Start our budget adventure with two of Athens' most important sights: The Acropolis and the Athenian Agora. While they may seem expensive, there are ways to visit them without straining your wallet.

The Athenian Acropolis, a symbol of Greece and one of the most recognizable sites in the world, is a must-see on any visit to Athens. An entrance ticket may seem expensive (20 euros in high season), but there are ways to cut costs. First, consider buying a combined ticket, which includes admission to the Acropolis and several other important archaeological sites, including the Athenian Agora. Such a ticket costs 30 euros and is valid for 5 days, allowing for a leisurely tour without rushing.

For those under the age of 25 from EU countries, admission to the Acropolis is free, you just need to show your ID. In addition, during the period from November 1 to March 31, tickets are 50% cheaper. It's also worth knowing that on certain days of the year, such as World Monuments Day (April 18) or the first Sunday of the month from November through March, admission is free for everyone.

The Agora of Athens, the ancient center of Athens' public life, is just as fascinating as the Acropolis, but often less crowded. Admission to the Agora is cheaper than to the Acropolis (€10 in high season), but be aware that it is also included in the combined ticket. You can spend several hours in the Agora exploring the ruins of ancient buildings, including the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus.

To make the most of your visit to both sites, it's a good idea to arrive early in the morning, especially in summer, to avoid the heat and crowds. Take water and snacks with you - prices in the area can be high. Also consider downloading free audio guide apps or using official information brochures instead of paying for a guide.

Remember that both the Acropolis and the Agora offer incredible views of the city. It's worth planning your visit to see the sunset from one of these locations - it's an unforgettable experience that costs nothing.

Continuing our budget tour of Athens, we'll discover two places that offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and a chance to commune with history - the National Garden and Keramejkos. These two locations are perfect examples of how you can have an interesting time in Athens without spending a cent.

The National Garden, located in the heart of Athens, is a true oasis of greenery and tranquility. Most importantly for frugal travelers - admission to the garden is completely free. This vast park, established in the 19th century, offers shade and relaxation on hot days. Walking through the alleys, you can come across ancient ruins, small ponds with turtles and even a mini zoo. It's the perfect place for a picnic or to relax after a busy day of sightseeing.

The garden also has a Botanical Museum, which, although small, is an interesting addition to your visit. It is worth noting the variety of plants - many of them are exotic species, brought from all over the world. The National Garden is also a great place to observe local life - you will meet Athenians here jogging, reading books or simply enjoying the sun.

Keramejkos, on the other hand, an ancient cemetery and potters' quarter, offers a fascinating trip back in time. Although there is an entrance fee (8 euros in high season), the site is included in the combination ticket we mentioned earlier. Keramejkos is often overlooked by tourists, which means you can enjoy peace and quiet while visiting.

At Keramejkos you can see the remains of ancient tombs, tomb sculptures and the ruins of public buildings. Of particular interest are the preserved tombstones with beautiful bas-reliefs, which provide insight into the lives and beliefs of the ancient Athenians. There is also a small museum on the grounds where you can see the finds from the excavations.

To get the most out of your visit to Keramejkos, take the time to study the maps and information available at the entrance. You might also consider buying an inexpensive guidebook from a local store - an investment that will help you better understand the history of the site.

Both the National Garden and Keramejkos offer an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the history and nature of Athens. These are excellent options for budget travelers who want to experience different aspects of this fascinating city.

Our budget Athens trip would not be complete without a visit to one of the city's most important museums - the Acropolis Museum. While it may seem that museums are an expensive pastime, Athens offers many opportunities to enjoy culture and art without ruining your wallet.

The Acropolis Museum in Athens is a modern facility that showcases priceless artifacts found in and around the Acropolis. The standard ticket price is 10 euros, but there are many ways to reduce this cost. Students from EU countries can enter for half the price, and admission is free for those under 18. Moreover, on certain days of the year, such as International Museum Day (May 18) or selected national holidays, admission is free for everyone.

To get the most out of a visit to the museum, it is advisable to plan at least 2-3 hours for the tour. The museum offers free audio guides that can be downloaded to your smartphone - a great alternative to paid guided tours. Remember that the top floor of the museum, overlooking the Acropolis, is especially impressive at sunset.

In addition to the Acropolis Museum, Athens offers many other budget tour options. Here are some ideas:

1. free walking tours: many organizations offer free guided tours of the city. Just leave a tip at the end. This is a great way to learn about the city's history and culture.

2 - Plaka district: It costs nothing to walk through this picturesque district, and you can feel the true atmosphere of Athens. Narrow streets, colorful houses and numerous cafes create an unforgettable atmosphere.

3. Likavitos Hill: entry to this hill is free and offers spectacular views of all of Athens. It's an ideal spot for sunset.

4. Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: This spectacular event takes place daily at full hours in front of the parliament building and is completely free of charge.

5. Monastiraki Market: This is a lively place where you can experience the atmosphere of local commerce and the daily life of Athenians. Admission is free, and you can find cheap souvenirs and local products here.

Remember that the key to a budget tour is good planning. It's worth checking if your stay falls on a day of free admission to museums or archaeological sites. Also consider buying an Athens card, which offers discounts and free entry to many attractions.

In conclusion, Athens is a city you can visit and explore without spending a fortune. With proper planning, taking advantage of free attractions and seeking out discounts, you can enjoy the rich history, culture and beauty of this remarkable city while saving money. Remember that the most valuable experiences are often free - walking the ancient streets, admiring the architecture or chatting with locals can be the most valuable memories of your trip to Athens.