How can I Enjoy Athens on a Budget?

Are you a budget traveler looking for a great European city to explore on a budget? Then consider Athens! Sitting at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, this amazing city is a great deal for budget travelers.From visiting incredible archaeological sites, indulging in delicious traditional cuisine, experiencing vibrant nightlife and more, there are plenty of things to do in Athens on a low budget. Here is a guide to how you can enjoy Athens on a budget.

Transportation

One of the best ways to save money while vacationing in Athens is by taking advantage of their efficient transportation system. Since the majority of sights, restaurants, and shops in the city center are within walking distance of each other, many travelers opt to simply walk or bike around the city. If you’re traveling further away to popular attractions such as the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Olympian Zeus, then consider taking the metro or bus. The buses in Athens operate from 5:30am to midnight every day and are incredibly inexpensive. A single ride from the airport to Syntagma Square costs just €5, while a single metro journey is €1.40. Additionally, the OASA Athens Urban Transport ticketing system allows you to purchase cards which will provide you with unlimited rides on both buses and metro network for periods of 24 hours up to 5 days, for as low as just €4.50 a day.

Sightseeing and Attractions

Athens is packed with plenty of sights and attractions that you won’t want to miss; however, most come with hefty entry fees. Lucky for travelers on a budget, many of these attractions offer reduced or free admission fees one day per week or on certain holidays. The iconic Acropolis can be visited for free if you go on the 5th of each month and the second Sunday in the month from 1st November to the end of February; it normally costs €20, however. Additionally, the National Archaeological Museum is free every Monday, while admission to the National History Museum is free all day Sunday.The Syntagma district in Athens contains one of the most popular free attractions in the city; the Changing of the Guards at the Parliament building at Syntagma Square. Every hour from 8am to sunset, you can witness this special ceremony from outside the parliament building; all you have to do is show up!

Dining On A Budget

Athens has some fantastic restaurants serving delicious traditional dishes at highly reasonable prices. The most budget-friendly option would be to choose eateries from the city’s abundant street food stands, where you can grab kebabs, gyros, souvlaki or falafel snack for only €2 – €3. Additionally, if you prefer something more substantial than fast food, there are plenty of delicious restaurants in Athens with meals costing €7 – €10. In addition to traditional Greek dishes, international cuisines like Turkish, Indian, Chinese and Nepalese fare are also available. If you really want to stay within your budget then opt for the lunch specials found in some restaurants during the midday hours where dishes come at discounted prices.

Nightlife

Athens is renowned for its vibrant nightlife scene; however it doesn’t have to break the bank! Many clubs offer discounted drinks before 11pm and most bars give out free shots of ouzo for any order of €5 or more. Additionally, some bars offer free drinking games such as flip cup or beer pong so that you can have fun without spending much. If you’re looking for bar-hopping spots then Exarchia is the place to go in Athens; this area is popular with students and artists, and there are no shortage of open-air bars with cheap drinks. Additionally, there are plenty of hipster hangouts around Kolonaki Square where fun doesn’t cost an arm and a leg; just make sure you leave in time as getting home late at night tends to be dangerous in this area.

Where to Stay in Athens

Athens may have some high-cost hotels but luckily budget-friendly accommodation options also exist in abundance. The coolest part about staying in a hostel or budget hotel is that many have stunning rooftop terraces that offer plenty of nightlife views and stunning views of the city – so don’t think that just because you’re not staying in 5-star hotel you won’t get amazing views. Dorm beds in some hostels can cost as low as €10 while private rooms are offered just slightly above €20 – prices that no other European city can compete with! Additionally couch surfing services like CouchSurfing are an excellent way to cut costs while traveling if you don’t mind swapping a bed for an authentic experience with locals who can help you navigate your destination.

Conclusion

Athens is an underrated destination for budget travelers due to its amazing offerings all across various categories such as sightseeing, dining, accommodation, nightlife and transport which makes it one of the most cost-effective cities in Europe! From exploring ancient monuments such as the Acropolis and Parthenon to eating delicious street food outside low-cost clubs, there are plenty of ways to experience Athens on a budget – as long as you know where to look!