29 Top Things to Do in Athens, Greece: The Best Sites to Visit on a Budget

Searching for things to do in Athens that won’t drain your bank account?

I totally get it—when I first started planning my Athens visit, I was overwhelmed by all the “must-see” attractions and their hefty price tags, especially since paying full price is basically a cardinal sin in my family.

But after a trip to Greece with my family, I’m sharing 29 legitimate ways to experience Athens that range from completely free to surprisingly affordable, including the hidden gems I wish someone had told me about before my first visit.

Cheap Things to Do in Athens Greece

Ways to See the City

1. Rick Steve’s Audio Europe Walking Tours

Download Rick Steve’s free app before you go!

It’s like having a knowledgeable Athens tour guide in your pocket that you don’t have to pay.

I used this constantly while wandering around Athens, especially at the Acropolis, but he has guides for other top attractions as well as one for general ‘Athens City Walk.’

He makes everything come alive with history.

Just don’t forget a pair of headphones so you don’t have to listen on speaker.

💰 Cost: FREE

2. “Free” Walking Tours

These tip-based tours are fantastic for getting oriented on your first day.

Yes, you should tip your guide (they work hard!), but you decide how much based on your budget and how much you enjoyed the experience.

I’ve done several of these and always learned something new.

The guides are also usually rather entertaining as well since they are working for tips.

💰 Cost: Tip-based, but I suggest estimating based on the tour’s length and quality. I typically go between €10-20 per person.

3. Lykavittos Hill (Mount Lycabettos)

It’s around €9-12 for a round trip, and yes, you can hike up for free, but if you’re like me and are traveling with someone with mobility issues, that may not be an option, or you just may be tired after a day of exploring.

After a ride (or hike) up, you’ll be met with 360-degree views of Athens sprawling out below you, with the Acropolis glowing in the distance. Pure magic.

Go at sunset if possible, as the golden hour light hitting the white buildings is absolutely stunning.

You can also dine up here at a restaurant or check out the church.

🎟️ Tickets: Runs every 30 minutes (every 20, 15 or 10 minutes during peak hours)

4. Areopagus Hill

This rocky little hill is absolutely free and offers some of the most incredible views of the Acropolis in Athens.

However, do wear shoes with grip to ascend, as there are slippery marble rocks you’ll need to climb up.

This spot is packed with people at sunset, so stake out your spot early or be prepared to awkwardly squeeze between other tourists trying to get the perfect photo.

The climb takes about 10 minutes.

Bring a small flashlight for the climb down because those marble steps get sketchy in the dark.

💰 Cost: FREE

5. Filopappou Hill

This free viewpoint in Athens is a bit of a hidden gem because it’s way less crowded than Areopagus Hill.

The hike up is totally manageable–think pleasant walk rather than mountain climbing–and you’re rewarded with absolutely stunning views of the Acropolis from a completely different angle.

At Filopappou, you also get multiple photo opportunities as you climb, so even if you’re not in marathon shape, you can take breaks and still capture amazing shots along the way.

The monument at the top (hence the name) is pretty cool too.

💰 Cost: FREE

Historical and Archaeological Sites

6. The Acropolis

Obviously, the most famous site in Athens, the Acropolis, is a must on this list of things to do in Athens!

When you visit, you can see several sites within the complex, including the Propylaea (the entrance), the Theatre of Dionysos, the Odeion of Herodes Atticus, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and of course, the Parthenon.

• The Propylaea—A classical Greek Doric building that functioned as the ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis of Athens. 
• The Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus—A major theatre in Athens, considered to be the world’s first theatre, built at the foot of the Athenian Acropolis.
• The Odeon of Herodes Atticus—A stone Roman theater structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. The building was completed in 161 AD and then renovated in 1950.
• The Erechtheion—An Ionic temple which was primarily dedicated to the goddess Athena.
• The Temple of Athena Nike—A temple dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike. Built around 420 BC, the temple is the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis.

💡 Travel Tip: Head to the Acropolis as soon as it opens to beat the crowds.

My family and I saved money by listening to Rick Steves’ free audio guide titled ‘Acropolis Tour.’

His site has a “Listen” section where you can listen, download, or view a map of his commentary. I’d advise downloading this before visiting, just in case you have trouble with Wi-Fi while there.

If you or someone in your group has mobility issues, there is an elevator available so that you don’t have to walk the entire way to the Acropolis. Once you pass the ticket booth, it is easy to spot. My mother used the elevator since she had just had knee surgery not long before this trip.

🎟️ Tickets: Buy tickets directly, as many ‘guided tours’ in Athens are just the tour and do not include the entrance tickets. Directly purchasing and listening to Rick’s audio is the cheapest option. Also, book in advance!!! This is the #1 attraction in Athens.

7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Also referred to as the Olympieion or the Columns of the Olympian Zeus, this former colossal temple lies in the heart of the Greek capital, Athens.

It’s not a free site, but the entry fee is reasonable for what you’re getting, as these are some of the largest ancient columns in the world, built 700 years ago!

Here’s a little secret though: you can actually get decent views and photos of the temple from outside the fence along Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas street without paying anything, especially if you’re just trying to check it off your list or your budget is super tight.

But honestly, if you can swing it, go inside. You can walk right up to the columns and really appreciate their scale, plus you get some great shots of the Acropolis in the background that you can’t get from the street.

🎟️ Tickets: Booking directly is the cheapest option!

8. Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square

This prime free entertainment will mesmerize you for at least 20 minutes!

The Evzones (the guards) perform this elaborate, slow-motion dance in their traditional uniforms, which include distinctive pom-pom shoes and pleated skirts.

The ceremony happens every hour on the hour, but if you can make it on Sunday at 11 AM, you’ll get the full elaborate version with a military band and everything.

Get there about 15 minutes early to snag a good spot because tourists absolutely flock to this, and you’ll want a clear view for photos.

Just be respectful during the ceremony. These guys are serious about their jobs, and the crowd generally maintains a reverent silence that adds to the whole experience.

💰 Cost: FREE

9. Ancient Agora of Athens

Aside from the Acropolis, this was my favorite of the things to do in Athens we accomplished!

One thing to immediately note is that the Ancient Agora is HUGE! I had no idea it spanned 30 acres.

As a result, I ended up rushing my family along when I would have rather taken my time. However, we had to catch our flight to Rhodes, so I had no other option. If we were to do this again, I’d take a full 3-4 hours.

One of the most famous examples of an ancient Greek agora is the Ancient Agora. An agora, literally meaning “market,” was the central public square in ancient Greek cities.

It originally served as a hub for commerce, public meetings, and community gatherings.

You can explore the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, the Agora Museum, the Odeon of Agrippa, and much more!

Once again, you can use the wonderful Rick Steves’ free audio guide for commentary.

On his website, in the “Listen” section, you can listen to, download, or view a map. I strongly recommend checking out the map, as it’ll show you where to go along the route. Without it, you might get lost while listening, since the audio follows a specific path.

It’s a good idea to download his commentary ahead of time, just in case you run into Wi-Fi issues.

They do have a few free admission days, such as:

• March 6th (Melina Mercouri Day)
• April 18th (International Monuments Dayy)
• May 18th (International Day of Museums)
• Last Weekend of September (European Heritage Days)
• October 28th (National Holiday)

🎟️ Tickets: Booking directly is the cheapest option!

10. Roman Agora

If the Ancient Agora is too crowded for you (though I think it’s an Athens attraction that is really worth it), then check out the much less visited Roman Agora.

The entry fee is pretty reasonable (around €10) and gets you access to the Tower of the Winds, which is basically an ancient weather station and clock all rolled into one.

The whole site feels more intimate than some of the bigger attractions, and you can really imagine what daily life was like when Romans were doing their shopping and socializing here.

🎟️ Tickets: Booking directly is the cheapest option!

11. Hadrian’s Library

When we visited, the Library of Hadrian was included in the combined ticket we purchased through GetYourGuide. However, if it hadn’t been included, I doubt we would have gone, as there’s not much to see here.

Hadrian’s Library was established by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132 on the north side of the Acropolis in Athens. However, nearly 2,000 years later, not much remains of it.

I had scheduled an hour for this experience, but in the end, we only stayed for about 20 minutes. That was mostly due to me taking pictures of everything, even though there wasn’t much to photograph.

🎟️ Tickets: Book tickets directly

12. Panathenaic Stadium

This all-marble stadium is where the first modern Olympics were held in 1896.

The entry fee is pretty reasonable (around €10), and you get an audio guide included, which lasts about 30 minutes.

What’s really cool is that this isn’t just a relic. They still use it for events, including as the finish line for the Athens Classic Marathon every year.

Now, if you’re trying to see it for free, you can get decent views from the bridge above (Ardittos Hill side) and through the entrance gates, but honestly, you’re missing out on the full experience.

The stadium is completely made of white marble, and walking on the track where Olympic athletes have competed is pretty special.

Plus, there’s a small museum underneath with Olympic memorabilia that’s included in your ticket.

The best hours to visit during summer are in the morning and late afternoon, when the temperature is lower, as you are rather exposed here. Also, bring along a bottle of water and sunscreen.

🎟️ Tickets: Book tickets directly

Museums

13. Acropolis Museum

Visiting the Acropolis Museum after seeing the Acropolis was really enlightening because it gave us context for what we’d just experienced.

On a tour, you’ll learn a lot about the Acropolis, Athens, and Greek history as a whole.

Before visiting or at the museum, you can download their audio guide to discover the stories behind sixty of its masterpieces, which are spread over multiple floors.

Then follow the numbered exhibits (1-60) and select the corresponding number from the list on your screen to hear the story in Greek or English. Note that you must bring your own headphones to listen as they don’t provide any!

Also, don’t forget to visit the area under the museum, as there are ruins beneath!

They do have a few free admission days, such as:

• March 6th (Melina Mercouri Day)
• March 25th (National holiday)
• May 18th (International Day of Museums)
• October 28th (National holiday)

🎟️ Tickets: The Acropolis Museum should be booked in advance as it’s a popular attraction!

14. National Archaeological Museum

This place houses some of the most jaw-dropping ancient Greek artifacts you’ll ever see, including the famous Mask of Agamemnon that’s basically ancient bling at its finest.

It houses some of the most significant artifacts from various archaeological sites across Greece, spanning from prehistory to late antiquity. Considered one of the finest museums in the world, it boasts the richest collection of artifacts from Greek antiquity globally.

The regular entry fee is around €12, which honestly feels like a steal when you see the incredible collection they have here–we’re talking thousands of years of Greek history all under one roof.

They do have a few free admission days, such as:

• March 6th (Melina Mercouri Day)
• April 18th (International Monuments Day)
• May 18th (International Day of Museums)
• Last Weekend of September (European Heritage Days)
• October 28th (National Holiday)
• Every first Sunday of each month from November 1st until March 31st

There is also an extensive list of categories of visitors who are entitled to free admission, which you can view on their site and see if you fall under one of them.

The two most likely applicable here are:

• People up to the age of 25, from EU member states
• Children up to the age of 18, from non-European Union countries

Note: You must present a passport to verify your age and country of origin.

Even if you can’t hit a free day, this is one of those museums where you could easily spend half a day getting lost among the sculptures, pottery, and jewelry that’s older than you can even wrap your head around.

Fair warning, though, it’s huge, so wear comfortable shoes and maybe grab the audio guide because wandering around aimlessly, while fun, means you might miss some of the absolute masterpieces hiding in the corners.

This is one of those things to do in Athens that I regret not doing, as we ran out of time!

🎟️ Tickets: Directly purchasing and listening to Rick’s ‘National Archaeological Museum Tour’ audio is the cheapest option.

15. Benaki Museum

The collection spans everything from ancient Greek art to modern Greek history, and the building itself is gorgeous as it’s housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion.

They offer free admission every Thursday evening from 6 PM to midnight, which is honestly such a civilized way to do museums.

I love this timing because you can explore at a leisurely pace without the daytime crowds, and there’s something special about viewing art in the evening atmosphere.

The free Thursday deal applies to their main building on Koumbari Street, so double-check which location you’re heading to because they have multiple branches around the city.

Even if you can’t make it on a Thursday, the regular admission is pretty reasonable, and you’ll breeze through this in a couple of hours compared to spending an entire day at some of the larger museums.

🎟️ Tickets: Book tickets directly

16. Museum of Ancient Greek Technology

This place is fascinating and has way more interactive elements than you’d expect from a museum about ancient stuff.

They’ve got working models of ancient Greek inventions such as automatic doors, vending machines, and even an ancient computer (the Antikythera Mechanism) that proves the Greeks were basically geniuses way ahead of their time.

It reminds me of the da Vinci exhibit I saw in Los Angeles!

The entry fee is super reasonable at around €7, and you can easily spend a couple of hours here pressing buttons and watching demonstrations that make you realize how much we underestimate ancient civilizations.

Unfortunately, there’s no real free way to visit this one since it’s not a government museum with those free day policies, but honestly, it’s pretty affordable and worth paying the fee.

Everything is hands-on and the staff are genuinely enthusiastic about explaining how these ancient machines worked.

It’s perfect for when you want to give your brain something different to think about after staring at endless marble columns and pottery shards at the other museums.

🎟️ Tickets: Book tickets directly

Neighborhoods to Explore

17. Plaka District

Wander around this neighborhood to take in those cobblestone streets and neoclassical buildings that make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time.

Getting lost here, you’ll discover hidden courtyards, tiny churches, and traditional houses with bougainvillea spilling over the balconies.

It’s completely free to explore, though your wallet might suffer from all the cute shops and tavernas tempting you at every corner.

So, yes, it’s touristy, but there’s still plenty of authentic charm.

Fair warning: wear comfortable shoes because those cobblestones are picturesque but not exactly ankle-friendly, especially after you’ve had a glass or two of wine at one of the rooftop terraces.

💰 Cost: FREE

18. Monastiraki Flea Market

Look for that iconic ‘Athens Flea Market’ sign hanging at the entrance of Ifestou Street. That’s your gateway to some serious treasure hunting.

This place is an absolute maze of stalls selling everything from handmade leather sandals (which are actually incredible quality and way cheaper than what you’d pay back home) to vintage clothes.

If you’re looking for a souvenir, you’ll almost certainly find one here, as they have everything from cheesy “My Big Fat Greek Vacation” t-shirts to beautiful handcrafted jewelry and ceramics.

Note that bargaining is not just expected, it’s practically a sport, so channel your inner negotiator and don’t be afraid to walk away if the price isn’t right.

My family got genuinely excited about the haggling process, and honestly, it’s pretty entertaining even if you’re just browsing.

You can also find street vendors selling vegetables and local delicacies.

💰 Cost: FREE – Unless you buy something!

19. Avissinias Square

The antique market at Avissinias Square was 100% my family’s vibe, so it was a must on my list of things to do in Athens!

That’s where a lot of us found one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

I picked up some buttons for a pair of shorts, as I’d been wanting to replace the plastic ones, and my aunt got a snake ring that she still wears to this day.

Situated between Ifestou Street and Ermou Street, Avissinias Square has hosted an antique flea market for over 100 years.

Every weekend, vendors set up their stalls around 5 am, filling them with vintage knick-knacks that make for great items to take home.

💰 Cost: FREE – Unless you buy something!

20. Psyrri

This neighborhood is where Athens shows off its creative, edgy side.

The street art here boasts massive murals and intricate graffiti.

During the day, Psyrri has this laid-back, slightly gritty vibe with cool cafes, vintage shops, and locals going about their business, but at night it completely transforms into this buzzing nightlife hub with bars spilling onto the streets and a younger crowd that knows how to have a good time.

The best part is that exploring costs absolutely nothing, just bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes because you’ll want to cover every street to see all the art.

Fair warning, though, this isn’t a touristy area, which means some streets can feel a bit sketchy late at night, but it’s perfectly safe during the day.

💰 Cost: FREE

21. Anafiotika

Looking for a bit of the Greek islands on the mainland?

This tiny neighborhood, hidden right beneath the Acropolis, consists of maybe 40 whitewashed houses with bright blue shutters, narrow stepped pathways, and cats lounging in every sunny corner.

The story goes that workers from the island of Anafi built these houses in the 1860s to remind them of home, and honestly, they nailed it because you’ll completely forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.

Getting here involves a bit of uphill walking and some navigation through winding paths, but that’s half the fun.

The whole exploration is completely free, and you can easily spend an hour getting lost in the maze-like streets, taking photos of the incredibly Instagrammable doorways and staircases.

Just be respectful because people actually live in these adorable houses, so keep the noise down and don’t go peeking into windows.

💰 Cost: FREE

Cultural Experiences

22. Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The building itself is an architectural masterpiece with this incredible sloped park on the roof that gives you panoramic views of the city and sea, and yes, you can walk up there for absolutely nothing.

They regularly host free events like outdoor movie screenings, concerts, and cultural festivals, so definitely check their calendar before you visit because you might luck into some amazing entertainment.

The park area is perfect for a picnic or just lounging around, especially if you need a break from all the ancient marble and want to see Athens’ modern side.

Inside, there’s the National Library and the Greek National Opera, and while some performances cost money, they often have free exhibitions and events.

💰 Cost: FREE — but with some caveats

23. Local Festivals and Events

Athens offers a vibrant array of festivals and events throughout the year.

As they are constantly updated and schedules may change, it’s best to visit a site like This is Athens for the latest info, but some popular ones, especially for those visiting Athens for the first time, are:

• Athens & Epidaurus Festival (May-October): A major international arts festival showcasing theater, music, and dance, which takes place at various venues, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens and the Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus. 
• Athens Street Food Festival (May): Showcases diverse street food from around the globe. 
• Athens Coffee Festival (September): Celebrates coffee culture, with tastings, workshops, and more. 
• Full Moon Events (August): Celebrates the full moon, with some archaeological sites and museums offering extended hours and special performances. 
• Art Athina (September): Art fair transforming Athens into a creative hub.
• Ohi Day (October 28th): National holiday commemorating Greece’s “No” to Mussolini’s demands during World War II. 
• Orthodox Easter (April): Religious festival celebrated with unique traditions and customs. 
• Carnival of Corfu (Late February-Early March): Lively carnival celebration with parades and costumes, particularly known for its Venetian influence. 

💰 Cost: Depends on the event, but some are FREE

Ways to Relax

24. The National Gardens

This 38-acre green oasis is your completely free escape from the heat, crowds, and general chaos of Athens.

It encloses some ancient ruins, tambourines, Corinthian capitals of columns, mosaics, and other features.

On the Southeast side are the busts of Ioannis Kapodistrias, the first governor of Greece, and of Jean-Gabriel Eynard. On the South side are the busts of the celebrated Greek poets Dionysios Solomos, author of the Greek National Hymn, and Aristotelis Valaoritis.

The whole park is free to enter and explore–no tickets, no fees, and it boasts shaded pathways, little ponds with ducks, peacocks just casually wandering around, and even a small zoo area that kids go crazy for.

It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, or just to sit on a bench and people-watch.

The gardens stretch from Syntagma Square all the way down toward the Zappeion, so you can easily incorporate it into your walking route between other attractions.

💰 Cost: FREE

25. Fish Spa Treatment

Something I didn’t plan on having on my Athens itinerary was going to a fish spa treatment!

On our way to the Library of Hadrian, my mom saw it and was eager to give it a try.

Frankly, I wasn’t really into the idea. But since my other relatives weren’t relenting, it ended up being my responsibility to do it with her.

It was a strange feeling to have little fish nibbling on your feet, but it didn’t hurt at all. I’m not sure if it really made a difference, though, so there is that.

Although it was an interesting experience and one I doubt I will repeat, I wanted to mention it here nonetheless as one of the unique things to do in Athens.

💰 Cost: A 10-minute fish spa therapy costs €12

Places to Eat

26. iFeel Brunch Restaurant

One place that we actually went to multiple times was the iFeel Brunch Restaurant.

Our hotel recommended it as a nearby place to grab breakfast, and it was fantastic!

Traveling with two vegetarians, one gluten-intolerant individual, and someone who doesn’t like fish made it challenging to find a restaurant we all enjoyed. The fact that we returned really highlights just how wonderful it is!

But they don’t just serve breakfast, you can also get brunch or snacks here, and all their offerings are homemade. They also have a list of wines and cocktails.

💰 Price range: $$

27. Little Kook

Another quirky spot close to our hotel was Little Kook.

We passed it on the way to the Acropolis and other attractions, and we couldn’t help but notice all the decorations.

They seem to switch them out pretty often, since when we arrived, it was Peter Pan themed, and then after coming back from Santorini, it was Halloween.

We ended up getting ice cream here during our trip and really enjoyed it.

It is quite touristy, however, so if that’s not your vibe, I recommend skipping this on your list of things to do in Athens.

💰 Price range: $$

28. Central Market (Varvakios)

Central Market (Varvakios) isn’t some sanitized tourist market; it’s the authentic, slightly chaotic heart of Athenian food culture that’s been feeding locals since 1886.

Here you’ll find vendors calling out prices for everything from whole fish with their eyes still intact (sorry, squeamish travelers!) to wheels of cheese that look like they could feed a small village.

The meat section might make you question your life choices if you’re vegetarian, but the spice stalls? Pure magic. I’m talking mountains of saffron, sumac, and herbs I couldn’t even pronounce.

Pro tip: go hungry because you’ll want to buy everything, especially those massive olives that put grocery store versions to shame.

💰 Cost: Varies

29. Go on a Food Tour

Unfortunately, I did not go on a food tour of Athens because our group had so many food stipulations, but if you’re more flexible, I’d highly recommend doing one.

I’ve found food tours to be an incredible way to find hidden foodie gems I may not have otherwise discovered.

Even though I didn’t do a food tour in Athens, I’ve had a great time on food tours in Belize, Ljubljana, and Mexico City. I even met some friends on the later tour!

So if you’re a foodie or wondering what dishes you should try while in Athens, it’s a wonderful way to explore the city.

🎟️ Tickets: Typically $60-80 per person

Final Thoughts on What to Do in Athens

Now that I’ve covered all the must-sees in Athens, I want to address the Combo Pass that I used while there.

Unfortunately, it’s no longer the price that I paid, so it’s a bit of a toss-up if it’s truly worth it, depending on what you’d like to see while visiting Athens.

The changes that affect my Athens itinerary are:

• Admission to the Acropolis is now only available on a selected date and time slot
• One-time admission to the Panathenaic stadium and Aristotle’s School has replaced admission to Hadrian’s Library and the Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery
• Self-guided audio tours for the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Old Town, Plaka, are offered
• An Acropolis live guided tour in English was added

At the time we did it, the Panathenaic Stadium and Aristotle’s School weren’t included, so I can’t offer personal advice on those. The Temple of Zeus and, I think, the Roman Agora were included, but we didn’t get around to it.

For me, on this list of things to do in Athens, the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora are definitely worth checking out.

As for whether the pass is worth it, I’m hesitant to answer because that really depends on whether you’re interested in visiting the Panathenaic Stadium, Aristotle’s School, and the Roman Agora.

Officially, the Acropolis costs €30, and the Ancient Agora is priced at €20. As of this posting, the GetYourGuide pass is €98.80 for access to all attractions. Therefore, if you plan to visit only the two I enjoyed, it may not be worth it.

FAQs

Related Athens Travel Guides

• 2 Days in Athens Greece: The Ultimate Itinerary
• 29 Things to Do in Athens: The Best Sites to See on a Budget
• 1 Day in Athens: Ultimate Guide to Greece’s Ancient Capital
• A Simple Athens Greece City Guide for First Time Visitors
• How Many Days in Athens? + 3 Suggested Affordable Itineraries
• Is Athens Worth a Visit? 24 Reasons to Explore Greece’s Ancient Capital

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