5 Days of Adventure in Athens on a Budget

Experience the beauty and history of Athens without breaking the bank!

21 June 2023

A trip to Athens on a limited budget can still be exciting! Explore historic landmarks like the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, while also taking advantage of free walking tours. Local street food and affordable accommodations can help you save money while enjoying the vibrant culture of Greece's capital.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the ancient city

  • Wander through the Acropolis and snap photos of the Parthenon
  • Visit the ancient Agora and marvel at the Temple of Hephaestus
  • Stop for a traditional Greek lunch at Geros Tou Moria
  • Take a stroll around the Plaka neighborhood and window-shop for souvenirs
  • Catch the sunset over the city at Lycabettus Hill
  • Stay at the cozy and affordable Hotel Neos Olympos in the vibrant Exarcheia district
Day 2

Eating and drinking like a local

  • Start your day with a traditional Greek breakfast at To Steki Tou Ilia
  • Sip on coffee at Taf Coffee
  • Grab a quick and delicious lunch at Oinomageiremata
  • Try out the famous loukoumades at Lukumades
  • Sample some local wines at the intimate Wine Point
  • End the night with a cocktail at The Clumsies
Day 3

Exploring the outdoors

  • Take a day trip to the beautiful Sounion beach
  • Explore the ancient Temple of Poseidon
  • Hike up Mount Hymettus for panoramic views of Athens
  • Catch the sunset at Cape Sounion
  • Dig into some fresh seafood at To Psaraki
  • Return to Hotel Neos Olympos for a good night's sleep
Day 4

Visiting cultural landmarks

  • Visit the National Archaeological Museum of Athens
  • Take a stroll through the picturesque National Garden
  • Check out the Benaki Museum for a glimpse into Greek art and design
  • Watch a performance at the Herod Atticus Theater
  • Grab dinner at To Koutouki tou Psirri for authentic Greek cuisine
  • Rest up at Hotel Neos Olympos
Day 5

Athens from a different perspective

  • Take a food tour with Athens Walking Tours
  • Explore the lively Monastiraki Flea Market
  • Visit the Central Market for a sensory overload
  • Watch a movie at the open-air Cine Thisio cinema
  • End the day with a rooftop dinner at A for Athens
  • Say goodbye to Athens, but promise to return.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Athens, Greece by plane is to fly into Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. It is the largest airport in Greece and is served by multiple airlines from around the world.

Car

The best way to get to Athens by car is to take the Egnatia Odos highway if you are coming from the north of Greece. From the south of Greece, take the A7 highway. There are also several toll stations along the highways.

Train

There is no direct train to Athens from outside Greece. However, you can take a train to Thessaloniki, and then take a connecting train to Athens. The journey takes about 5 hours and the main station in Athens is the Larissa railway station.

Boat

The best way to get to Athens by boat is to take a ferry from some of the Greek islands. The main ports in Athens are Piraeus and Rafina ports. Ferries travel regularly from popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.

Bus

The best way to get to Athens by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in Europe. The main bus station in Athens is Kifissos Bus Terminal. There are also domestic buses that connect Athens with other parts of Greece.

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