

Last but not least, you have to factor in the cost of traveling to and from Greece. You gotta’ get on the ground to enjoy the fresh Aegean fish cuts and the sizzling saganaki cheeses, amiright? Thankfully, all that’s now easier (and cheaper) than it’s ever been because there are now countless airports serving individual islands across Greece, along with a newly enlarged main airport in Athens.

That means all sorts of low-cost carriers (easyJet, Ryanair, and WizzAir especially) link various destinations in Greece with various destinations across Europe. As a roundabout figure, expect to pay $200 for a return with bags from London in the peak season months, perhaps a little more to in-demand isles like Santorini and Mykonos. Of course, long-haul flights will set you back considerably more than that.

To get to islands that aren’t served by their very own airport (and there are lots of those – Milos, Folegandros, Lefkas), you might have to catch a ferry. There’s a fantastically comprehensive network in Greece these days. Links go from Piraeus in Athens to many of the most popular isles, and from Paros to most of the Cyclades chain. Rhodes, meanwhile, is the main hub of the eastern Dodecanese.

You can pay anything from €10 ($11.50) for a short ride of 30 minutes to over €150 ($168) for an overnighter from the capital to Rhodes, for example. Just be sure to book in advance, as boat connections do sell out for the summer months.

Is Greece expensive? A conclusion

If you’re wondering is Greece expensive, then we’d say not really. This country can be expensive if you limit yourself to the five-star hotels on islands like Mykonos and Santorini. But it’s actually a little cheaper than much of northern Europe on the whole. You can also significantly cut the cost of what you pay for a vacation to Greece by traveling in the shoulder season months of spring and fall, not to mention winter, which is low season and great for seeing the major sights without the crowds.

Destinations

• North America
• South America
• Group Tours
• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions

© 2022 Journeying The Globe. All Rights Reserved.

Got a Travel Question?

Ask questions, get inspired, and plan your next adventure with us! Join our free Facebook group for travelers and connect with a global network of passionate explorers.

JOIN FOR FREE

How to See Everything: Your Ultimate Guide to the Athens Combo Ticket

quickwhittravel

We all want a good value when we travel, right? It can be really expensive to visit all the most iconic sites wherever you go, but it’s the whole reason you went! That’s why it’s such a relief to find an all-in-one (or even most-in-one) ticket so you can see as much as possible. Even better, tickets like this encourage visitors to go to more sites than they might otherwise, since the more sites you see, the more money you save! Here’s your ultimate guide to the Athens Combination Ticket.

Also helpful: Stay nearby at Home & Poetry Hotel Athens !

That price will get you into all nine sites on the list, and the ticket is good for 5 consecutive days . Please also note that your ticket is only good for one entry to each site , meaning that you can’t go to any of the sites more than once! Hours are seasonal, but generally, sites are open from 8:00am until 8:00pm, unless otherwise noted.

Read on: The Ultimate List of 30 Trips to Take in Your 30s

Where to purchase.

You can purchase your combination ticket (or an individual ticket to any of the included sites) on this official website . It’s not entirely intuitive, and in fact, I didn’t know this was an option until we chatted with another couple on the flight to Athens! Here’s what to do:

• On the “Please Choose Region” box, select “ Attica .”
• On the “Please Select a Site from the List” box, select any of the first seven sites listed .
• On the “Select Date” box, select your start date (the Athens Combo Ticket is good for five days, beginning on the date you choose).
• Below the date, select your preferred time slot and click the “Continue” button .
• On the next page, find the “Combined €30” option and select the number of tickets you want to purchase.

Then follow the rest of the steps to purchase your advance tickets!

Also helpful: Money Saving Tips for Your Trip to Athens

We had no problem with this, even though I was kicking myself for not knowing I could purchase the tickets in advance! You can purchase the combined ticket at any of the sites that are included. You could also purchase individual tickets for each site if you don’t think the cost of the combined ticket is worth it to you.

Essential info: How to Make the Most of 36 Hours in Athens

How much are you saving.

The more sites you visit, the more money you save. The catch is… Do you want to see all those places? If you purchased admission to all sites, the combined cost would be €64 as of 2022. So, for instance, as long as you visit the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora of Athens, you’ll be breaking even. Any other sites you visit on this list will be pure savings!

Keep reading: How to Have a Great Trip on a Tight Budget

What’s included.

The best way to know if the ticket price is worth your while is to know what you’re getting into! Below are brief descriptions of each included site, including individual cost, with links to more info. Just click on the title of each site!

Acropolis of Athens

This is the hill on which the Parthenon sits, so you will also be able to visit the Parthenon while you’re here. It’s by far the most popular site on this list, so go early before the crowds come up. There is a lot more to see here than just the Parthenon, so take your time. (€20)

Ancient Agora of Athens

The Agora, or marketplace, was the center of it all in ancient Athens. It was the political, economical, administrative, and social hot spot for the city, as well as the seat of justice. The apostle Paul also preached here, as written about in Acts 17:16-34 . It’s quite a large site, so plan to spend some time here to see it all. (€10)

Ancient Agora of Athens Museum

This is exactly what it sounds like: The museum housing artifacts found at the Ancient Agora of Athens. The building that houses the museum, the Stoa of Attalos, was originally built in the second century, so it’s a part of history itself! Admission is included with the Ancient Agora Site.

• Hadrian’s Library

This site was built in the year 132 by Emperor Hadrian. Since then, it’s been destroyed, rebuilt, housed Christian churches, and even been the seat of the Governor during Turkish occupation. In its time as a library, it housed papyrus scrolls on its eastern side. (€6)

This archaeological site dates back to 2700 B.C., and it’s known for its pottery. As mentioned above about the Kerameikos Museum, the name itself comes from the Greek word for “pottery!” (€8)

Kerameikos Archaeological Museum

This museum was built in 1937, and it houses artifacts and exhibits from the Kerameikos site. Kerameikos is related to the word “ceramic,” and as such, there is a vast collection of pottery inside. Admission is included with the Kerameikos Site.

Lykeion Archaeological Site

Boxers and wrestlers used to train here at the palaestra. This is the site of a former gymnasium, where athletes used to train in Athens. Aristotle also taught here, as well as had a library on the site. It’s tucked away in a neighborhood behind the Greek Presidential Mansion. (€4)

Olympieio (Temple of Olympian Zeus)

This was the site of Olympian Zeus’s sanctuary. It also includes the Temple of Apollo, and it was once the largest temple in all of Greece. It was undergoing some restoration when we visited, but there was still plenty to see! (€8)

Roman Agora of Athens

An Agora is a marketplace, and this one was built and used during the Roman times in Athens. It was the focus of public life in Athens at the time, though it’s much smaller in area than the Ancient Agora of Athens. It’s sometimes referred to as the Roman Forum and Tower of the Winds. (€8)

Also helpful: Mistakes People Make When Planning a Trip to Greece (and how to avoid them!)

What’s surprisingly not included.

You’ll be a little bit perplexed to find that the Acropolis Museum is not included in your Athens Combination Ticket price. That will be an extra €10 per person, so you can decide if visiting this museum is worth it or not for you.

More money saving travel tips are on my dedicated Saving and Money Page !

Tips for seeing everything.

It’s my favorite part… Tips!

Save Time in Line

Because the Acropolis is so popular, you may want to consider buying your ticket at one of the other sites on the list to avoid the long line of people purchasing theirs here. Try purchasing the combined ticket at the Lykeion Archaeological Site, Hadrian’s Library, or the Olympieio (Temple of Olympian Zeus).

And don’t forget to eat! Where to Eat in Athens in 36 Hours

Wear reasonable shoes.

This is not the moment for your cutest, strappiest, or flip-floppiest pair of shoes. You’ll be doing a lot of walking, and the ground is uneven (and sometimes covered in debris), so sneakers are a wiser option!

More here: The Ultimate Guide to Travel and Your Feet

Bring water.

As previously mentioned, you’ll be doing a lot of walking! And in late spring, summer, and early fall, it can be quite hot. You can drink the water in Athens, so fill up a reusable water bottle before you set out. Many hotels also provide a couple of bottles of water to guests each day during their visit. Stay hydrated, friends!

Keep reading: What to Know Before You Visit Athens

Know where the bathrooms are.

This is here for all the ladies, and for anyone who likes to stay hydrated. Not all the sites have a restroom available. So, for your planning purposes, here’s the list of which sites do have a restroom. Just don’t flush the toilet paper!

• Ancient Agora Museum
• Kerameikos Museum

Also helpful: What to Know Before You Visit Greece

Bring a guide book.

I can’t believe I considered leaving this guidebook at home to save space in my carry-on bag! We were so glad to have it with us. You can, of course, see the sites with a guide (especially the Acropolis and Ancient Agora), but that’s not everyone’s preferred way of seeing the sites. This was just what we needed everytime we looked at a site and wondered, “What is that supposed to be?” Get yours at the link below!

Read next: How to Be a Prepared Traveler

Find out where the entrance is located before you walk all the way around.

This was a major faux pas for us. Each site only has one entrance (possibly due to COVID policies, since there were other entrances that were not open), and some of the sites cover quite a large area. If you miss the entrance, or go the wrong way around, you’ll waste a lot of time! Ask where the entrance is if it’s not clear. The locals will be happy to help you!

Also important: Everything You Need to Know about Travel in the Shoulder Season

Want more? You’ll find all my posts about Athens on my dedicated Greece Page !

Love this post? Pin it for later!

Share this:

2 responses to “how to see everything: your ultimate guide to the athens combo ticket”.

[…] Also check out: Your Ultimate Guide to the Athens Combination Ticket […]

[…] More here: Your Ultimate Guide to the Athens Combo Ticket […]

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Discover more from quick whit travel.

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

America still has the world's busiest airport

• New data on the world's busiest airports in 2023 reveals the latest trends in global travel. 
• 8.5 billion passengers traveled by plane last year, almost marking a return to pre-pandemic levels.   
• Airports in Asia and the Middle East became busier, but the US has once again clinched the top spot. 

International travel is almost back to pre-pandemic levels, according to the just-released list of the world's busiest airports in 2023.

8.5 billion passengers traveled globally by plane last year — up from 7 billion passengers in 2022 .

The rise in air travel marks a recovery to 93.8% of levels in 2019 before the world shut down, according to preliminary data published by the Airports Council International (ACI), a trade association that includes 2,600 airports worldwide.

Increasing travel to airports in Asia and the Middle East was one of the key trends to emerge from the data, with Dubai International Airport jumping from the fifth to the second busiest airport in the world.

Airports in India, Japan, and Turkey also made it into the top 10 and were some of the biggest movers in terms of annual gains in passenger numbers.

As the world's largest domestic market for flights , US airports still make up five of the busiest airports in the world, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport retaining its No. 1 position.

Despite tough global economic conditions, there was "a growing inclination towards travel," Luis Felipe de Oliveira, the ACI's world director general, said in a press release.

"Airports continue to demonstrate their resilience and adaptability amidst the challenges posed by the ever-evolving landscape of global travel," said Oliveira.

Here's a closer look at the top 10 busiest airports in the world.

10. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi, India

Passengers: 72.2 million

2022 ranking: 9th

Delhi's main airport, Indira Gandhi International Airport, saw a 21.4% increase in year-on-year traffic. While it has dropped a place this year, Delhi has grown significantly as a transport hub since 2019, when it sat at number 19 in the rankings.

9. Chicago O’Hare International Airport, USA

Passengers: 73.9 million

2022 ranking: 4th

Travel through Chicago O'Hare jumped by 8.1% throughout 2023. O'Hare is a hub airport for domestic travel, particularly for United and American Airlines flights. It is also a focus city for low-cost rivals Spirit Airlines and Frontier Airlines.

8. Los Angeles International Airport, USA

Passengers: 75.1 million

2022 ranking: 6th

Travel through LAX was up 13.8% in 2023, however, compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019, passengers at the West Coast airport decreased by 14.8% — the largest decrease of any airport in the top ten rankings. LAX is a hub for a number of carriers, including Alaska Airlines, United, American, and Delta. But domestic travel at the airport shrunk dramatically as airlines cut the number of flights following a series of meltdowns in 2022.

7. Istanbul Airport, Turkey

Passengers: 76 million

2022 ranking: 7th

Passenger numbers at Turkey's Istanbul airport have increased by 18.3%, making it the only transit hub to keep level with its previous ranking in the top 10. Notably, traffic through the airport has jumped by 45.7% since 2019.

6. Denver International Airport, USA

Passengers: 77.8 million

2022 ranking: 3rd

Denver Airport has dropped down several places on the list but still shows strong signs of growth in terms of passengers. In the last year traffic through the Colorado airport was up 12.3%, and it has also grown 12.8% from pre-pandemic levels.

5. Tokyo Haneda International Airport, Japan

Passengers: 78.7 million

2022 ranking: 16th

Japan's Tokyo Haneda Airport saw the largest increase in traffic by far, with passenger numbers surging by 55.1%. Some of that jump can be explained by a lag in tourism as Japan only reopened its borders in late 2022. Despite the jump, Tokyo Haneda is still 7.9% under its 2019 level of traffic. This January the airport made headlines after a fatal collision involving a Japan Airlines plane and a coastguard vehicle killed five people.

4. London Heathrow, UK

Passengers: 79.2 million

2022 ranking: 8th

Travel through the UK's largest airport shot up by 218% in 2022 and has once again made strong gains throughout 2023, jumping by a slightly more modest 28.5%. The airport has credited travel from the Asia-Pacific region as a major factor in its increased passenger numbers. It hopes to supersede its pre-pandemic level of traffic in 2024 and hit a record 81.4 million passengers, the airport said in a report published in December.

3. Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, USA

Passengers: 81.8 million

2022 ranking: 2nd

Dallas/Fort Worth airport , known as DFW, is American Airlines' busiest hub and the departure city for many of the airline's international flights. Last year traffic through the airport jumped by 11.4%.

2. Dubai International Airport, UAE

Passengers: 87 million

2022 ranking: 5th

Dubai took the number 2 ranking in the list for the first time, thanks to a significant 31.7% increase in passenger numbers. Dubai's new position reflects the heavy investment that has gone into the aviation industry and boosting tourism in the region.

1. Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA

Passengers: 104.7 million

2022 ranking: 1st

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport comes in at No. 1 as the busiest airport in the world, a position it has held for more than two decades. In 2023, the Atlanta airport saw an 11.7% increase in passenger numbers.

Here's a look at what it takes to be an air traffic controller at the world's busiest airport.

• Main content