Harvard Student Agencies - Lets Go Budget Athens: The Student Travel Guide

Contents

Here you are in Athens: the birthplace of democracy, theater, and Western civilization. Athens cant help but wear its history on its sleeveits hard to go anywhere in the city out of sight of the Acropolisand millions of tourists flock here every year to visit the iconic Parthenon, Agora, and Dionysuss Theater. But Athens isnt all white marble and crumbling columns. If Athens were a person, it would probably have a copy of Platos Republic in one hand and a bottle of beer in the other. Its a living, breathing modern metropolis, home to three million people and enough street-side souvlaki stands to feed all of them. From the narrow, cobblestoned streets of hilly Kolonaki to the hip counter-culture nightlife of Exarhia and the singular sight of the changing of the guard in central Syntagma Sq., Athens awaits your explorations.

This is also the gateway to the sun-drenched Cyclades, defined by white and blue stucco buildings, notorious nightlife, and fabulous beaches. Mix some hangovers with all your history by heading to Mykonos and Ios, then check in on Santorinis world-famous sunsets, Naxoss peaceful mountain villages, and Deloss ancient sanctuaries. Theyre all just a short ferry ride away. Even with all those thousands of years of history, Greece remains dynamic, and theres always something new to discover in this ancient land.

Eat well without paying well at these five Lets Go picks.

This Greek bakery chain offers a spread of hearty breads and delicious pastries. At a euro or two per kg, it may be the best bread for your buck in the country.

Some of the best authentic Greek cuisine in Athens served up at unbeatable pricesthey even start off your meal right with a complimentary ouzo shot.

Stop by in the morning for croissants at the budget travelers favorite price: free.

Athenss central Syntagma Sq. not only houses Parliament and the hub of the citys public transportation, but its also filled day and (often) night with vendors selling souvlaki and other deliciously greasy street food, perfect for a cheap, convenient meal on your way to and from your hostel.

Build your own crepes to stock up on all the eNeRGy you need to explore Santorini.

If you know where to go, its possible to see some of the best Athens has to offer without paying a euro-penny.

Escape from the scorching Athens sun with a relaxing stroll through the National Garden.

Explore Monastirakis outdoor markets to soak up some local character and stock up on food.

Climb to the top of Strefi Hill for a breathtaking view of the city.

Stop by to admire this beautiful 11th-century church in the heart of Monastiraki.

FREE MUSEUM DAYS: Many archaeological sights and museums offer free admission on holidays: March 6, April 18, May 18, June 5, September 27, the last weekend in September, and the first Sunday of every month.

If you know where to look, its not hard to find the perfect hostel-away-from-home.

Some of the cheapest beds in Athens, presided over by one of the friendliest old men in the country.

This famous hostel in Athenss Plaka neighborhood offers fastidiously clean rooms, a trellis-roofed courtyard, and a resident parrot.

For those in search of a more social stay in Socratess city, Athenss party hostel is your best bet.

Chill out by the pool for some surf and turf at this student travelers paradise on the island of Ios.

A budget hostel that looks like a luxurious villa in the most picturesque town in the islands.

Just because Greeces economy collapsed, doesnt mean that you will need a bailout after your Greek vacation. Here are five ways to make your euro go further in Athens and the Cyclades:

FERRIES: To get from Athens to the neighboring Cyclades, you have three options: standard ferry, fast ferry, and plane. Unless you have money to burn or an irrational fear of seasickness, theres no real reason to fly. The standard ferries are cheaper, and run more frequently, than the fast ferries.

AVOID THE HIGH SEASON: Tourists and mainlanders alike descend on the islands in the summer high season (July-September). This is when the islands are at their liveliest and their priciest. To save some euro, visit in May, June, or October, when the weather is still nice and the crowds have thinned. Many sights also offer free or reduced admission in the low season.

FOCUS YOUR ATTENTION: Athens and the islands each have their own character, and each is worth visiting in its own right, but to maximize your time and money, its best to limit yourself to a couple. Pick your favorites and save yourself the cost of multiple intra-island ferry rides.

From Mykonos, you can visit this extraordinary islanda World Heritage Site full of ancient temples, sanctuaries, and homeson a daytrip for only 17.

CHEAP EATS: Save yourself some money by avoiding the generally over-priced, tourist-packed restaurants on the islands when possible. Head to a market and pick up some packaged yogurt or fresh fruit for breakfast. Greek salads, meanwhile, hover under 7 at even the priciest restaurants.

Athens overflows with museums. Follow our guide to find the ones that are worth your time. At the , set in the stately Benaki mansion in Kolanaki.