Three days in Athens is the sweet spot — enough time to see the highlights, explore beyond the Acropolis, and absorb the city’s energy without feeling rushed.
Here’s your perfect 3-day Athens itinerary, designed for first-time visitors who want to see the best of ancient and modern Athens.
Itinerary Overview#
| Day | Focus | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Ancient Athens | Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Plaka |
| Day 2 | Neighborhoods & Culture | Monastiraki, Psyrri, museums, rooftop sunset |
| Day 3 | Day Trip or Deeper Exploration | Delphi/Sounion OR local neighborhoods |
Day 1: Ancient Athens#
Focus: The Acropolis and surrounding archaeological sites
Morning: The Acropolis (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)#
Why start here: Beat the crowds and the heat. The Acropolis opens at 8 AM — be there when the gates open.
Getting there: Metro to Akropoli station (Line 2, Red), then walk uphill
What you’ll see:
- Parthenon — The temple that defines Western architecture
- Erechtheion — The famous Caryatid porch
- Propylaea — The monumental gateway
- Temple of Athena Nike — Small but beautiful
Time needed: 2-3 hours
Entry: €20 or €30 combo ticket (includes 6 other sites — highly recommended)
Late Morning: Acropolis Museum (12:00 PM - 1:30 PM)#
Walk downhill to the Acropolis Museum, directly below the site.
Why go: Houses the original sculptures from the Acropolis, including Caryatids and Parthenon friezes. The glass floor reveals ongoing excavations beneath.
Entry: €15 (separate from combo ticket) Time needed: 1-2 hours
Lunch: Plaka (1:30 PM - 2:30 PM)#
Walk into Plaka, the old neighborhood beneath the Acropolis.
Where to eat:
- Tzitzikas kai Mermigas — Modern Greek, reliable quality
- To Kafeneio — Traditional, local crowd
- Any bakery — Grab spanakopita and tiropita for a quick bite
Budget: €10-15 for casual lunch
Afternoon: Ancient Agora (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM)#
The civic heart of ancient Athens — where Socrates walked, democracy was practiced, and daily life happened.
Highlights:
- Stoa of Attalos — Reconstructed ancient shopping arcade (now a museum)
- Temple of Hephaestus — Best-preserved ancient Greek temple
- Agora ruins — Foundations of the birthplace of democracy
Entry: Included in combo ticket Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Evening: Sunset Walk (5:30 PM - 8:00 PM)#
Walk through Anafiotika — a hidden whitewashed village clinging to the Acropolis slopes. Then climb Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill) for sunset views of the Acropolis.
Sunset time: Check local times; typically 7-8:30 PM depending on season
Dinner: Psyrri or Monastiraki (8:30 PM)#
Greeks eat late. Wander into Psyrri for modern tavernas or stay in Monastiraki for street food.
Recommendations:
- Karamanlidika — Deli-style Greek mezze
- Kostas — Legendary souvlaki (lunch hours only)
- Nikitas — Traditional taverna, local crowd
Day 2: Neighborhoods & Culture#
Focus: Beyond the ancient sites — museums, markets, modern Athens
Morning: Monastiraki & Central Market (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)#
Start at Monastiraki Square for people-watching and coffee.
Then explore:
- Monastiraki Flea Market — Antiques, souvenirs, quirky finds (best on Sundays)
- Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora) — Fish, meat, produce, cheese — real Athens
- Evripidou Street — Spice shops and herbs
Late Morning: National Archaeological Museum (12:30 PM - 2:30 PM)#
The best collection of ancient Greek artifacts in the world.
Don’t miss:
- Mask of Agamemnon — Gold funeral mask from Mycenae
- Antikythera Mechanism — Ancient analog computer
- Bronze Poseidon/Zeus — Stunning sculpture
- Cycladic figurines — Hauntingly modern 5,000-year-old art
Entry: €12 Getting there: Metro to Omonia or Victoria, then short walk
Lunch: Exarchia (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM)#
Walk from the museum into Exarchia, Athens’ bohemian/alternative neighborhood.
Vibe: Street art, student cafes, political energy, cheap eats
Where to eat:
- Ama Laxei — Home-cooked Greek, cash only
- Any hole-in-the-wall taverna — Follow the students
Afternoon: Choose Your Focus#
Option A: More Museums
- Benaki Museum — Greek culture from prehistory to modern
- Museum of Cycladic Art — Stunning ancient sculptures
Option B: Neighborhood Wandering
- Kolonaki — Upscale shopping and cafes
- Koukaki — Local neighborhood, great food scene
Option C: Temple of Olympian Zeus + Hadrian’s Arch
- Use your combo ticket
- 20 minutes to see; impressive scale
Late Afternoon: Rooftop Drinks (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM)#
Time for the quintessential Athens experience: Acropolis views from a rooftop bar.
Best options:
- A for Athens — Most famous, arrive early for good seats
- 360 Cocktail Bar — Full panorama
- Couleur Locale — More local, less expensive
Dinner: Gazi or Psyrri (9:00 PM)#
Gazi — The nightlife district, trendy restaurants Psyrri — Artsy neighborhood, good tavernas
Recommendations:
- Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani — Excellent meze
- Seychelles — Creative Greek
- Nikitas — Traditional favorite
Day 3: Day Trip or Deeper Exploration#
You have two great options for Day 3:
Option A: Day Trip (Delphi or Cape Sounion)#
Delphi (Full Day)
- Leave Athens 7-8 AM
- Visit ancient oracle site, museum
- Return by 7-8 PM
- Book a tour or take KTEL bus
Cape Sounion (Half Day)
- Leave Athens 3-4 PM
- Temple of Poseidon at sunset
- Return by 10 PM
- Perfect if you want a relaxed morning first
Delphi Full-Day Tour from Athens
Visit the Oracle of Delphi with an expert guide. Explore the Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, and museum. Lunch included in the mountain village of Arachova.
Option B: Relaxed Athens Day#
Morning: Neighborhoods You Missed
- Pangrati — Local neighborhood near the Panathenaic Stadium
- Koukaki — Residential charm, great cafes
Midday: Panathenaic Stadium
- Where the first modern Olympics were held (1896)
- Entry: €10, includes audio guide
- Run on the ancient track
Afternoon: Beach Trip
- Take tram to Glyfada or Voula
- Swim in the Aegean
- Seafood lunch by the water
Evening: Food Tour or Cooking Class
- End your trip by diving deeper into Greek cuisine
- Walking food tours cover 8-12 tastings
- Cooking classes teach dishes you can make at home
Budget Summary#
Estimated Costs (Per Person)#
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (3 nights) | €60-90 | €150-210 | €300+ |
| Food | €45-60 | €90-120 | €150+ |
| Activities/Entry | €50-80 | €80-120 | €150+ |
| Transport | €15-20 | €25-40 | €50+ |
| Total 3 Days | €170-250 | €345-490 | €650+ |
Where to Stay#
Best Areas for 3 Days#
Plaka / Monastiraki
- Walking distance to everything
- Most touristy but most convenient
- Good for first-time visitors
Koukaki / Makrigianni
- Near Acropolis, slightly more local
- Great food options
- Excellent value
Psyrri
- Central, artsy, nightlife access
- Younger vibe
- Walking distance to sites
What to Avoid#
- Areas around Omonia at night
- Anything far from the center (you don’t need it)
- Hotels without AC in summer
Essential Tips#
Timing#
- Start at the Acropolis by 8 AM (opening time)
- Take a break during the hottest hours (1-5 PM in summer)
- Greeks eat dinner at 9-10 PM — adapt or miss the vibe
Tickets#
- Buy the €30 combo ticket — it covers 7 sites and saves money
- Book popular tours in advance (especially day trips)
- No need to book Acropolis separately if you arrive early
Getting Around#
- The center is very walkable
- Metro is fast and cheap for longer distances
- Don’t rent a car unless leaving Athens
Money#
- Carry cash for small places and markets
- Cards accepted at most restaurants and attractions
- Tipping is appreciated but not expected (round up or 5-10%)
Frequently Asked Questions#
Is 3 days enough for Athens?#
Yes — 3 days covers the main attractions and gives you time to explore neighborhoods. 4-5 days allows for day trips and a more relaxed pace.
What’s the best order for sightseeing?#
Start with the Acropolis on Day 1 (arrive at 8 AM). Your energy is highest, and you beat crowds. Leave museums and neighborhoods for Day 2.
Should I do a day trip on Day 3?#
If you’ve seen Athens’ main sites, yes. Delphi is the most rewarding. If you prefer a relaxed end to your trip, explore local neighborhoods instead.
Athens in summer — is it too hot?#
It’s hot (35-40°C), but manageable. Start early, rest midday, and use evening hours. Air-conditioned museums are perfect for afternoon breaks.
Do I need to book the Acropolis in advance?#
Not usually — arrive early and you’ll get in quickly. Peak summer weekends may have longer lines, but even then, it’s manageable.
The Bottom Line#
Three days gives you time to experience Athens properly — not just the ancient sites, but the neighborhoods, food, and modern energy that make this city special.
Day 1: Ancient Athens (Acropolis, Agora, Plaka) Day 2: Neighborhoods and culture (markets, museums, rooftops) Day 3: Day trip or deeper local exploration
Don’t over-schedule. Leave room for getting lost, long lunches, and unexpected discoveries. That’s how you experience Athens, not just see it.
Need more detail? Check out our guides to the best Acropolis tours, where to eat, and rooftop restaurants.
