Your Perfect 3-Day Itinerary for Athens
Step into the cradle of Western civilization in Athens, a historic powerhouse crowned by the Acropolis and surrounded by lively modern neighborhoods.
Athens is served by its international airport and by ferry from the islands. The Metro reaches the centre and the airport; the historic core is walkable. Spring and autumn are ideal—summer can be very hot. Book the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum in advance. Allow time for Plaka, Monastiraki, and the National Museum, plus sunset from Lycabettus or the Acropolis. Athens works well as a start or end point for island hopping; day trips to Delphi or Sounion are also popular. Greek food and café culture are a big part of the experience.
Discover the best landmarks, where to eat, and where to stay in Athens.
Best Time to Visit Athens
Spring
21°C / 12°C
Warm and sunny, perfect for ruins
Summer
33°C / 23°C
Very hot and dry, intense midday sun
Fall
24°C / 15°C
Pleasantly warm, thinner crowds
Winter
14°C / 7°C
Mild and occasionally rainy
Day 1
Acropolis of Athens
Ruins of iconic 5th-century B.C. temple complex on Athens' rocky hilltop undergoing restoration.
Morning activity: Acropolis of Athens.
Kostas Souvlaki
Lunch nearby: Kostas Souvlaki.
Acropolis Museum
Ultramodern glass & steel museum housing ancient artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site.
Afternoon sightseeing: Acropolis Museum.
Dionysos Zonar's
Modern Greek fare in a stylish glass-fronted 1960s venue with a terrace for Acropolis views.
Dinner in the area: Dionysos Zonar's.
Plaka District
Evening experience: Plaka District.
Day 2
Delphi Day Tour
Morning activity: Delphi Day Tour.
Arachova
Lunch nearby: Arachova.
Temple of Apollo
Imposing remains of Delphi's Temple of Apollo, with 6 restored Doric columns from the 300s BCE.
Afternoon sightseeing: Temple of Apollo.
Karamanlidika
Dinner in the area: Karamanlidika.
Syntagma Square
City square in front of the Old Royal Palace which has long been the symbolic heart of the city.
Evening experience: Syntagma Square.
Day 3
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Vast temple begun in 6th century B.C. on the site of an ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus.
Morning activity: Temple of Olympian Zeus.
O Thanasis
Bustling restaurant serving classic no-nonsense souvlaki grills & pitas at indoor & outdoor tables.
Lunch nearby: O Thanasis.
Monastiraki
Afternoon sightseeing: Monastiraki.
Varoulko Seaside
Dinner in the area: Varoulko Seaside.
Cape Sounion Sunset
Ruins & columns of the ancient Temple of Poseidon, plus scenic water & sunset views.
Evening experience: Cape Sounion Sunset.