Do you want to visit Athens and spend as little as possible? Then follow this Top 9 of free visits, museums and activities to do in the Greek capital that I have created for you to enjoy without breaking the bank.
Table des matières
The changing of the guards
Syntagma Square is one of the busiest squares in Athens, with a constant flow of tourists and vehicles.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, located just below the Parliament building, is guarded 24/7 by the Evzones, an elite section of the presidential guard whose soldiers are chosen for their exceptional physical abilities but also for their size.
Like the guards at Buckingham Palace in England, the Evzones are not allowed to move while on duty.
The only exception to this implacable rule is the changing of the guard, which is done on the hour, every hour, every day of the year, with great pomp and with a meticulous respect for a ceremonious ritual.
Note that every Sunday the Evzones wear special uniforms and that a parade takes place at 11 am.
The Neoclassical Trilogy
The Neoclassical Trilogy consists of three iconic buildings located on Panepistimiou Street: the Academy of Athens, the National Library of Greece and the National and Capodistrian University of Athens.
Entrance to all three buildings is free, but be aware that opening hours vary depending on the time of year.
Even if you stay outside, you will find that the buildings attract all the amateur photographers in the world, as the impressive facades are decorated with elaborate sculptures.
Even though the buildings are not really old (hence the name “neoclassical”) and were designed and built from the late 19th to the early 20th century, they pay tribute to the best of Greek architecture and the most influential citizens of Athens.
Be sure to come back and admire these buildings at night, as their lighting is absolutely sublime.
Anafiotika
Hidden at the foot of the Acropolis, you will find a very picturesque little neighborhood called Anafiotika.
The houses are unlike any other, the walls are whitewashed and the blue doors/windows are inimitable.
This tiny area of 45 houses is a real island in the heart of the sprawling metropolis.
If you like cats, you’ll be in for a treat, as the felines are at home here and sleep in every nook and cranny of the alleys.
Residents take pride in preserving the authenticity of their neighborhood, so be respectful as you walk between the houses.
Consider heading to the top of the neighborhood to finish your tour with a visit to the church of St. George where you can enjoy panoramic views of the entire city.
Mount Lycabetta
Mount Lycabetta, which is actually a hill, is the highest point of Athens, rising some 280 meters above the city.
Legend has it that the goddess Athena created the mountain by throwing a rock from the heavens. If you want to have a bird’s eye view of the entire capital, you won’t find a better viewpoint.
Even though the funicular ticket to the top costs seven euros, feel free to go on foot or by car if you have rented one for your stay.
You’ll find plenty of parking when you get there, and once up there, you can walk along trails to explore the modest mountain.
Take time to sit on a terrace after your climb at one of the restaurants and enjoy the stunning views, but be sure to stay alert if you’re walking around the area after dark.
Walking Tour of the City
If you’d like to take a walking tour of the city, there are several free guided tours to choose from.
You can even take the tour on your own by downloading the free Rick Steves app on your phone.
The instructions for walking the streets in search of the most beautiful sites are clear and the city of Athens is very accessible to pedestrians, so you won’t risk getting lost.
You can also walk around the city with a local. Ask about the free guided tours of the city at the tourist office for more information.
There are many different schedules and itineraries, but they usually include a two-hour tour through Psirri, Monastariki, Syntagma and Pláka.
Since the tour is free, you will obviously not be passing through places where admission is charged.
Do you want a more personalized tour? “This isMyAthens is a volunteer association that offers to match you with a local according to your interests, whether you prefer cooking or museums.
Live Music Concerts
In the Greek capital, you can find live music concerts literally on every corner.
Take a walk down Adrianou Street right at the foot of the Acropolis, for example.
During the day, you will find a multitude of different artists of all styles singing to get a few euros from passers-by.
If you’d rather listen to Greek music to accompany your meal, don’t hesitate to go to the Kapnikarea Café, one of the locals’ favorite places and a popular stop for night owls.
You’ll find live musicians there almost every night. Nothing beats a little bouzouki music on their intimate terrace to relax during a nice evening with friends.
The Ancient Monuments
Athens has no shortage of monuments, and entrance to some of them is totally free.
Hadrian’s Gate, built to welcome the Roman emperor Hadrian in the first century AD, marks the border of the ancient city wall and stands proudly at the end of Amallias Avenue.
You can visit the monument day or night, and you won’t have to pay a single euro.
The Monument of the Lysicrates, in the square of the same name, was erected near the Acropolis in honor of a wealthy patron who financed a dance choir for dramatic or musical competitions and is one of the few remaining choral monuments in Europe.
The visit is free and a panel will explain the history of this more than original monument.
Athens has an infinite number of other monuments that you have to pay to enter, but nothing prevents you from enjoying them and admiring them from the outside.
The temple of Zeus, for example, can be seen from the outside and you won’t lose anything by not going through the doors of the building.
The Tower of the Winds, located on the Agora, can also be admired from the street, and signs will give you more information about its history and the wind gods that are represented on the stone façade.
The National Garden of Athens
The huge green space in downtown Athens, known as the National Garden, was commissioned by the first queen of Greece, Queen Amalia.
The feminine touch that characterizes these beautiful gardens is evident, with flower-covered arches, ponds with ducks, and neatly laid out paths for an impeccable setting.
The garden is open from sunrise to sunset and is completely free.
Street Art
If you like street art, then Athens is a real playground for you.
The walls of the city are covered with more or less elaborate works of art, many of which evoke the state of the country’s finances and politics.
There are even two- to three-hour walking tours devoted entirely to the skills and messages behind these unconventional paintings. Admiring the work of street artists is by definition free.
Start in the Anafiotika neighborhood to see some of the most beautiful murals in Athens.
To conclude this article, I can tell you that Athens is a city where there is a multitude of things to do, even for visitors who have a very small budget and are looking for free activities and things to do.
Feel free to leave me a comment if you have more and don’t forget to share this article with your family and friends if you liked it! Enjoy your stay in Athens.
Leave a reply