Athens Diary, 3-Day Itinerary and Essential Travel Tips
Would you believe me if I said that I used to have a dream of an arch in European architecture during my childhood? I usually don’t remember my dreams, but I could recall seeing Athens and some words written in Roman on it. It happened when I was a 10-year-old child. At that time, I didn’t know that Athens was a Greek city where ancient architecture meets a contemporary vibe and one day, it would welcome me with open arms.
After celebrating our special anniversary and spending three days in Santorini, my husband and I travelled to Athens to explore its history, culture, archaeology, and food. We created unforgettable memories, and I crafted a unique itinerary to help you plan your trip to Athens.
In this blog, along with sharing our journey, I will provide a sleek three-day itinerary with the best places to visit, Instagrammable spots in the city, the best rooftop bars and cafés, budget-friendly stays, and much more. So, dear friends, keep reading until the end.
How to Spend Three Days in Athens
- How to Spend Three Days in Athens
- Other Places to Explore in Athens
- Where to Stay in Athens?
- Other Budget-friendly Suggestions
- Instagram-friendly Spots in Athens
- Markets in Athens
- Best Rooftop Bars to Visit in Athens
- Summarising Athens in a Few Words with My Thoughts That Nobody Asked
Day 1 in Athens: Culture, Markets, Pages of History & Hilltop Views
We boarded an early morning flight from Santorini to Athens and then took a metro to Syntagma Square. Metro Line 3 connects the airport to the city centre of Athens, and the journey takes around forty minutes. The metro runs every thirty minutes seven days a week from 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.
We could take the bus or suburban railway, but it would take sixty minutes or longer, so we noticed the metro is the most efficient mode of transport to reach the city centre.
Our hotel was within walking distance from the station, and we had only one trolley bag to drag, so we chose to walk. When we reached the concierge before check-in time, they suggested we leave the luggage in their cloakroom, which helped us.
Then we searched for breakfast options and found Café Veneti beside our hotel, which became my favourite place for the rest of the days. Their bakery has been open since 1948 and serves traditional Greek savouries and desserts. So, if you visit Athens, I recommend visiting Café Veneti and trying their sandwiches, pizza, baklava and biscuits.
Academy of Athens
After hogging on the delicious meals, we began our walking tour from Panepistimiou Street, where the Academy of Athens forms a trilogy with the National Library and the University of Athens. We didn’t have to buy tickets to visit any of these, but we learned that to go inside the building, we would need permission from the academy.
The Academy of Athens epitomises neoclassical architecture that flourished in Athens in the 19th and 20th centuries.
The exterior of the building has breathtaking sculptural decoration, and while I was admiring the architecture, I observed that every piece of architecture communicated a story to me.
There were sculptures of eminent Greek philosophers, such as Plato and Socrates, of the goddess Athena (the protector of Athens) and the god Apollo(the protector of arts).
Tip: You can access this place by bus, taxi, and metro.
Lycabettus Hill
In the late afternoon, we began hiking to Lycabettus Hill, Athens’s highest point. A cute little tortoise greeted us while we were on our way, and I made a video.
Trivia: We experienced scorching heat in Athens for one day in May, and then the sunny weather changed into rain and chilly the next day.
Usually, we could take a cable car to Mount Lycabettus, but we enjoyed hiking, and the route was straightforward. Also, the truth is that Google reviews for the cable car were not good, so we didn’t want to spend money and take a risk.
We also stopped at Café Lycabettus to take a break and sip drinks while soaking in the beautiful views of the Acropolis and other significant buildings from the top. We had Avocado toast and homemade lemonades, and the best part was that all these were authentic and delicious. Then, I captured some moments there and visited St. George’s church. Since we got tired and it was the best time to check in at the hotel, we returned.
Neighbourhood of Plaka
After a good noon nap, we explored more attractions in Athens. We began our second half of day 1 itinerary from the cobbled alleys of Plaka, the city’s oldest neighbourhood at the foot of the Acropolis.
The neoclassical facades of Plaka were adorned with cascading bougainvillaea, and each turn revealed a quaint café or an artisan shop. The area gets super crowded during spring and summer at any time except in the early morning.
The other attraction that we visited was the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens. We were lucky to enter the church during the Easter celebration and witness a unique tradition.
We also visited local shops in Plaka, such as So What Leather Sandals, Olive Tree, and the Traditional Greek Products Market and purchased a few souvenirs.
Anafiotika
Next, we climbed the steps from Plaka to visit Anafiotika, a mini Instagrammable village in the middle of the bustling city with beautiful views. There are colourful homes decorated with bougainvillaea and walls covered with Grafitti street art.
Tip: Respect the locals living in these homes while roaming around.
Then we passed the historic ruin of the Roman Agora site and Tower of the Winds, and we took pictures from outside as we hadn’t bought tickets to visit this site.
I must say that Athens is a fascinating city for those interested in history, mythology, science and archaeology. There is so much to explore. The story of gods, treasures and a throne can collectivity be a part of a thriller movie in Hollywood or anywhere.
Another travel tip time: You can see most of the tower from outside, so you don’t need to pay €8 to go in. It is expensive for a tiny site. However, I’d highly recommend buying the combo ticket. At €30, it is excellent value. This ticket includes entry to the Roman Agora, the Ancient Agora, the Acropolis, the Library of Hadrian, the Cemetery and Museum of Kerameikos, the Lyceum of Aristotle, and the Temple of Zeus.
Entry to the Acropolis is €20, so if it is your first time in Athens, it makes sense to buy this ticket (unless you’re here in winter when many sites are half-price).
Please note the prices may vary when you visit.
Besides the Roman Agora is a street full of cafés and restaurants where we witnessed alluring sunset hues while having coffee in the open area.
We then visited Monastiraki and enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere during the night! The narrow streets contain small shops, vintage items, and cosy cafés.
Our walk was excellent, especially with the beautiful view of the Acropolis, though we stayed alert in some busier spots where we felt a bit crowded.
Along the way, we nibbled on Koulouri, a sesame-studded bread ring that quickly became our favourite street snack.
We finished our itinerary at Monastiraki Square, where we experienced the nightlife of Athens and dined at The Golden Indian Haveli. The square is easily accessible via the metro, but we preferred to walk back to the hotel and noticed the silence on some streets, which could be problematic. However, we reached our hotel safely.
Travel Tip: From the square, you can head off exploring in any direction:
- Pandrossou Street will take you to the Kapnikaréa cathedral.
- Ermou Street will take you to Syntagma Square, the Greek Parliament, and the Chaining of the Guards ceremony.
- Agios Theklas Street (near the A for Athens Hotel) will take you through the colourful Psirri area to ‘Spice Street’ (Evripidou St) and Central Market.
Day 2: Historical Places and More Hilltop Views
Day 2 began with an Athenian breakfast at Café Veneti, where we ate freshly baked Tiropita with coffee and got ready to visit the Church of Agios Konstantinos and Agia Eleni at St. Constantine Square.
This church is devoted to Prince Constantinos, the son of King George and Olga, and was built to celebrate his birth in 1868. It has beautiful architecture inside, and there is no entry fee.
I highly recommend visiting it.
Holy Byzantine Monastery of Kaisariani
We boarded an Uber to reach the monastery, which was a half-hour scenic drive from Athens city centre.
Kaisariani Monastery is one of the oldest monasteries on Mount Hymettus. You can also reach it by bus, which stops in a nearby village. From there, you need to hike to the monastery.
The monastery is surrounded by trees, bushes, and rare plants that reflect the tranquil atmosphere and boast picturesque hills and views of Athens city.
The forest area has clearly defined paths for hiking trails with many signs and maps throughout, and the trees provide much-needed shade on a hot day.
While returning from the monastery, the rain started falling like cats and dogs, and we had to get out of the car to cross the road because there was massive traffic.
Athens Olympic Sports Complex
We were drenched when we stopped at the Panathenaic Stadium to celebrate athletic glory. This beautiful stadium is a marvel of white marble and the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Standing on the same track where champions once raced was a humbling experience.
Hadrian’s Arch
When the downpour became light, we walked towards Hadrian’s Arch, an antique monument built to honour Hadrian in modern Athens. He was a Roman emperor who later became an Athenian.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
From Hadrian’s Arch, we could see the ruins of the colossal Columns of Olympian Zeus, the head of the Olympian gods. Athenian tyrants started the construction of this temple, which they wanted to make the most incredible temple in the ancient world, but Hadrian completed it during his reign. However, the temple was pillaged during an invasion and was reduced to ruins afterwards.
Opinion: We did not enter the Temple of Olympian Zeus for several reasons. The temple was visible from the outside, and the entrance only served to walk near it. In addition, most of the columns were surrounded by scaffolding, and we couldn’t get closer to them. So, if you have time and this site is a part of your cumulative ticket, get in there; otherwise, I do not recommend it.
Acropolis
Next, we visited the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, the enduring symbol of classical civilisation. Unfortunately, the Acropolis Museum was closed without stating the reason, and we also couldn’t buy tickets to visit the Acropolis and Parthenon because the last entry was closed.
Still, on the brighter side, we saw these sites from Makriyanni Street and Apostolou Pavlou Street and saved 60 Euros.
Philopappos Hill – Prison of Socrates
This hill is famous among locals for picnicking while soaking in the magnificent 360-degree views of Athens, the Acropolis, Parthenon and sunset. There is no entry fee to visit here.
Since we couldn’t see the Acropolis Museum, we used our time to climb Philopappos Hill from Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, near the Acropolis Museum.
Then, my husband and I reached the Philopappos Monument through a well-marked pedestrian path and were rewarded with exhilarating views.
Other attractions on the hill included Socrates’ Prison and the Holy Church of Saint Dimitrios Loumbardiaris (which has some interesting brickwork).
Hellenic Parliament – Syntagma Square – Change of Guard Ceremony
The Syntagma Square was the last stop in our planned itinerary. We took a 230-number bus from Akropoli to Syntagma and reached the Tomb of Unknown Soldier. Luckily, the Changing of Guard ceremony began before us, and we joyfully witnessed it.
Note: These soldiers in superb costumes perform this ceremony at every hour of the day, the whole year.
A large parade happens on Sundays at 11 a.m., attracting many spectators.
We called it a day after roaming around and went for Greek dining at Delicious Souvlaki. We were delighted with their menu and prices.
Day 3: Relaxation and Treasure Hunting
Lake Vouliagmeni
On day-3, we decided to visit this hidden gem of Attica’s natural beauty amidst an idyllic landscape and hired a taxi. We reached there in fourty minutes from Athens.
Admission fee was 17.00€ per person. No towel or bathrobe was provided with the admission fee.
We purchased towels (from €30.00) and swimwear (from €70.00) on-site. There were cabins to change and take a shower.
Swimming in the lake with small fish was a pleasant experience for us, and it helped us relax and rejuvenate on the last day of our trip.
Archaeology in Metro Stations and Airport
We had long heard about the presence of “impressive archaeological artefacts” at various stations and Athens International Airport, so we chose to walk up to site before checking-in at the airport. Surprisingly, it was not too busy. The ladies in the booth directed us to the displays and we got another glimpse of the evidence of antiquity of this fantastic city. The artefacts were stupendous. We were glad to see this hidden and free exhibition of Greek archaeology.
Metro stations to visit for an archaeological tour:
Syntagma, Acropolis, Monastiraki, Egaleo, Dafni and Panepistimiou
Other Places to Explore in Athens
Flisvos Marina on Athenian Riviera
Flisvos Marina is a haven of elegance and relaxation along the sparkling coastline of the Athenian Riviera. It offers a perfect escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Greek Presidential Palace
The presidential mansion is the home of the Greek Head of State. The mansion is not open to the public, but you can see the marching exercises and the changing of the Evzone guards with their barouches.
Where to Stay in Athens?
Athens is a wonderful city with alluring landscapes, classic history, and old and modern architecture. Compared to Santorini, the prices for accommodation and food in Athens are astoundingly reasonable. For instance, we paid just £48/night for our room with a balcony and private bathroom in Elikon, which compensated for our luxury stay in Santorini.
Other Budget-friendly Suggestions
Instagram-friendly Spots in Athens
- Anafiotika – A Hidden Greek Island in Athens
This tiny neighbourhood feels like a hidden Cycladic village, with whitewashed houses, vibrant bougainvillaea, and charming doors.
- Plaka’s Romantic Alleyways
Stroll through the picturesque cobblestone streets, snap photos of the flower-filled balconies, and enjoy the neoclassical charm of Athens’ oldest neighbourhood.
- Psiri Street Art & Colorful Doors
This edgy graffiti-covered district is filled with quirky murals, hidden cafés, and colourful doors, making it a favourite for street photography lovers.
- Ellyz Café
I loved the aesthetics of this café. It was adorned with pink flowers and had a cute and open sitting area.
Markets in Athens
- Ermou Street at Syntagma Square
- Athens Central Market
- Ifestou Street
- Avissinias Square
- Monastiraki Square
- Plaka
Best Rooftop Bars to Visit in Athens
- The Foundry Rooftop Garden
- 360 Cocktail Bar
- Anglais
- Couleur Locale
- Attic Urban Rooftop
- Manouka for Greek wine varieties
- Thea Terrace Bar
- A for Athens
Summarising Athens in a Few Words with My Thoughts That Nobody Asked
This may be a controversial opinion: We noticed that Athens is not a well-maintained city even though it’s the capital of Greece and we went during Easter.
Please note that by sharing this, I am not inferring that Athens is not worth visiting. We spent memorable three days in the city and we would like to visit again.
But the moment we reached the Athens city centre, we observed that the walls of all the essential monuments and buildings were covered in Graffiti art, which seemed to have been drawn by protestors to show their anger.
The roads were dirty, and bin bags loaded with waste were all over them, especially in the old town. We may be oblivious to the situation in Athens, but this left us with a wrong impression of Athens’s aesthetics.
On the brighter side, Athens has beautiful landscapes, which creates a significant balance in terms of expenses for tourists coming from Santorini.
One Suggestion to the Government of Greece
Since Athens is attracting tourists from all over the world who don’t know Greek, the government should add English translations on plaques to explain the importance of all the crucial sites and their historical relevance, as is the case in the UK.
Dear travellers, did you like my 3-day itinerary? If you have any specific questions about travelling and staying in Athens, please let me know in the comments, and I will respond soon.
I will also be interested in reading about your experience if you have visited Athens.
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