How Many Days in Athens? The Perfect 3 Days Athens Itinerary Guide
- Naureen Chhipa
- Nov 27, 2025
- 27 min read
Our trip to Athens came as a complete surprise, well, at least for me! I didn't know I was heading there until about 4 hours before the flight. Yet, this trip was not impromptu to its mastermind orchestrator. This trip was carefully planned and manicured with the most inclusive itinerary imaginable. Fernando had been planning this trip in secret for three months! Researching the best places to eat, drink, and propose to me! So, yes, this is a love story and also a kick-ass 3-day Athens travel itinerary. I can't take credit for planning this trip; this was all Fernando. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. I know it's cliché, but I do feel like I'm marrying my best friend! Without further ado, here's Fernando's guide to Athens's most perfect three days, with extra day trips for those who have more time. Update: We got engaged in 2019. Since then, I've visited Athens several times and updated this travel guide each time, adding a few extra hidden gems and travel tips to create the perfect Athens, Greece itinerary. Many of you always ask how many days in Athens are enough to see and experience it all, and this 3-day Athens updated itinerary will be perfect if it's your first time visiting! I'll also include a 4-day Athens itinerary here, because believe me, there's so much to do and see in Athens! Athens is one of my favorite cities in the world.
Athens came as a complete surprise. I had no time to plan, daydream, or even learn about this place I was about to visit. I was swept off my feet and taken on a magic carpet ride where culture, tradition, and orange trees ruled everyday life. This blog is written by a traveler who unexpectedly arrived here and curated by a sneaky, playful, romantic boyfriend looking to declare his love overlooking the most scenic sights of ruins, history, and drama. We hope you enjoy our journey; it was a trip I will never forget. Welcome to Athens!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases you make when you click on these links at no additional cost to you.
Money-Saving Tip: If you plan to visit some of Athens' most popular sites, I recommend purchasing the Athens Mega Pass. This pass grants you access to numerous attractions within seven days, as well as a two-day hop-on-hop-off bus pass.
How Many Days in Athens?
The Perfect 3 Days Athens Itinerary Guide
Table of Contents
Practical Information About Visiting Athens
2.1. When to Visit Athens | Best Time to Visit Athens
2.2. How to Get to Athens
2.4. Shopping in Athens
Where to Stay in Athens | Athens Neighborhoods
4.1. Best Accommodations in Plaka
5.1. Best Guided Food Tours in Athens
1-Day Athens Itinerary | What to See if You Only Have One Day in Athens
Extra Day in Athens Itinerary + Free Things to Do in Athens (Day 4)
Is Athens Worth Visiting?
Yes! 100% Athens is one of my favorite cities in the world. In fact, I often joke about moving there if I ever decide to leave NYC. What I love about Athens is that it feels like a city that is small enough to navigate without being overwhelming, yet packed with so many amazing things to do, see, and discover. Athens is one of the few places I don't mind revisiting; I never get bored exploring Athens, Greece.
Practical Information About Visiting Athens
Things to Know Before Going to Athens
When to Visit Athens | Best Time to Visit Athens
🧿 November to March: Winter time in Athens, with November being ideal for hiking and enjoying fewer crowds and low prices. By December, you'll get outdoor Christmas markets and a festive nightlife/bar atmosphere. January, which was the month I visited on our first trip, was cold. I had to wear a heavy coat to keep warm, but the lines to major attractions and landmarks were almost non-existent. I was able to take crowd-free photos almost everywhere, including at the famous Acropolis site (featured as the cover photo of this blog post), which remains one of my favorite photographs from Athens to this day. Hotels are also the most affordable during January and February, making it easier to secure reservations at top restaurants, even at the last minute. By March, all the locals are impatiently waiting for spring. March is also a good month for budget travel to visit Athens.
🧿 April to Mid-June: By April, Athens is leaving its dormant winter stage and coming back to life. Flowers begin to bloom, filling the space with wonderful, colorful hues and the aromatic scents of gardenias. The weather is still a little nippy, but not as cold as it is in January/February, and a few spring showers are expected. May is ideal for Jazz lovers as this is when the Athens Jazz Festival is held. During this time, prices begin to rise, and the number of tourists increases. Reservations for restaurants are a must!
🧿 Late June to Mid-September: Summer is my least favorite time to explore Athens! It's too crowded, and the temperatures are uncomfortably high. I've been there for the entire month of September. If you're visiting some Greek Islands, then September is an excellent, not-so-crowded month for Island hopping. However, for Athens itself, I would wait until late September and October instead. Believe me, you can feel the shift in temperature when comparing the start of September to the end.
🧿 Late September to October: My favorite time to visit the city of Athens! The weather is comfortable for sightseeing, prices are low, and the crowds are manageable!
Visiting Greece in late September, with perfect weather for sightseeing.
How to Get to Athens
From another city: To get to Athens, you must fly into "Athens International Airport" (Eleftherios Venizelos). Once at the airport, you can take the Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) from the airport to the city center. Taking the metro is the most affordable option. You can also take the X95 express bus, an Uber/Taxi, or book a shared/private transfer.
✈️ Flights to Athens ➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices.
🚙 Private Airport Transfer ➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices.
From the Greek Islands nearby: If you flew into one of the many beautiful Greek Islands (Santorini and Mykonos being the most popular), then you have two options for reaching Athens. You can take a ferry or fly in. Flying in instead of taking the ferry saves you time and can sometimes be even more affordable. The last time we were in Mykonos, we wanted to visit Athens but had limited time, so we decided to take a flight. Our travel time from Mykonos to Athens was only 45 minutes. If you choose to take the ferry, keep in mind that Athens has three main ferry ports: Piraeus, the largest and closest to the city center, with routes to most islands. Rafina, closest to Athens Airport, is ideal for those wanting to visit the Cyclades and the East Aegean. Lavrio, located in the southeast part of Athens, offers routes to the Cyclades and the North Aegean Islands.
⛴️ Ferry to/from Athens ➡️ Click here for more information and the latest prices.
How to Get Around Athens
My favorite way of navigating the streets of Athens is on foot. We walked almost everywhere, even late at night after bar hopping, and always felt safe. Athens also has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, buses, trams, and a suburban railway. You can purchase a single-use ticket or my favorite Tap2Ride using a contactless credit/debit card. Make sure you add a no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card to your wallet to avoid extra charges. Athens also offers daily passes for unlimited travel within 24 hours. We didn't feel we needed this as we traveled on foot almost everywhere!
Shopping in Athens
I love shopping for handmade items in Athens and the Greek Islands. I've purchased one-of-a-kind jewelry and mugs that are some of my favorite pieces to this day! Shopping for leather goods is also great in Athens. There's a famous handmade sandal leather shop that deserves a visit, but more on that later, when we get to the itinerary part of this travel guide. For now, you should know to have some extra luggage space to bring back unique items after visiting Athens, Greece. Even if it's your first time visiting and you're exploring Athens on a budget, you can still haggle and find great deals.
How Many Days in Athens for First-Time Visitors
By the title of this travel guide, you might have guessed that the ideal time to visit Athens is 3 days. In 3 days, you can see major landmarks, eat delicious food, go shopping, and explore the nightlife. The first time we visited Athens, we were there for 5 days and ended up booking a couple of day trips, which were ideal for us.
Best Area to Stay in Athens | Where to Stay in Athens
We've stayed in different neighborhoods throughout our travels to Athens, and here are my favorites, along with why I like them and some hotel recommendations.
Plaka Athens/ Neighborhoods | Where to Stay in Athens, Greece
Plaka was where we stayed on our last trip to Athens. I loved Plaka because I could walk almost everywhere from there. The area can be touristy, but you'll be right in the middle of the action! You can also rent budget-friendly entire apartments here if you are traveling as a family or want a longer stay in Athens. What makes Plaka a charming neighborhood in Athens are all its cobblestone streets, outdoor restaurants, and boutique shops. I love just walking around Plaka. You'll also find many family-run restaurants (tavernas) that are open late and offer live music, providing the ultimate Greek experience.
We opted for the top-floor apartment that had a balcony overlooking the street. Athens Plaka Family Suites is a great budget-friendly option for accommodations in Athens. Book your stay in advance, as this apartment building has only three units available for rent. I love the location of this apartment! It's within walking distance of the ancient Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and many other sites and temples, making your archaeological exploration a breeze. We booked our stay 8 months before our trip. Click here for more information and the latest prices for Athens Plaka Family Suites.
Athens Muses Suites is another solid option for accommodations in Athens. Offering complimentary breakfast, a great location, and fantastic city views. The hotel is also very close to public transit, making it a breeze to explore beyond the tourist part of town. The temple of Hephaestus (a site not to miss in Athens) is within walking distance, along with a handful of iconic landmarks. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Monastiraki/ Psiri Athens/Neighborhoods | Where to Stay in Athens, Greece
Monastiraki is the most iconic neighborhood, home to the world's most significant landmarks, and as such, the oldest neighborhood of Athens. The vibe here is lively because of its location in the heart of the city. In Monastiraki, you find a mix of old and new worlds colliding, creating the perfect setting for those seeking a luxurious stay overlooking the city's ruins. You can see some of the best views of Athens in Monastiraki and Psiri.
Still within the mid-range of a budget stay, Philia Boutique Hotel is excellent for those seeking views without breaking the bank. Philia is in a prime location-- in the heart of Athens, making sightseeing effortless. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
What I love about the Pinnacle Athens is that you'll have plenty of options. From a more budget suite stay to penthouse accommodations, catering to a wide range of budgets. You'll also get breathtaking views of ancient sites and archaeological sites from here. The hotel is perfect for first-time visitors looking to experience the best of Greece in a short amount of days. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Metaxourgeio Athens/ Neighborhoods | Where to Stay in Athens, Greece
Metaxourgeio was the neighborhood where we stayed on our first trip to Athens, and it remains our favorite neighborhood in Athens to this day. Now, a full disclaimer -- this neighborhood, although perfect for us, might not be ideal for everyone. It feels grimy, unsafe, and way too local. I'm pretty sure we bumped into a couple of brothels just wandering the streets! But with that said, if you take away the look (which as New Yorkers, we were completely digging ), if you take out the dark alleys with empty streets, if you take away the "sketchy" looking late-night crowds, and instead of going by visuals, go by facts, we were always safe and never had any problems whatsoever with anyone! The truth is, we found Metaxourgeio quite charming. Not many places have a fully decked-out graffiti wall surrounded by blossoming orange trees! This neighborhood was not as busy as the rest, but it had terrific restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. It deserves at least a night visit on your trip to Athens. Metoxourgeio is also where you'll find the best budget accommodations.
Didn't I tell you Metaxourgeio was budget-friendly? For the price of a single hotel room in any other neighborhood, you can get an entire villa here that sleeps five people. If you're a family or a group of friends looking to hang out and stay close, Olvion House is the place to stay when visiting Athens. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Where to Eat in Athens | Best Restaurants in Athens
Guided Food Tours in Athens | My Top 3 Picks
I love the Athens street food tasting tour because you get to explore the streets and city of Athens with a local guide while trying some of the most popular Greek dishes paired with wine/beer. The street food tasting tour is the perfect introduction to some staple eats in Athens and Greece in general. So if it's your first time visiting Athens, this foodie tour is ideal. You'll have a great time during your travel adventures by devouring some iconic eats on your trip! The best part is that you'll also get to walk through the lively Syntagma Square and people-watch while blending in with the locals. In my book, no Greek travel trip is complete without a food tour! I love taking them every time I visit a new destination. Click here for more information and the latest prices on the Athens street food tour.
The Greek foodie tour with tasting is another excellent option that goes beyond the street food. You'll get to walk around Athens with a local guide while savoring some delicious Greek plates at family-run local tavernas. You'll also have the opportunity to visit local stores and food markets. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
For the ultimate immersive experience! You'll learn how to cook authentic Greek-style food and prepare a lovely dinner, which you'll then enjoy on a rooftop. The cooking classes are held in small groups and are a lot of fun! I highly recommend taking one, as this is a very unique experience. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
Best Restaurants in Athens | My Top 3 Picks
Feyrouz | Street Food & Bakery with an amazing wine selection and desserts.
To Kafeneio | Offers authentic Greek staple dishes. Ate here twice, love it!
Fine Mess Smokehouse | Another favorite with a more upscale vibe.
Athens Nightlife: Best Bars in Athens | Best Rooftop Bars in Athens | My Top 3
Jazz in Jazz | This bar feels so local and reminds us so much of home, NYC.
Buena Vista Social Bar | You'll find delicious cocktails and amazing rooftop views here.
The Clumsies | Great selection of innovative cocktails, named the world's 50 top bars.
One Day in Athens Itinerary | 1 Day in Athens, Greece
Must-Do in Athens
If you only have 24 hours in Athens and it's your first time visiting, then there are a few landmarks not to miss! Here's what you need to see:
🔹 The Acropolis
🔹 The Acropolis Museum
🔹 Hadrian's Arch
If you're staying overnight, consider accommodations in either Plaka, Monastiraki, Psiri, or the Acropolis district to minimize travel time between locations. For food and nightlife, pick your favorite spots from my top three picks list. Another way to cram everything into one day is by booking a guided experience. With a local tour guide, you'll be able to skip the line and not waste time trying to find your way around Athens. Here are a few of my favorite local guided experiences for those of you visiting Athens for a day or 48 hours.
The Best of Athens Tour: Top Sights and Attractions ➡️ Click here for more info/prices
3 Days in Athens Itinerary
We arrived in Athens at 4:10 pm, and every time we land in a new country, past
3 pm, we know we're starting our trip with bar-hopping & nightlife. Lucky for us, all the cool cafes and restaurants were about a 10-minute walk from our hotel when we stayed in Metaxourgeio. If you're staying elsewhere, then you'll need to take the metro.
1/2 Day: Nightlife in Metaxourgeio and Karameikos | Bar Hopping in Athens
More than a half-day of activities & sightseeing, this is an early evening/late-night half-day full of bar-hopping, dinner, dancing, and late-night snacking. Athens has many charming neighborhoods filled with cool-looking cafes that transform into lively bars at night. Breakfast at 8 am, then drinks at 8 pm in the same spot? Totally doable in some locations. Throughout our itinerary, we'll explore several neighborhoods; some will be touristy, while others will have a more local vibe, but they will all offer amazing food, drinks, and ambiance.
Let's start with two neighborhoods that are within walking distance of each other —Metaxourgeio and Kerameikos. Our early evening began at 6 pm with a visit to Avid Square in Metaxourgeio. This square is full of trendy cafes, making bar-hopping in Athens very easy, convenient, and a must. It's the perfect place to start your night, especially after a long flight, as it's a bit quieter, secluded, local, yet still very trendy. Walk the square and grab a drink or two before dinner. In this square, you'll find plenty of bars to choose from. We decided to grab a couple of drinks at Blue Parrot (Open from 9 am-2 am —see, I wasn't kidding about grabbing breakfast and late-night drinks at the same spot!). We loved the ambiance, and our bartender made us amazing cocktails! Later on, we learned that he had won a major cocktail competition and was sponsored by Coke to come to NYC and check out some of our best bars and speakeasies... what a small world!
▪️Tip: When visiting more local neighborhoods, the names of bars/ restaurants will be in Greek. See above — this is "Blue Parrot." Something to keep in mind, especially if you don't speak the language. Type the name in English on Google Maps or use Google Translate to find it. We never got lost, realizing we needed to stop looking for English names.
8 pm-- Dinner at Seychelles
Located in the same square, about a 2-minute walk from "Blue Parrot", find this super popular and local restaurant. The food was excellent! We each tried their local house wine (red/white), and although I'm a red wine drinker, the white was out of this world! Their menu is seasonal and constantly changing. We recommend making a reservation, as this place can become quite crowded at times.
10 pm-- Seek Out a Cool Bar: MoMix (8 pm-3 am)
A 9-minute walk from Seychelles is the MoMix bar. This molecular mixology bar is a must! "Do it for the gram," but aside from Instagram, the drinks were exciting and cool-looking! You get to see how they make them, and it's absolutely a chemist's liquified work of art! We didn't care much for the assortment of potion mix glasses; the potions ranged from super sour to super sweet shots, but the full cocktails in the video were super yummy!
12 am-- Late night snacking at Elvis (12 pm-3 am)
This spot is perfect for a post-drinking snack or a midday bite. Find Elvis, a 6-minute walk from MoMix bar, and indulge in a souvlaki (a popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of grilled meat and/or vegetables on a skewer). Best part? It's super affordable! We paid 1.35 euros for high-quality meat & a side of bread (French fries are also available ). It was seriously so delicious! The meat is tender and juicy, the bread freshly baked!
1 am--Head over to Kerameio for some serious dancing and perhaps live music!
Our last stop for the night is Kerameio. Open from 8 am (another possible breakfast spot the next morning?) to 3 am. This spot is super local & full of energy; the dance floor was never empty! Great cocktails &, on some nights, live jazz or blues. When we went, there was a DJ, so the party was in full swing! This spot is a 1-minute walk from Elvis... you're welcome!
3 am-- Time to go, but before you do, have some bread at Bread Factory.
I love finding inexpensive spots that are open 24 hours and can provide a good snack, on-the-go breakfast, or late-night hangover bites. Well, this was the spot that did all of that for us in Athens-- The Bread Factory with over 250+ freshly baked pieces of bread daily! The Bread Factory is a chain that can be found all over Athens. This one is just a 10-minute walk from Kerameio and right outside our hotel, so it was perfect! We're sleeping in and starting our day a bit late tomorrow, so instead of heading to a sit-down cafe for breakfast, we're grabbing some snacks here before starting our full day of sightseeing.
Day 1-- Be a Tourist in Athens
Today we'll explore all the major tourist spots. Starting with "The Changing of the Guard". I have to be honest about this one... It happened by accident. I mean, we knew about the changing of the guard, but having experienced it in other European cities before ( like Rome, for example ), we thought it would be the same kinda thing, so we said " been there, done that, let's skip it," and boy were we wrong! We happened to be passing by the Presidential Mansion (where the changing of the guard happens) at precisely the right time! We were walking down a side street when we saw one of them pass by, heading towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The uniform and technique he used to walk over were so enthralling that we had to follow him and witness this changing of the guard for ourselves; after all, we were already there! I must say that this was a beautifully choreographed live art/movement piece. At least that's how it felt to me. I saw ballet, martial arts, respect, discipline, and love, all honoring the tomb of the unknown soldier (which is guarded 24 hours / 365 days a year). If you're in Athens, I assure you, this is a must-see! And it's free.
Right across the street, you'll find the entrance to Syntagma Square. Stroll around, buy a coffee, and people-watch.
▪️Tip: Almost every time we visit Athens, we encounter a boycott/protest or festivity, and it generally happens around this area. If that's the case, public transportation might be limited. If this happens, it's best to take an Uber/taxi and avoid crowds where pickpocketing may occur.
After, head over to the National Gardens in Athens. The impressive garden is open from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. Its extensive plant collection comprises over 500 species. Strolling around, you can also find birds, hedgehogs, turtles, ducks, and even bats! This garden also features several ancient ruins, arches, and ponds, making it a unique and pleasant spot for a leisurely walk. The park itself is small and can be walked in about 30 minutes.
It is impossible to walk the streets of Athens and not see a minimum of 10 orange trees per block! It's insanely beautiful! 🍊 It could be a street full of graffiti and urban decay, yet there you'll see an orange tree beautifying the whole scene, adding a sense of pureness and life. I held a fallen orange, and its scent was so powerful that the oils from this fruit lingered all day, keeping my hand company. I regret not eating one after reading they're extremely sour, for I love tangy fruits! Next time I'm in Greece!
Now it's time to go ruin hopping and check out some of Athens' most iconic spots. If you're planning to visit some of Athens' most popular sites, I recommend purchasing the Athens Mega Pass. This pass grants you access to numerous attractions within seven days. A great way to save $$. Buy this pass before arriving in Athens or at the first location you want to explore. The pass will become active once you validate it or select your dates, allowing you to purchase in advance.
▪️Tip: Don't choose the Acropolis first; lines are insane there to get this pass!
Here is a list of the sites/ things that are included with your pass, and you can visit:
🔹 The Archaeological site of Lykeion
🔹 Temple of the Olympian Zeus: One of the largest temples ever built in the ancient world, and yes, those columns are massive! I felt so tiny standing next to them; this is a must-visit, in our opinion.
🔹 Hadrian's Arch: ( actually free and outside the Temple of Zeus ). This Arch frames one of Athens' busiest streets, and it's so photogenic! I loved the contrast of this beautiful ruin arch and the modern "everyday life" world on the other side.
🔹Kerameicos: Potters once occupied this area. It's also the oldest and largest attic cemetery still standing today in Athens.
🔹 Roman Agora
🔹 Hadrian's Library
🔹Ancient Agora
🔹Museum of Ancient Agora: from here, you can get great views of the Acropolis. The Ancient Agora was an old marketplace, and well-preserved temples can be found there.
🔹The Acropolis: You can hike to the top and visit the north and south slopes with your ticket. The Acropolis is, of course, the main attraction from the pass; therefore, it is always packed! I recommend arriving early or near closing time. We went 45 minutes before closing time, and it was empty! Now, we were also visiting during the low season. We saw the most spectacular sunsets and had the entire place to ourselves!
You can find the Acropolis Museum a short walk from the Acropolis. The entrance to the museum might be included depending on the pass you purchase. I highly recommend visiting anyway, whether it's included or not. We saw many original statues and learned much more about Greek history. The Acropolis Museum is a classical, beautiful, yet modern museum that is still undergoing excavation; most of Athens is as well. They keep constantly finding new hidden ruins beneath regular streets; Athens, you're a real treasure!
We did not visit all the places on this list; instead, we chose those that appealed to us the most. You can certainly do the same. Make a full day out of it or split it into two/ three, depending on wait time! If you're traveling during the low season, you'll be able to see more sites even with a limited time in Athens. ▪️Athens Tips: Arriving at opening time at major sites can also give you a more pleasant experience with fewer crowds.
After Have Dinner at Tavern Klimataria
Named after the plant klimataria (wine tree), have dinner at one of the oldest taverns in the center of Athens! Since 1927, this cozy tavern has offered authentic Greek cuisine, house wine aged in the barrels that surround the restaurant (delicious, get the red!), and on some nights, live Greek folk music. All dishes are cooked with authentic extra-virgin olive oil, giving all meals an undeniable exquisite flavor. We loved every moment of our dining experience here, surrounded by lush plants hanging everywhere and barrels of wine; too many to count! Visiting Taverna Klimataria is an excellent addition to any 4-day itinerary in Athens for those with more time and who want to explore the nightlife.
Day 2 -- Don't rush it!
Start your day by continuing where you left off yesterday and taking full advantage of your multi-site pass. Chances are, you still have a lot of sightseeing to do, depending on the time you started, the season when traveling, and how fast you move from location to location. Don't rush things since there's no re-entry once you use your pass for the same site. So, make sure to get your fill and absorb every inch of history, beauty, and the views before you; take it all in, baby, and travel slow.
Our advice is to walk everywhere whenever possible. That's what we did, and we found so many beautiful, unique places in Athens. For example (left pic), we found this tiny church on a random street corner! I couldn't stop taking photos; it was so charming! It's moments like this that I love about traveling with no plans or agendas, just looking around and getting lost. Walking around with no aim for a few hours makes for one of the most perfect Athens itineraries.
Allow half a day or a full day to walk around the streets of Athens. Even with 3 days in Athens, you should explore the different neighborhoods to get a feel for the non-touristy side, which offers a more local experience. Walking around Athens was one of our favorite parts of our itinerary, allowing us to experience our surroundings fully.
Anafiotika, a scenic, tiny neighborhood/village under the Acropolis, deserves a visit!
After you explore Anafiotika, have lunch or an early dinner at our favorite restaurant/cafe in the area, Kafeneio, which offers al fresco seating so you can take in your surroundings.
Another free thing you can do in Athens during your visit is stop by the Prison of Socrates.
Socrates' Prison is located on the slopes of the Philopappos Hill. The area is great for a stroll around the park. I wouldn't go out of my way to visit, especially if your time in Athens is limited. But if you have extra time and are looking for free things to do in Athens, this park is great for people-watching, walking around, and mingling with locals. In the area, you'll find caves, and although not confirmed, it is believed that the philosopher Socrates may have been imprisoned in one of these caves for impiety and "corrupting the youth".
Day 3 -- Eccentric bars, Shopping, and Art!
Or day 2, if you took advantage of your multi-pass on a single day, go you!
One of our favorite restaurants for breakfast/brunch in Athens is Usurum. They don't accept reservations, but we've never had any issues getting in! Usurum has outdoor seating (ideal for travelers during the warmer months) and offers great cocktails! Have breakfast here.
A 2-minute walk from UsuRum, you can find a few antique shops. Browse around and shop for a bit... Click here to see the address on Google Maps.
7 Ναυάρχου Αποστόλη7 Ναυάρχου Αποστόλη
After, make your way to the neighborhood of Psirri and stop at Melissinos Art --
"The Poet Sandal Maker" for some unique, trendy, and well-made sandals.
Stavros (the shoe designer) is a poet, and his designs are influenced by Greek Mythology-- how cool is that?! He modified what the ancient Greeks wore and made practical sandals with a modern twist for us to enjoy fashionably today! Many Goddesses, like celebrities, have bought his designs, including Sophia Loren and Jacqueline Kennedy. His small shop is now managed by his son Pantelis, a poet, playwright, and costume designer. All these bold, unique, and comfortable (I love that word in the shoe description lol) sandals are hand-made from genuine leather and will last a lifetime or two!
Psirri is home to many art galleries and workshops, so be sure to stroll around and check out a few! This area is also great for shopping; the Monastiraki flea market is nearby! Roam around this area and shop for souvenirs, jewelry, and art to take home.
Time to visit Santa for some cookies and milk-- or hot wine!!
Christmas in Spring? Sure, why not! Imagine a multi-floor café so decked out, and when I say decked out, I mean it; even the ceiling is filled with decorations! That you feel you've entered another universe where Candyland is to the left, Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory to the right, and you find yourself somewhere in between. That somewhere is Little Kook. The inner kid in me was running up and down staircases, entering rooms filled with Christmas spirit, waiting for Santa Claus to show up at any time! What makes this location even crazier is that they change the restaurant's whole theme every six months, so when you visit, it might not be Christmas themed anymore, but it'll surely be fully decked out! I highly recommend stopping by for tea and cookies at this spot, especially if traveling with kids! Every time we visit Athens, we now have to visit and see the new theme! Pictures don't do this café any justice; it's one of those places you have to see in person. If you guys visit, share a pic in a comment! Would love to see the new decor <3
Theme: Christmas at Little Kook from our January 2019 Visit.
Theme: Spooky at Little Kook from our September 2024 Visit.
This general area is full of little bars, restaurants, and cafes. Find one or a couple and have an early dinner and some cocktails. We truly loved the general vibe of this area. After, you can visit the neighborhood of Plaka, super touristy but cool to check out! For Nightlife, we recommend returning to Psyrri and Monastiraki or visiting Gazi. Everything is within walking distance, max of 20 min. Taking taxis is also an option; make sure to ask for the meter, but I always prefer walking and highly recommend making your own walking tour of the city! Especially if you're visiting Athens for the first time.
Other favorite bars for craft cocktails, just a 13-minute bar crawl walk from Little Kook, are:
Buena Vista Social Bar
Favorita
The Clumsies
Day 4 (For Those with More than 3 Days in Athens)
Visit Posh Neighborhoods, Upscale Restaurants, and a Hidden Speakeasy.
Today we're keeping things classy, so be sure to dress for the part. Nothing crazy, but casual/nice is recommended for some of the spots we'll be eating at. Start your morning with a deluxe breakfast at Tudor Hall -- this hotel has fantastic views of the Acropolis and is known to have delicious food. Be sure to make it on time. They're open for breakfast from 6:30 am-11 am, and they're very strict on timing! Unfortunately for us, we woke up late and missed the entry deadline; if that happens to you as well (sometimes we like to sleep in, especially when on vacay), right across the street from this hotel is Syntagma Square, so you can head there for a lovely breakfast and people-watching. This square is also famous for protests and rallies; one was actually happening later that evening, so keep an eye out and keep your belongings safe. I would recommend avoiding the area entirely if you see something happening. When we went for breakfast, however, everything was calm as can be.
After walk over to The Benaki Museum
This privately owned family mansion turned museum is filled with Greek historical culture, housed in a neoclassical building. From the first moment we walked in, we felt intrigued and wanted to see more. This museum's layout is organized by floors and different time periods, making the walk through uncomplicated and a real beauty to the eye.
Time to visit and stroll around Kolonaki's posh neighborhood; perfect for some upscale shopping from international and local Greek designers. You'll find plenty of boutique-like shops, art galleries, trendy bars, and opulent cafe shops.
After that leisure stroll, find the base of Lycabettus Hill and hike to the highest point in Athens. This moderate hike (cable car available!) offers breathtaking views of the entire city of Athens and is free! I have a strong connection to this site, and every time we visit Athens, we have to make this hike! You'll see why in just a sec.
And this is where it all happened! As the sun began to set, Fernando was impatiently pacing back and forth, looking around and waiting for people to clear the space. He was acting differently; his tone of voice was higher-pitched than usual, and his pace of steps was more determined and sharp. Then he turned around and said, "Do me a favor and put this on," as he took the ring out of his inside coat pocket. I, with a sassy grin on my face, said, "You're not going to kneel?!" and nervously accidentally flicked the ring that then fell to the ground and started rolling down the hill, where we stood. We both rushed to save the ring; it was safe, and I said Yes! The truth is, Fernando had been feeling sick during this entire trip. He had a stomach virus from day one that only partially faded towards the end of our journey. So he later said, " I was afraid of what might have happened if I kneeled (stomach issues), but I wanted to prove to you I can plan trips, so we can keep on planning more together." Awwww, see, I told you this was a love story!
I don't expect you to get engaged during your trip to Athens (for all my readers looking to propose to your special someone, this is a great spot!). This view and moment were everything.
After admiring Athens' city views, head over to Orizontes-- This upscale restaurant is located at the top of Lycabettus Hill, overlooking the Acropolis. You can dine outdoors on their cliff-side terrace (when the weather is warm) for some enchanting fairytale views. The food is ok and a bit overpriced. You mainly come here for the views and romantic setting. If you're not looking to dine with a view, we have other favorite restaurants in Athens.
After your hike of Lycabettus Hill, we have a favorite bar that deserves a visit: Jazz in Jazz.
We're ending our night with a speakeasy! Hail a cab (make sure to ask for the meter to be on to avoid getting charged extra!), as this speakeasy is about a 20-minute drive away. Now, this is a legit speakeasy, meaning it's a little hard to find, and not a lot of people know about it. We went around in circles trying to find the place, and everything just looked so...abandoned! It also didn't help that it was raining hard and super dark. We recommend giving the name of this spot, "Treno Sto Rouf," to your driver. You'll see a lot of train tracks, get off, and find this spot on foot. Look for the bright headlight on a steam locomotive behind the roof of the station. There you'll find a sign saying "Wagon Bar," and that's the spot! This is a speakeasy-style connecting vintage train car transformed into a restaurant, bar, cafe, music club, and theater! It was lots of fun finding and visiting it!
Favorite Day Trips to Take from Athens, Greece
From Athens: Day Trip to Delphi & Arachova with Audio Guide.
Have an extra day in Athens and need something to do? An Epic day trip from Athens is a visit to Delphi! We got to see the "center of the world," according to Zeus, walk through the archaeological site, and see original ruins preserved in the museum. Here are some highlights of our day trip! Click here for more info and the latest prices.
From Athens: Ancient Corinth & Nafplio Full Day Trip with Swim
I love this day trip as well because you get to visit the ancient Corinth ruins, walk around Nafplio's alley streets, taste local Greek cuisine, and end with a refreshing swim in the clear blue waters of scenic Arvanitia Beach. This day trip gives you a taste of the best of Athens in a day, combining ruins and the Mediterranean Sea! I highly recommend this day trip if you're not visiting the Greek Islands and if you're traveling in the warmer months. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
From Athens: 2-Day Delphi & Meteora Tour with Guide
For those looking for the ultimate multi-day trip, the 2-day Delphi and Meteora Tour is ideal. They pick you up and drop you off at your hotel, so you don't have to rent a car. You'll also get an overnight stay and a tour guide. Click here for more information and the latest prices.
This ends our time in Athens! Stay tuned as we explore the Greek Island for our Honeymoon; It's only fitting <3 .... 'till next time!
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