Athens

5 day Athens itinerary

Search your flight: (Kiwi.com), (WayAway), (Trip.com).

🏨 Where to Stay

• Plaka: Perfect for first-time visitors with charming streets and close proximity to ancient sites.
  
  

• Monastiraki & Psiri: Great for nightlife, markets, and vibrant street art.
  
  

• Koukaki: A quieter area with trendy cafes and local vibes.

Search on: Booking, HostelWorld, (Hotellook)

🚇 Getting Around Athens

• Athens Metro: Efficient for major attractions.
  
  

• Walking: Best for exploring the historic center.
  
  

• Taxis & Apps (Beat, Uber): Useful for short distances or reaching further sites.
  
  

Search on: Holiday Taxi, (Kiwi Taxi), (GetTranfer.com), RentalCars, DiscoverCar, Trainline, Rail Europe, (Welcome PickUps)

🗓️ Day 1: Ancient Athens & Historical Center

Morning:

• Start your trip with a visit to the iconic Acropolis of Athens, home to the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike.
  
  

• Explore the Acropolis Museum, renowned for its impressive exhibits and modern architecture.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Walk down to Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus.
  
  

• Enjoy lunch in Plaka, the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” with traditional tavernas and quaint alleyways.
  
  

Evening:

• Climb up to Areopagus Hill or Filopappou Hill for sunset views over Athens and the Acropolis.
  
  

• Dinner at a rooftop restaurant like 360 Cocktail Bar or A for Athens.
  
  

🗓️ Day 2: Ancient Agora, Monastiraki & Psiri

Morning:

• Visit the Ancient Agora, once the heart of ancient Athens, including the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.
  
  

• Explore the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market for souvenirs and local crafts.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Visit Hadrian’s Library and Roman Agora.
  
  

• Wander through the colorful streets of Psiri, famous for its street art and alternative shops.
  
  

• Coffee break at Little Kook, an Instagram-worthy themed café.
  
  

Evening:

• Enjoy traditional Greek meze and live music at a local taverna in Psiri, like Oineas Restaurant.
  
  

🗓️ Day 3: National Treasures & Modern Athens

Morning:

• Start with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum, showcasing Greece's largest collection of ancient artifacts.
  
  

• Stroll through Exarchia, a bohemian neighborhood known for its rebellious spirit, murals, and indie cafes.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Explore Kolonaki, an upscale district with designer shops and galleries.
  
  

• Visit the Benaki Museum or the Museum of Cycladic Art.
  
  

Evening:

• Enjoy a relaxed dinner at Dexameni Square, a local favorite spot for outdoor dining and people-watching.
  
  

🗓️ Day 4: Nature, Views & Coastal Escape

Morning:

• Walk through the lush National Garden of Athens and visit the nearby Zappeion Hall.
  
  

• Witness the Changing of the Guard at Syntagma Square.
  
  

Afternoon:

• Head to Lycabettus Hill, either by funicular or hike, for panoramic views of Athens.
  
  

• Lunch in Kolonaki.
  
  

Optional Half-Day Trip:

• Spend the afternoon at the Athens Riviera, visiting Flisvos Marina or Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural thermal lake perfect for swimming and relaxation.
  
  

Evening:

• Enjoy seafood dinner by the sea in Mikrolimano or Glyfada.
  
  

🗓️ Day 5: Day Trip to Cape Sounion or Piraeus

Option 1: Cape Sounion

• Take a day trip to the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea.
  
  

• Enjoy a seaside lunch at a local taverna in Lavrio.
  
  

Option 2: Piraeus

• Explore the bustling Piraeus Port, Greece’s largest port.
  
  

• Visit the Hellenic Maritime Museum and relax at the Zea Marina.
  
  

Evening:

• Return to Athens for a farewell dinner in Plaka or Monastiraki with Acropolis night views.
  
  

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to October) for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  
  

• Local Etiquette: Greet with “Kalimera” (Good Morning) and try traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and loukoumades.
  
  

• Safety: Athens is generally safe, but watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas.