Welcome to my hometown Athens, a city that seamlessly blends ancient history with modern vibrancy. This three-day adventure is designed to help you make the most of your time in this captivating Greek capital. From exploring the iconic Acropolis and its awe-inspiring monuments to savoring traditional cuisine in charming neighborhoods, and immersing yourself in Athens' lively nightlife, you'll discover the diverse facets that make this city truly special.

This guide is divided into the following categories:

1. what to do for each day (archeological sites, neighborhoods you need to visit, activities to do)
2. where to eat & drink (includes 6 restaurants, 6 all-day cafes/bars),
3. where to party (nightlife in Athens). 

It is suitable for both winter and summer visitors. 

A curated list of recommendations like this unlike an itinerary offers flexibility and allows travelers to choose based on their available time. However, the way I listed the activities by day allows for a manageable time-based plan.

It includes a map and insight notes such as a place description, the address, the opening hours, the ticket prices, the official website to book your tickets (If needed), and some tips for your visit.

Make sure to also check my Athens Riviera FREE Guide, if you are visiting Athens during the summer.

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EXTRAS

Find me on TikTok for travel tips and recommendations: @marina_tinker

Cities I specialize in: Paris, France and Athens, Greece. 

Explore my Thatch store! Discover free or ready-to-buy guides and itineraries. Book consultation calls, request custom itinerary planning or curated recommendations, opt for expert pre-trip itinerary reviews, and receive personalized hotel searches (walking tours are subject to availability).

Athens, Ελλάδα

Athens: 3 Days Trip Curated Recommendations 

This comprehensive guide is your passport to an unforgettable Greece getaway! From the iconic Acropolis in Athens to the enchanting islands scattered across the Aegean Sea, this guide is packed with great locations, dining recommendations, and excursions on the mainland and several islands. Embrace the allure of white-washed buildings against the deep blue sea and embark on a journey that seamlessly blends historical significance with the laid-back elegance of Greek island life. Your perfect Mediterranean escape awaits!

Guide summary:
🏙️ 3 Mainland cities (Athens, Meteora, & Delphi)
🏝️ 4 Islands (Crete, Mykonos, Santorini, & Tinos)
🏨 40+ Accommodation recommendations
🍽️ 18 Dining recommendations
🏊‍♂️ 50+ Activities & locations
🎤 8 Guided Tour recommendations


✨ And finally...
If you are looking for a more tailored experience with a unique twist based on your interests, travel dates, and more, a custom itinerary may be best. You can visit my services page for more information, and I look forward to bringing your vacation vision to life!

Oia, Greece

Tinos, Greece

Santorini, Greece

Mykonos, Mikonos, Greece

Chania, Greece

Rethymnon, Greece

Delphi, Greece

Heraklion, Greece

Meteora, Kalabaka, Greece

Athens, Greece

Greece

Crete, Greece

Imerovigli, Greece

Best of Greece Mainland, Crete, & Cyclades | 100+ Recommendations Guide

Explore this map, I made as the ultimate Greece guide, to get inspired and discover the places that will become the highlight of your next trip. Many of the places in this map will have helpful booking links and/or links to social media posts with more inside information. 

Greece Ultimate Guide Map +50 Places

Short on time, and want to visit as much of Istanbul and Greece as possible? Then, this itinerary is perfect for you! Here is the outline:

Day 1-3: Istanbul
Day 4: Athens
Day 5: Mykonos
Day 6-7: Naxos
Day 8-9: Santorini
Day 10: Santorini/Heraklion
Day 11: Heraklion/Chania
Day 12: Chania 

Naxos, Naxos and Lesser Cyclades, Greece

İstanbul, Türkiye

Istanbul & Greece PACKED 12-Day Itinerary 

Virgin Voyages' Greek Island Glow itinerary departs from Athens, Greece and stops in Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum and Mykonos before returning to Athens. This guide will give you tips and tour recommendations for each port!

Virgin Voyages Cruise: Greek Island Glow Ports Guide

Athens is the vibrant and historic capital of Greece! It has something for everyone, making it a must-visit destination with a wide range of experiences to enjoy. 
Our guide will take you on a journey through Athens' top sightseeing spots, hidden gems, and culinary hotspots. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or just want to enjoy delicious food, our guide has you covered. Athens is a city that caters to all interests, and our guide is your essential companion to make the most of your visit!

Athens Guide - from a local

Those who enjoy learning about the background of their travel destinations may appreciate this Greece itinerary. The journey starts in Athens and concludes in Pireas, carrying You through part of Central and Southern Greece presenting You with the finest historic places and museums of history and places. It’s also easy to take some truly breathtaking pictures in these locations. Typically making your way to the next stop on this trip in the evening so that you could get to your destination first thing in the morning.
Of course, there are some resting locations from history too, just for balance and additional enjoyment!

This will be a terrific trip for history enthusiasts, young couples, and families too, and also for budget visitors. On this Greece itinerary, You will encounter some spectacular sceneries and extreme roads too! Soak up the good times!

Must have on this trip: Hiking shoes, snorkeling mask, water shoes, comfy clothing, student card if You’re a student from EU

Epidauros, Greece

Olympia, Greece

Athens, GA, USA

Southern and Central Greece Itinerary – 5 Days

Short on time, and want to visit as much of Greece as possible? Then, this itinerary is perfect for you! Here is the outline:

Day 1: Athens
Day 2: Mykonos
Day 3-4: Naxos
Day 5-6: Santorini
Day 7: Santorini/Heraklion
Day 8: Heraklion/Chania
Day 9: Chania 

Greece PACKED 9-Day Itinerary 

A list of curated sites and dining establishments to visit across Greece. A mix of history, art, fine dining and beach clubs to relax and swim. 
- Athens
- Santorini 
- Glyfada 
- Astir / Voliagmeni 
- Sounion
- Delphi 

Greece 

Always wanted to go to island hopping in Greece? Lucky for you, I just made your trip that much easier! 

For one whole month, I island hopped across Paros, Naxos, Anti Paros, Milos, Sifnos and Crete (and Athens). The rest of the islands on this itinerary I have heavily researched for my hopefully-soon next trip to Greece! 

You best believe I spent weeeeeeks researching everything there was to do so I didn't miss a beat! Lucky for you, I ain't gate keeping any of it! 

Please enjoy this authentic experience around the Greek Islands. Please note, you will NOT find Santorini or Mykonos on this map. 

This map includes: Paros, Naxos, Anti Paros, Ios, Milos, Sifnos, Crete, Corfu, Zakynthos and Kelfonia, and of course, Athens as that is likely where you will fly in and out from. 

Filled with authentic experiences local to these islands, tried and true restaurants, can't-miss sites, and of course beaches! 

Naxos, Greece

Sifnos, Greece

Milos, Greece

Zakynthos, Greece

Kefalonia, Greece

Ios, Greece

Corfu, Greece

Paros, Greece

Island Hopping in Greece 

Take part in a self guided walking tour of Athens. Visit historical Grecian sites, and learn more about the culture of this ancient country.

Athens Walking Tour: A Self-Guided Experience

Use this free guide as inspiration for your next trip to Athens, Greece! These recommendations are all in the city center neighborhoods of Plaka, Psyri, Monastiraki, and the Acropolis District. Walking shoes are a must.

24 Hours in Athens

Acropolis of Athens

Start your day by visiting the iconic Acropolis. The Acropolis holds immense historical and cultural significance as the center of ancient Athens. It was a sacred site dedicated to the city's patron goddess, Athena, and served as the religious and administrative heart of the city-state. Alongside the Parthenon, there are other notable structures on the Acropolis. The Erechtheion, with its famous Caryatid Porch featuring six female statues, was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. The Temple of Athena Nike, known for its elegant Ionic columns, was dedicated to the goddess of victory. Enjoy the panoramic views of Athens from the top.

Extra: The Herodes Atticus, also known as the Herodeon, is an ancient open-air theater located at the foot of the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. Today, the Herodes Atticus is renowned for hosting various cultural events and performances, including ancient Greek dramas, concerts, ballets, and modern theatrical productions. It serves as a unique and atmospheric venue for artistic and cultural experiences. If you visit the city during the summer you can check out the Athens Festival which is the city’s annual arts festival and a highlight of the Greek summer calendar.

Address: Acropolis,  Athens 105 58, Greece

Opening hours: 

April to October: Daily 8:00-20:00 
November to March: Daily 8:00-17:00
The last entry is 30 minutes before closing. 

Closed: The Athens Acropolis remains closed on 1 January, 25 March, and 1 May, Greek Easter Sunday, 25 and 26 December.

Ticket price: It varies. Please check the official website below. 

Getting there: 
Line 2(red): Metro Station Acropoli (Makrigianni Exit)
A 2-minute walk from the southeast entrance 

There are two main entrances to the Acropolis:

1. The main entrance: This is located at the western end of the Acropolis. This is where the ticket office is located. This entrance tends to be busy; you may have to wait for one to two hours during the peak season to be able to enter.

2. Smaller ticket office: Located at the southeastern corner of the Acropolis, on Dionysiou Areopagitou near the Acropolis Museum. If you are hoping to avoid the long lines, use this entrance to the Acropolis.

Tip: Book your tickets in advance from the official website.
The website provided by thatch is not the official website. 

*Combo admission ticket: 30 Euros*

Book your ticket at the link below. Combo tickets are valid for one admission per site to: Acropolis & slopes, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos, and Aristotle's School (Lyceum). Tickets are valid for 5 consecutive dates after your first entrance. When you purchase the tickets, be sure to select the "combo" option with 7 circle graphics above "General ADM"

Start your visit to the Acropolis first thing in the morning. Check the hours of the site depending on your travel dates and plan to get there at or close to opening.

No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the Acropolis! Get started early to avoid the crowds (by 10 am expect waves of tour groups to crowd the best views, and you need to account for the time it takes to actually walk up) and pack a hat and sunscreen (there's no shade!). You'll walk past several other ruins as you ascend to the top of the Acropolis and finally be greated by the Partnenon at the top.  

The current Acropolis is the consequence of hundreds of years of building and destroying. The majority of the constructions date back to the 5th century BCE, although others, including a temple from the Roman era that was built by Augustus and a massive stairway constructed by Claudius, were added later. During the time that the Ottoman Empire was in control, little homes were also constructed in the area around the Acropolis.

You will get the best experience if  You decide to walk there through Athens, in fact, if You have only one day in Athens, by walking You will find other Archaeological sites on Your way to explore, considering how much time You have You can explore other sites too.

The Acropolis has had several functions throughout history such as a palace, a citadel, and a place of worship to the gods. It is currently occupied by The Parthenon which is the most prominent and intact remains of The Acropolis’ history. This stunning marbled column structure was made as a Temple to Athena Goddess of War and Protector of the City. To climb to the top of The Acropolis and view the Parthenon it costs 20 Euro. Keep this ticket as you can access the Ancient Agora of Athens with this ticket. Alternatively, you can purchase a combo ticket for 30 Euro, that will get you into several other locations such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus

Everyone says to go right at opening at 8:30, but the line was insane. When we passed the entrance again around 2/3pm it was empty!! Go in the afternoon if given the option and the weather allows for it! 

3 PM - Not to be missed! This is one of the top sights in Athens    

Must visit in Athens. Better to book tickets in advance! 