Athens, Greece: Ancient Ruins, Culture & Adventure

Experience ancient wonders on a shoestring budget in Athens, Greece.

21 June 2023

Athens, Greece is a city rich in history, culture, and adventure. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it can be enjoyed on a limited budget by staying in affordable hostels, eating at local tavernas, and taking advantage of free activities such as visiting ancient ruins, strolling through picturesque neighborhoods, and enjoying breathtaking views from hillsides and parks. Visitors can also explore the city's vibrant arts scene, sample delicious street food, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Greek people.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Exploring the Ancient City

  • Start the day off with a visit to the Acropolis take in the breathtaking views and visit the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion.
  • Next, head to the Ancient Agora to wander around the ruins and learn about the history of Athens. Don't miss the Stoa of Attalos, which houses a museum and offers great views of the city.
  • For lunch, enjoy some traditional Greek food at a budget-friendly restaurant like Kostas Souvlaki try the souvlaki pita and some tzatziki.
  • After lunch, take a stroll through the picturesque streets of the Plaka neighborhood browse the shops, mingle with the locals, and take some photos of the beautiful architecture.
  • Next, head to the Museum of the Ancient Agora to delve deeper into the history of Athens view ancient artifacts and learn about Greek democracy.
  • End the day with a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium the site of the first modern Olympic Games and take a lap on the track. For dinner, grab some delicious Greek street food from a food cart and enjoy a picnic in the nearby National Gardens.
  • Athens may seem like a bustling metropolis at first glance, but there is so much history and culture waiting to be discovered in this ancient city. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, this one-day itinerary provides a perfect introduction to Athens on a budget.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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.

Destination

Athens

Welcome to a city where ancient gods and modern-day chaos exist in perfect harmony. Where you can indulge in delicious feta cheese while admiring the world-famous Parthenon or dodging a herd of fearless stray cats.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

More travel plans

Athenian Delights: A Family-Friendly Odyssey in Greece!

Athens, Greece offers a fantastic family-friendly trip with endless historical sites and attractions. Explore the iconic Acropolis and marvel at the grandeur of the Parthenon, which will not only educate your kids about ancient Greek civilization but also leave them in awe of its architectural brilliance. Embark on a delightful adventure to the National Archaeological Museum, stroll through picturesque Plaka, and try delicious local cuisine while enjoying the warm Greek hospitality that makes Athens an ideal choice for a family vacation.

Experience a Weekend of Romance in Athens

: Athens is a city that embodies classic romance with its ancient ruins, historical architecture, and stunning views of the Mediterranean. Walk hand in hand through the Parthenon and the Acropolis or visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus for a truly magical experience. Spend your evenings indulging in authentic Greek cuisine in the Plaka district, while admiring the beauty of the city lights.

Athens, Greece: Ancient Ruins, Culture & Adventure

Athens, Greece is a city rich in history, culture, and adventure. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it can be enjoyed on a limited budget by staying in affordable hostels, eating at local tavernas, and taking advantage of free activities such as visiting ancient ruins, strolling through picturesque neighborhoods, and enjoying breathtaking views from hillsides and parks. Visitors can also explore the city's vibrant arts scene, sample delicious street food, and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Greek people.

Explore Ancient Athens: A One-Day Adventure

A trip to Athens, Greece promises to be a fascinating journey through the ancient world. As a tourist, one can explore iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, marvel at the stunning architecture of the Parthenon and enjoy the buzz of the city’s vibrant cafes and food markets. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in Greek mythology by visiting the Temple of Olympian Zeus or the Agora, an ancient marketplace.