The Perfect 3 Days in Athens: a detailed itinerary for your first visit
Overview
Athens! If you’re reading this then perhaps you’ve got a flight connecting in Greece’s capital city or staying there for a few days.. or longer! Whatever the case, keep reading for some fabulous ideas on how to spend your time in this incredible city. This itinerary is aimed at the first time visitor who is seeking a structured itinerary as the backbone for a perfect well-rounded visit spanning 2 or 3 days. Included are the major historical and cultural sites. I’ve also provided my pick of restaurants and bars that have the perfect view of the iconic Acropolis!
This city shaped the modern world. It is the heart of ancient Greece, which was a powerhouse civilisation and empire. Additionally, it was the birthplace of democracy, arts, science and philosophy of western civilisation.
My itinerary is designed to show you how to spend the perfect 3 days in Athens. Pack some comfortable walking shoes so you can wander around the old town of Plaka, through 5th century BC landmarks and stop off for a famous meat gyros to refuel. Then why not finish your evenings at incredible rooftop restaurants with views across the Acropolis sipping on local wine!? The Acropolis is the landmark feature of Athens, a hilltop citadel that is home to ancient buildings like the colonnaded Parthenon temple.
What else should I do near Athens?
If you have a spare day, then I’d highly suggest a day trip to the Greek Island of Hydra, conveniently accessed from Athens’ Piraeus Port! If you love history and culture, then a day trip from Athens to Ancient Corinth, the Acrocorinth, Mycenae, Nafplio and Epidaurus may be more to your liking! For the wine lovers out there, take a day trip to the largest wine region in Greece for a tasting tour: Nemea! If you have longer to spend in this beautiful country, then check out my post detailing the best way to spend 3 weeks in Greece, including the ultimate mainland Greece road trip! This last post also details important logistical information such as car hire, money, language and the best time to visit. However, keep reading for the perfect 3 day itinerary in Athens!
A Word on Professional Photography in Greece
Authorities are very strict on upholding media laws in Greece. Permits are required for professional photography in most national parks. This is particularly enforced for timelapse photography or anyone seen to be carrying oversized cameras! Make sure to follow the rules because I saw the police heading over to one or two people to check on their permit status. Rules were not so heavily enforced outside of main cities but I’d advise being familiar with them in any case.
Itinerary
Day 1
Visit the Acropolis
Theatre of Dionysus
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Acropolis Museum
Lunch on Makrigianni Street
Hadrian’s Library
Ancient Agora of Athens (Classical Agora)
Monastiraki Square & Flea Market
Sunset drinks at A for Athens
Pittaki Street
Lycabettus Hill & Cable Car
Agios Germanus Church
Dinner at Orizontes Lycabettus
Nightcap at The Clumsies cocktail bar
Day 2
Explore Old Town Plaka
Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guards
Hadrian’s Arch
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Panathenaic Stadium
Philopappos Hill for sunset
Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Plaka
Drinks at a rooftop bar with night time views of the Acropolis
Day 3
If you have the fortune of an additional day, don’t miss an opportunity to explore the Greek Islands on a day trip from Athens! Departing from Piraeus Port you can reach Hydra, Egina, Poros and Spetses with ease!
See my post A Day Trip to Hydra: the laid back Bohemian Greek Island where artists and writers reside for further details.
Accommodation
I won’t go into detail here as there are many posts dedicated to reviewing accommodation in Athens. However, I will say that I spent (literally) hours researching almost every hotel in Athens to find the very best views overlooking the Acropolis!
Undoubtedly one of the best hotel rooftop bars is at Electra Metropolis Hotel, by Syntagma Square in Plaka region. The hotel is conveniently situated near a metro station and a bustling neighbourhood with a great night scene. We decided to stay here and pay the extra for the superior Acropolis view room. Outdoor breakfasts on the rooftop balcony overlooking the ancient monument were second-to-none. However I do not feel that the room views were worth the additional expense. This is because the itinerary below is full of Acropolis-views and there is little time to be spent in your hotel room!
As a first time visitor, the perfect location is Plaka. This will enable easy access to cultural sites, as well as to lively modern cafes and bars. My Greek friends suggested this region to me and I am thankful to have taken on their advice! Your 3 day itinerary in Athens will be much more enjoyable in a central hotel.
Day 1
Visit the Acropolis
Destination number one in Greece: the Acropolis. It has its own stop on the metro line, a dedicated museum, and a strip of cafes and restaurants surrounding it.
Fun Fact
‘Acropolis’ is a generic term meaning ‘highest point’ or ‘extremity’ and there are many other acropoleis in Greece. In ancient times, it was known more properly as Cecropia, after the legendary serpent-man and first Athenian king, Cecrops.
The surface of the Acropolis is roughly 3 hectares and it holds some important structures such as:
- The Parthenon, the most famous temple on the Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena
- The Propylaea, the monumental gateway to the Acropolis
- The Erechtheion
- Temple of Athena Nike
At the top there is a one-way path to follow. This leads visitors around the impressive buildings with unbeatable vantage points across the city of Athens.
Theatre of Dionysus
This ancient Greek theatre is built on the southern lower slope of the Acropolis Hill. It was initially built as a temple in the 6th century BC and it became the world’s first theatre and the birthplace of Greek drama performances in the 5th century BC. The maximum capacity was 17,000 people!
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a striking stone Roman theatre build on the southwest slope of the Acropolis that reached 7,000 capacity in ancient times. Today it is the main venue for the Athens Festival which runs from May through October each year.
Fun Fact!
In recent times, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus has welcomed credible musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Sting, Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli & Elton John to its stage!
Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is one of the most important museums in the world. Furthermore, it functions entirely to house the artefacts, metopes and statues found on the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The artefacts have been found on top of the rock and surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.
Lunch on Makrigianni Street
If you’ve braved the hot top of the Acropolis in the Athens summer heat, you’re going to want to find some delicious eats and a cool down drink. We were parched and dehydrated by the time we descended. Never fear! Makrigianni Street is here! Well, it’s certainly positioned just around the corner from the Acropolis exit: a street of well positioned restaurants. We made our way to Makrigianni 3 Cafe and ordered a couple of sparkling waters, a few bottles of Brink’s beer and a cured meats and cheese platter. Just the ticket!
Hadrian’s Library
Hadrian’s Library was created by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132 on the north side of the Acropolis of Athens. It’s also an ideal place to photograph the Acropolis.
Ancient Agora
Nearby Hadrian’s Library is the Ancient Agora of Athens. It is also known as the Classical Agora and note that this is different to the Roman Agora in Athens. The Agora’s initial use was as a commercial, assembly, or residential gathering place.
Monastiraki Square & Flea Market
Don’t miss the vibrant square of Monastiraki! It’s incredibly easy to reach and has its own Metro Station. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll be nearby having come from Hadrian’s Library!
Monastiraki Square is named after the Church of the Pantanassa, located on the square. Monastiraki literally means ‘little monastery’. Here you’ll find all manner of major tourist attractions, street performers and popup vendors on the square, ready to entertain!
Off of the square stem a web of streets comprising the flea market. You’ll find a jumble of things on offer such as artisanal soaps, handmade sandals, souvenir T-shirts, and even some dubious ancient statues and artwork! Keep in mind that the athletes of old competed in their birthday suits!
An abundance of rooftop bars, restaurants and tavernas with excellent Acropolis views also dominate the region.
Sunset drinks at A for Athens
My favourite rooftop bar in the capital city is the highly acclaimed A for Athens. You won’t find a single travel post that doesn’t mention this incredible hang out! It books out quickly so make sure to reserve you table, particularly in the evening. We loved it so much that we went there twice! Once during the day and another time for a sunset dinner and evening drinks.
It’s perched high up above Monastiraki Square, with prime views across to the Acropolis. Pull up a chair, order a cocktail and relax to the soothing house beats in this multilevel restaurant.
(Note that this itinerary moves on to Lycabettus Hill for sunset but if you have the luxury to come back to A for Athens for sunset, I highly recommend it!)
Pittaki Street
To be honest I had no idea what to expect from Pittaki Street except that I had read about it on various other travel itineraries before arriving in Greece.
Previously a gritty downtown after-dark district near Monastiraki Square, it underwent a massive transformation in 2012. A non-for-profit company partnered with a creative design studio to revamp the street. With the help of locals who donated lamps, lanterns and chandeliers, the street was revolutionised into the dynamic artistic hub it is today. Visitors will see these donated items strung as an electic canopy over the street.
At the end of the street is a fantasy land hub for kids and adults alike, with an icecream parlour and tea and dessert house at Little Kook, set up in a Neverland adventure theme.
Lycabettus Hill & Cable Car
Lycabettus Hill is a landmark feature in Athens and emerges in the middle of the city as an inverted conical shaped hill with a small church on top. This church is Agios Georgios (St George) and in front of this is a terraced platform which is overrun with tourists each evening in readiness for the sunset.
There are 2 ways to the top:
- Hike
- Take the Cable Car
Despite being an avid hiking fan, it was impossible to bypass the Cable Car, which is well known and loved in the city. Opening in 1965, it transports around 300,000 visitors annually. Access is at the junction of Plutarch and Aristippou Streets, in Kolonaki. The closest Metro Station is Evangelismos.
At 210 metres long, the track is predominantly submerged underground. Thus after around 3 minutes, you suddenly appear at the top with superb views across the city! Check the official website for details but at the time of visiting, entry was 7€ and it ran 365 days per year from 09:00 to 01:30. I believe the opening times differ during winter.
Agios Georgios Church
As mentioned, this single-naved small white chapel on top of Lycabettus Hill is visible from many places within Athens. It was built around 1870 and provides stellar views across Athens and the Saronic Gulf.
Dinner at Orizontes Lycabettus
“Greece – The feeling of being lost in time and geography with months and years hazily sparkling ahead in a prospect of inconjecturable magic.”
Patrick Leigh Fermor
On top of my list for Athens dining options was Orizontes Lycabettus. I had done some extensive homework before arriving. Coinciding with my birthday the day before, excitement was riding high!
The experience lived up to every single one of my (almost unattainable) expectations.
We were shown to our first row table on the perimeter of the outdoor terrace, with the BEST views of Athens, the Acropolis and the Saronic Gulf. The sunset views from this iconic Greek restaurant are unparalleled and it was a scene to behold with the sparkling city lights beneath us. The magnificence of the evening slowly started to sink in as we said ‘Yamas!’ and savoured a glass of cold bubbly.
Open disclosure: Given the chance, my meal choices will always centre around seafood.
What better place to try the very best fresh seafood than coastal Athens! Greeted with a chefs-special cold tomato soup, we went on to share grilled squid, seabream fillet with asparagus and lemon cream… and the world’s largest pork tomahawk with baby potatoes and a fresh mushroom trilogy!
It would have been an absolute crime not to pair this with a Greek wine, so we went with the sommelier’s suggestion, the Gerovassiliou Viognier. This expressive wine boasting tree fruit notes such as peach, apricot and pear hails from Ktima Gerovassiliou Winery in Epanomi, Thessaloniki.
The dessert offerings are equally delicious and I did not want this evening to end.
Alternative fine dining options in Athens, Greece:
- Spondi Restaurant
- Tudor Hall Restaurant
Nightcap at The Clumsies cocktail bar
If you’re still keen for a little adventure after the meal of your life, then head to The Clumsies, a quirky multi-room bar set in a townhouse. You’ll find some great cocktails and a welcoming atmosphere. Then it’s time for some sleep before day 2 of this incredible athens 3 day itinerary!
Day 2
Explore Old Town Plaka
Plaka is the charming old town of Athens. It lies in the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples and has an almost village feel. Narrow cobblestone streets wind past tiny boutique shops, sidewalk cafes and family owned tavernas.
Located on the north and western slopes of the Acropolis, the wider Plaka region runs from Syntagma Square in the east to Monastiraki Square in the west up to the Acropolis itself in the south.
Take a stroll around the streets and relax this morning. You’ve earned it after such a huge day of exploring yesterday!
I’d highly recommend staying in this region. Not only because of the quaint narrow streets and homely local feel but also because it is situated near to many important archaelogical sites and contemporary bars and restaurants. As mentioned we stayed in Electra Metropolis Hotel in Syntagma and on our first afternoon in Athens enjoyed an incredibly tasty mixed pork and chicken souvlaki from the nearby Meat the Greek sidewalk cafe.
Syntagma Square & Changing of the Guards
Syntagma Square is one of the main squares of Athens. It’s a beautiful tree lined park space dominated by the neoclassical parliament building on its eastern edge. Since 1934, it has housed the Hellenic Parliament and as such, Syntagma Square is frequently the location of anti-government protests. In fact, whilst we were staying there in July 2021, we witnessed an anti-Covid-lockdown protest where all manner of tin cans and tear gas were being wielded about. (Fortunately we hopped on to the Metro Station and made our way to the peaceful Monastiraki Square only one kilometre away).
In front of the Syntagma Square parliament building is the Tomb of the Uknown Soldier. This is guarded 24 hours a day by the Presidential Guard. These guards are dressed in traditional infantry uniforms (Evzones) and trademark shoes in a finely choreographed march. The changing of the guards is a favourite event to watch for visitors and occurs every Sunday at 11:00 am.
Hadrian’s Arch
This 18 metres high arch made of fine Pentelic marble is located between Syntagma Square (within walking distance) and the Acropolis. Construction of this temple was aimed to celebrate the arrival of Roman Emperor Hadrian, with its location marking the line of ancient Athens and Hadrian’s new city.
Two inscriptions are engraved, one on each side. Facing the Acropolis, the inscription reads: “This is Athens, the ancient city of Theseus”. On the side facing Hadrian’s new city, it reads: “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus”.
In the 18th century, the Arch of Hadrian served as one of the seven gates built in a defensive wall around the city by the Turks. The aim was to defend against the attack of the Albanian raiders. Unfortunately pollution over the past few decades has degraded and discolored the original inscriptions.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus, also known as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, is a former colossal temple at the center of the Greek capital Athens. It was dedicated to “Olympian” Zeus, a name originating from his position as head of the Olympian gods. At 17 metres high, it originally had 104 columns but only 16 have survived.
A colourful history sets the backdrop to this incredible structure, with construction beginning in 6th century BC during the rule of some Athenian tyrants. They envisaged building the greatest temple in the ancient world. However it wasn’t until the 2nd century AD that the temple was completed under the reign of Roman Emperor Hadrian. At this time it was renowned as the largest temple in Greece, however its glory was shortlived after being pillaged and destroyed by a barbarian invasian in 267 AD.
Panathenaic Stadium
In 330 BC, the origins of this incredible stadium that is still used today. It was initially built on the site of a simple racecourse for the Panathenaic Games. Rebuilt in marble by Herodes Atticus, an Athenian Roman senator, it burgeoned to seat 50,000 spectators by 144 AD. It was later excavated in 1869 and hosted the Zappas Olympics in 1870 and 1875.
After undergoing a deluxe refurbishment, it hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the first modern Olympics in 1896, as well as providing a venue for many of the contested sports. It later featured as an Olympic venue in 2004.
Today, it is used as the finishing point for the annual Athens Classic Marathon. It is also the last venue in Greece whereby the Olympic flame handover ceremony occurs to the host nation.
Philopappos Hill for sunset
After strugging to find a clear view point amongst the throngs of tourists on Lycabettus Hill, Philopappos came as a gift from heaven! Set amongst a delectably green park with some old archaeological ruins, this is the viewpoint that photographers crave! There was a small terraced area where many tourists had gathered but there are no restrictions on exploring the park and finding a quiet spot amongst the trees. This will give you the freedom to find an unobscured visual of the Acropolis!
Dinner at a traditional restaurant in Plaka
There’s nothing like the hospitality and charm of a local Greek taverna. Even better if it’s summer and you’re out on the adjacent sidewalk with all of the other city dwellers walking past. If you’ve spent the sunset at Philopappos Hill, then you’re in luck because at the base of the hill lie some fine options.
For fine dining, make a booking at Dionysos Zonar’s. (We felt too underdressed to frequent this dimly-lit restaurant at the base of the hill but reviews are stellar and on walking past it looked incredible). Nearby is an acclaimed rooftop bar called GH Attikos.
However, for a truly authentic and home-style cooked meal….
I’d recommend the traditional Greek family restaurant of Liondi, who also produce the unique Leontiti Wine!
What was our experience like at Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant?
We were greeted with a warm smile and sat beneath the tree canopy while the waiter struck up some friendly banter. The restaurant is situated amongst a strip of restaurants on Makrigianni Street, about 200 metres from the Acropolis Ticket Booth. Each restaurant is partitioned into an intimate rectangular configuration and set back from the street enough for some privacy but not so far as to lose the evening hum and ambience.
R: Laughs and revelry inside Liondi Restaurant
The standard Greek salad and assorted garlic breads commenced proceedings, with local Verginer beer and their famous wine. After this we shared the meat platter for two, a delectable selection of grilled chicken, beef steak, pork sausages and lamb chops. These came with the most delicious accompaniment: roast potatoes in a hot mannequin. The herbed gravy that adorned these little tubers what perhaps the finest I’ve ever tasted. At the end of the evening came our first experience of dessert in Greece: mixed fruit salad.
Dessert in Greece is almost always offered complementary! During our holiday we savoured the most delectable vanilla custards, sticky date puddings, fruit assortments and chocolate ganaches!
Hospitality at Liondi just did not seem to end and we parted with them only after their last surprise: a shot of complimentary Mastika, the famous Greek liqueur.
After Dinner Drinks at a Roof Top Bar with Views of the Acropolis
Depending on your hotel location and the ambience you are seeking, these are 3 of my top rated bars in after dark Athens.
For sophisticated rooftop style with the best view of the Acropolis in Athens:
Electra Metropolis Rooftop Garden Bar
For electic alleyway chic:
Drunk Sinatra bar
For vibrant rooftop bistro vibes with an Acropolis view:
Couleur Locale
Day 3
Day trip to the Greek Island of Hydra
Don’t miss out on a trip to the beautiful island of Hydra to complete your perfect 3 day itinerary in Athens. Read more about its charm and why I recommend it so highly in my post, Hydra Day Trip from Athens!
