How Much Does Athens Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Athens remains one of the most affordable capital cities in Europe, offering a high-value experience compared to Western counterparts like Rome or Paris. While ancient landmarks command premium prices during the peak season, the city provides a wealth of low-cost street food and efficient public transit that keeps daily expenses manageable. Depending on the desired level of comfort, travelers should plan for a daily budget ranging from $61 / €52 for budget-conscious solo trips to $494 / €420 for luxury stays. Visiting during the shoulder months provides the best balance of pleasant 20–25°C (68–77°F) weather and reduced costs; note that state-run archaeological sites now generally use year-round ticket prices, but there are free-entry days and reduced tickets for eligible visitors. The city is highly walkable, though the distinct neighborhoods of Plaka and Koukaki offer very different price points for dining and lodging.
Is Athens expensive to visit?
Athens is a highly affordable European capital where daily expenses typically range from $61 / €52 to $494 / €420 depending on your travel style.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Athens
$61
per person /day
$206
per person /day
$494
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $184 | $618 | $1,483 |
| 5-Day Trip | $306 | $1,030 | $2,472 |
| 7-Day Trip | $428 | $1,442 | $3,460 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 10–20% budget buffer to cover the Climate Crisis / Climate Resilience Fee (roughly $0.59–$18 / €0.5–€15 per room/night depending on season and accommodation category), and to account for restaurant cover charges of up to $3.53 / €3 per person.
How Does It Compare?
See how Athens stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Athens
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Pita Souvlaki (Street Food) A local pita souvlaki typically costs ~$3.88–$4.71 / €3.3–€4 at non-tourist spots. | $4.12 €3.5 |
| Freddo Espresso (Coffee) Expect to pay ~$5.3–$6.47 / €4.5–€5.5 if sitting at a café in Plaka or Monastiraki. | $4.71 €4 |
| Mid-range Meal for Two (3-Course) House wine usually adds another ~$9.42–$14 / €8–€12 per liter. | $71 €60 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 90-Minute Single Transit Ticket Valid for 90 minutes across all metro, bus, and tram lines (excluding airport). | $1.41 €1.2 |
| Airport Metro Ticket (one-way) Cheaper than a taxi; takes ~40 minutes to Syntagma Square. | $11 €9 |
| Airport Express Bus (X95/X96) Runs 24/7. The X95 goes to Syntagma; the X96 goes to Piraeus port. | $6.47 €5.5 |
| Taxi Flat Rate (Airport to Center - Day) Includes all tolls and luggage fees. Night rate (midnight–5am) is $65 / €55. | $47 €40 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Dorm bed at Bedbox Hostel Excellent central location. Prices rise to ~$29 / €25 during peak summer months. | $16 €14 |
| Average 3-star Hotel (per night) Usually includes breakfast. Look for hotels in Koukaki for better value. | $97 €82 |
| Average 5-star Luxury Hotel (per night) Properties with Acropolis views command a premium of ~$59–$118 / €50–€100 per night. | $268 €228 |
Activities (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Acropolis & Slopes (Full ticket) Full: $35 / €30. Reduced: $18 / €15. Prices are generally year-round; use free-entry days (including specific dates and the first & third Sunday each month from Nov 1 to Mar 31) where applicable. | $35 €30 |
| Acropolis Museum General Admission General admission: $24 / €20. Reduced: $12 / €10. (Ticket price is not advertised as seasonal; only opening hours vary by season—check the official site for eligibility and free-entry days.) | $24 €20 |
| Lycabettus Hill Cable Car (Roundtrip) Official pricing is $15 / €13 roundtrip and $12 / €10 one-way. | $15 €13 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Greece eSIM 1GB (3 Days) Great for short stays. 10GB for 30 days is ~$21 / €18. | $4.12 €3.5 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
The local food scene is anchored by affordable street staples like pita souvlaki, which typically costs $4.12 / €3.5 at non-tourist spots. While a mid-range three-course meal for two averages $71 / €60, diners should account for a standard cover charge of $1.77–$3.53 / €1.5–€3 and house wine prices of approximately $9.42–$14 / €8–€12 per liter.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Kostas (Syntagma)
$3.88–$8.24 / €3.3–€7Syntagma · Street food
Arrive before 14:00; they often sell out of meat early.
Feyrouz
$4.71–$12 / €4–€10Monastiraki · Bakery
The chicken lachmatzoun for ~$5.3 / €4.5 is one of the best value lunches in the city.
O Thanasis
$13–$21 / €11–€18Monastiraki · Local chain
Famous for their kebabs; the 'portion' for ~$13 / €11 easily feeds two if sharing a salad.
Diporto
$14–$24 / €12–€20Central Market · Street food area
There is no menu; the owner will show you what's cooking in the pots.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Public transportation is exceptionally cost-effective, with a 90-minute single transit ticket costing just $1.41 / €1.2 for all metro, bus, and tram lines. For airport transfers, the X95/X96 Express Bus is the budget-friendly choice at $6.47 / €5.5, while the airport metro costs $11 / €9 and taxis charge a flat day rate of $47 / €40.
Accommodation Overview
Lodging options range from social hubs like Bedbox Hostel starting at $16 / €14 for a dorm bed to 3-star hotels averaging $97 / €82 per night. Luxury properties with direct Acropolis views often exceed $268 / €228, though staying in neighborhoods like Koukaki provides better value for mid-range travelers.
Accommodation Budget in Athens
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Don't count on a blanket 50% "winter discount" anymore; instead, plan around free-entry days (first & third Sundays from Nov 1–Mar 31, plus fixed free dates) and reduced tickets where eligible.
- 2 Do not assume an official $35 / €30 Athens multi-site combo ticket exists on the government platform; budget separate tickets for each archaeological site. If you see "combo passes" sold by third parties, they're usually bundled individual tickets—double-check inclusions and time-slot rules.
- 3 Eat at Diporto near the Central Market for a traditional, no-frills meal that avoids the price markups of the Plaka district.
- 4 Order Freddo Espresso as a takeaway for approximately $2.94–$3.53 / €2.5–€3 rather than paying the $5.3–$6.47 / €4.5–€5.5 sit-down price in major squares.
- 5 Take the X95 Express Bus from the airport for $6.47 / €5.5 instead of the $11 / €9 metro or $47 / €40 taxi to reach Syntagma Square 24/7.
- 6 Fill water bottles at public fountains or purchase 500ml bottles at kiosks (Periptera), where they are price-capped by law at ~$0.59–$0.71 / €0.5–€0.6.
- 7 Utilize the free-entry days for state-run museums and sites (first and third Sunday of each month from Nov 1 to Mar 31, plus fixed free dates listed by the Ministry/ODAP).
- 8 Hike up Lycabettus Hill for sunset via the footpath instead of paying $15 / €13 for the roundtrip cable car.
- 9 Walk between sites in the historic center; most attractions in Monastiraki, Plaka, and Makrygianni are within a 2km radius.
- 10 Look for 'Kava' shops to buy local wine and spirits at retail prices rather than paying restaurant markups.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
+30–50%
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
-40–60%
Apr, May, Oct
Visit in April or October for 20–25°C (68–77°F) weather and significantly lower hotel rates. State-run site tickets are generally year-round now, but you can still save using free-entry days and reduced tickets where eligible.
Events to Watch
- ● Orthodox Easter (variable April/May): Transport and hotels book up months ahead
- ● Athens Authentic Marathon (early Nov): Hotel price spikes in the city center
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Watch the Changing of the Guard at the Hellenic Parliament in Syntagma Square every hour on the hour.
- 2 Explore the labyrinthine, whitewashed streets of the Anafiotika neighborhood on the slopes of the Acropolis.
- 3 Hike to the summit of Filopappou Hill for the most iconic unobstructed view of the Parthenon and the Saronic Gulf.
- 4 Climb the slippery marble steps of Areopagus (Mars Hill) at sunset for a panoramic view of the city and the Ancient Agora.
- 5 Stroll through the National Garden, a 15-hectare public park located directly behind the Parliament building.
- 6 Visit the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) for free access to its Mediterranean gardens and lighthouse views.
- 7 View the exterior of the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble.
- 8 Explore the street art and alternative galleries in the Psyrri neighborhood.
- 9 Visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to see the Evzones guards in their traditional uniforms.
- 10 Wander through the Central Municipal Market (Varvakios Agora) to experience the lively local atmosphere of meat and fish stalls.
- 11 Walk the pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou street for a scenic 1.5km route around the base of the Acropolis.
- 12 Enter the many historic Byzantine churches scattered throughout the city, such as Panagia Kapnikarea on Ermou Street.
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Michelin-starred Dinner at Spondi
Consistently ranked as one of Greece's best restaurants, offering world-class French-influenced cuisine in a stunning courtyard.
Private Sunset Tour to Cape Sounion
Avoid the crowded buses and see the Temple of Poseidon at the best light with a private driver for ~$141–$177 / €120–€150 per group.
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Athens
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Athens and what they cost
Delphi Archaeological Site
$36 / €30 by bus
$24 / €20
$80 / €68
Cape Sounion (Temple of Poseidon)
$16 / €14 by bus
$24 / €20
$65 / €55
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Euro (EUR)
1 € ≈ 1.18 $
Yes
Widely accepted in restaurants and hotels. Cash is still preferred for street food (souvlaki), small kiosks (periptera), and some small shops in Monastiraki.
Rounding up is standard. For good service, leave ~$2.35–$5.89 / €2–€5 or roughly 5–10% of the bill. Tipping by card is increasingly common.
Always choose 'Decline Conversion' and avoid Euronet ATMs which charge ~$4.71–$5.89 / €4–€5 per withdrawal. Use official bank ATMs (Alpha, Piraeus, National Bank) for lower fees.
Only expected at the Monastiraki Flea Market, especially for antiques or large items. Not practiced in shops, restaurants, or for transport.
Connectivity
eSIM: $4.12–$21 for 1GB to 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $24–$29 / €20–€25 for 50GB-Unlimited data
WiFi: Excellent in most cafés, restaurants, and hotels. Public squares have free wifi, but it's often unreliable.
Get an Airalo eSIM for immediate data upon landing, or visit a Cosmote store in the city for a local SIM if you need more than 20GB.
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Athens.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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Where to Stay
Best neighborhoods and hotel recommendations
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Complete Cost Guide
Full budget and cost breakdown