The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Exploring Athens on a Student Budget (March Edition)

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Young travelers soak in the beauty of Athens on a budget - snapping photos at the Acropolis, strolling through Plaka’s colorful streets, and savoring local street food as the sun sets over the city.

It’s mid-March in Athens...

The sun is out, the city is waking up from winter, and the vibe is electric.

But if you’re an Erasmus student, you’re probably already thinking about your budget.

Rent, groceries, weekend plans—it all adds up fast.

The good news?

Athens is one of the few European capitals where you can have an unforgettable weekend without emptying your bank account.

And this guide will show you where to go, what to do, and how to stretch every euro while making the most of your time here.

Day 1: Ancient Athens & Local Hangouts

Morning: Acropolis for €0 (If You Play It Smart)

Let’s start with the big one: The Acropolis.

Usually, it’s €10-€20 to get in, but EU students under 25 get in for free—just show your student ID.

Just picture yourself walking up the hill, no crowds, just you and ancient history.

You reach the top, stand before the Parthenon, and soak in a view of Athens stretching to the sea—all without spending a cent.

🌟 Why Now?

March is the perfect time to visit because:

✔️ The weather is warm but not scorching.

✔️ There are fewer tourists, so you won’t have to fight for a good photo.

Midday: Street Food for Under €3

By now, you’re hungry.

Athens’ street food game is strong, and the best part? It’s affordable!

🍽️ Budget-Friendly Bites:

  • Souvlaki Pita (€2.50-€3.00) – Go to O Kostas near Syntagma (since 1950!).

  • Spanakopita (€1.50-€2.00) – Flaky, spinach-filled goodness.

  • Koulouri (€0.50-€1.00) – The perfect on-the-go snack.

Afternoon: Strolling Through Anafiotika & Plaka

Athens’ best-kept secret?

Anafiotika, a tiny neighborhood right under the Acropolis that looks like a Greek island.

Think whitewashed houses, blue shutters, and quiet alleyways—all for free.

🎭 Why visit?

✔️ It’s free

✔️ Feels like a mini escape from the city

✔️ It’s one of the most Instagrammable spots in Athens

Evening: Sunset at Philopappos Hill

Forget expensive rooftop bars!

Head to Philopappos Hill for the best sunset view in Athens, completely free.

Bring a beer or coffee, sit on the rocks, and watch the Acropolis light up as the sky turns pink and orange.

🌅 Budget Tip: Grab a cheap drink from a mini-market instead of a pricey café.

Day 2: Markets, Beaches & Athens After Dark

Morning: Monastiraki Flea Market – The Ultimate Treasure Hunt

If you love thrift shopping or just want to soak in some Athenian chaos, Monastiraki Flea Market is a must.

You’ll find vintage clothes, old books, vinyl records, and random treasures.

💰 Budget Tip: Prices are negotiable. Never accept the first price—haggling is part of the fun.

Midday: Athenian Riviera – Spring Beach Day

Surprise: You don’t have to wait for summer to enjoy the beach.

March days in Athens can hit 20°C, and locals are already heading to the coast.

🌊 Best Free Beaches Near Athens:

  • Edem Beach – Easy to reach by tram

  • Flisvos Beach – Great for a quick escape

  • Vouliagmeni (Not Free, But Worth It) – A thermal lake with warm water all year (€5-€10).

🚆 How to Get There? Take Tram Line 5 from Syntagma. A student ticket is just €0.60.

Afternoon: Free Museums & Cultural Spots

Many Athens museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month (from November to March).

If your weekend lines up, you can visit:

🏛️ Must-See Free Museums:

  • Kerameikos – Athens’ ancient cemetery

  • Ancient Agora – Where democracy was born

  • Temple of Olympian Zeus – One of Greece’s most significant temples

📅 Budget Tip: Double-check the free entry days before heading out.

Evening: Athenian Nightlife Without the Price Tag

Athens has one of Europe’s best nightlife scenes, and you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it.

🎶 Where to go on a budget?

  • Psiri – Lively bars with affordable drinks

  • Exarchia – Cheap beers, punk bars, and live music

  • Thissio – Rooftop views without the ridiculous prices

💡 Money-Saving Hack: Many bars have free live music—no need to pay a cover charge.

Bonus Tips to Save Even More Money

✅ Use Public Transport – A student ticket is just €0.60

✅ Shop at Street Markets – Buy fresh fruits and snacks for cheap

✅ Drink Tap Water – It’s safe and free. Don’t waste money on bottled water

✅ Stay in Budget-Friendly Housing – If you haven’t sorted your accommodation yet, check out Rooms Athens for affordable, fully furnished Erasmus apartments.

Final Thoughts:

Athens on a Budget? 100% Possible!

Athens isn’t just ancient ruins and expensive cafés.

It’s a city where you can experience history, culture, and even beaches without going broke.

With a few smart choices, you can have a legendary weekend on a student budget.

And if you're still figuring out your housing situation, Rooms Athens has budget-friendly, student-friendly apartments designed for Erasmus life.

👉 Check out our apartments and start your Athens adventure today!