From seeing the Acropolis to chilling on gorgeous beaches, here are the top free attractions in Athens by Alec Hawley / Get Your Guide
Photo by Get Your Guide
Few cities can match Athens when it comes to history, and the vibrant Greek capital is full of great free attractions and activities.
With a few tips, you can visit timeless sights like the Acropolis, check out the world’s only marble stadium, see a stunning sunset from Pnyx Hill, explore Greek culture at the Benaki Museum, and relax on the beautiful beaches of the Athens Riviera, all for free.
Whether you’re exploring Athens on a budget or just looking for some cheap attractions to accompany the best free things to do in Athens, this guide has got you covered.
1. Experience the timeless power of the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is the number one reason to visit Athens, as it houses the Parthenon, a temple that stands as a lasting monument to the Ancient Greek civilization. And you can get in for free on the first Sunday of each month from November 1 to March 31.
How to best experience it
Go early, wear appropriate footwear and pay for an audio tour or live guide to really bring this historic sight to life.
Address and opening hours: Acropolis, Athens 105 58. Open daily from 8:00 AM–8:00 PM from April to October; 8:00 AM–5:00 PM from November to March.
Photo by Get Your Guide
2. Watch the sunset from the historic Pnyx Hill
This was once the center of ancient Athenian democracy, where great orators would address thousands of Athenians from the rocky outcrop at its peak. Nowadays, the serene beauty of Pnyx Hill is a great place to get away from it all and the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the city.
How to best experience it
Simply walking around Pnyx is a lovely experience, but an experienced tour guide will explain just what a crucial role this hill played in the early history of Athens.
Address: Pnyx Hill, Athens 117 41
3. Soak up the bohemian vibes in Psirri
Home to artisan workshops, an open-air market that fills an entire street, industrial spaces that have been taken over by creatives, great eateries, and loads of distinctive street art — Psirri pulses with an independent spirit.
How to best experience it
Head to Evripidou Street for a thriving food market in Athens that offers everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to intoxicatingly aromatic herbs and spices. Then, wander down Pittaki Street to see an urban alley transformed by 150 reclaimed light fittings. Or join a tour to learn the stories behind the exuberant street art adorning the walls.
4. Check out the stunning beaches of the Athens Riviera
Venture out of the city a bit, and you’ll find one of the best cheap things to do in Athens — jumping on a bus or tram to relax on beautiful beaches and swim in the beguiling waters of the Aegean Sea.
How to best experience it
The quickest and easiest way to enjoy some Athens beach time is to jump on the tram to Glyfada Beach. But head further down the coast for entrancing coves like Althea that feel a million miles away from the city and are perfect for some snorkeling fun.
5. Admire the world’s only marble stadium from Ardittos Hill
An architectural marvel, the entrancing curves of the Panathenaic Stadium are built entirely of marble and once hosted 80,000 fans at the first modern Olympics in 1896. You can get a fantastic view of the edifice by ascending the pine-covered slopes of the neighboring Ardittos Hill.
How to best experience it
Just bring some decent shoes and maybe a book to read. This is a peaceful spot that locals describe as feeling “in the city, but not part of the city.”
Address: Ardittos Hill, Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou 101, Athina 116 36
6. Discover the old-world charm of Plaka
Athens’ oldest neighborhood looks like it’s barely changed in over 100 years. Cobblestoned streets wind their way up towards the Acropolis, populated by the outside tables of tavernas and eateries, which give the place a delightfully relaxed vibe. With a bit of luck, you might even hear some traditional Greek music, too.
How to best experience it
Seek out Cine Paris, a remarkable open-air cinema offering great views of the Acropolis. Also, it’s easy to get lost in Plaka’s labyrinthine streets so consider joining a tour to see the best of Plaka.
Address: Plaka, Athens (Right under the Acropolis)
Photo: Gary Todd / Get Your Guide
7. Walk through Greek history at the Benaki Museum
There are a bunch of free specialist museums in Athens (like the Hellenic Children’s Museum and the Spathario Museum of Shadow Theatre), but the Benaki Museum should be top of your list. Its collection spans 3000 BC to the start of the 20th century.
How to best experience it
You can get in for free on Thursdays, and remember to take advantage of the free audio tour that the museum offers via QR codes.
Address and opening hours: Koumpari 1, Athina 106 74, Greece. Open Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; Thursdays, 10:00–12:00 AM; Sundays, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM; closed on Tuesdays.
8. Lose yourself in Anafiotika
Technically it’s part of Plaka, but the neighborhood of Anafiotika is a wonderful hidden gem that deserves an entry of its own. One of the most romantic places in Athens, this serene haven of whitewashed houses will make you feel like you’re on a Greek island.
How to best experience it
Remember, these houses are people’s homes, so be considerate and quiet. And be prepared for a bit of a workout — you’ll be climbing a lot of steps and negotiating narrow streets. Consider joining a tour to learn more about these remarkable houses and the people who built them.
Address: Anafiotika, Athens (Between Acropolis and Plaka)
Photo: Weekend Wayfarers / Get Your Guide
9. Enter the mad, mad world of the Monastiraki flea market
Monastiraki is famous for its giant bazaar-style flea market, which takes over this buzzing neighborhood every Sunday. All sorts of people turn up to sell all sorts of things in this cultural institution that must be seen to be believed.
How to best experience it
Get there early. By 11:00 AM, it’ll be hard to move through the crowds thronging the streets and the tables at the cafes will all be occupied. Also, be careful of pickpockets in the area.