3 Days in Athens Things to Do Where to Stay and Must Sees

When visiting Athens, it is important to be prepared for the bustling city filled with history and culture. Here are some travel tips to make your trip to Athens a smooth and enjoyable experience:

Transportation: The best way to get around Athens is by using the city’s efficient public transportation system, which includes buses, trolleys, trams, and the metro. You can purchase a ticket that is valid for all modes of transportation for a day or more, making it easy to explore the city.
Comfortable shoes: Athens is a city best explored on foot, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking. The city is filled with cobblestone streets and ancient ruins, so having good footwear is essential.
Sun protection: Athens can get very hot during the summer months, so be sure to pack sun protection such as sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to shield yourself from the sun’s rays while exploring the city.
Visit the Acropolis early in the morning: The Acropolis is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Athens, so it is best to visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.
Try traditional Greek cuisine: Athens is known for its delicious Greek cuisine, with dishes such as souvlaki, moussaka, and baklava. Be sure to try some traditional Greek dishes at local tavernas for an authentic culinary experience.

Now that you have some travel tips for Athens, here are the

Top 20 sites and monuments to visit in Athens / Things to Do in Athens

Acropolis – The most famous landmark in Athens, home to the Parthenon and other ancient ruins. (Reference: https://www.culturetrip.com/europe/greece/articles/how-to-visit-the-acropolis-in-athens) Pricing: €20 for adults, €10 for students How to get there: Located in the historic center of Athens, easily accessible by public transportation.
Parthenon – Iconic temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, located on the Acropolis. (Reference: https://www.visitgreece.gr/) Pricing: Included in the Acropolis ticket How to get there: Accessed by walking up the Acropolis hill.
Temple of Olympian Zeus – Ancient temple dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus. (Reference: https://www.athensguide.com/templeofzeus.html) Pricing: €6 for adults, €3 for students How to get there: Located near the Acropolis, within walking distance from the city center.
Ancient Agora – Former marketplace and the heart of ancient Athens. (Reference: https://www.planetware.com/) Pricing: €8 for adults, €4 for students How to get there: Located in the historic center, easily accessible by public transportation.
Panathenaic Stadium – The only stadium in the world built entirely of marble, host of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. (Reference: https://www.olympic.org/) Pricing: €5 for adults, €2.5 for students How to get there: Located near the city center, within walking distance from many attractions.
National Archaeological Museum – Houses a vast collection of ancient Greek artifacts. (Reference: https://www.namuseum.gr/en/) Pricing: €10 for adults, free for students How to get there: Located in the Exarchia neighborhood, accessible by public transportation.
Benaki Museum – Features a diverse collection of Greek art and artifacts. (Reference: https://www.benaki.org/) Pricing: €9 for adults, €7 for students How to get there: Located in central Athens, near Syntagma Square, easily accessible by public transportation.
Syntagma Square – The central square of Athens, home to the Greek Parliament and the changing of the guards ceremony. (Reference: https://www.thecrazytourist.com/) Pricing: Free How to get there: Located in the city center, easily accessible by public transportation.
Plaka – A picturesque neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis, known for its charming streets and traditional Greek architecture. (Reference: https://www.discovergreece.com/) Pricing: Free How to get there: Located in the historic center, within walking distance from major attractions.
Monastiraki – A lively neighborhood known for its flea market and vibrant nightlife. (Reference: https://www.athensguide.com/monastiraki.html) Pricing: Free How to get there: Located near the Acropolis, easily accessible by public transportation.
Lycabettus Hill – The highest point in Athens offering panoramic views of the city. (Reference: https://www.athensonlocation.com/) Pricing: Free to hike, €7 for the funicular How to get there: Accessible by foot or by funicular, located near the city center.
Erechtheion – Ancient temple located on the Acropolis, known for its iconic Caryatid statues. (Reference: https://www.ancient.eu/) Pricing: Included in the Acropolis ticket How to get there: Accessed by walking up the Acropolis hill.
Ancient Theater of Dionysus – Historic theater where ancient Greek dramas were performed. (Reference: https://www.planetware.com/) Pricing: Included in the Acropolis ticket How to get there: Located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, within walking distance from the city center.
Hadrian’s Arch – Ancient triumphal arch dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian. (Reference: https://www.planetware.com/) Pricing: Free How to get there: Located near the Temple of Olympian Zeus, within walking distance from major attractions.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus – Ancient amphitheater at the foot of the Acropolis, still used for performances today. (Reference: https://www.ancient.eu/) Pricing: Varies based on performances How to get there: Located near the Acropolis, within walking distance from the city center.

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Suggested 3-day itinerary for exploring Athens / 3 Days in Athens Visit

Day 1:

Visit the Acropolis early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat
Explore the Parthenon and Erechtheion
Visit the Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus
Have lunch in the charming Plaka neighborhood
Visit the Benaki Museum in the afternoon
Watch the changing of the guards ceremony at Syntagma Square in the evening

Day 2:

Explore the National Archaeological Museum in the morning
Visit the Panathenaic Stadium and Temple of Olympian Zeus
Have lunch at a local taverna
Explore Monastiraki and the flea market
Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill
Enjoy dinner in a traditional Greek restaurant

Day 3:

Take a morning stroll through the neighborhood of Anafiotika
Explore the picturesque streets of Anafiotika and Plaka
Visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Ancient Theater of Dionysus
Have lunch with a view at a rooftop restaurant
Visit the Acropolis Museum in the afternoon

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Highest Rated Hotels in Athens / Where to Stay in Athens

Highest Rated Athens Hotels priced over $200 per night:

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Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.

These hotels offer a range of options for different budgets and preferences, ensuring a comfortable stay in Athens, enjoy your visit in the Greek capital!

For more about Greece, Athens, Heraklion / Crete, Rhodes, and other travel destinations in Greece, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.

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