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.
Bucket list experience:
Athens, Central Greece, Greece
You can’t visit Athens without visiting the Acropolis. It is the city’s iconic citadel and world-famous landmark that won’t fail to amaze even the most jaded traveller.
‘Acropolis’ translates broadly from the Greek words ‘highest point’ or ‘extremity’. The site contains half-a-dozen buildings, mostly built from 500 BC to 450 BC on the orders of the powerful statesman Pericles, during the so-called ‘Golden age of Athens’. Pericles wanted to beautify, glorify and protect the city.
The Pathenon
A marble jigsaw made of 70,000 pieces, this 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It dazzles with perfect symmetry and awe-inspires with its ancient grandeur, even when it’s crawling with tourists. It’s the most important surviving building of Classical Greece and a symbol of the nation.
The Erechtheion
On the north side of the complex, this Temple of was also dedicated to the goddess Athena, and was built to house the statue of Athena Polias. More famously today, it’s home to the ‘Porch of the Maidens’, featuring six sculpted female figures.
Just below the Acropolis complex on the eastern side, the Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient amphitheater also built in the 6th century BC. With a capacity of 17,000, it was the largest theatre in Athens and operated continuously for 1,000 years, until it was abandoned.
On the southwest slope of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus dates back to 161 AD – thus it was added later than the original Acropolis. It was built by wealthy Roman citizen Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife. Today is it used to host performances, notably during the Athens Festival.
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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.
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.
The main entrance and ticket booth are situated above the junction of pedestrianised Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou streets, a fairly stiff climb up the pine-clad foothills of the Acropolis.
You can also access the Acropolis on foot via Plaka.
To appreciate the temple’s extraordinary construction and colourful history, hire a guide to take you around – signage is minimal and the stories of these buildings are fascinating. Either way, allow around three hours to take it all in. There are local guides around the entrance, or book on an organised tour.
To complete the experience, stop by the Acropolis Museum before or after (at the bottom of the hill, exit near the Theatre of Dionysus); this has the statues and artifacts from inside the Acropolis Buildings, plus explanations and short films.
It’s a good idea to take a bottle of water, especially during the summer. Eating is not allowed on the site.
The site is open all year-round, seven days a week. Athens and the Acropolis are at their loveliest (sunny without being sweltering) in spring and autumn – if you can avoid the heat of July and August.
Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. The Acropolis is glorious at dusk, but the site closes early in the afternoon from October to April. The whole site is exposed to the elements, so avoid rainy and very windy days.
Athens, Central Greece, Greece
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
Athens, Central Greece, Greece
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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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
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.
Official star rating:
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.7 miles]
Favela chic with a strong sense of humour and place, this quirky downtown hotel is a sustainable design landmark.
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Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.8 miles]
A modest, excellent-value hotel, superbly sited for the Monastiraki nightlife and with comfortable, family-friendly suites.
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Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.9 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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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.4 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
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.4 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
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.4 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
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[2 miles]
The largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the best in the world, with a collection ranging from Mycenaean-era jewellery to some of the best-known classical sculptures.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.3 miles]
Athens’ Agora and the adjacent Roman Agora were the centre of the ancient city. The many monuments here include the massive Stoa of Attalos and housing a museum.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.3 miles]
Built by Emperor Augustus between 19 and 11 BC, the Forum was Athens’ trade centre, evolving into the city’s administrative hub by 3 BC. The two highlights are the Western Gate and the Tower of Winds, a 39-foot-high clocktower-cum-weathervane with a frieze depicting eight wind deities, thought to be the world’s first meteorological station.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.4 miles]
Pop into Brettos, the oldest distillery in Athens, for a shot of ouzo or mastic liqueur. The cosy interior, lined with multi-coloured bottles and barrels, dates from 1909.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.4 miles]
On Kydathinaion Square, Cine Paris is one of the loveliest outdoor cinemas in Athens. If the film disappoints, you can just gaze at the Parthenon under the moonlight. Open May to October.
Best for ages: 10+ | £7 | 2 hours
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