Prices, money and useful tips
Athens is still cheaper than many European capitals, but ticket prices have gone up. A few tricks will let you enjoy plenty without emptying your wallet.
🆓 Free, or nearly
- Acropolis views from Philopappos Hill and from the Areopagus, the marble rock opposite the entrance. Careful, it's slippery.
- Changing of the guard at Syntagma, every hour on the hour.
- National Garden, next to Parliament: free shade in high summer.
- Dionysiou Areopagitou, the walk around the Acropolis, plus the lanes of Plaka and Anafiotika.
- Free days at public sites and museums: 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September, 28 October and some Sundays from November to March. Check the official calendar, as it changes.
🥙 Eating well for less
- Pita gyros or souvlaki: your budget's best friend, for around €4–5. If there's a queue of locals, that's a good sign.
- Koulouri: the sesame bread rings sold from street carts. Breakfast for under a euro.
- Bakeries: spanakopita (spinach) or tiropita (cheese) pies, cheap and filling.
- Mageirefta: the dishes of the day in neighbourhood tavernas. Home cooking at honest prices.
⚠️ Bread and cover charge: in many tavernas the bread brought to your table is charged separately. If you don't want it, say so at the start.
🧠 General tricks
- Walk: the centre is small and most sights are within walking distance.
- 3-day tourist ticket: €20 with an airport return included. The airport return alone costs €16.
- Tap water: it's safe to drink. Bring a reusable bottle and refill it.
- Travel outside summer: in spring and autumn hotels are cheaper and the tourist tax is lower in winter.
💡 GuideMapp tip: the Monastiraki rooftops with Acropolis views charge a lot for a cocktail. For the same view without the bill, climb Philopappos at sunset with a few snacks from the supermarket. The gods don't charge admission.
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