Travel & transfer: Arrival at Athens Airport
After landing, head to the metro; Line 3 goes straight to the centre. The ticket costs around 9 euros.
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.
- Pace
- Balanced
- Budget
- Mid-range
- Season
- May
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Plan with your own wishesDay 1 · Athen
Arrival and Plaka evening
Arrive in Athens, check in in Plaka and enjoy a relaxed evening with Anafiotika, sunset on the Areopagus and dinner in a traditional taverna.
11:00
11:45
11:45
12:50
Travel & transfer: Metro into the city centre
Take metro Line 3 to Syntagma, then change to Line 2 to Akropoli. From there it's a few minutes' walk to the hotel.
Metro Akropoliapprox. €9 pp15 min on foot
13:10
13:30
Stay: Luggage at the Acropolis Select Hotel
You drop off your luggage; the room is only ready from about 15:00. The alternative would be the Plaka Hotel.
20 min on foot
13:50
15:00
Lunch: Lunch at To Kafeneio tis Plakas
To Kafeneio tis Plakasapprox. 15–€25 pp5 min on foot
15:05
15:45
Café: Greek coffee at Mokka Kafeneio
Traditional Greek coffee in the neighbourhood, ideal for a short break before your stroll.
Mokka Kafeneioapprox. 3–€6 pp10 min on foot
16:00
17:30
Sightseeing: Walk through Anafiotika
5 min on foot
17:35
18:35
Sightseeing: Small chapels on the north slope of the Acropolis
On the way down you'll find hidden chapels and quiet corners away from the tourist crowds.
15 min on foot
18:50
19:35
Hidden gem: Freshen up at the hotel
A short break; the room is now ready.
15 min on foot
19:50
20:35
Sightseeing: Sunset on the Areopagus
The rock below the Acropolis offers a wide view over the Agora and the city's rooftops, with golden light in the evening.
The marble steps are slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
15 min on foot
20:50
22:20
Dinner: Dinner at Taverna Psaras
A long-established taverna in Plaka with a terrace, known for fresh fish and classic mezedes. Alternative: Taverna Platanos.
Taverna Psarasapprox. 25–€40 pp
Day 2 · Athen
The Acropolis and ancient Athens
A day around the Acropolis and ancient Athens: up the rock early, then the museum, the Agora and local favourites in Thissio and Monastiraki.
08:00
08:45
Breakfast: Breakfast at Mikro Kafeneio
Mikro Kafeneioapprox. 6–€12 pp10 min on foot
09:00
11:30
Sightseeing: The Acropolis and the Parthenon
The Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea with views across the whole city. In May the mornings are still pleasant.
Akropolisapprox. €30 ppBook a timed-entry ticket online in advance and use the south entrance to skip the queue.
10 min on foot
11:45
13:30
Sightseeing: Acropolis Museum
Akropolis-Museumapprox. €20 pp20 min on foot
13:50
14:50
Lunch: Lunch at Café Avissinia
Greek meze and dishes on Avyssinias Square in Monastiraki, with live music at weekends. Alternative: Telis in Psyrri.
Café Avissiniaapprox. 20–€30 pp7 min on foot
15:00
17:00
Sightseeing: Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus
The centre of ancient Athens, with the very well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos.
Antike Agoraapprox. €10 pp20 min on foot
17:20
18:20
Sightseeing: Church of Agios Dimitrios Loumbardiaris
A small white church on Philopappos Hill with a peaceful view of the Acropolis, far from the crowds.
12 min on foot
18:32
19:17
Café: Coffee at Little Tree Books & Coffee
A cosy book café in Koukaki, popular with locals, for a break with coffee or lemonade. Alternative: Taf Coffee.
Little Tree Books & Coffeeapprox. 5–€9 pp10 min on foot
20:00
21:30
Dinner: Dinner at Strofi
Traditional Greek cuisine with a view of the illuminated Acropolis from the roof terrace. Alternative: Kalimera Arkadia.
Strofiapprox. 25–€38 ppReserve a table in advance on the roof terrace with the Acropolis view.
Day 3 · Athen
Markets, architecture, departure
Last day in Athens: the Central Market and the Archaeological Museum, lunch at Diporto, coffee in Kolonaki and a walk to the Zappeion and the Panathenaic Stadium, then departure for the airport.
08:00
08:45
Breakfast: Breakfast at the Acropolis Select Hotel
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and check out before heading to the market. You can leave your luggage at reception.
20 min by public transport
09:10
10:15
Sightseeing: Varvakios Meat and Fish Hall
The large market hall on Athinas Street is full of life in the morning. Nearby, spice and olive shops in the side streets are tempting.
Zentralmarkt Varvakiosapprox. 0–€5 pp15 min on foot
10:35
12:35
Sightseeing: National Archaeological Museum
The most important museum for Greek antiquity, with the Mask of Agamemnon and bronze statues. Two hours are enough for the highlights.
Nationales Archäologisches Museumapprox. €12 pp20 min by public transport
12:55
14:10
Lunch: Lunch at Diporto Agoras
Diporto Agorasapprox. 15–€25 pp25 min by public transport
14:40
15:30
Café: Coffee at Mokka Kafeneio
A cosy coffee break in the Kolonaki neighbourhood. Try a Greek coffee.
Mokka Kafeneioapprox. 4–€8 pp15 min on foot
15:50
17:15
Sightseeing: Zappeion and Panathenaic Stadium
Stroll through the National Garden to the neoclassical Zappeion and the marble stadium of the first modern Olympics.
20 min on foot
17:35
18:05
Travel & transfer: Collect your luggage at the hotel
Pick up your luggage and take a moment to catch your breath.
10 min by public transport
18:15
19:05
Travel & transfer: Metro to the airport
Metro Line 3 from Akropoli or Syntagma goes directly to the airport, with a generous time buffer.
Flughafen Athen (ATH)approx. €9 pp
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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.