Is Athens expensive? The short answer is: Athens is moderately priced compared to other European capitals, with budget travelers spending €45-70 per day, mid-range travelers €150-250 per day, and luxury travelers €250+ per day. While accommodation and attraction costs have increased in 2025 (with the Acropolis entrance fee rising to €30), food and public transportation remain relatively affordable compared to Western European cities.
Athens, the historic capital of Greece, offers a fascinating blend of ancient wonders and modern urban life. As a popular European destination, many travelers wonder about the cost of visiting this iconic city, especially with recent changes in tourism taxes and entrance fees for 2025.
The question of whether Athens is expensive doesn’t have a simple answer. While some sources rank Athens among the top 10 most expensive European capitals, others claim it’s one of the most affordable city breaks on the continent. This contradiction stems from Athens’ unique position as a city with both premium experiences and budget-friendly options.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the real costs of visiting Athens in 2025, comparing prices to other European destinations, analyzing expenses by category, and providing practical money-saving tips. Whether you’re planning a budget backpacking adventure or a luxury getaway, you’ll discover exactly what to expect and how to make the most of your travel budget in the Greek capital.
When comparing Athens to other major European destinations, the Greek capital generally falls in the middle range for overall expenses. While not as costly as London, Paris, or Zurich, Athens is typically more expensive than Eastern European capitals like Budapest or Prague.
| City | Budget Hotel | Mid-range Hotel | Meal (Inexpensive) | Meal (Mid-range) | Public Transport (Single) | Museum/Attraction | Daily Budget (Mid-range) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Athens | €35-50 | €70-120 | €8-12 | €25-40 | €1.20 | €10-30 | €150-250 |
| Paris | €70-100 | €120-200 | €12-18 | €35-60 | €1.90 | €15-35 | €180-300 |
| Rome | €50-80 | €100-160 | €10-15 | €30-50 | €1.50 | €15-25 | €160-280 |
| Barcelona | €60-90 | €110-180 | €10-15 | €30-45 | €2.40 | €15-25 | €160-270 |
| Prague | €30-50 | €60-100 | €6-10 | €20-35 | €1.00 | €8-15 | €100-180 |
| London | €80-120 | €150-250 | €15-20 | €40-60 | €2.80 | €15-30 | €200-350 |
As this comparison shows, Athens offers better value than Western European capitals like Paris and London, particularly for accommodation and dining. However, it’s worth noting that attraction costs in Athens have increased significantly in 2025, with the Acropolis entrance fee rising from €20 to €30.
Several factors have contributed to changing costs in Athens:
Tourism Recovery and Growth: Following the pandemic, Athens has seen a strong tourism rebound, with visitor numbers approaching record levels in 2025. This increased demand has driven up prices, particularly for accommodation in popular areas.
Economic Factors: Greece’s economic situation has stabilized compared to the crisis years, leading to gradual price increases across various sectors.
Tourism Tax Increases: As of January 2025, Greece has implemented higher tourism taxes, with rates varying by accommodation type and star rating. This adds €0.50-€10 per room per night to your stay, depending on the category of accommodation.
Attraction Fee Increases: The Greek Ministry of Culture has raised entrance fees at major archaeological sites, with the Acropolis seeing a 50% increase from €20 to €30 starting April 2025.
Seasonal Fluctuations: Athens experiences significant price variations between high season (June-September) and low season (November-March), with peak summer prices often 30-50% higher than winter rates.
Despite these increases, many aspects of Athens remain reasonably priced compared to other major European destinations, particularly food at local establishments and public transportation.
Accommodation will likely be your largest expense when visiting Athens, with prices varying significantly based on location, property type, and season. Understanding these variations can help you budget effectively and find the best value for your needs.
Athens offers a wide range of hotel options, from basic budget properties to luxurious five-star establishments. Here’s what you can expect to pay for different categories:
| Hotel Category | Low Season (Nov-Mar) | Shoulder Season (Apr-May, Oct) | High Season (Jun-Sep) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget (1-2★) | €30-50 | €40-70 | €50-90 |
| Mid-range (3★) | €50-90 | €70-120 | €90-150 |
| Upscale (4★) | €90-150 | €120-200 | €150-250 |
| Luxury (5★) | €150-300+ | €200-400+ | €250-500+ |
The most expensive areas for hotels in Athens include:
More affordable areas that still offer good access to attractions include:
It’s worth noting that the new tourism tax implemented in January 2025 adds an additional cost to all accommodation. The tax ranges from €0.50 per night for 1-2 star hotels to €4 per night for 5-star properties, with apartments and vacation rentals charged at €0.50-€1 per night.
Short-term apartment rentals have become increasingly popular in Athens, often offering more space and amenities than similarly priced hotels. In 2025, typical Airbnb and vacation rental prices are:
Prices can vary by 30-50% between high and low seasons, with significant premiums for properties with Acropolis views or in prime locations like Plaka and Monastiraki.
For longer stays of a week or more, many hosts offer discounts of 10-20%, making apartments particularly economical for extended visits. Additionally, having access to kitchen facilities can help reduce your food expenses.
One of Athens’ greatest attractions for budget-conscious travelers is its food scene, which offers exceptional value compared to many other European capitals. From street food to fine dining, Athens provides culinary experiences for every budget without compromising on quality or authenticity.
Athens offers a diverse dining landscape with options ranging from simple street food to upscale restaurants. Here’s what you can expect to pay in 2025:
| Dining Category | Price Range | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Street Food | €2-5 | Gyros, souvlaki, koulouri (bread rings) |
| Fast Casual | €8-15 | Simple tavernas, casual eateries |
| Mid-range Restaurants | €15-30 per person | Traditional tavernas, modern Greek restaurants |
| Upscale Dining | €40-80+ per person | Fine dining, rooftop restaurants with views |
For budget travelers, street food is an excellent option in Athens. A filling gyro pita (wrapped sandwich with meat, vegetables, and tzatziki) costs around €3-4, while a portion of souvlaki (grilled meat skewers) runs €7-10. These options provide authentic Greek flavors at very reasonable prices.
Traditional tavernas offer excellent value, particularly those frequented by locals rather than tourists. Look for places displaying “menu of the day” (μενού ημέρας) options, which typically include a starter, main course, and sometimes a small dessert or wine for €10-15.
Getting around Athens is relatively affordable compared to many other European capitals, with an efficient public transportation system and reasonably priced taxis. Understanding your transportation options can help you navigate the city economically while making the most of your visit.
Athens has a comprehensive public transportation network including metro, buses, trolleybuses, and trams. The system is integrated, allowing transfers between different modes of transport on a single ticket.
| Ticket Type | Cost (2025) | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Single ticket (90 minutes) | €1.20 | All modes within Athens (except airport routes) |
| 24-hour ticket | €4.10 | All modes within Athens (except airport routes) |
| 5-day tourist ticket | €8.20 | All modes within Athens (except airport routes) |
| Airport ticket (one-way) | €9.00 | Metro and express bus to/from airport |
| Airport ticket (round-trip) | €16.00 | Valid for 48 hours |
| Monthly pass | €30.00 | All modes including airport routes |
The Athens metro system is modern, clean, and efficient, with three lines covering most major tourist areas. Line 3 connects directly to Athens International Airport, making it convenient for arrivals and departures.
For tourists, the 5-day ticket offers excellent value if you plan to use public transportation frequently. The 90-minute single ticket is sufficient for most one-way journeys within the city center, as Athens’ main attractions are relatively concentrated.
Athens is a city steeped in history, with world-renowned archaeological sites and museums. While some attractions have seen significant price increases in 2025, there are still many affordable and even free options for experiencing the city’s rich cultural heritage.
The most notable change in Athens’ tourism costs for 2025 is the substantial increase in entrance fees for major archaeological sites, particularly the Acropolis:
| Attraction | 2024 Price | 2025 Price | Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acropolis | €20 | €30 | +50% |
| Ancient Agora | €10 | €12 | +20% |
| Roman Agora | €8 | €10 | +25% |
| Temple of Olympian Zeus | €8 | €10 | +25% |
| Kerameikos | €8 | €10 | +25% |
| Combined Ticket (7 sites) | €30 | €45 | +50% |
The combined ticket remains the best value if you plan to visit multiple sites, as it includes the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos, and Aristotle’s Lyceum. Valid for 5 days, it allows one entry to each site.
Despite the rising costs of major attractions, Athens offers numerous free or inexpensive activities:
Free Archaeological Sites and Viewpoints:
Free Museum Days:
Most state museums offer free admission on:
The cost of visiting Athens varies significantly depending on your travel style, preferences, and expectations. Let’s break down what different types of travelers can expect to spend in Greece’s historic capital in 2025.
For budget-conscious backpackers and students, Athens remains one of Western Europe’s more affordable capital cities. With careful planning, you can enjoy the city on as little as €45-70 per day.
A typical budget traveler’s daily expenses in Athens might look like:
| Expense Category | Daily Cost | Budget Options |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €15-25 | Hostel dorm bed, budget guesthouse |
| Food | €15-25 | Street food, self-catering, budget eateries |
| Transportation | €3-5 | Public transport, walking |
| Attractions | €5-10 | Free sites, occasional paid attraction |
| Extras | €5-10 | Coffee, small souvenirs, occasional drink |
| Total | €43-75 |
Mid-range travelers can enjoy a comfortable, fulfilling experience in Athens for approximately €150-250 per day per person. This budget allows for better accommodations, regular restaurant meals, and access to most attractions without constant cost concerns.
For those seeking premium experiences, Athens offers excellent value compared to other European capitals. Luxury travelers can expect to spend €250-400+ per day per person, though this can increase substantially depending on accommodation choices and activities.
While Athens remains relatively affordable compared to many Western European capitals, strategic planning can help you maximize value and minimize expenses during your visit. These practical tips will help you enjoy everything the city has to offer without overspending.
Timing your visit strategically can significantly impact how expensive Athens is for your trip:
Low season (November through February, excluding the holiday period) offers the best value, with accommodation prices 30-40% lower than peak season rates. While winter temperatures in Athens are mild compared to most of Europe (averaging 10-15°C/50-59°F), you might encounter some rainy days.
Shoulder seasons (March-May and October) provide an excellent balance of good weather, fewer crowds, and moderate prices. Accommodation costs are typically 10-20% lower than during summer, and you’ll enjoy comfortable temperatures for exploring.
Food costs in Athens can be remarkably affordable if you know where and how to eat:
PRO TIP: Book luggage storage in Athens with Radical Storage to enjoy attractions hands-free
After examining Athens’ costs across various categories and traveler types, we can provide a nuanced answer to the question: Is Athens expensive?
Athens occupies a middle ground in the European travel landscape—more affordable than Western European capitals like Paris, London, or Amsterdam, yet more expensive than Eastern European cities like Budapest or Prague. While prices have increased in 2025, particularly for major attractions and accommodation during high season, the city still provides good value for money when compared to its peers.
For budget travelers, Athens remains one of the more accessible European capitals, with affordable public transportation, reasonably priced food options, and numerous free or low-cost attractions. Backpackers can comfortably experience the city on €45-70 per day with strategic choices.
Mid-range travelers will find Athens particularly appealing, as €150-250 per day provides access to comfortable accommodation, quality dining, and most attractions without the premium prices found in other major European destinations.
Even luxury travelers benefit from Athens’ value proposition, with high-end experiences available at prices 20-40% lower than comparable offerings in more expensive European capitals.
The key to managing costs in Athens lies in making informed choices: visiting during shoulder or low seasons, staying in less touristy neighborhoods, taking advantage of set lunch menus, using public transportation, and prioritizing the many free or low-cost experiences the city offers.
Ultimately, Athens’ unique blend of historic significance, cultural richness, culinary excellence, and relative affordability makes it not just worth visiting but one of Europe’s better-value destinations in 2025. The city’s authentic character, stunning archaeological sites, and vibrant atmosphere provide an experience that often exceeds expectations regardless of your budget level.
For the most up-to-date information on costs and activities, we recommend checking Visit Greece’s official tourism website before your trip.
For accurate transportation information, refer to the Athens Transport official website, which provides current fares and schedules for all public transportation options.
To verify entrance fees and opening hours for archaeological sites and museums, consult the Hellenic Ministry of Culture’s official page.
For detailed cost of living data that’s regularly updated with current prices across various categories, you can refer to Numbeo’s Athens cost of living index.
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