The capital of Greece is the perfect city to travel for a few days. Athens is teeming with ancient monuments which are worth visiting and ticking off your bucket list.
This blog will share some of my tips for a visit, how to plan and prepare for a safe trip when on a budget.
I’d recommend checking out the gov.uk Travel Advice for Greece and singing up to the free travel alerts for it – meaning you’re updated should any advice or key information change.
Getting Around
Like many other cities with strong tourism, Athens has a city pass, which enables you to visit multiple attractions for a reduced or set price. There are also percentage discount incentives available when you book online and in advance, which is something to snap up when budgeting for your trip.
Travelling in Athens is simple where travel tickets can be used for any form of public transport. I recommend using their efficient Metro system, with trains arriving as frequently as every 5-6 minutes. These travel tickets are also budget-friendly and cost as little as €1.20 for a single ticket and with deals for unlimited travel across 5-days for just under €10.
For the travel to Athens itself, make sure you check your travel insurance policy so that you know what you’re covered for should there be any delays or cancellations to your travel. This can ensure you’re not out of pocket if you have to rebook or change dates for your trip.
Accommodation
There are many ways you can budget on accommodation for city breaks. Booking through a travel agent or using third-party booking websites can sometimes increase costs, so it’s worth checking prices directly where possible and shopping around to ensure you avoid any hidden costs.
Purchasing appropriate travel insurance as soon as you book can also help cover you for things like cancellations – although make sure to check your policy so that you know what is/isn’t covered.
Sightseeing
As Athens is ancient monument galore, what are the budget-friendly highlights?
Acropolis of Athens
Located in the centre of Athens and home to the iconic Parthenon, the Athenian Acropolis stands as one of the most famous monuments in the world. Just before a steep and dusty climb up the hill, make sure to check out the famous Amphitheatre, where Elton John once performed. As you walk through the propylaeum, you are transported back in time as you follow in the footsteps of Ancient Greek civilisation. Find out more about the Acropolis here.
Acropolis Museum
With entry and access granted from €13, the Acropolis Museum provides you with an optional audiobook and a more expansive peak at the Acropolis and its rich history dating back centuries. You can also pay to access an exclusive underground walkway of ruins which date back to Ancient Greece. Find out more about the Acropolis Museum here.
Panathenaic Stadium
Seating 50,000 spectators and built entirely from marble, the Panathenaic Stadium symbolises the ancient history of the Olympic games. Just a 23-minute walk or 19-minute public transport journey away from the Acropolis, Athens’ historical monuments are designed to be visited collectively and during a short trip. Find out more about the Panathenaic Stadium here.
Hadrian’s Library
Created by the Roman Emperor himself, Hadrian’s Library still stands in the North side of the Acropolis after being significantly damaged during the Herulian Invasion. As a space which once held music and lecture rooms as well as hundreds of books, these ruins are a must-visit part of Athens rich ancient history. Find out more about Hadrian’s Library here.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
A stone’s throw from the hills bearing the iconic Athenian Acropolis and Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is a perfect structure to visit during your time in the city. Built in 6th century B.C., this temple is completely free to visit and is only an 8-minute walk away from the Acropolis Museum. Find out more about the Temple of Olympian Zeus here.
Plaka Neighbourhood
As traditional as Aegean villages get, Plaka is a beautiful space to soak up the authentic Athenian aura. Adjacent to the Acropolis and other ancient monuments, Plaka is lined with narrow, cobbled streets and is laced with jewellery, clothes, souvenirs and other local shops. The neighbourhood is a great place for a respite between exploring the city’s monuments.
Staying organised is vital when travelling abroad. Some monuments are accessible only to advance ticket holders. Make sure you check relevant websites for any guidelines and restrictions before visiting. Stick with your mates and plan physical meeting points throughout your trip (just in case anyone in your party loses their mobile phone), print off your travel insurance (in case your device is stolen) and sign up for government alerts before your trip for the latest updates about travelling in Greece.
Food and Drink
There are a range of highly rated restaurants around the Acropolis serving authentic Athenian food. I recommend exploring restaurants as you explore the city, eateries discovered on a whim naturally throughout the day have ended up being some of my favourites of all time.
Remember, to successfully complete your trip to Athens, you must tuck into an authentic Greek gyro! Other honourable mentions include souvlaki, moussaka and baklavas. As part of your planning, you can check out menus, promotional offers and any discounts available in advance to try and make your budget go further.
The extensive ancient history and fabulous delicacies of Athens are not to be missed. Enjoy your trip!
By Georgia Pearson, a Student Brand Ambassador for the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.