The Fair Finder

Greece

Athens Travel Guide: Ancient Ruins, Rooftop Views & Mediterranean Sun

A budget guide to Athens — the Acropolis, incredible street food, island-hopping gateways, and how to find the cheapest flights to Greece's capital.

Why Athens?

Athens is where Western civilisation began, and it’s also where you can eat a souvlaki for €2.50 while gazing at the Acropolis. The city has reinvented itself in recent years with a thriving street art scene, rooftop bars, and a food culture that’s as exciting as anywhere in Europe. It’s also the gateway to the Greek islands, making it perfect for combining a city break with a beach escape.

Getting There

Athens International Airport (ATH) is served by Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Aegean Airlines from major UK airports.

Cheapest months to fly: November to March (excluding Christmas). Returns under £35 from the UK are achievable.

Most expensive periods: July, August, and Easter week. Flights and accommodation spike significantly.

Pro tip: Wizz Air has expanded its Athens routes aggressively. The Fair Finder’s Deal Score can help you spot when their fares undercut the competition.

Best Time to Visit

  • March to May: Perfect (18-25°C), wildflowers, pre-summer prices
  • June: Hot but manageable, long days for sightseeing
  • September to October: Warm (24-30°C), sea still swimmable, crowds thinning
  • Winter: Mild (10-15°C), cheapest flights, no queues at the Acropolis

Where to Stay

Budget: Hostels from €15/night in Monastiraki or Psyrri.

Mid-range: Hotels in Plaka or Koukaki from €50-80/night with Acropolis views.

Splurge: Rooftop-pool hotels near Syntagma from €130/night.

What to Do

Free & Cheap

  • Changing of the Guard at the Parliament (every hour, elaborate on Sundays)
  • Explore the Plaka and Anafiotika neighbourhoods below the Acropolis
  • Monastiraki Flea Market — best on Sundays
  • Filopappou Hill for the best free Acropolis views
  • National Garden — a peaceful escape from the heat

Worth Paying For

  • Acropolis + slopes (€20/£17, free on certain winter Sundays)
  • Acropolis Museum (€10/£8.50, one of the best museums in Europe)
  • National Archaeological Museum (€12/£10)
  • Cape Sounion sunset trip (half-day tours from €30/£25)

Food & Drink

Greek street food is among the best and cheapest in Europe.

  • Souvlaki/gyros: Pork or chicken in pita with tzatziki, from €2.50-3.50
  • Spanakopita: Spinach and feta pie, €1.50-2 from bakeries
  • Greek salad: Fresh, huge portions, from €5 at tavernas
  • Freddo espresso/cappuccino: Iced coffee, the Greek obsession, €2-3

Budget meal: A full taverna meal with salad, grilled meat, and a beer costs €10-14 per person in local neighbourhoods. Avoid Plaka tourist traps.

Day Trips

  • Hydra (2 hours by ferry): Car-free island with donkeys and swimming, ferries from €30/£25 return
  • Aegina (1 hour by ferry): Pistachio island, temple ruins, cheap ferries from €15/£13 return
  • Delphi (2.5 hours): Ancient oracle site in the mountains
  • Cape Sounion (1 hour): Temple of Poseidon perched on coastal cliffs

Getting Around

  • Airport to centre: Metro (€9/£7.70, 40 min) or bus X95 (€5.50/£4.70, 1 hour). Taxis cost €40-55 (flat rate).
  • Local transport: Day pass €4.10/£3.50. The metro is modern and efficient.
  • Walking: The historic centre is compact and walkable. Wear good shoes — pavements are uneven.

Money-Saving Tips

  1. Fly in the shoulder season — The Fair Finder’s Deal Score highlights the sweetest Athens fares
  2. Eat souvlaki and bakery food for lunch — a full meal for under €5
  3. Book the Acropolis combo ticket (€36/£30) if visiting multiple archaeological sites — it covers 7 sites and lasts 5 days
  4. Take the X95 bus from the airport instead of the metro to save €3.50
  5. Drink at rooftop bars during happy hour for Acropolis views without the markup
  6. Visit the Acropolis first thing in the morning — cooler, quieter, and the light is best
  7. Check ferry schedules on Ferryhopper if combining Athens with a quick island trip