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The dilemma isn’t where to go anymore, it’s whether or not you have to eat instant noodles for a year to afford the trip. Stop pining over photos of far-flung exotic destinations, go and see the sights for yourself! Starting with Greece. That’s because Scoot, everyone’s favorite budget-friendly airline, has a new route that flies from Manila to Athens via Singapore. So leave the instant noodles on the shelf and start exploring this amazing city.
Getting in and around in Athens
Although it seems like a world away, getting to Athens is a lot easier on the budget than most people think. It’s also a great starting off point to explore more of Greece. Start by flying Scoot from Manila to Athens via Singapore, to save time and money.
The best way to explore the city is with their affordable and accessible public transportation. There are express buses that bring you from the airport to the city center as well as a subway that goes above ground at the Agora, giving riders a great view of the Acropolis.
Photo: The Acropolis / Wikicommons
Hike the Acropolis
Athens is filled with ancient sites including the most famous of all UNESCO Heritage Sites, the Acropolis. The ancient ruins sit on a hill overlooking Athens, the most recognizable of which is the Parthenon. Beautiful, intricate temples, pillars and amphitheaters make the 2,500 year old ruins truly mesmerizing. If you’re not swept away by the history like we are, at least you can make your friends jealous with “Wish you were here!” photos. Not forgetting, enter this ancient world for only EUR6-12!
Photo: Athens / Andy Montgomery Flickr
Outdoor Cinemas
Watching a relaxing movie under the stars makes for an affordable and charming evening in Athens. Imagine munching on popcorn and watching a classic flick surrounded by breathtaking Greek scenery. In the 1960s, more than 600 places hosted outdoor cinemas, but nowadays there are only around 80 left. Most movies are in English or have English subtitles. Catch a show at Cine Theseion, Cine Paris, Cine Rivera. Tickets are around EUR5-10 with special discounts on certain days of the week.
Relax in Kifissias Park
Take a pitstop at Kifissias Park and let the fresh gardens stimulate your mind and rejuvenate your senses after traipsing around the city all day. This park is one of the largest in Athens. Bring your own wine, bread, cheese, and meat, and enjoy people watching. Since you’ve already saved money by bringing your own groceries, splurge (just a little) on a cup of coffee from the park’s local cafe. Colorful flower shows featuring more than 50 species of flowers are on as well during the months of April and May.
Photo: Athens / Dennis Jarvis Flickr
Bargain at flea markets
Athens is filled with just the place to flex your bargaining muscles: flea markets. One of the more popular agoras (markets in Greek) is the Athens Central Market. Here, you’ll find local Greek delicacies including olives, spices, cheese, and deli treats. Next, hit up vintage markets for souvenirs to take back home, just use your savvy skills to make sure you’re getting the best deal possible. When you’re all bargained out, find a local pub to sit and sip a glass of wine. (Good wine is way cheaper in Europe than Asia!)
Photo: Athens cafes / Wikicommons
Cafe hunting
Local Greek dishes will spice up your day and take you out outside of your comfort zone. Try marinated octopus, souvlaki, moussaka and gyros. One place that deserves a visit is the Cabezon Bar, a gem tucked away from the busy city in a hidden yard. The outdoor seating area is decorated with cobblestones and glimmering lights, which will take you back to Athen’s olden times. But to actually eat like a local, you need to take yourself to the streets, and luckily a street-side feast will only set you back a few euros.
Are you ready for an epic Athens adventure? Scoot will get you there in no time! And from now till 3 September, Scoot is offering up to 15% off selected flights with the promo code ‘COCONUTS’! Click here to book your flight now.
Scoot flies to Athens from Manila, Cebu, Clark and Boracay via Singapore. The Singapore-Athens route will be serviced by Scoot’s wide-bodied Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, with quieter engines, more cabin moisture and even special mood lighting.
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