Imagine a city where every street corner whispers tales of mythology and legend, where the gods themselves once walked.
Welcome to Athens, where history is not just found in textbooks but is etched in its cobblestone alleys and monumental ruins.
It’s a place where the past and present coexist beautifully, painting a landscape that’s vibrant by day and electrifying by night.
From the awe-inspiring heights of the Acropolis to the golden sunsets that dance on the Riviera, Athens promises a journey of epic proportions.
Join me, a local who knows every hidden gem, as I take you through a 3 day itinerary in Athens.
Tip: I’d urge you to pick the best neighborhood in Athens to make your base and plan a trip that leaves you with memories as timeless as the Parthenon itself.
Are 3 days enough to see Athens?
Wondering how many days you’ll need to truly see Athens? Sure, you could tick off the Acropolis and wander through Plaka in a day, but Athens deserves more. Give yourself at least two days to get a taste of the city center.
Beyond the tourist-favorite Plaka, there’s Monastiraki with its flea market buzz, Thiseio with the serene Filopappou Hill, and the Makrygianni area, home to the Acropolis Museum.
And don’t miss exploring around Syntagma Square, where you can see the grandeur of the Greek Parliament, the lush National Garden, the upscale Kolonaki district, and the Ermou shopping street.
And it’s almost criminal not to catch the view from Lycabettus Hill at sunset or dive into the Athenian night – starting with rooftop drinks and ending in the dance-filled wee hours in Psirri or Gazi.
For all these gems, I’d say settle in for at least three days. I’ll even throw in a practical three-day itinerary to help you soak up Athens beyond the postcard spots.
How to get around Athens
Getting around Athens for first-timers means skipping the car rental; the traffic and parking are nightmares. From the airport, the metro or bus are your friends. The blue line metro whisks you from the airport to the city center, while the buses, though slower due to traffic, come in four handy lines.
To hop between neighborhoods, the metro runs from early morning to midnight – and even later on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s soon expanding with a new line, connecting more of Athens seamlessly.
For coastal jaunts or areas off the metro map, trams, buses, or cabs are the way to go. Trams are slow but scenic, buses are quick but can get packed, and taxis? Affordable and easy to flag down or book with an app (FreeNow and Uber are available).
But honestly, walking is the best way to capture the city’s soul. Just remember, if it’s summer, arm yourself with a hat, sunscreen, and water – and plan coffee breaks wisely to beat the heat.
3 day Athens Itinerary
Day 1 in Athens: Acropolis & Plaka
Acropolis
If you'd rather not wait, snag a skip-the-line ticket or a guided tour. Either way, don't miss marveling at the classical artistry of the Erechtheion and its graceful Caryatids.
Koukaki & Makrygianni Neighborhoods
Acropolis Museum
Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
Plaka
Day 2 in Athens: Monastiraki, Thiseio and Mount Lycabettus
Ancient Agora
Monastiraki
Thiseio
Ermou Street and Kolonaki
Exarcheia
Day 3 in Athens: Archaeological Museum, Syntagma and Athenian Riviera
National Archaeological Museum
Syntagma Square
National Garden
Athens Riviera
Sounio
Palaio Faliro or Vouliagmeni
How to Save Money in your Athens itinerary
If you want to make the most of your trip to Athens, the Athens City Pass is a smart investment. It’s probably the most comprehensive tourist pass available, covering entry to the main historical sites and attractions. The best part? You get all the tickets online, so you can skip the hassle of buying separate tickets on-site.
Here’s why it’s a good deal: entrance fees for top spots like the Acropolis (€20), Ancient Agora (€10), Temple of Zeus (€8), and Kerameikos (€8) can add up quickly. With the Athens Pass, you can access these places without worrying about individual costs, making it ideal if you plan to do a bit of sightseeing and cultural exploration.
Booking is simple. Just choose your travel dates, and once you’ve paid, you’ll get the tickets via email. You can show them directly from your smartphone—no need to print anything. It’s a convenient way to dive into the city’s rich history without overpaying.
Acropolis, how to get there
Reaching the Acropolis is easy if you use the metro. The red line goes directly to the Acropolis station. From there, it is just a short two- or three-minute walk to the southeast entrance.
Another option is to take bus 230, which stops near the same entrance. This way, you can also see some of the busy streets of Athens on the way.
However, walking is a great way to experience Athens. If you start from the Plaka district or the area near Thiseio station on the green line, each step gives you a sense of the city’s history. The routes from Monastiraki and Syntagma squares are also convenient, with the blue line serving both places.
You can enter the Acropolis from Dionysiou Areopagitou street, which is for pedestrians only. This street is not just a beautiful path, but also a place where you can feel the history. Whether you start from the metro stop near the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora near Monastiraki, or the Plaka neighborhood, each route takes you to the same historic site: the Acropolis, a symbol of Greece’s past.
What to buy in Athens
Athens is the heartbeat of Greek commerce, a shopping utopia that trades mall escalators for the charm of its plentiful boutiques. Here, picking up souvenirs isn’t just an activity; it’s a treasure hunt across the city’s vibrant districts.
What’s delightful about Athens is the absence of those colossal shopping malls that overshadow other capitals. Instead, the trade triangles from Syntagma to Monastiraki and Omonoia squares boast the city’s retail soul.
Monastiraki is a haven for the timeless appeal of leather. Here, the scent of polished leather wafts from stores offering everything from sandals to satchels. Stroll down Agias Theklas Street, where Stavros Melissinos‘s shop crafts sandals rumored to have graced the feet of music legends like the Beatles.
In the nooks of Monastiraki and Plaka, you’ll find genuine Greek keepsakes—komboloi, a meditative string of beads, and tavli, a board game of strategy and luck, not to mention mati charms to ward off misfortune. Greek coffee cups, olive wood crafts, and mythological-inspired replicas are just a few of the picks that echo the spirit of Greece.
For a detour from the typical tourist trail, dive into Athens’ natural beauty scene. Apivita and Korres stand out with their Greek-infused products—think honey, pomegranate, and grape—found in almost any pharmacy.
Venture away from the historic hustle into Koukaki’s hidden gems, where concept stores on A.Zinni and O.Androutsou streets offer everything from uniquely crafted jewelry to contemporary ceramics, trendy mugs, and handwoven bags.
Before you leave, indulge in a sensory shopping spree of Greek gastronomy: rich olive oil, tangy Kalamata olives, a variety of honeys, mountain tea, aromatic herbs and spices, DOP-certified cheeses, and signature spirits like ouzo and raki. Your taste buds will thank you for a piece of Greek culinary heaven to savor back home.
2 Responses
Do you conduct private tours?
Hey James,
Unfortunately no, but there are some good ones at Get Your Guide and Tiqets.