Athens is the beautiful ancient capital of Greece filled with rich history, funky street art, amazing food and the best city viewpoints. In this 3 day Athens itinerary, we’ll show you the best things to do in Athens, how to get around and our recommendations on where to stay!
Whether you’re visiting Athens for a city break or passing by on your way to the Greek Islands, we’re here to show you all the amazing things the city has to offer.
We highly recommend spending at least 2 or 3 days in Athens visiting the ancient sites and getting a real feel for the city. The impressive Acropolis is one of the main highlights of Athens, but there’s so much more to discover!
There’s also multiple day trips to do from Athens, whether it’s a visit to incredible beaches or climbing to monasteries on top of mountains! So here are the best things to do on a 3 day Athens itinerary!
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Quick Tips for a 3 day Athens Itinerary
- Currency – Euro (compare your own currency here)
- Language – Greek
- Cuisine – Greek & Mediterranean (Gyros, pastry pies, olives & tomato dishes)
- Apps – GoogleTranslate, GoogleMaps, Booking.com & Hostelworld
- Power Voltage – Plugs C & F (230 V)
Here’s a list of things you can check before your trip to Athens, Greece!
- Check for any public holidays in Greece!
- Book your flights (check prices here!)
- Book your accommodation (book here for hotels & here for hostels)!
- Book the best things to do in Athens here!
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing is a monthly-rolling travel insurance to help you stay covered during your 3 days in Athens or anywhere you’re travelling!
Best time to visit Athens
The best time to visit Athens is between March, April and May or September, October and November. These months are Spring and Fall in Greece and the weather is much more manageable than the summer.
We visited in mid-March and experienced highs of 20°C, there were fewer people, great prices on accommodation and the ancient site tickets were half-price!
Summer is a very popular time to visit Greece due to the irresistible Greek islands, if you are visiting during the months – prepare for high temperatures, strong sun and more crowds. Book accommodation in advance to get the best prices!
3 Day Athens Itinerary: The Best Things To Do (2024)
This Athens 3 day itinerary is going to be three full days of plans with day 1 starting as early as 8 am! If you’re arriving on Day 1, it’s best to mix these days up so you can visit the main ancient sites in the morning. We arrived the afternoon before, so we had 3.5 days in the city.
Day 1 – The Acropolis, Plaka, Parks & Viewpoints
On the first day of your 3 days in Athens, you’ll get the opportunity to explore the city centre, various neighbourhoods and the most famous attraction in Athens.
All of these things to do in Athens don’t require public transport unless your accommodation is outside of the main area, but there are plenty of options for all budgets!
We also cover how to get to Athens from the airport further down in the guide (after the Athens itinerary) and the best ways to get around the city.
Visit the famous Acropolis
One of the main highlights of Athens (and Greece itself) is the impressive ancient Acropolis. It’s definitely a must-visit for a 3 day Athens itinerary and it feels like it’s a wonder of the world!
We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the craziness of crowds or the heat.
The price is around €20 in the summer or €10 in the winter – if you buy a ticket when you arrive, but there may be long queues. We booked our Skip the line tickets through GetYourGuide and didn’t have to queue at all. Book your tickets on GetYourGuide here!
The Acropolis is a complex which holds the remains of many ancient buildings including the famous Parthenon (the famous photos of the Acropolis). It’s located on one of the city’s rocky hills and it’s hard to miss as it towers over the city.
You can enter the Acropolis through two entrances, but we recommend using the main entrance to get to the Acropolis if you’re visiting in offpeak as there are usually more crowds here in the summer.
The hill isn’t as steep going through the streets versus the steps inside the park on the side entrance. Use the side entrance if you’re visiting in the summer!
It’s also possible to do a guided tour to learn even more about this ancient wonder. Book your tickets in advance.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
If you enter through the main entrance, you’ll be greeted by a large well-preserved Amphitheatre. Concerts and orchestra performances still play here and it looks like an incredible experience!
Make your way to the Beulé Gate and Propylaea before seeing the famous Parthenon. the Propylaea is a grand entrance to the opening of the hill.
Temple of Athena Nike
After passing through the Propylaea, you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike, a beautiful but small ancient Greek temple for the goddess of victory.
Admire the Parthenon
The most popular structure in the Acropolis is the Parthenon and a must-visit on your 3 day Athens itinerary. It’s a wonderful example of ancient Greek architecture with small details and hidden sculptures. There is scaffolding over part of the monument, however, it’s been there 1900’s!
The Parthenon was built in the 5th century BCE and was dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war.
View the Erechtheion
Just to the side of the Parthenon is the Erechtheion with magnificent statues supporting the roof of the temple. We’ve never seen anything like it! The ancient temple is dedicated to Athena and Poseidon.
See the Theatre of Dionysus
One of the last things you’ll see in the Acropolis if you exit via the side entrance is the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus. It’s known as one of the oldest theatres in the world even if the building is unrecognisable now.
Wander the streets of Plaka
After leaving the ancient wonders of Greece, it’s time to explore a blend of modern meets old in the beautiful neighbourhood of Plaka.
Plaka is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Athens with some amazing restaurants and many shops. In the spring and summer, the flowers in the street come to life filling Plaka with even more colour. This spot has to be on your 3 days in Athens!
We highly recommend Veganki for lunch as they offer amazing Greek dishes and incredible cashew feta!
Switch to Eco-Friendly Travel Products before your 3 day Athens trip!
Find Hadrian’s Arch
A free landmark to see in Athens is Hadrian’s Arch. It stands all on its own near a main road but very near to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Hadrian was a Roman emperor who admired the culture of ancient Greece, there’s now quite a few landmarks with his name,
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Right around the corner are the ruins of the tall Temple of Olympian Zeus. It’s the largest temple in Athens, but there aren’t many remains left. It’s worth finding during your 3 days in Athens, but it’s possible to view it from outside the gates.
The price to enter the Temple of Olympian Zeus is 4€ in the winter season and 8€ in summer. It’s also included in the combination ticket.
Explore the National Garden of Athens
Take some time to walk around the beautiful gardens of Athens in the afternoon and find a spot to chill. The National Garden of Athens is a huge park with orange trees, tall palm trees, birds, tortoises, a lake and much more wildlife!
Fall in love with the Anafiotika Neighbourhood
One of the most interesting places we came across during our 3 day Athens itinerary was the neighbourhood of Anafiotika – a little slice of the Greek Islands!
Anafiotika is inside Plaka but feels like another destination! It’s so beautiful with narrow pathways, incredible views and so much colour!
Note – People live in this neighbourhood and their windows are usually open. Be very respectful and quiet when visiting.
Watch the sunset at Areopagus Hill
After your visit to Anafiotika, head over to Areopagus Hill for sunset. It’s the rocky hill near the main entrance of the Acropolis (where you started this day)! The sunset is so impressive from here and the hike isn’t as long as other hills in Athens. It’s the perfect way to end your first day in Athens.
Walk down the Stairs of Athens
On your way back to the city, follow the path taking you down Athens Stairs. It’s so atmospheric around here with cafes and restaurants spread down the steps. Find the Athens Stairs here!
Chill for the evening in Psyri
Athens city centre is the best place to find amazing restaurants, rooftop cafes and bars or even more shops. Spend your evening eating and browsing before heading back to your accommodation for some much-needed sleep!
Day 2 – Explore the Athenian Riviera
There are so many lovely things to do in Athens on day two, and some of them include day trips away from the city. Did you know? There are some incredible islands near Athens to explore!
If you’re really into Greek history and ruins, we highly recommend taking a tour to see more sites in Greece. Here’s a few of the most popular tours and day trips from Athens.
- Athens: Delphi Guided Day Trip with Pickup & Optional Lunch – Explore more impressive ancient ruins in Greece with a day trip to Delphi!
- Head to the Athenian Riviera with a trip to Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon!
- Explore the beautiful monasteries of Greece – A full-Day Rail Tour to Meteora including a visit to the Hermit Caves
- Discover the islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina on a day cruise – Find out more here!
- Dip your toes in the incredible Lake Vouliagmeni
We chose to explore the Athenian Rivera on our 3 days in Athens and it’s possible to get there by public transport! Even if it’s winter in Athens, the beaches are still lovely – although the ocean will be quite cold.
Kalamaki Beach
If you’re looking for a free beach trip in Athens, Kalamaki beach won’t disappoint! The water is so warm in the summer, but a little chilly in Spring. The locals really take care of this beach and it’s a great place to spend a few hours on your 3 day Athens itinerary.
Vouliagmeni Beach
One of the beaches high on our list was Vouliagmeni Beach, however, it is a paid beach and we visited in March when swimming is too cold!
The best part about heading here for the day as it’s so close to the beautiful Vouliagmeni Lake – a warm thermal lake in Athens! We were so tempted but chose to visit one of the free beaches instead. When we visit Athens again, we would love to come here!
Vouliagmeni Beach is €5 in the winter and €10 in the summer. The price also includes sunbeds!
Glyfada Beach
Glyfada Beach is a lovely beach in Athens that you can reach by public transport (metro and tram)! There’s no charge to enter the beach and there are even umbrellas to use for free!
We also had a little walk around Glyfada Marina which is just next to the beach. There’s a restaurant here if you want to grab a drink and it’s only a 20-minute walk to the main area of Glyfada!
Kape Beach
One of the furthest beaches away from Athens is the incredible Kape Beach. It’s close to the spectacular Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon which is worth a visit if you make it this far down the coast!
Kape Beach is like a taste of the Greek islands and you won’t believe it’s a day trip away from the busy city of Athens. The beach is also free!
Some beaches in Athens have an entrance fee as they are more looked after than others beaches. They usually offer sunbeds which include shade. These are only worth it if you plan to spend more than 2 or 3 hours at the beach.
If you don’t fancy a day trip away from Athens, a Greek cooking class would be another amazing option for your 3 days in Athens! Find out more details here!
See views from Philopappos Hill
We have to add another viewpoint to this 3 day Athens itinerary and this one is totally different to Areopagus Hill.
End your day admiring the views of the ancient Acropolis from Philopappos Hill! There are beautiful views both day and night when the Acropolis lights up!
We have a full list of Top 10 Best Viewpoints in Athens: Places to See Sunset!
Unwind in a bar in Athens
There are many bars in Athens – here are some of our recommendations!
- Blame The Sun – a funky microbrewery near Philopappos Hill!
- Barrett – A cosy bar with cocktails!
- Brettos – the oldest distillery in Athens!
Day 3 – Ancient Ruins, Gyros & the Tallest Hill in Athens
It’s going to be a busy schedule for the final day of your Athens 3 days itinerary! There are still so many things to do in Athens, so we’ve selected the highlights for your final day.
The itinerary for day 3 works perfectly if you have a late departure from Athens! It can also be switched around for day 2 if you’re leaving early.
Explore the Ancient Agora of Athens
Start your day with a visit to the ancient Agora of Athens – another must-visit on your 3 days in Athens! Similar to the Acropolis, the Agora is a complex of ancient monuments with some in better condition than others.
It’s also the birthplace of democracy which makes Athens the first city to show democracy instead of dictatorship.
Find your combination ticket online here or buy a ticket upon entry for €5 in winter or €10 in summer. There may be queues in the peak season.
Museum of the Ancient Agora
You’ll first come across the museum of ancient Agora which was rebuilt in the 1950s. The building itself is impressive with large columns bordering the exterior. The museum is small but inside there are loads of interesting artefacts and ancient Greek art
The Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus sits on top of a hill in the ancient Agora and is extremely well-preserved – probably one of the most preserved we’ve seen during our 3 days in Athens! The temple also has amazing architecture and you can see a lot of it when standing close.
There are many more ruins throughout the park, however, some of them are not recognisable anymore due to age. Here’s a few that you can find:
- Odeon of Agrippa
- Temple of Ares
- Monument of the Eponymous Heroes
- Remains Athens State Prison
- Middle Stoa
Visit Monastiraki Square
As this is your third day in Athens, there’s a high chance you’ve already walked through this square in the evening. However, we wanted to mention it, as it’s in the heart of Athens! It’s also home to Hadrian’s Library which is another ancient ruin in Athens.
Browse the Monastiraki Flea Market
Make your way to the Flea Market during your Athens 3 day itinerary – a shaded street full of shops, souvenirs and a few cafes. We have to admit, there are a lot of touristy shops around here, but some of the places have great offers on clothes such as the trousers in Hippie Shop!
Wander to Exarcheia
After wandering the central streets of Athens, head to Exarcheia to walk through a new neighbourhood in Athens. Exarcheia is known to be edgy and alternative and full of vegan-friendly restaurants. We recommend visiting early afternoon so you can grab lunch!
Also on your way, you’ll pass by the popular Central Market which isn’t for the faint-hearted!
Enjoy the best Gyro’s in Athens
Whilst you’re in Exarcheia you have to visit Cookoomella Grill (location) for the most delicious gyros! During your 3 days in Athens, you’ll come across a lot of Greek food and a gyro is one of the best street foods you can find in Greece! It’s typically sliced meat inside a pitta with salad and tzatziki.
We highly recommend Cookoomella Grill for a gyro or Magic Kitchen (location) for a delicious alternative!
Hike up Lycabettus Hill
The last activity we did during our 3 day Athens itinerary was climb to the top of Lycabettus Hill. It was one of the best ways to end our trip, looking over the whole city – including a lovely view of the Acropolis.
Lycabettus Hill is the highest hill in Athens (around 277 meters above sea level) and is definitely worth a visit during your 3 days in Athens. From the base of the hill, it will take around 20 minutes to reach the top, however, there is a slight incline to reach the base from the city centre.
Just like that, your Athens itinerary comes to an end! The best way to get to the airport is by metro but we’ll mention more about transport further down.
More things to do in Athens
If you’re in Athens for more than 3 days or planning on living in Athens, Greece, here are a few more activities to add to your Athens itinerary. Some of them are included in the combination ticket which is great value if you’re visiting in summer.
- Acropolis Museum – Learn more about the Acropolis (the price is €5 in winter & €10 in summer)
- Temple of Olympian Zeus – An impressive ancient ruin – buy your combination ticket here!
- Hadrian’s Library – Near the ancient Agora, this complex is also included in the combination ticket,
- Panathenaic Stadium – A huge stadium made for the Olympics (the price is €5 in winter & €10 in summer)
- Kerameikos Cemetery – The largest cemetery in Athens (also included in the combination ticket)
- Discover the flavours of Greece with a Greek cooking class!
- Buy your Skip the line Acropolis tickets here!
- Add the Museum to your Acropolis visit – Acropolis and Museum Entry Tickets with Audio Guide
- Purchase an Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket here (it’s a better deal in the Summer months)
Where to stay in Athens
The best area to stay in Athens is near the city centre around Monastiraki. Athens is such a walkable city that you won’t need to use public transport very much unless you pick an accommodation outside of the centre. Here are a few places we recommend:
Best Hotels and Hostels in Athens
- Niki Athens Hotel €€-€€€ – A beautifully modern hotel in the heart of Athens, with breakfast, included! Find on Booking.com here!
- The Monumental House € – A little slice of home in Athens. We loved staying here for 3 nights in Athens There’s a shared kitchen and two lovely cats roaming around! Find on Booking.com here!
- Athens Hawks Hostel € – One of the best hostels in Athens to meet other travellers! Hawks also has rooftop views and it’s in a perfect location – Find on Hostelworld here!
Where to eat in Athens
There are too many amazing restaurants to visit in Athens, especially on a 3 day visit. Greek and Meditteranean is a popular cuisine all over Europe and Athens is a Gyro paradise! Here’s our recommendations for the best restaurants in Athens:
- Veganaki €-€€ – One of the best vegan Greek restaurants in Athens with incredible healthy options, it was so busy when we visited! It’s worth checking out for healthy plant-based food. Here’s their website & location!
- Lukumades (LUKUMAΔΕΣ) € – The best Greek doughnuts in Athens – Here’s their Location
- Tupaki € – The best late-night sandwich shop! Here’s their location!
- Cookoomela Grill € – Incredible gyros in Athens, definitely worth a visit for budget-friendly Greek food! Here’s their website & location!
- Holy Llama €-€€ – An Incredible vegan cafe in Athens – Here’s their website & location!
Check out our Vegan in Athens Guide: Best Vegan Restaurants (2024)!
3 Days in Athens Itinerary Breakdown
- Day 1 – The Acropolis, Plaka, Parks & Viewpoints
- Day 2 – Explore the Athenian Riviera
- Day 3 – Ancient Ruins, Gyros & the Tallest Hill in Athens
How to get to Athens city from the airport
The best way to get to Athens city centre from Athens International Airport is by metro or bus.
- Metro – Line 3 (blue) will take you from Athens airport to the city centre. A ticket will cost €9 one way or €16 for a return and the journey takes around 40 minutes.
- Bus – There are multiple buses that will take you from the airport to the city centre and further. The X95 will take you to Syntagma Square! Tickets cost around €6
- Taxi – There’s a standard rate of at least €40 if you want to take a taxi from Athens airport to the city centre.
If you’re spending 3 days in Athens, there’s also a €20 unlimited public transport ticket which included travel to and from the airport.
How to get around Athens
Is Athens a walkable city? Yes! It’s really easy to get around Athens by walking or by public transport. In this Athens 3 day itinerary, we only used transport to get from the airport and to visit the beaches!
- Metro / Trams / Buses – €1.20 for a single or €4 for a day ticket
- Walking – The easiest way to explore the city centre!
- Taxi – If you need a faster alternative, taxis are around Athens.
- City Sightseeing Tour – There are tourist buses around the city, showing you the best spots!
Extra info – There’s some Ancient artefacts inside the metro stations in Athens!
How to get to the Acropolis
The famous Acropolis is located on a hill in the heart of the city. It’s pretty easy to get to, especially if you’re staying in the city centre.
If you need to reach the Acropolis by public transport, the metro station is on Line 2 (the Red line) and there are multiple buses to take you to the city centre.
There are two entrances to visit the Acropolis – the main upper entrance and the south entrance! When entering through the main entrance you’ll start to climb the hill whilst walking through the lovely street of Athens!
Whilst the south entrance starts at the bottom with steps leading to the hill of the Acropolis.
How many days to spend in Athens
We recommend spending at least 2 days in Athens to really explore the wonderful city and ancient sites. With this 3 day itinerary, we’ve shown you the best places to visit and if you skip day 2, it’s definitely possible in 2 days!
How to plan a 1 day Athens itinerary
If you only have time for a 1 day Athens itinerary, we recommend staying central and visiting the Acropolis, Ancient Agora of Athens, Monastiraki Flea Market, Anafiotika Neighbourhood & Philopappos Hill for views of the beautiful Acropolis. You must find a delicious Greek restaurant – we recommend Veganaki and try a gyro for lunch!
How much does it cost to enter the Acropolis?
There are multiple prices for visiting the ancient Acropolis in Athens!
- Take a guided tour – Check prices for a guided tour here!
- Summer prices of visiting the Acropolis – €20
- Winter prices for visiting the Acropolis – €10
- Combination ticket prices – Around €30 for multiple sites – Find out more here
- The free under-25’s ticket – If you’re an EU Citizen you’re eligible for a free combination ticket for visits to many of the ancient sites in Athens. Show your passport to a ticket booth to get your free ticket (sadly, the UK is not a part of this offer)
- Free dates throughout the year – There’s free admission on a few dates throughout the year including the first Sunday of the winter season.
Is an Athens Combo Ticket worth it?
The Athens Combined ticket includes entry to 7 archaeological sites in Athens. The ticket is valid for 5 days with one entry to each of the 7 sites and these include:
- The Acropolis
- Ancient Agora of Athens
- Roman Forum of Athens
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Aristotle’s School (Lyceum)
- Hadrian’s Library
- Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery
The combination ticket gives you skip-the-line access to all sites which can save you time!
In the summer the Acropolis is €20 to enter and the combination ticket is around €30, so it’s definitely worth purchasing if you’re visiting in the summer.
During the winter season, a lot of ancient sites in Athens have reduced prices making the combination ticket a better deal in the summer.
If you’re planning on only visiting the Acropolis on your 3 day Athens trip then the combination ticket isn’t worth it as the price for one attraction is less than the multi-ticket.
You can buy your ticket in advance here – Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket here or online via the buy it directly at a ticket office in Athens.
Best beaches to visit in Athens
The Athenian Riviera is filled with gorgeous beaches and some of them can be reached by public transport! Some beaches are free and others are paid for, often including sunbeds and umbrellas. There’s so many beaches in Athens to explore, but here are the ones we can recommend:
- Kape Beach
- Glyfada Beach
- Kalamaki Beach
- Vouliagmeni Beach (€)
Is Athens expensive?
Athens isn’t an expensive city compared to other countries in Western Europe. It’s even one of the most budget-friendly cities in Europe! Based on our experiences, here are the kind of prices you can expect during an Athens 3 day itinerary.
- Accommodation – around €15 for a hostel, €33 for a budget private room and €50 for a hotel
- Gyros – around €2.50 – €4
- Restaurants – from €7+
- Activities – around €15 a day with the ancient sites or paid beaches!
- Transport – €9 for the airport or €1.40 for a one-way ticket in the city
Is tap water safe to drink in Athens?
Yes! Tap water is safe to drink in Athens! Bring your reusable water bottle to Athens and fill it up in your accommodation, at cafes and at the airport! Plastic water bottles are not needed for a trip to Athens in 2024.
Travel Essentials for Athens
Depending on the time of year you spend 3 days in Athens, you’ll need different types of clothes. As the weather can get quite cold in the winter season, you’ll probably need a coat and some layers.
If you’re visiting in summer – bring your swimming costume, hat and sunscreen! Here’s a few of our favourite travel essentials that we take on all of our trips:
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle – Tap water in Athens is drinkable, bring a reusable bottle!
- Amazon Basics Packing Cubes – The best way to pack your luggage and stay organised.
- Worldwide Travel Adaptor – The best travel plug to bring, with USB slots!
- Anker Power Bank – Charge your phone on the go whilst exploring Athens.
- Rain Mac in a Bag – The easiest raincoat to carry around in case it rains. We also have a backpack cover to protect our backpacks!
- Joby GorillaPod 3K Pro Kit – A small lightweight tripod that can fit in your day bag. We pair our Joby GorillaPod with our Sony A6400. There’s also a Joby Phone Tripod!
Is Athens worth visiting?
Yes! Athens is overlooked by most travellers only wanting to visit the famous Acropolis, which is one of the best things to do in a day. By spending 3 days in Athens, we discovered so many sights and neighbourhoods that we had never heard about before.
The ancient sites are incredible to see and they’re scattered all over the city, but the atmosphere, the food and the culture will make anyone want to visit Athens again. We can’t wait to go back!
- Buy your Skip the line Acropolis tickets here!
- Add the Museum to your Acropolis visit – Acropolis and Museum Entry Tickets with Audio Guide
- Purchase an Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket here (it’s a better deal in the Summer months)
Travel Insurance – SafetyWing Nomad Insurance
Don’t forget to book your travel Insurance for Athens, Greece! SafetyWing is a flexible monthly-rolling travel insurance helping many travellers around the world – Find out more here!
Looking for more travel inspiration? Browse our Greece & Europe Travel Guides
- Vegan in Athens Guide: Best Vegan Restaurants
- Top 10 Best Viewpoints in Athens: Places to See Sunset
- 8 Great Backpacking Europe Tips
- Ultimate 1 Week Romania Itinerary: 2024 (Using Public Transport)
- 2 Day Plovdiv Itinerary: Best Things To Do in Plovdiv
- 2 Day Sofia Itinerary: Best Things To Do
- Or browse our travel blog for more inspiration!
That’s the end of our 3 Day Athens Itinerary: The Best Things To Do (2024)! Have an amazing trip to Athens and if you need any more help planning – send us a message on Instagram (@thesunrisedreamers) or leave a comment below!
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