How Does Money-Saving Tips Work in Greece?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Free beaches, cheap street food, supermarket wine, and free museum entry on the first Sunday of the month (October–March) make Greece very affordable on a budget.
2What You Need to Know
Greece can be done cheaply with some planning. Gyros and souvlaki cost €2.50–3.50 and are a satisfying meal. Supermarket wine and ouzo are extremely affordable — a decent bottle of local wine costs €4–6. Standing at the bar counter (rather than sitting at a table) gets you cheaper coffee in Greek kafeneions. All state archaeological sites and museums offer free admission on the first Sunday of the month from October through March. Monasteries are typically free or request a small donation. Public beaches are free; the paid sunbed fee is optional.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Visit the Acropolis, National Archaeological Museum, and other state sites for free on the first Sunday of the month (October–March).
- 2Buy wine, ouzo, and snacks from supermarkets (AB Vassilopoulos, Sklavenitis, Lidl) rather than tourist mini-markets, which charge two to three times as much.
- 3Order your morning coffee standing at the counter in a local kafeneion — you pay the 'bar price' rather than the more expensive table-service rate.
How does this compare?
Money-Saving Tips rules in nearby and similar countries:
Germany is manageable on a budget — supermarket picnics, lunch specials, early train bookings, and free outdoor attractions keep costs down significantly.
London's national museums are all free, supermarket meal deals offer great-value lunches, and railcards give 30% off train travel across the country.
The best savings in France come from eating the set lunch menu (formule €12–18), picnicking with boulangerie and market produce, and using the free first-Sunday museum entry at all national museums.
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More About Greece
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory — 5–10% for good service is the norm.
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Athens has an excellent metro, and ferries are the main way to travel between the islands.
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EU residents can use their EHIC card for public healthcare; all visitors should carry travel insurance, especially on the islands.
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Drug laws are strict, removing archaeological artifacts is a serious criminal offense, and nudity is illegal on non-designated beaches.
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Dial 112 for all emergencies (EU standard), 100 for police, 166 for ambulance, and 1572 for coast guard sea emergencies.
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Cover shoulders and knees when visiting Orthodox churches and monasteries; there is no strict national dress code elsewhere.
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