Athens Greece 3 Day Itinerary

July 10, 2024

Day 1: Explore Ancient Athens

Morning: Start your day with a hearty Greek breakfast at Pausanias, located near the Acropolis. (Παυσανίας - 29 Agion Georgion, Athina 10556)
Acropolis of Athens: Visit the iconic Acropolis, an ancient citadel that houses the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. Don’t forget to visit the Acropolis Museum, which offers a comprehensive collection of artifacts from the site.
Ancient Agora: After the Acropolis, head towards Ancient Agora, once the heart of ancient Greek political life and now a serene archaeological site with many interesting ruins.
Lunch: Grab a quick bite at O Thanasis for some traditional souvlaki in the Monastiraki area (Ο Θανάσης - Μοναστηρίου Αγίου Ηλίου, Athina 10563)
Afternoon: Visit the Hill of the Muses (Muses’ Hill or Philopappou Hill), offering a panoramic view of the city. Then, explore the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus and Hadrian’s Arch.
Dinner: Enjoy a sit-down meal at To Kafetinio tou Psirri in the vibrant Psiri neighborhood (Το Καφετένιο του Ψηρή - Κλεομβρατώς 28, Athina 10553)
Evening: Stroll around the picturesque Plaka district and indulge in some dessert at Lukumades tou Theo (Λουκουμάδες του Θέω - Πανηγύρειο, Athina 10556) before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2: Modern Athens & Nightlife

Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel or try Folk Art Cafe in the Exarchia neighborhood (Φολκ αρτ - Εξάρχεια, Athina 118 53)
National Archaeological Museum: Start your day with a visit to the largest archaeological museum in Greece, home to many artifacts from various archaeological locations around the country.
Lunch: Tuck into some authentic Greek cuisine at To Gastrodromo (Το Γαστρόδρομο - Βωμού 13, Athina 15126) in the Koukaki neighborhood.
Afternoon: Visit the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Μνήμα του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη) and explore the National Garden. After that, head to Lycabettus Hill for a stunning view of Athens.
Dinner: Dine at Kuzina (Κοζίνα - Λεωφόρος Αθηνάς Α’ 48, Athina 10682) in the Kolonaki district, offering modern Greek cuisine with a view.
Evening: Athens’ vibrant nightlife awaits! Visit a rooftop bar like 360° Cocktail Bar (360° - Λεωφόρος Αθηνών Διαγωνίου 124, Athina 10676) or explore the bars and clubs in Gazi (Θέατρο Γκάζη).

Day 3: Beach & Departure

Morning: Check out after breakfast and store your luggage at the hotel. Head to one of Athens’ beaches, such as Glyfada or Vouliagmeni for a relaxing morning by the sea.
Lunch: Savor your last meal in Athens at Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani (Τα Καραμανληδικά του Φάνη - Λεωφόρος Αθηνών Διαγωνίου 170, Athina 166 75) in Vouliagmeni.
Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, visit any remaining attractions or do some last-minute shopping in the city center before heading to the airport.

Things to Know:

Athens uses the Euro (€).
Greek language basics are helpful but not essential as most places cater to tourists.
Public transportation is reliable and affordable, with buses, trams, and metro options available. Purchase a transportation card (Τικέτ) for unlimited travel on certain days.
During the summer months, be mindful of the heat and take plenty of water with you.
Tipping in Greece is customary but not mandatory; around 10% is appropriate for good service.

Transportation: Athens’ transportation system includes buses, trams, and the metro. The Athens Transport Ticket (Τικέτ) allows unlimited travel on certain days and can be purchased from kiosks at metro stations or online. Single-trip tickets are also available. For convenience, download the Google Maps app for navigation.

Tips:

Explore off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods like Exarchia and Koukaki for unique dining experiences.
Take a sunset stroll along Dionysiou Areopagitou street, which encircles the Acropolis.
Consider visiting during shoulder seasons (spring or fall) to avoid crowds and high temperatures.
Don’t forget to try traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, tzatziki, dolma, and baklava!