Athens itinerary — 4 days
Day 1 — Athens
9 stops · ≈ 7 h 37 minAthens' central square in front of the parliament, once a royal palace. By the relief wall stands the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where the Evzones in pleated fustanella skirts perform their changing-of-the-guard ceremony every hour. The square takes its name from the 1843 constitution, and it doubles as a transit hub with the airport express bus and metro.
Anafiotika is a scenic tiny neighborhood of the center of Athens, part of the old historical neighborhood called Plaka. It lies on the northeast side of the Acropolis hill. Wikipedia.
The crown of the Athenian Acropolis and the pinnacle of classical Greek architecture, built between 447 and 432 BC by Ictinus and Callicrates under the sculptor Phidias. Dedicated to Athena Parthenos, the Pentelic marble temple incorporates subtle optical refinements, from swelling column entasis to upward curved stylobates. From the sacred rock, panoramas stretch across Athens to the Saronic Gulf and the Aegean Sea.
The ancient rocky citadel rising above Athens represents the high point of Classical Greek architecture from the 5th century BC. Commissioned by Pericles, it preserves the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its famed Porch of the Caryatids, the temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea gateway, with sweeping vistas stretching toward the Saronic Gulf.
The rocky citadel rising 156 metres above Athens — the heart of the ancient city. Under Pericles in the 5th century BC it took the shape we know: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion with its caryatid porch, the Temple of Athena Nike and the monumental Propylaea. From the top you can see the Agora, Lycabettus Hill and the modern city spread below. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Greece's top draw; come at opening time, before the heat and crowds.
Carved into the southwest slope of the Acropolis, this open-air Roman theater was completed around 161 AD by wealthy Athenian benefactor Herodes Atticus in memory of his late wife Regilla. With a three-story marble facade and seating for 5,000 spectators, it was restored with white Pentelic marble in the 1950s. Today, it serves as the premier venue for the Athens & Epidaurus Festival, hosting legends like Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti.
A marble mausoleum from the 2nd century on the Hill of the Muses, southwest of the Acropolis. It was built around AD 116 for Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappos, a prince of Commagene and Roman consul whose name the hill eventually took. From its green slopes you get one of the best views of the Acropolis — at sunset the Parthenon glows gold. Nearby is the rock cave tradition calls Socrates' prison.
A pine-covered hill situated southwest of the Acropolis in Athens, historically known as the Hill of the Muses. Paved stone pathways designed by Dimitris Pikionis lead through olive groves to lookout points offering iconic panoramic vistas of the Parthenon and the Saronic Gulf. At the summit stands the 2nd-century AD marble monument of Roman benefactor Philopappos, near the ancient rock-hewn chambers known as Socrates' Prison.
A modern cultural complex on the Phaleron Bay waterfront in Kallithea, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano and opened in 2016. It houses both the National Library of Greece and the Greek National Opera, enveloped by a 21-hectare Mediterranean park. An artificial hill leads to a sloping green roof crowned by an energy canopy, offering vistas across Athens, the Acropolis, and the sea.
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9If you have time left — worth it too.
In the shadow of the Acropolis and its ancient temples, hillside Plaka has a village feel, with narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling jewelry, clothes and local ceramics. Sidewalk cafes and family-run tavernas stay open until late, and Cine Paris shows classic movies al fresco. Nearby, the whitewashed homes of the Anafiotika neighborhood give the small enclave a Greek-island vibe.
Greece's flagship institution for contemporary art, located in the striking former Fix brewery on Kallirrois Avenue. The collection showcases pioneering Greek and international artists from the 1960s to the present, spanning paintings, sculpture, video art, and large installations by figures like Jannis Kounellis and Mona Hatoum. A public rooftop terrace offers commanding panoramic views across to the Acropolis.
Located steps from the Acropolis, Athens by Bike is a top-rated cycling tour and rental hub exploring the Greek capital on two wheels. Guided tours on regular city bikes and comfortable e-bikes weave through historic pedestrian streets, scenic Plaka alleys, and whitewashed Anafiotika corners. Riders pass key landmarks including the Roman Agora, National Gardens, and the all-marble Panathenaic Stadium.
The highest point of Athens (277 m): a circular panorama from the Acropolis to the sea and the whole city to the horizon. Legend says the hill is a rock Athena dropped, and a small white chapel of St George crowns the top. The walk up the winding path takes about half an hour, a funicular also runs to the summit, and sunsets here are the city's favourite.
A private museum in the Pangrati district, opened in 2019 to house the Basil and Elise Goulandris collection, one of Europe's largest private holdings. Across four floors Cezanne, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Picasso, Pollock, Giacometti and Bacon hang beside Greek modernists such as Tsarouchis, Ghikas and Paralis. An audio guide is included in the ticket. With its atrium and a Giacometti sculpture outside, the building itself is a landmark.
Kolonaki is a chic neighborhood known for its high-end shopping, featuring a mix of international labels, Greek designer boutiques, and trendy concept stores. The area also boasts a diverse dining scene with options ranging from global cuisines to modern Greek fare. At night, Kolonaki comes alive with stylish bars offering live jazz and DJ sets. For those seeking outdoor activities, trails and a funicular railway lead to the summit of Mt.
The Athens Riviera, a stunning stretch along the southern coast of Athens, from the southern suburbs of Athens to Sounion. It is famous for its picturesque scenery, unspoiled beaches, and lively coastal atmosphere. It is home to several organized or wild beaches, parks, and areas away from the bustling city of Athens. The Athens Riviera is a stunning coastal strip located just outside the historic center of Athens, offering a combination of cosmopolitan charm and natural beauty. With its sunny beaches, luxurious resorts, and vibrant nightlife, it is the perfect place for honeymooners and travelers seeking a relaxing coastal getaway.
Greek cuisine is loved around the world, and it's no surprise why. From local favorites like saganaki (fried, melted cheese) to fresh Greek salads, gyros, and baklava (a dessert made of pastry and honey), there's no shortage of delicious dishes to try throughout the country. Whether you're a foodie or not, you might consider booking a food tour of Greece to sample all the local delicacies with the help of an experienced guide. To try some of the city's best dishes, the Ultimate Athens Food Tour by Devour offers an excellent introduction to the local cuisine, with thirteen tastings at nine traditional establishments. You'll sample fresh cheeses and cured meats, visit the central market, learn about Greek gastronomic culture, enjoy loukoumades (fried dough balls), and try classic souvlaki, all while exploring three historic neighborhoods. Tours start from 73 euros.
Housed in the Iliou Melathron, an exquisite neoclassical mansion built in 1880 by Ernst Ziller for archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, this museum holds one of the world's finest coin collections. Over 500,000 coins, medals, and gems trace Mediterranean history from ancient Greece and Rome through the Byzantine Empire. The interior dazzles with Pompeian-style frescoes and mosaic floors, complemented by a serene courtyard garden cafe.
- Purchase a transport ticket valid for multiple types of transport to save money.
- Be cautious of pickpockets, especially in crowded tourist areas.
- Try to learn a few basic Greek phrases; locals appreciate the effort.