Experience Athens: Top Things to Do in 3 Days

Athens is a city where ancient stones meet modern soul. In just three days, you can explore legendary ruins, stroll through lush gardens, sip coffee in squares, and even dip your toes in the Aegean Sea. Yes, you can see it all in just 2-3 days and that is what most visitors do. However, you can also stay longer and dive into the local way of living. Athens can be hectic, with lots of traffic and hot in summer but it’s really worth a visit. People are super friendly and the food is amazing. Here below I wrote a little guide with the best tips for a long weekend but feel free to stay a week or two as the city is also great for remote workers.

Day 1: Ancient Athens & the Historic Heart

Start at the Acropolis

Your Athenian adventure should begin at the Acropolis, the city’s beating heart for over 2,500 years. You can admire this hill from almost everywhere in central Athens. As you climb the hill, you’ll pass the Theatre of Dionysus, before reaching the monumental Parthenon, standing proud against the blue sky. Wander among the ruins of the Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatid statues, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The panoramic views across Athens are worth the climb alone.

🕒 Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM. Reserve at least 1,5h to visit Acropolis. If you want to discover more about the history of this place, there is an audio guide is included in the ticket price. You can simply download it on your phone. Super raccomanded.
💶 Ticket: €30, free if you are an EU citizen under 25
🧭 Tip: Book your ticket online with a time slot to skip long queues. Bring water, sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes — it’s rocky underfoot. Remember that there is no shade so it might be really hot in summer

Stroll to the Temple of Olympian Zeus

A short walk downhill from Acropolis and you arrive you to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, once the largest temple in Greece. Today, only a few of the original 104 columns remain standing, but their size speaks volumes. Imagine what this place looked like when emperors like Hadrian passed through. Right now the site is under renovation Entry costs €20 for adults and it’s free for EU citizens under 25. You can buy the tickets online or onsite.

Escape the Heat in the National Gardens

Right behind the temple lies a hidden oasis: the National Gardens. Palm trees, shaded paths, and the quiet chirp of birds make this the perfect spot to cool down. You’ll find fountains, small ponds, and even a mini zoo. If you are traveling with kids, they will enjoy a nice playground in the shade. It’s a great place for a stroll and a picnic lunch, especially on a hot summer day.

Step into History at the Panathenaic Stadium

A 10-minute walk from the gardens takes you to the Panathenaic Stadium, built entirely of white marble. This is where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896. You can sit in the stands, visit the Olympic exhibit, or even run a lap on the original track. The entry for adults is 10 EUR, kids enter for free. Included in price is an audio guide which will explain the stadium’s history in detail. Reserve at least an hour to make the most of your visit and spot all the details hidden in the marble stairs.

Evening in Plaka: Food, Music, and Views

As the sun begins to set, wander through Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood. Cobbled streets, pastel buildings, and tiny churches make it endlessly photogenic. YOu can obviously have a dinner in one of many traditional taverns but remember that unfortunately Plaka became very touristy and also restaurants raised the prices. The food is still good and you can get delicious moussaka, grilled lamb, or fresh seafood but the price might be higher than in other places in Athens. Many restaurants offer also live bouzouki music.

Day 2: Culture, Coffee & City Life

Start Your Day in Monastiraki Square

Morning in Monastiraki is electric — flea markets buzzing, street musicians performing, the scent of fresh koulouri (sesame bread rings) in the air. Browse vintage shops and souvenir stands (unfortunately too many of them nowadays) grab a Greek coffee, and take in views of the Acropolis from the square. It became touristy but many historic shops are there to resist. It’s still worth a visit. Have a brunch in one of the rooftop bars and enjoy the view of the city. If you cannot come here in the morning, also late afternoon is great and the view of Acropolis at the sunset is fantastic.

Wander the Backstreets of Plaka & Anafiotika

After exploring the square, head back into Plaka, then veer uphill into Anafiotika, a tiny maze of whitewashed houses that feels like a Cycladic island village. It’s a quiet, postcard-perfect corner — and an amazing photo spot. Don’t miss the local cats sunbathing on stone steps and blue-painted doors.

Afternoon at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

In the afternoon, take a short bus, tram or Uber ride to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC). This modern complex houses the National Opera and National Library, surrounded by Mediterranean gardens, fountains, and walking paths. The rooftop offers panoramic views stretching from the Acropolis to the sea. Here you will also find playground for kids and outdoor gym for adults. The access is free of charge and volunteers are there to help you find your way. Check the website for daily activities such as yoga sessions, evening concerts or other free public events. It’s a great place to live Athens as a local. Incredible but true, not so many tourists visit this place. By the way, if you want to visit Athens and avoid the tourist routes, stay tuned because I am preparing a post about living in Athens as a local.

Day 3: Coastline & Cape Sounion

Morning Trip to the Temple of Poseidon

On your final day, head south to the coast. Rent a car or join a half-day tour to Cape Sounion, about 1-1.5 hours from central Athens. Here, you’ll find the stunning Temple of Poseidon, perched on a cliff above the Aegean. It’s said that Lord Byron carved his name here during his visit!

My favorite moment to visit this temple of Poseidon is sunset. Spectacular pictures are guaranteed. Obviously, there are many people at that time but they leave just after the sunset. Stay a bit longer and while the crowds leave space to only few visitors, admire the temple illuminated by lights and the red orange sky in the background.

If you come here early in the morning you will avoid crowds of organized tours starting to arrive just before lunch. Once you visited the temple, you can also head down to a little beach facing North East. Or you can drive to many nearby beaches on the west coast. There are many public beaches in Athens but unfortunately some of them are really dirty. If you want a clean and organized place, head to private beaches. Remember that all public beaches in Athens still features the basic facilities like toilet, umbrellas, shower and changing rooms. Below some suggestions for your beach time near the Posedon’s Temple. Stay tuned as I am preparing a dedicated post about the best city beaches in Athens.

Vouliagmeni Beach: Clean, organized, good for families
Astir Beach (luxury): Entry from €20–30
Kavouri: Free access, natural shade, relatively clean
Lake Vouliagmeni: A mineral-rich, warm-water lake with therapeutic benefits

Basic Tips for Your Trip:

Transport:
The metro is clean and efficient. Trams and buses are perfect for reaching the coast. You don’t need to worry about the tickets as you can tap in and out with your credit card directly on board.
Best time to visit:
Spring and fall (April–June or Sept–Oct) are ideal for cooler weather and less crowds. If you suffer hot weather, try visiting in October or November.
Money: Most places accept cards, but small cash is good for local markets.

Why Athens is worth a visit?

In just three days, you’ll feel like you’ve touched the soul of Greece — from temples that have watched over the city for millennia, to sunlit cafés where locals linger over coffee, to sea breezes that carry whispers of mythology.

How to get there?

By Air:

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the main gateway, with direct flights from most major cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North America. The airport is located about 35 km (22 miles) east of the city center.
If you are traveling with a low cost airline, make sure to reserve enough time on the way back. You will enter the terminal from the main entrance and go through the boarding pass control but then you will have to walk for around 10-15 minutes before reaching the security check. It’s an aspect that many people underestimate.

Getting to Central Athens from the Airport:

Metro (Line 3): Connects the airport to Syntagma Square in about 40 minutes.
Express Buses (X95 to Syntagma): Runs 24/7, takes around 60 minutes.
Taxi: Flat fare of about €40–€50 (day/night).
If you arrive late at nught, opt for a taxi as the busses are less frequent in the evening.

Accommodation

Athens offers a wide range of accommodation for all budgets. You can book apartments, boutique hotels and luxury places all over the city. If you have just three days, stay in central Athens and enjoy all the monuments within walking distance. If you decide to stay longer and work remotely, consider to stay in the seaside places like Glyfada or Alimos – cooler and less crowded with still a descent public bus service to the center. If you are looking for a luxury option on a special weekend check Electra Hotels Athens – modern and elegant rooms, just steps away from Syntagma Square and with an incredible view of Acropolis. Excellent service, rooftop pool and restaurant complete this luxury offer. Prices start at 400 EUR/night and to get the best offer visit the official website.

If you are looking for something less fancy but still with a great view of Acropolis, check A for Athens. It’s a great value for location and service provided. Here you will enjoy spectacular views of Acropolis from the rooftop bar and rest in stylish and comfy rooms. Prices start at 150 EUR/night for a double. Visit the official website to get the best deals.

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