Free and Cheap Date Ideas to Try in Athens

There is nothing more romantic than watching the sunset together and since you are in Athens, you should make it count. Grab your partner and climb up the road to the top of the Lycabettus hill, the highest point in Athens, from which you can witness the sun disappearing on the horizon. But don’t leave right away, take the time to admire the glorious colors of the sky before heading down.

Switch up your habits and try Playce, a café-bar with a wide selection of over 100 board games for two or more players. For just 1€, you get unlimited play time and can order drinks and warm beverages to accompany your game.

Want to enjoy the nice weather but can’t be bothered to find a bar or café? No worries. Head to the closest supermarket or cava store, buy a bottle of wine and visit the Filopappou Hill, so you can avoid the masses of the Areopagus Hill. Our favorite spot for impromptu drinking with a fantastic view of the Acropolis is on the way to the Filopappou monument, where you will spot a marble sitting area offering the perfect viewpoint over the sacred rock. Don’t forget your bottle opener.

We know Plaka is a favorite for romantic strolls, but we are pretty sure it is now a ‘been there, done that’ sort of activity. Switch it up and explore Kastella, Piraeus’ most picturesque district. Spanning around the picture-perfect harbor of Mikrolimano, Kastalla features narrow streets, old time charm and forgotten neoclassical mansions perched on the hillside. End your walk at one of the many cafés and fish taverns in Mikrolimano and make sure to choose one with a view over the water.

Why not reconnect and relax together at the hammam together? While there are several treatment options for couples, you can settle for the basic hammam (25€/person), where you and your S.O. can enjoy the relaxing effect of water and steam in a beautiful marble room. While it might not be cheap for a date, you will be so relaxed afterwards, you will feel it was worth it.

While some of you remember the legendary scene from the veteran TV show Friends, where Joey refuses to share his plate of fries with his date because “Joey doesn’t share food”, some of you may find it romantic. Forget the Lady and the Tramp pasta plate and share an ice cream together (or have one each, whatever works for you). Le Greche is one of Athens’ favorite joints for ice cream and since it stays open until late, you can combine it with a lovely dinner in town.

If you are an active couple, spend a romantic time together with a tour of the city or your favorite spot (we suggest the Athens seaside promenade) by bike. For 15€ per day for per bike, you can spend a lovely afternoon exploring the backstreets of Plaka, the center of the city, or ride along the sunny coast for a moment just between the two of you.

If you really are on a budget but still want to sweat together, a hike in Athens’ highest mountain may just be what you need. Pack a delicious lunch and get ready to spend time in nature and take the fresh air in. Your little adventure will be rewarded with spectacular views over the city all the way to the sea and even Piraeus.

Since its opening, the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center has changed the lives of the Athenians, one event at a time. With a diverse and interesting agenda catering to all ages, the center has managed to established itself as a reference for all things cultural. Take advantage of its numerous free events open to all such as Concerts in the Park or the open-air free movies. Make sure to grab some snacks and drinks, and a blanket so you’re set for a nice date idea on the low key.