Athens 3-day itinerary
Greece
Where to go and what to see in Athens to get the most from your trip – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer John Malathronas.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Climb Philopappou Hill
Athens, Central Greece, Greece
Last updated: 03 December, 2022
If you have a few hours to spare, follow the marble footpaths through pine-clad forest to the summit of Philopappou Hill.
As well as having panoramic city views and the best view of the Acropolis and Parthenon – without the crowds – it’s a peaceful oasis from the frenetic city streets below.
Before you go, stop by the excellent Takis bakery (Misaraliotou 14), maker of dozens of different Greek breads and pastries. Pick up some of their phenomenal feta and spinach pies for a picnic at the summit while taking it all in.
Don't miss
Hidden among the pine trees is the Pnyx, the world’s first democratic assembly, where Pericles and Themistocles addressed the crowds.
At the summit, you’ll also find the striking marble mausoleum devoted to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappus, who died in 116 AD and gave the hill its name.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Athens 5-day itinerary
Greece
Where to go and what to see in Athens to get the most from your trip – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer John Malathronas.
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Overview >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours
Getting there & doing it
The entrance to the hill, and the start of the walk, is via Apostolou Pavlou Street or Rovertou Galli Street. Follow the marble footpaths to the summit – allow an hour to get to the top.
When to do it
Spring and autumn are best, when Athens weather is a delight. However, winters are moderate in Athens, so this makes it another good time for a walk.
High summer (July and August) are sweltering and smoggy – far from ideal for exercising outdoors.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Divani Palace Acropolis
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.5 miles]
A modern, five-star hotel in a hip neighbourhood, within walking distance of all the capital’s most impressive sights.
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Hotel Asomaton
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.1 miles]
A new art-focused hotel with a lovely rooftop pool and terrace, bringing a New York city buzz to one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods.
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NEW Hotel
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.3 miles]
Favela chic with a strong sense of humour and place, this quirky downtown hotel is a sustainable design landmark.
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Athens4
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.3 miles]
A modest, excellent-value hotel, superbly sited for the Monastiraki nightlife and with comfortable, family-friendly suites.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Athens
Central Greece, Greece
Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Grand Promenade
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.2 miles]
A unique and extraordinary 3km pedestrian promenade peppered with world-class antiquities – triumphant arches, ancient amphitheatres, Greek temples, and ‘Socrates’ Prison’.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 kilometres
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The Acropolis
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.6 miles]
This dazzling ancient citadel, perched on a hilltop rising above the city, houses some of the most impressive ancient buildings in the world. The jewel in the crown is the Pantheon, a 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC.
Best for ages: 7+ | £9
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Acropolis Museum
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.8 miles]
A jaw-dropping array of antiquities – all the Acropolis’ treasures – in one very modern museum designed by starchitect Bernard Tschumi.
Best for ages: 15+ | £4
Plaka
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1 miles]
The heart of old Athens, Plaka has an authentic charm with winding lanes, shady squares and atmospheric Byzantine churches.
Best for ages: Any | Free
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Folk dancing in Athens
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.2 miles]
An institution since 1953, the Dora Stratou Dance Company performs daily folk dancing shows in summer, in the eponymous open-air theatre on Philopappou Hill. Eye-opening as well as hugely entertaining, this is the best folk experience in Athens.
Best for ages: 8+ | £13 | 2 hours
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Odeon of Herod Atticus
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.5 miles]
This Roman-era Odeon was built by a wealthy private citizen Herod Atticus in memory of his wife in 161 AD and originally served as an indoor venue for 5,000 people. It was restored in the 1950s and is used for music and theatre performances throughout the summer.
Best for ages: 13+ | £17
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Theatre of Dionysus
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.7 miles]
Just below the Acropolis complex on the eastern side, this ancient amphitheatre was the largest theatre in Athens with a capacity of 17,000. First built in the 6th century BC, it operated continuously for 1,000 years, until it was abandoned.
Best for ages: -218+ | £10
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Thission (Temple of Hephaestus)
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.8 miles]
One of the best-preserved temples in Greece, mainly because it was converted to a Christian church early in its history, it was erected in the 5th century as a temple to the god Hephaestus.
Best for ages: 13+ | £7
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