Athens 3 Day Itinerary

Athens 3-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Ancient Sites & Acropolis

  1. Morning:

    • Start your day with a hearty Greek breakfast at Kostas (Konstantinoupoleos 52, Athina 104 35)
    • Visit the Acropolis Museum (Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athina 117 42) to learn about the history and artifacts from the Acropolis.
    • Take a guided tour of the Acropolis (Acradottiou Street, Athens 105 16). Don’t miss the Parthenon, Propylaia, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and the Porch of the Caryatids.

  2. Afternoon:

    • Head to the Ancient Agora (Adrianou 24, Athina 105 35) for a glimpse into ancient Greek life. Visit the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos Museum.
    • Explore the Roman Agora (Panepistimiou 8, Athina 105 64) and the Tower of the Winds.
    • Have lunch at Thanasis (Ermou 92-94, Athina 105 64), a traditional taverna with a wide variety of Greek dishes.

  3. Evening:

    • Stroll around the Plaka neighborhood, known for its narrow streets filled with shops, restaurants, and ancient ruins.
    • Enjoy dinner at O Thanasis (Ermou 71-75, Athina 105 64), a popular restaurant in Plaka. Try their Moussaka or Souvlaki.

Day 2: Modern Athens & Lycabettus Hill

  1. Morning:

    • Start your day with breakfast at Bebelopouly (Iera Odos 74, Athina 105 60).
    • Visit the National Archaeological Museum (Patision 44, Athina 104 30) to see one of the world’s greatest collections of artifacts from a variety of archaeological locations across Greece.

  2. Afternoon:

    • Head to Monastiraki Flea Market (Ifaistou & Pandrosou streets, Athina 105 55) for unique souvenirs and items.
    • Explore the nearby Anafiotika neighborhood, a charming area with houses built by the inhabitants of Anafi island.
    • Have lunch at Papadakis (Agias Theklas 23-25, Athina 105 56) for traditional Greek cuisine.

  3. Evening:

    • Take a funicular railway up to Lycabettus Hill (Lykavittou 28-30, Athina 106 75). Enjoy the panoramic view of Athens and have dinner at Orizontes (Lykavittou 210, Athina 114 71) while watching the sunset.

Day 3: Beach & Odeon of Herodes Atticus

  1. Morning:

    • Spend your morning relaxing at the nearest beach to Athens, Glyfada (Glyfada Beach, Glyfada 166 75). Enjoy a light lunch at one of the many seaside restaurants.

  2. Afternoon:

    • Return to Athens and visit the Acropolis at night when it’s illuminated for a romantic and unique experience (Acradottiou Street, Athens 105 16).
    • Explore the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Dionysiou Areopagitou 89, Athina 117 423) before attending a concert if there’s one scheduled during your visit.

Things to Know:

  • Athens is hot in the summer, so pack accordingly.
  • Most museums and archaeological sites are closed on Mondays.
  • Greek restaurants may not serve food until 19:00 or later.
  • Taxis can be expensive; consider using public transportation (Athenian Metro).

Where to Stay: There are numerous options for accommodation in Athens, from budget hostels to luxury hotels. Some popular areas are Plaka, Monastiraki, and the modern Athens neighborhoods near Syntagma Square.

Tips:

  • Purchase an Athens Combined Ticket to visit multiple sites at a discounted rate.
  • Try as many Greek dishes as you can, such as Gyro, Souvlaki, Spanakopita, and Baklava.
  • Learn a few basic Greek phrases to help communicate with locals.