Greece
Athens: itinerary & travel tips
Athens combines ancient sites with a lively big city. The Acropolis lies right in the centre, and most sights can be reached on foot or with a few metro stops. That makes the city ideal for a short stay of two to four days.
After sightseeing, evenings in tavernas, rooftop bars and neighbourhoods such as Psyrri or Koukaki are well worth it. There are also good museums, and the coast and Cape Sounion make for day trips that fit easily into a single day. From Germany, Austria and Switzerland there are direct flights of about three to three and a half hours.
Ready-made itineraries
3 days · 26 stops
Athens in 3 days
Three days in Athens with a base in Plaka/Makrygianni: arrival with a stroll through the old town, one day for the Acropolis and antiquity, and one day of markets, architecture and local neighbourhoods until departure.
- Day 1Arrival and Plaka evening
- Day 2The Acropolis and ancient Athens
- Day 3Markets, architecture, departure
Weekend like a local · 13 stops
Athens: weekend like a local
Two relaxed days in Athens off the beaten track: Saturday with coffee, markets and art in Exarchia and Kypseli, Sunday with a neighbourhood feel in Koukaki and Pangrati.
- Day 1Arrival, coffee and Exarchia
- Day 2Pangrati, art and good food
What to see
Acropolis with the Parthenon
The city's most important landmark, with the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea, best visited early in the morning.
Acropolis Museum
Displays the finds from the citadel hill, including the Caryatids and parts of the Parthenon Frieze, in a modern building directly below the Acropolis.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The centre of ancient public life, with the very well preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
National Archaeological Museum
The country's largest collection of Greek antiquities, including the Mask of Agamemnon from Mycenae.
Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
The stadium built entirely of marble that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Lycabettus Hill
The city's highest viewpoint offers views over Athens, the Acropolis and all the way to the sea, especially at sunset.
Where to stay
Plaka
For those who want to walk to the Acropolis on a first visit and like picturesque lanes, though it is quite touristy in the evenings.
Koukaki
A quiet residential district south of the Acropolis with cafés and tavernas, good for travellers who want to be close to the Acropolis Museum and away from the crowds.
Monastiraki and Psyrri
For those who want a flea market, street food and nightlife in the heart of the centre with good metro connections.
Kolonaki
An elegant neighbourhood at the foot of Lycabettus with boutiques, cafés and museums, suited to travellers with a somewhat larger budget.
Best time to visit
The best times are April to June and September and October, when it is warm but not extremely hot. In July and August temperatures often rise above 35 degrees, the Acropolis is very crowded and hotel prices are high. Winter is mild but rainy, though there are far fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation. If possible, avoid the heatwave weeks in high summer.
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr ✓
- May ✓
- Jun ✓
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep ✓
- Oct ✓
- Nov
- Dec
Getting there
Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) is about 30 kilometres east of the centre. Metro line 3 takes around 40 minutes to Syntagma Square and costs roughly 9 to 10 euros. Alternatively, there are express buses (X95) for a few euros, or fixed-price taxis that cost around 40 to 50 euros and take about 30 to 45 minutes. The port of Piraeus is also easy to reach by metro if you want to head on to an island afterwards.
Getting around
You can easily reach the city centre with the Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and Syntagma on foot, and for longer distances there are the metro, tram and buses. A day ticket or multi-day ticket for public transport is worthwhile if you are also travelling to the airport or Piraeus. In summer, plan in breaks, as the steep, slippery marble paths of the Acropolis are tiring.
Daily budget
budget
€45
mid-range
€90
per person, without accommodation. Eating in tavernas, souvlaki and public transport are cheap, while admission to the major sites and rooftop bars with views of the Acropolis cost considerably more.
Local tips
- Visit the Acropolis right at opening time or in the late afternoon, when there are fewer people and less heat.
- A combined ticket for several ancient sites is usually cheaper than individual tickets if you want to visit the Acropolis, the Agora and other sites.
- People eat late in Greece: many locals only go for dinner from 9 pm, and tavernas away from the main streets are usually better and cheaper.
- Tipping is common, but you are not expected to give much. Around 5 to 10 percent or rounding up the bill is fine.
FAQ
How many days do you need in Athens?
Two full days are enough for the Acropolis, the Agora, museums and the old town. With three or four days there is time for Cape Sounion, Piraeus or a trip to Delphi or a nearby island.
Where is the best place to stay in Athens?
For a first visit, Plaka, Monastiraki and Koukaki are ideal because you can reach the main sights on foot. If you prefer somewhere quieter, Koukaki is a good choice.
Is Athens expensive?
Compared with many Western European cities, Athens is rather cheap, especially for food and local transport. Accommodation in summer and admission to the major sites are more expensive.
How do I get from the airport to the centre?
The easiest way is to take metro line 3 directly to Syntagma Square or Monastiraki, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, there are express buses and fixed-price taxis.
Is Athens safe for tourists?
Athens is considered safe for visitors, but as in other big cities you should watch out for pickpockets on the metro and in crowded areas. At night, it is best to avoid certain areas around Omonia Square when alone.
Plan your own trip to Athens
Your dates, your pace, your wishes – Qurayo plans every day with real places and routes.