Athens in 3 days
Athens means the Acropolis at sunrise, the lanes of Plaka at the foot of the rock, and roof terraces where you dine facing the floodlit Parthenon. The cradle of Western civilisation, still very much alive.
The plan, day by day
Day 1
- Morning
The Acropolis and the Parthenonabout 2 hThe rock above the city, crowned by the 5th-century BC temple to Athena, the Erechtheion and the Propylaea; go early to beat heat and crowds.
- Afternoon
Plakafree · about 2 hThe old quarter below the Acropolis, with neoclassical houses, stepped lanes and the whitewashed cottages of Anafiotika higher up the slope.
Day 2
- Morning
The Acropolis Museumabout 1 h 30A modern museum at the foot of the rock, built over excavated ruins seen through glass floors, with a top-floor Parthenon gallery facing the temple.
- Afternoon
The Ancient Agoraabout 1 hThe heart of ancient Athenian public life, with the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus and the rebuilt Stoa of Attalos housing a museum.
Day 3
- Morning
Mount Lycabettusfree · about 1 hThe highest hill in central Athens, reached on foot or by funicular, with a view over the whole city to the Acropolis and the sea.
Where to sleep in Athens
- City Circus Athens · €35 a night
- Hotel Attalos · €65 a night
- Athens Backpackers · €55 a night
- Herodion Hotel · €150 a night
- Athens Gate Hotel · €170 a night
- Philippos Hotel · €130 a night
- Electra Palace Athens · €280 a night
- King George · €400 a night
- Divani Palace Acropolis · €250 a night
Plan this trip
Hotel prices per room per night, checked when written. Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.