Cheap city break Athens
An Athens city break is 3000 years of history on top of a lively Mediterranean city: the Acropolis on the horizon, Plaka tavernas with live bouzouki and beach bars less than 30 minutes from the centre. From Eindhoven you fly direct with Transavia in about 3.5 hours, and an Athens city break can cost from around €250 per person including flight and hotel.
✈️ Plan your trip to Athens →When is the best time to go?
April-June and September-October are perfect: 20-28°C, mild sun and shorter queues at the Acropolis. July and August hit 35°C+, so consider combining your trip with island-hopping by ferry. November-March is cheap but changeable.
The best neighborhoods in Athens
- Plaka Below the Acropolis, neoclassical houses, tavernas and souvenirs.
- Monastiraki Flea market every Sunday, street food and views of the Acropolis from rooftops.
- Koukaki Hip neighbourhood with cafés and boutiques, ten minutes walk from the Acropolis.
- Exarchia Bohemian neighbourhood with street art, indie bookshops and cheap places to eat.
- Glyfada Beach district 20 min by tram, chic seaside life and clubs.
Top 5 things to do in Athens
- Acropolis + Acropolis Museum Access to the hill with the Parthenon costs €20 (winter €10); the combined ticket for seven ancient sites is €30 and valid for five days. The Acropolis Museum costs €15. Come early or late in the day and buy online for a time slot.
- Markets at Monastiraki Flea market on Sunday, Plaka bazaar daily.
- Souvlaki at Kostas The most legendary souvlaki spot in Athens, €3 per skewer.
- Lycabettus hill Highest point in Athens, best sunset. Cable car €7.
- Cape Sounion day trip Temple of Poseidon on a cliff, bus from KTEL €6.80 one way.
Flights + transport from the Netherlands
From Eindhoven you fly direct with Transavia to Athens Eleftherios Venizelos (ATH) in about 3 hours 15; from Schiphol also with KLM and Aegean Airlines. From the airport, metro line 3 (M3) takes you to the centre (€9 one way, or a 3-day tourist ticket including the airport €20), or take the X95 bus to Syntagma for €5.50. In the city a metro or bus ride costs €1.20 (valid 90 minutes) and a 24-hour pass €4.10. For a day trip to Cape Sounion or Delphi, a rental car via DiscoverCars is the most practical option.
What does an Athens city break cost?
An Athens city break is one of the cheapest in Europe. Hostels from €20, mid-range hotels €75 to 110 per night. Eating out is cheap: a gyros pita €3 to 4, a taverna lunch €10 to 15, a meze dinner €25 to 30. The Acropolis costs €20 (combined ticket €30). For a few days budget from around €250 per person including a direct flight.
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Frequently asked questions about Athens
When is the best time for an Athens city break?
April to June and September to October are perfect: 20 to 28 degrees, mild sun and shorter queues at the Acropolis. July and August often reach 35 degrees or more.
Which neighbourhood is best to stay in Athens?
Plaka for a first visit (below the Acropolis, neoclassical houses and tavernas), Koukaki for a hip area within walking distance and Monastiraki for markets and rooftop bars.
How do I get from the Netherlands to Athens?
From Eindhoven you fly direct with Transavia to Athens (ATH) in about 3 hours 15; from Schiphol also with KLM and Aegean Airlines.
What does an Athens city break cost?
An Athens city break can cost from around €250 per person for a few days including a direct flight; hostels from €20 and mid-range hotels €75 to 110 per night. The Acropolis costs €20, a combined ticket €30.
🗺️ Where do you want to stay in Athens?
Hotels, vacation rentals and hostels in Athens on the map. Click a pin for live prices and direct booking.
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