Hacking Athens

A few tips for your journey to an ancient city...

Out of the many places I have traveled, I have to say that Greece has been one of my absolute favorites. The combination of people, food and the general feeling of being in a place that has existed for millennia creates an awesome and mind-blowing experience that any traveler would be delighted to experience. If you're budget conscience but still want to experience all that Athens has to offer, then you're in for a good read. I was in and around Athens for about a week and the following are a few tips to help you on your way through the city. 

General travel - If you have a good set of legs, use them. Nothing is too far in Athens and you'll end up finding hidden gems all over the place that you'd miss otherwise. Some people I know rented scooters as a way of exploring and it only cost them 20 euro for a few hours and is another great way to explore the city.

• From the airport, hop on the metro and get off at the station near the Acropolis building (That's where I'd recommend staying)

Accommodation - I booked my trip last minute so I had to book a hotel the first night but I'd suggest getting AirBnB. The price was right and it had everything I needed for my stay including a better view than the hotel I stayed in. Try looking for a place in Plaka or west of the Acropolis Museum along Parthenenos. Both are nice neighborhoods and close to everything.

• Air BnB - Expect to pay around $34 (night). That was for a full apartment with roof top view of the Acropolis. 
  
• Hotel - Can range substantially but I found one for $60 (night) breakfast not included.

Eating - I ate mostly at a small mom and pop place not too far from where I was staying on Parthenenos. Lunch at that restaurant down the street started at 4.00 euro. In the end, eating at small mom and pops works out to be the difference of a beer or two than if you eat at the other touristy places along the main strip in front of the Acropolis Museum. I ate there for about 12 - 20 euro or more and at the mom and pop about 9.5 with a beer. Or about 7 euro if I drank water. I got a big plate of moussaka a half a loaf of bread and a Mythos. Though if you brought your own wine I'm sure they wouldn't have any issue with you drinking it there. Here are a few prices of things from the local market just so you get a feel.

• Canned meals (not suggested) - 6.50 each - These seemed like a good idea at the time since I was heading to Delphi but they weren't that great and not very filling. Though the cats at Delphi loved the leftovers. 
  
• Mythos (Beer) - 2.00 can - FIX, Mythos and Alpha are the prominent Greek beers you'll find and are all of the same caliber. Light and refreshing and well worth the 2 euro price tag.
• Liter of wine at the corner market- 3.80
  
• Pringles - 2.50
  
• Breakfast snacks - 6.00
  

Must see - 

• The Acropolis - 12.00 euro or free on Sunday. (If you buy a ticket it also gets you in to see Hadrian's library, the ancient Agora, and a few other places. 
  
• The Ancient Agora - Free admission with you acropolis ticket.
  

• The Acropolis Museum  - Has a bunch of information about the Acropolis and is worth the 5 euro entrance fee. I suggest going to the museum first so you have a better understanding of the acropolis grounds and history before going. 
  
• The Archaeology Museum - Amazing and it's only 3 euro. A bit of a walk but not far enough to rate a taxi, at least for me. There you'll see the golden mask of Agamemnon and the bronze statue of Zeus/Poseidon, two of the most iconic pieces of ancient Greek artwork in history. 
  
• The Temple of Zeus - Free admission with you acropolis ticket. 
  

Other things to see -  

• The Presidential Mansion and the Changing of the Guard - I saw it randomly as I was walking past the Presidential Mansion. 
  
• The Hill of the Muses - AKA Philopappos Hill and Monument is dedicated to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, an ancient prince. In my opinion this is the best place to see Athens for free. It's a bit if a walk so bring water just in case. From the top of the hill you can see the Acropolis, Agora the observatory, the temple of Zeus and Olympic stadium. It wouldn't be a bad place to watch the sunset or sunrise if you're really motivated.  
• Old Fortifications - Running North on the same ridge-line as the Philopappos Monument you'll see the ancient wall that used to protect the city and and number of interesting ruins, like an old theater and the Muse shrine. 

Watching the sunset/sunrise - Mars hill or Areopagus Hill as it's known is a bit closer and less of a hike than Philopappos Hill but still a splendid view of the city and horizon, you'll have to share the view with other tourists but there's enough space to sit comfortably on a rock without anyone stepping into your bubble. Another note on that hill, there are numerous pottery shards and pieces of marble. A little searching could yield some cool finds. 


Trip to Delphi - There are numerous bus tours advertised on the street from 81 euro and up. I saved at least 30 euro taking public transit and still had a blast. No, I didn't have a semi-personal guide to tell me the history of Delphi but in my experience those people are really hit or miss in their story-telling abilities. Instead I took the bus, read all the signs and tagged along with a group that arrived about the same time I did. That being said Delphi is definitely worth the trip. The beautiful Greek landscape and amazing cliff-side ruins were a sight to behold.  

• Taxi to bus station - 5.84 one way. 11.68 total (cash only). There are two bus stations you'll want KTEL Station B at 260 Liossion St.
• Bus Ticket - 30.20 (cash only) - Be sure to get to the station at least a half hour before the 6 am departure to beat the lines and ensure seat availability. Also ask for a window seat, you'll see more.
  
• Museum and entrance to site - 9 euro (cash only).
  
• Total for a self guided bus tour - About 51 euro + lunch and souvenirs (all in cash).
  

If you decide to travel to Delphi by car remember the two tolls you'll encounter on the way that total about 5 euro (10 round trip). Also when eating at Delphi, watch out for stray cats... 

Enjoy your trip and report back with comments. Thanks for reading!