Ultimate Itinerary for 3 days in Athens for First-Time Visitors
I found myself in Athens before heading to the islands but I am very happy I decided to spend some time here. Over 3 days, I tried to fit in the historical sites, visit markets, dine at fancy restaurants, and enjoy all that Athens had to offer. Here’s my curated itinerary of the best things to do in Athens over 3 days that navigates through the city’s paths to its high points.
Overview of my Itinerary in Athens for 3 days
This city is brimming with archaeological sites, lively neighborhoods, and exquisite dining options. My 3 day Athens itinerary for first-time visitors ensures you will experience the best of Athens in just three days. You will discover the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, and visit the bustling Monastiraki Square (great shopping here). The center of Athens was so easy to walk around. So, I avoided taxis and trains as much as I could because around every corner was another historical attraction.
Best Time to Visit Athens
Greece being Greece. It’s warm most of the year. However, they do have seasonal busy times. The best time for me to visit was during the spring and fall months, when the weather was pleasant and the crowds were manageable. This was the ideal season for exploring outdoor archaeological sites and restaurants that were closed for the winter. While summer attracts many tourists, it can be hot and overwhelming. If you choose to visit in the summer months, be sure to book ahead as the attractions are very busy.
Getting to Athens
Getting to Athens was easy as the airport is located about 20 kilometers from the city center. I took a taxi into the city which wasn’t expensive. The train is another option, which provides a direct link to the center of Athens. Additionally, trains and buses connect Athens to other parts of mainland Greece, making it an excellent and easy way to get around.
Where to Stay In Athens for 3 days
Syntagma Square: for those seeking luxury accommodations; boutique hotels offering high-end comfort. It is often very busy here because it is a well-known roundabout where the major roads intersect and many buses and trams start and end here.
Plaka: This charming quarter is renowned for its labyrinthine streets, and a vibrant mix of traditional taverns, quaint cafes, and independent luxury boutique hotels.
Day 1
Morning: Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard
My first day I got up early and decided to take a stroll to Syntagma Square which has the Changing of the Guard. This tradition is steeped in history that takes place every hour in front of the Greek Parliament. I went to the special performance which happens on a Sunday at 11:00 am. The military unit stand proudly in perfect stillness in front of the Hellenic Parliament. This ceremony on a Sunday is the official ceremony with the official costumes. The guards all dressed in their white uniforms perform a rigid military formation which is spectacular to watch.
Afternoon: Plaka for Lunch And a Stroll Though The National Gardens
For lunch, I decided to go to Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, which I was told was the best place to eat in Athens. These streets are filled with authentic Greek restaurants and was the perfect spot to take a break before I did more sightseeing.
After lunch, I headed over to the National Gardens of Athens. The gardens were completed in 1840 and originally named The Garden of Amalia, the queen to whom it owes its existence. She personally planted all the palm trees which was the first thing I saw when I walked in from Vasilissis Amalias Avenue.
The garden has over 7000 trees and around 40000 bushes and plants. It has six lakes with lots of ducks which are entertaining to watch.
Another great feature of the gardens is the Roman Floor which was discovered in the 19th-century when doing excavations. It’s only one meter in depth but belonged to the courtyard of a Roman villa very near what is now the entrance on Vasilissis Sophias Avenue.
Day 2
Day 2 was all about the main attraction – The Acropolis. The Acropolis is the hill on which the Pathenon sits. The Acropolis offers a lot of historical sights and the walk up the hill has many attractions to see. Take some time to look at all it has to offer.
Morning: Discovering the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Athens, representing the pinnacle of ancient Greek civilization. As I ascended the hill, I could see the Parthenon coming into view. It was built around the 5th century BC, and was dedicated to the goddess Athena. The other ruins in that area are: the Erechtheion, known for its unique Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike. There are always a lot of people so I made sure to buy my tickets in advance. You can get a guided tour if you wish to learn more about the history of this ancient place. The Acropolis closes at sunset so it’s best to get there early in the day.
Afternoon: The Acropolis Museum
Once I had walked down from the top of the hill I decided to stop at The Acropolis Museum. Home to over 4,000 exhibits, including extraordinary sculptures and everyday items from ancient Athens. One of the best features I liked was the glass floor that revealed the archaeological site beneath. This museum is usually included in the combo ticket you can purchase to see the Acropolis.
Evening: Drinks and Dining in Monastiraki
Monastiraki is the busy shopping and dining area at the foot of the hill. I decided to do a bit of shopping and have dinner here. The nearby Monastiraki Flea Market was an excellent stop for unique souvenirs and local crafts. For dinner, I decided to try one of the many rooftop bars in this area. Many offer a spectacular view of the Acropolis which is lit up at night.
Day 3
Morning: Climbing Lycabettus Hill
On my final day in Athens, I decided to go on morning hike up Lycabettus Hill. Once at the top, it is the highest point in the city. This exhilarating climb of 277 meters came with breathtaking panoramic views of Athens, including the iconic Acropolis. Once at the top, I visited the small chapel, and grabbed a coffee at the café while taking in the scenery. Should you not want to walk up there is a funicular railway for those preferring a leisurely ascent.
Afternoon: Exploring Ancient Agora
On my last afternoon, I decided to visit The Ancient Agora. This area was the heartbeat of ancient civic life, functioning as a marketplace and a gathering place for citizens. There are a few ruins that make up this vast area like: Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus. The Agora, with its rich archaeological significance, is conveniently located near the Acropolis, so it was easy to add it to my itinerary.
Are 3 days enough for Athens?
Three days was enough for me to see everything that I wanted to see but some people may find that they need one or 2 more days. If you plan on seeing more of the islands then 3 days is the perfect amount of time to get everything in.
Safety Tips for First-Time Visitors
I felt safe as a woman walking around Athens, but any country comes with its crime. Keep your belongings secure and be cautious when using public transport, especially during peak hours. The taxis were always nice and could speak a decent amount of English so I knew I could make my way home safely.
Conclusion: Your Perfect itinerary for 3 Days in Athens
While the itinerary for 3 days in Athens was a great introduction to Greece, don’t miss the opportunity to see the islands. Each one offers something unique and with so many to choose from it is a destination that you can visit again and again. Consider extending your journey to include the stunning islands of Santorini and Mykonos or the historical sites of Delphi and Olympia. Athens is definitely a win on my travel guide.