Admiring the Agean sunshine and enjoying the Mediterranean vibes, that’s how life should be lived! We, living in the bustling hustle culture, find Greece an antidote to our weary soul, replenishing it with good food and sublime ambience. If you’re looking to revitalise and reset your life while enjoying some time away from the daily grind, why not take a short break in Greece? It’s the perfect getaway! This 4-day Athens itinerary is a great way to escape for a bit and soak up Greece’s ancient wonders and natural beauty.
Day 1: Ancient Agora, Plaka and Monastiraki Square
Since this is your first day in Athens after a long flight, you should take this day at a slow pace. So even if you arrive in the morning, we suggest you start your journey in the early afternoon. The journey begins at Ancient Agora where you stroll through alleys to visit the Temple of Hephaestus, the Agoraios Kolonos, and the Stoa of Attalos. Take a break for lunch at Plaka – a charming neighbourhood filled with an assortment of restaurants catering modern to traditional Greek cuisine. Try Barbounaki for seafood mezedes, or enjoy wholesome Greek dishes at traditional tavernas such as Saita, To Kafeneio and Platanos Taverna.
Continue to Monastiraki Square where you can view the oldest church in Athens – Panagia Pantanassa. Explore the whimsical yet visually appealing Little Kook, giving out a fairytale vibe. Stop by the Tower of Winds- a colossal archaeological monument of Pentelic marble built in the 1st century B.C. located between the Plaka and Monastiraki. In the evening, head back to Plaka District. Before the sun sets, spend some time strolling through the old-world charms of Plaka. This historic neighbourhood offers beautiful views of the Acropolis and is home to The Choragic Monument of Lysicrate. Windup for the day with dinner at a cosy taverna and indulge in traditional Greek cuisine paired with local wines. Check out Heteroclito to enjoy artisanal Greek wines and MS Garden, one of the most popular rooftop bars in Athens that offers unrivalled panoramas of the city. The day ends with a transfer back to your hotel.
Day 2: Acropolis, Monastiraki Square and Lycabettus Hill
Today, we delve deeper into the historic splendours of Athens. Start early after breakfast at the hotel or grab a bite at a local taverna or restaurant. Later, witness one of the most iconic landmarks of Greece – The Acropolis. This historical sight comprises some of the popular archaic ruins of Greek heritage such as the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion. Next, enjoy a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which you can reach on a 10-minute walk. This archaeological museum gives you an insight into the evolution of Greece from the Bronze Age to the Roman and Byzantine Greek era through ancient artefacts and exhibits. Visit Hadrian’s Arch, built in 132 AD and the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus before heading to explore the Greek Parliament building, Syntagma Square and viewing the spectacular changing of the guard ceremony.
Have lunch at Monastiraki Square and stroll along Ermou Street known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant street food scene. Spend the afternoon visiting the National Archaeological Museum. At dawn, take a funicular ride to Lycabettus Hill – the highest point in Athens to enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree panoramic view of this historic city and beyond. Stay back to enjoy dinner at Orizontes Restaurant at Lycabettus Hill for dinner in an alfresco setting overlooking the splendid view of the city, or head back to the city for dinner. Overnight stay at your hotel.
Day 3: Athenian Riviera
Image Credit: yaloou.com
On Day 3 of your Athens Itinerary, enjoy the enchanting coastal views of Athens as we explore the southern suburbs of Athens. After a hearty breakfast, start your journey south from the city centre to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion. Here, admire the ancient Greek marble ruins dominating the scenery against the Aegean Sea on the southernmost point of Athens. Have lunch at a seaside tavern near Sounion, where you can enjoy Greek or international cuisine while enjoying the Aegean views. After you have had your fill of the mesmerising sea views, enjoy a scenic drive along the Saronic Gulf to Varkiza to stroll along the shores and experience the Greek coffee culture. Later, proceed to Vouliagmeni Lake to enjoy enchanting sunset views before heading back to Athen city. Complete your day with a leisurely dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4: Athens
On your last day in Athens, get acquainted with the vibrant and dynamic side of Athens. As usual, start your day with breakfast at the hotel or check out the cool and cosy breakfast spots in Athens. Spend the day enjoying serene strolls in nature at the National Garden of Athens and exploring the scenic white houses and Cycladic architecture of Anafiotika. For today’s lunch, hit the streets and enjoy the Greek street food scene. Tuck into classic Greek souvlaki at Kostas Agias Irinis and Kostas Syntagma or Gyros at Dionisos. Then off you go for a morning shopping spree at Athens Central Market, an authentic spot to shop for Greek spices and olive oils, and Monastiraki Flea Market for vintage artefacts, Greek jewellery, textiles and more. Bid adieu to Greece in style and enjoy Athen’s nightlife at trendy bars and chic Greek restaurants with a fine dining experience. Raise a toast to this wonderful destination on your last night in Athens with a reminder to come back again for more!
Conclusion
To sum it up, this 4-days in Athens itinerary takes you to witness an amalgam of enchanting natural and cultural sights of the city. Get to know Athen’s Grecian vibe with a visit to Plaka, Monastiraki Square and Ancient Agora. Skipping the most significant architectural landmarks in Greece is not an option. So, invest a day to explore the Acropolis and its surrounding Greek ruins. Take advantage of combo tickets in Acropolis and include them in your Athens tour packages. However, most combo prices would not have Acropolis Museum included, for which you would require a separate ticket. On Day 3, set out to explore the southern scenic splendours of the Aegean Riviera, and finally, on your last day, you take your time to enjoy the city’s dramatic sights and nightlife. You can extend your stay and go beyond Athens to combine a tour to the nearby islands of Hydra, Poros, Spetses, Aegina, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How to Get to Athens?
Getting to Athens is quite straightforward. Being the capital city of Greece, there are several options. You can reach Greece via flights from all major destinations in the world. The Greek islands are also well connected by domestic flights. You can reach Athens by train – a scenic way to travel from other Greek cities like Thessaloniki, Patras, and Larissa. The Ktel bus service is an inexpensive way to reach Athens from various cities and regions in Greece. If you are arriving in Athens from the Greek islands, ferries frequently run to Piraeus, the main port of Athens. In Athens, the city has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trams, and the metro, making it easy to get around.
2. Where to Stay in Athens?
Athens has a variety of neighbourhoods that cater to different tastes and budgets. Plaka is a popular spot offering deluxe to boutique hotel stays quite near the Acropolis and other Greek Heritage sites. Kolonaki and Syntagma are good choices if you are seeking upscale stay options. If you are on a budget, consider staying in hostels or budget hotels in areas like Kifisia or Monastiraki, where you can find affordable accommodations.
3. Is Athens Safe?
Athens is safe for foreigners. However, like any big city, it is advised to be vigilant and keep your valuables safe. Petty crimes such as pickpocketing can happen, especially in crowded areas or on public transport.
4. What to Wear in Athens?
Athens has a Mediterranean climate and sunny days throughout the year. If you are visiting in winter, plan to carry a cardigan or jacket that can add a layer of warmth to your attire. Ensure you choose modest dressing while visiting any church or monasteries. Choose comfort over style when it comes to footwear, as Athens is an amazing city to explore on walking tours. Lastly, sunglasses, hats and swimwear for beach excursions should be included in your packing list.
5. What is the Best Time to Visit Athens?
Athens is considered one of the best places to travel in Europe to enjoy a serene, sunny ambience. Throughout the year, the temperature stays between 13 to 33 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit would be from April to October. Visit Athens from November through March if you do not mind the chilly weather and want budget-friendly options in Athens.
6. Where to Eat in Athens?
Athens is a foodie’s paradise, and you get an assortment of dishes that suit your taste palette – be it vegan, vegetarian, seafood or meat dishes. Plaka and Monastiraki are known for their extensive food scene brimming with traditional tavernas, cafes, and restaurants. Athens is known for its coffee culture and tavernas, so for a quick bite and hop piping coffee, enjoy the taverna experience at Saita, To Kafeneio, Taverna tou Psiri and Taverna O Platanos. For an upscale seafood dining experience, Varoulko Seaside is an ideal spot to enjoy a meal with scenic views. St. George Lycabettus, e&o Athens, Hytra and Pelagos offer splendid vibes with an alfresco ambience to enjoy a wholesome meal while enjoying the city views.
