Three Budget-Friendly Things You Must Do in Athens
Athens isn't your typical city.
One moment you're shopping in a modern shopping centre, and the next you're standing beside extraordinary ruins older than most countries. Here, history doesn't live behind glass. It surrounds you. Ancient temples watch over rooftop bars, markets spill with colour and noise, and the smell of grilled souvlaki drifts through neighbourhoods where time seems to blur. Athens rewards curiosity through slow walks, wrong turns, long evenings, and sunsets that stop you in your tracks.
To make the most of your trip to the Greek capital, here are three unforgettable things to do in Athens that will stay with you long after you leave.
Acropolis Hill
If you were to visit just one place in Athens, this has to be it. Sitting at the heart of Europe's oldest capital and the birthplace of democracy, Acropolis Hill is Greece's most visited ancient site, and for good reason. Although tickets can be costly (around £30), it is well worth the price, even if you're not a history fanatic.
Walking through the site offers an incredible insight into Ancient Greek civilisation and explains why the hill is known as a monument to the "Golden Age." After Athens was destroyed during the Persian invasion in 480 BC, the influential statesman Pericles led an ambitious rebuilding campaign, transforming the Acropolis into a lasting testament to Athenian wealth, power, and artistic achievement.
Before even reaching the centrepiece of Athens, you can explore the slopes of the hill, home to ancient theatres, sanctuaries, caves, and hundreds of artefacts dating back nearly 3,000 years. This alone is worth the visit, but the experience only improves as you continue upwards. Passing through the grand entrance, the Propylaea, you arrive at Greece's most iconic attraction.
At the summit, you're met with the breathtaking sight of the Parthenon standing proudly above the city. It's immediately clear why this temple has become the ultimate symbol of ancient Greece. For those visiting in 2026, the experience is even more special, as for the first time in over 20 years the Parthenon is free from scaffolding, making it the perfect time to visit.
Kaisariani Monastery and Mount Hymettus
Without venturing far from the centre of Athens, there is an incredible natural escape made up of wooded walking trails, mountain paths, and even a secluded monastery, a place that still feels largely undiscovered by visitors. Athens is surrounded by four mountain ranges: Parnitha to the north, Penteli to the northeast, Hymettus to the east, and Egaleo to the west. I decided to explore the area around Mount Hymettus and was not disappointed.
After catching a bus from the city centre, I got off nearby and walked a short distance to the main starting point for many of the trails. One of the best things about Mount Hymettus is the sheer variety of routes available. There are paths to suit all fitness levels, from gentle forest walks to more demanding climbs, many of which lead to stunning viewpoints overlooking Athens from afar. While the routes become more challenging the higher you go, it's possible to reach a moderate height without too much difficulty. There may also be easier paths that take you higher, so it's worth researching in advance to find the perfect route for you.
Because so few visitors seem to know about this spot, it's incredibly quiet and offers a peaceful hike immersed in Greek nature without ever leaving the city behind. On my descent, I unexpectedly stumbled upon the tranquil gardens of the Kaisariani Monastery, which I hadn't even known existed. If you plan to visit, be sure to check the varied opening hours in advance, as it's a beautiful way to round off an already memorable trip.
Even if you don't want to tackle the longer hiking routes, the monastery is still easy to reach. Parking is free at the main trailhead, and from there you can follow the private roads to the monastery in around 30 minutes. If you enjoy nature and are looking for a free activity close to Athens, this is the perfect spot.
Walk Around Athenian Ruins and Visit Philopappos Hill
The final spot on the list is the neighbourhood surrounding Acropolis Hill, alongside Philopappos Hill. This is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a free activity right in the heart of Athens. There's no better way to experience the city than wandering among the remarkably well-preserved ruins scattered throughout the area, before ending the day with unforgettable views of the Parthenon.
Athens is packed with history, and strolling its streets allows you to take it all in at your own pace. Along the way, you can stop to sample classic Greek dishes such as gyros or moussaka while soaking up everything the capital has to offer. Some of the key ancient sites to look out for include the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and Kerameikos. These are among the most famous ruins clustered around the Acropolis, but thanks to Athens' vast history, you'll also discover smaller ruins hidden on quiet streets and tucked-away corners. The best part is that many of these landmarks can be admired for free from outside the gates, meaning you don't need to pay for entry to appreciate their scale and significance.
After exploring the city and uncovering its hidden history, make your way towards Philopappos Hill to catch a jaw-dropping sunset with a perfect view of the Parthenon. Before heading straight up, take a right turn to explore Nymphs Hill, where traces of ancient fortifications and ruins still remain. From there, continue on to Philopappos Hill itself, following shaded woodland paths past the Prison of Socrates. At the summit, you'll find one of the best spots in Athens to watch night fall over the city, with the Parthenon glowing in the background.