Is Athens expensive to visit?

Round-trip economy fares from New York (JFK) to Athens (ATH) usually start at $750–$1,050, including one checked bag up to 50 lb (23 kg) and a carry-on. Flying time is about nine and a half hours eastbound. Several US and international airlines fly nonstop from the New York area, with the most options from spring to fall.

Fares peak from June to August and around Easter. November through March usually brings the lowest prices outside the holidays. Athens is also the starting point for most island trips. Our 7-day Athens and Santorini itinerary pairs the city with the Cyclades.

Prices for a 4* hotel in Athens start at about $110 per person per night. You can also stay in a 2–3* hotel from around $65. Rates rise from May to October and are highest in July and August. Greece also charges a per-room climate fee each night. It’s higher in summer and at higher-category hotels.

At the top end, the Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square and the Four Seasons Astir Palace on the Athens Riviera often charge $600+ per night for a standard room. Entry-level 5* properties start at around $250 per person.

Location matters more than star rating here. Plaka and Makrygianni put you at the foot of the Acropolis. Koukaki is quieter and residential, with excellent tavernas. Kolonaki suits travelers who want boutiques and cafés. For a beach stay, the Athens Riviera is about 30 minutes from the center. To see how the days can fit together, read our 5-day Athens itinerary.

Guided tours in Athens typically cost $50–$100 per person. That covers a small-group tour of the Acropolis, a food walk through the Central Market, or an evening walk through Plaka and Anafiotika.

Tickets to the main sights cost $12–$35. The Acropolis is about $35 year-round. The Acropolis Museum costs $12–$23 depending on the season. The National Archaeological Museum, home to the Antikythera mechanism, costs $14–$23, and the Ancient Agora is about $23.

Entry to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion costs about $23, and the coastal drive there is part of the experience. Plenty of Athens costs nothing. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square, or walk up Filopappou Hill at sunset. For a fully private day, a four-hour guide starts at around $250 per group.

Most of central Athens is walkable, and the metro covers the rest. A single ticket costs about $1.40 and is valid for 90 minutes on the metro, buses, and trams. A 3-day tourist ticket costs about $23 and includes one round trip to the airport.

From the airport, the metro takes about 40 minutes to Syntagma and costs about $10.50 one way. Taxis charge a flat fare to the center of about $46 by day and $64 at night. Short taxi rides within the city usually cost $7–$12.

You won’t need a car in Athens. A rental makes sense for the Peloponnese or Delphi, at $40–$70 per day for a small car in peak season. Ferries to Aegina leave from Piraeus for $12–$25 each way.

Athens is one of the easiest European capitals to eat well in on a budget. A souvlaki or gyros pita costs $4–$6, a koulouri (sesame bread ring) about $1, and a freddo espresso $3–$4.50. At a taverna, a main course of moussaka, grilled lamb, or fish costs $14–$22.

Greeks often order to share. A meze spread for two runs $25–$40, and a three-course dinner with wine costs $45–$80. A glass of Greek wine, such as Assyrtiko or Agiorgitiko, costs $5–$8. Finish with loukoumades, honey-soaked doughnuts, for $5–$7.

Tasting menus at Michelin-starred restaurants start at around $150. Tipping isn’t required, but rounding up or leaving 5–10% for good service is common. Athenians eat late, and dinner rarely starts before 9:00pm.