Athens has a great number of free museums and tourist attractions, perfect for travelers looking to save money during their trip to the capital. Shall we discover them?
Enjoy a Free Tour in Athens
An ideal plan to get to know the city’s most iconic spots, with a guided tour of Athens led by a specialized guide who will show you the most important places in the city.
This Free Tour in Athens is the perfect option, a two-and-a-half-hour tour to discover the most important spots in the Greek capital. Awesome!
Watch the Changing of the Guard
One of the most popular and interesting things to do in Athens is watching the Changing of the Guard, a favorite among tourists.
The ceremony takes place every hour in front of the Parliament building in Syntagma Square, where you’ll see the guards, called Evzones, dressed in traditional uniforms.
Every Sunday morning at 11 a.m., there is a large group of Evzones, accompanied by a marching band along Vassilis Sofias Avenue. It’s a ceremony worth seeing if you’re visiting on a Sunday.
Explore One of the Many Flea Markets
Visiting one of Athens’ flea markets is a must. Among the best options is the Monastiraki Flea Market, with many shops selling everything from souvenirs and traditional products to antiques and vintage clothes and books.
Nearby, you’ll also find Athens’ central Varvakis Market, selling fruits, meat, and fish.
In the surrounding streets, you can find stores selling everything from olives to spices and herbs. Ideal for experiencing the essence of the city.
Discover Athens’ Old Town
Start your tour at Hadrian’s Arch; you can stroll through the streets of Plaka and admire many archaeological sites as you pass by.
Enjoy admiring the beautiful neoclassical buildings, explore a couple of historic churches along the way.
Finally, don’t forget to visit Anafiotika, an area at the foot of the Acropolis that looks like an island.
A journey through the city’s remnants of the past.
Museum of Folk Instruments
The Museum of Folk Instruments is located in the Lassanis Mansion in Plaka, next to the Roman Agora.
This interesting museum houses an extensive collection of 1,200 musical instruments dating back to the 18th century.
What’s really interesting is that you can hear the sound produced by each type of instrument.
Stroll Through the National Gardens
One of the best places to stroll, frequented by locals looking for a bit of peace and tranquility.
It’s home to numerous plants and animals, as well as a small lake with ducks and fish, recreation areas, a botanical museum, and even a small zoo.
The park also features some remains of ancient monuments and busts of important Greek figures, such as poets and politicians. How about a picnic in its green areas?
Enjoy the Best Panoramic Views of Athens
If there’s something free in Athens that’s worth it, it’s climbing one of the two hills near the city center for beautiful panoramic views.
Filopappos Hill, called “the Hill of the Muses,” offers an incredible view of the entire city that stretches to the Saronic Gulf. The view of the Acropolis is also spectacular from here.
As you climb the hill, don’t forget to visit the beautiful church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris with its incredible frescoes inside.
Another hill offering excellent views of the city is Lycabettus Hill. You can reach it from Loukianov Street. At the top, you’ll find the chapel of Agios Georgios and a café. Both are beautiful paths with fascinating views, especially at sunset.
To keep your travel budget in check, find out how much a trip to Athens might cost you, from attraction prices to accommodation. You’ll see that visiting Athens won’t cost you an arm and a leg!