Greece’s capital city can be an expensive place to visit if you don’t know the right places to go.

I spent two weeks living in Athens as a 19-year-old backpacker trying to save every cent I could. I’m more of coastal traveller usually, I don’t really like cities too much. But I absolutely loved my time in Athens, it took me forever to leave!

Now, you only really need 3 days in Athens to see everything. And of course, the number one sight is Acropolis, so I’ve assumed you have already done or planned this. So now, what you’re looking for is things to do that are more budget-friendly, right?

From my personal experience, below are the top 8 free hidden gems I discovered you can do while in Athens.

1. Browse Athens’ markets

I’m someone who will jump at the chance to visit a market whenever I can. My personal favourite and actually the largest and most popular flea market in Athens in Monastiraki Flea Market. Located right in the heart of Athens you can find a cheap-shopper’s paradise.

This place is full of second-hand goods and those classic Greek souvenirs that you know you must have. Monastiraki markets is very close to some other markets in the area selling really cool antiques that are worth checking out.

2. Enjoy the view from a rooftop bar

On my 5th day in Athens, I accidently stumbled across the best viewpoint in the city. And it happens to be a bar – bonus! Okay, so when you locate MS Rooftop Garden (above Monastiraki Square), head straight to the elevator and press the highest number. My travel buddy and I would spend hours sitting, chatting, and enjoying the view of the Acropolis and the below town. The atmosphere on the rooftop is unreal and the cocktails also don’t disappoint.

If you want the guide on how to get here, visit my hatch for the instructions.

3. Partake in a free walking tour of the city

Even if you’ve already seen some of Athens streets already, walking tours take you to explore the lesser known parts of the city and you come back with so much information you would have never known. Athens free tours also allows you to meet other travellers which is always a lot of fun. If you’re staying in a hostel, make sure to check their activities boards as they often host free walking tours for their guests.

4. Learn about Greece’s history and culture

Athens has over 70 museums – insane, right? Most of these museums have a small entry fee from 6-15 euros, however, there you can follow these free of charge;

  • Zillar-Loverdos Museum
  • Electric Railways Museum of Piraeus
  • Benaki Museum (Thursdays are free)
  • National Historical Museum (Sundays are free)
  • Acropolis Museum (free entry every 21st of each month)

5. Visit Syntagma Square

It’s known as the Constitutional Square and is an important historical public area. It’s the central square of Athens and provides a nice place to walk around and explore. It was also cool to watch the changing of the guards which happens every hour – felt like a Greek version of Buckingham Palace.

6. Go for a hike

Put your walking shoes on, get some exercise and see the city from a higher viewpoint. These are some of the nearby hikes I recommend:

  • Pnyx
  • Mount Lycabettus
  • Filopappos Hill

7. Explore Plaka

Plaka is the oldest neighbourhood in Athens. I loved seeing the charming architecture and the narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops. It is very much a vibrant place with such a village feel to it.

8. Walk along Dionysiou Areopagitou street

This street runs alongside the Acropolis, where you can see monuments as you walk.

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Those are my favourite free things to do in Athens. I hoped this gave you some ideas or helped you out in any way.

Please feel free to comment any questions, tell me which of these activities you’ve done or let me know if there’s more free activities in Athens that I’ve missed. I would love to know more!