Travel guide: How to spend three days in Athens, Greece

Athens is a city where beautiful ancient history meets modern Greek culture.

From iconic archaeological sites to rooftop bars overlooking charming neighbourhoods with views of the Acropolis, Athens is a great place for a short city break: three nights is enough to experience everything the city has to offer. 

Travel News Blitz’s Natalie Callagher walks you through the best way to spend three nights in Athens, Greece, making sure you don't miss out on its world famous landmarks, local food or scenic viewpoints. 

Day one: Discover ancient Athens 

Start your trip off right by visiting the Acropolis. 

It is recommended that you book the first visitor slot, at 8:00 AM, and arrive ten minutes before the gates open in order to avoid the crowds. 

Arriving early allows you to spend time exploring the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion before large tour groups begin to make the areas more crowded later in the morning. 

If you plan to visit several archaeological sites during your stay, it is also worth purchasing the combined ticket, which also includes attractions such as the ancient Agora and Roman Agora. 

After exploring the Acropolis, go to the nearby Acropolis Museum where thousands of artefacts bring the history of the ancient citadel to life.

For lunch, walk into Plaka, one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods.

Traditional Greek dishes are served at local tavernas all over the area, serving as the perfect fuel before wandering along Adrianou street and Aiolou street, with popular restaurants such as Scholarchio coming top of most recommendation lists. 

After spending the morning immersing yourself in ancient Greek history, spend the afternoon in Anafiotika walking through narrow alleyways and whitewashed houses, lined with colourful flowers, making it feel like an escape to the Cycladic islands than the centre of Athens.

Finish the day by climbing Philopappos Hill, which offers one of the city's best views, before heading to a rooftop bar, like 360 Cocktail Bar, where the illuminated Acropolis provides breathtaking views, especially as the sun begins to set. 

Day two: Explore Athens’ historic neighbourhoods

If you purchased the combined archaeological ticket, it is well worth beginning the day at the Ancient Agora which was once the political and commercial heart of ancient Athens. 

Here it is easy to continue on to the Roman Agora, where Emperor Hadrian and the Romans expanded the city centuries later.

Monastiraki, famous for its lively square, street performers and bustling flea markets is not far from here, making it the perfect place to browse antiques and handmade souvenirs before heading to lunch. 

The nearby Psyri District is a great place to visit as it is one of Athens's trendiest areas filled with independent cafes, colourful street art and authentic tavernas.

If you're looking for a good lunch recommendation, Avli Psiri is a popular choice for traditional Greek food.

In the afternoon, admire three of the city’s finest examples of neoclassical architecture: the  Academy of Athens, the National Library of Greece and the neighbouring Vallianeio Megaron. 

As the day turns into evening, reach the summit of Mount Lycabettus, which offers panoramic views across Athens.

Whether you reach the top via the funicular or by hiking, watching the sunset over the Acropolis and the Aegean Sea is sure to be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.

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Day three: Museums, monuments and local culture

The National Archaeological Museum often gets overlooked on people's visits to Athens.

However, the museum is home to one of the most important collections of ancient Greek artefacts making  it well worth a visit.

Give yourself at least two hours to explore the National Archaeological Museum’s impressive collection of ancient artefacts, many of which have been uncovered in archaeological excavations that continue across Greece.

Then walk to Syntagma Square to watch the ceremonial changing of the guard outside the Hellenic Parliament at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

From here, stroll through the peaceful National Garden before continuing to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch. 

For a relaxing final afternoon in the city, head to one of Athens’ cafes to enjoy a traditional Greek meal one last time. 

To make your trip all the more special, if you are visiting during the summer months, be sure to round off your visit by going to Cine Paris.

It is an outdoor rooftop cinema which offers spectacular views of the illuminated Acropolis, screening classic films with subtitles in several languages, including Greek, English and Japanese to name a few. 

Of course, these are all merely suggestions for a three day trip to Athens but it is definitely worth squeezing as much in as you can to make the most of the city!

Things to do in Athens if you have extra time

If you’re staying for a slightly longer time, or wish to add more to your itinerary, below are some honourable mentions.

Food lovers should immerse themselves in Greek cuisine by booking onto a guided food tour or cooking experience in the city. 

Alternatively, if you like to keep yourself busy, but don't feel that cooking is for you, take a marble carving class or make your own custom leather sandals in workshops with local artisans. 

Whilst Athens is best known for its ancient landmarks, there are lots of opportunities to spend time at a beach, whether this be at Bolivar Beach club or visiting the nearby Saronic Islands on a boat and spending a day on the idyllic island of Hydra.

Lake Vouliagmeni and its natural thermal spa also comes highly recommended in Athens, giving visitors a break from typical city life. 

No matter how you decide to spend your trip in Athens, you'll discover a city with a harmonious mix of ancient history and modern culture. 

The unique combination of world-famous landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods and welcoming hospitality makes Athens one of Europe’s most unforgettable city break destinations, or the perfect end to a Greek island hopping adventure before heading home.

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