Recommendations for my first trip to Athens (on a budget!)
Hi everyone!
I'm planning my first trip to Greece during the second half of September, and I'd love to get some advice from locals and people who have visited before.
I'm traveling on a pretty tight budget, so I'll mainly be relying on public transportation. My idea is to spend part of the trip exploring Athens and part relaxing at the beach, so I'm looking for recommendations on pretty much everything!
A few questions I have:
- Is public transport reliable and affordable for getting around Athens and reaching the beaches?
- I'm thinking of staying in Nea Smyrni, close to bus or tram stops, so I can easily reach both the city center and the coast. Does that sound like a good idea?
- Which beaches are the best to visit without renting a car? Also, I've heard that some beach bars offer free sunbeds and umbrellas if you buy food or drinks. Is that actually common, or is it more of a myth?
- What are the must-see attractions, and are there any hidden gems that tourists often miss?
- Any recommendations for affordable restaurants, cafés, bakeries, or street food?
- Are there any scams or tourist traps I should be aware of?
- Any other tips for saving money while still making the most of the trip?
I'd really appreciate any advice or personal experiences. Thanks in advance!