Top 10 Things to Do in Athens on a Backpacker’s Budget
Photo by: Martin ARGYROGLO
Just because Athens is older than Jesus, doesn’t mean it doesn’t know how to have a good time. Along with it’s multitude of historical sites, Athens offers backpackers a lot of culture to absorb for cheap. Get your white linen pants ready, OTP’s list of Top 10 Things to Do in Athens on a Backpacker’s Budget will get you in the Greek grove quick.
Photo by: Chiaki Higashino
Athens has probably been around so long because it eats like a healthy beast. Traditionally, hearty meals can be found around every corner as everybody and their yia-yia (grandma) owns an eatery. The unmissable classics are moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki and (the to-go favorite) gyro sandwich, which can be yours for about a euro. While finger foods are popular (and cheap), there’s no such thing as a quick bite in Athens. Restaurant proprietors are known for befriending their customers and sharing long stories while you lounge.
Photo by: Kounellis
For those that just can’t keep still, in Athens, you crazies don’t have to. Worry beads (komboloi) are not prayer beads, and actually have no significant purpose—other than keeping your fingers busy. Pick up a strand for a few euros at any street stand or variety shop, and spend your day counting the beads and enjoying the clicking sounds they make when they collide. If you really want to look like a local, show off your new-found dexterity while smoking a cig.
Religious or not, scoping out a Greek Orthodox Church will move you—even if it’s only vertigo from staring at the ridiculously ornate ceiling. Marble walls and unfathomably impressive artwork will have you contemplating conversion. If you’re lucky enough to visit Athens during Orthodox Easter, don’t be frightened by the crazy midnight candle ceremony where thousands of Greeks amass in the streets to celebrate.
Photo by: danoots
This is a checklist item you can’t skip. Touring the Acropolis is what you’re “supposed” to do, but this shit is cool and you won’t regret it. The Parthenon building that sits atop the Acropolis Mountain exemplifies Greek art at its finest. Fueling Greek pride across the nation, it has stood strong for over 2,000 years. The entrance fee is only 12 € and dropping the additional euro to check out the New Acropolis Museum en route is worth it.
Athens’ largest shopping district, Plaka is a tiny village at the foot of the Acropolis Mountain. Small eateries and souvenir shops line the narrow winding roads, as do peddlers, beggars, cool graffiti and musicians. Get stuck in the hustle and bustle of this thriving market and pick up something cheap to wave in the faces of your lame, non-traveling friends back home.
The Meteora is a complex of six Orthodox monasteries (each with a 2 euro entrance fee) situated atop natural rock pillars just outside Athens. Traveling to the top has become easier in recent years, with group bus tours and individual cab rides readily available for a small fee. If you like doing things the hard way, the rocks of the Meteora are climbable if you bring gear. No matter how you get there, reaching the summit will reward you with a sick view that’s more heavenly than the monasteries themselves. James Bond gave his approval in For Your Eyes Only and we wouldn’t upset the Bond.
Drop anchor at this world-renowned museum. Athens’ National Archaeology Museum is the largest in Greece and home to prehistoric artifacts, ancient statues, pottery, jewelry and weapons. The museum schools you on the long, rich and powerful history of the country through artifacts left behind by its civilizations. Now all this culture may be a little dorky for your tastes but have you ever wondered what a clay-sculpted penis from 6800 B.C. looks like? Mystery solved. Just don’t touch; fixing an ancient dick you accidentally dropped isn’t something that belongs on this list.
Photo by: mittux
Sometimes it’s easier to grasp your surroundings when you let go of your inhibitions. Lucky for you, drinking is a big part of the Greek culture. Line up your Ouzo shots, sip some local wine from one of Greece’s many islands, chug your Mythos beer and bask in the moment as the sunset begins to blur and the already attractive locals become irresistible.
Photo by: Andy S-D
Athenian evenings slowly merge into night over long meals, and many restaurants switch gears as the hours tick away to bring out live music and folk dancing. The most common dance is syrto—a very simple ditty even the rhythm-least of you can pick up quickly. Take a few shots of ouzo to grow some dancing feet and do a little hand-holding and side-stepping.
Greeks are the most laid back bunch of people on Earth. This amount of chill has to come from somewhere. 6,000 Greek islands translate into miles of shoreline which translates into professional beach chillin’. Embody this great Greek vibe on any of the beaches in south Athens by soaking up the Mediterranean sun, sinking into the clear blue water and heckling that guy peddling fake sunglasses. If you get sick of your clothes (or just want to see some nudity) head to the pebble beach between Vouliagmeni and Varkiza. You may not find much sand, but we promise lots of rock hard rocks. Postpone being busy until tomorrow and who knows, with the tan you’re now sporting, you might just get busy tonight.
A Little Extra: On Saturdays and Sundays, you can take a free bike tour of the city. Call this number: 210 8838914.
Athens is a city that many people mistakenly classify as expensive and skip en route to one of Greece’s famed party islands. While the islands are indeed beautiful, Athens offers a rich cultural significance that cannot be experienced elsewhere.
A mind and body traveller who thrives on recollection and anticipation, all the while decorating the crossroads.
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A pitta gyros for just €1 – in Athens? You must tell me this restaurant, because even in the far-flung islands you’re unlikely to get one for less than €2 – 2.50 is far more the going rate… om nom nom….
wonderful tips thank you for sharing
Never been in Greece but I had some very nice Guests from Greece. We talked a lot about the food but also about the Economic Crisis. It’s a very interesting country with a great history and food…as you showed as well. I hope to visit it soon. Thanks for sharing