Money in Athens: What to Expect and What to Budget

Athens is one of the more affordable major European capitals for visitors — significantly cheaper than London, Paris, or Amsterdam for accommodation, food, and transport. A well-traveled budget of €80–120 per person per day covers a mid-range hotel, good food, and all major sights.

Daily budget estimates

Budget traveler (hostel dorm, street food, self-guided sightseeing): €50–70 per day. Mid-range traveler (3-star hotel, sit-down restaurant meals, Acropolis entry): €100–150 per day. Comfort traveler (4-star hotel, good restaurants with wine, tours and taxis): €180–250 per day. Luxury traveler (5-star hotel, fine dining, private guides): €350+ per day.

Key costs

Metro single ticket: €1.20. 24-hour transit pass: €4.10. Acropolis entry: €30 (single-site; combined ticket discontinued April 2025). Acropolis Museum entry: €20. National Archaeological Museum admission: €12. Souvlaki: €2–3. Coffee: €2–4. Taverna lunch per person: €12–20. Taverna dinner per person with wine: €25–40. Taxi from airport: €40 (day) / €55 (night).

Tipping

Tipping in Athens is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, leaving 10% of the bill is the standard for good service; many Athenians leave the small change or round up the bill. In taxis, rounding up to the nearest euro is typical. Hotel porters expect €1–2 per bag. At kafeneia and street food counters, tipping is not expected.

Payment

Card payment is accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in central Athens. However, smaller cafes, street food vendors, market stalls, and some tavernas are cash-only. Keeping €50–80 in cash available is recommended. ATMs are plentiful; airport and tourist-area machines sometimes offer currency conversion (dynamic currency conversion) — always choose to pay in euros.