5-Day Travel Itinerary for Athens, Greece

• Day 1: Acropolis Hill and Ancient Agora
  Start the day with a visit to the iconic Acropolis Hill, where you can see the stunning Parthenon and other ancient ruins. Then head to the Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athens' political and social life. End your day at Plaka, a picturesque neighborhood with narrow streets, restaurants, and shops selling souvenirs.
• Day 2: National Archaeological Museum and Lycabettus Hill
  Discover Athens' archaeological treasures at the National Archaeological Museum, which houses the world's most extensive collection of ancient Greek art, sculptures, and artifacts. Afterward, take a funicular up to Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in the city, for panoramic views of Athens.
• Day 3: Syntagma Square and Plaka
  Begin by watching the changing of the guards at the Syntagma Square, the central hub of Athens. Then explore the neighborhood of Monastiraki, known for its flea market, and stroll through Plaka once again, to experience its charming ambiance during the day.
• Day 4: Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
  Take a day trip to the Cape Sounion, a scenic spot at the southernmost tip of Attica, where you can marvel at the Temple of Poseidon, an ancient temple dedicated to the sea god. Along the way, stop at Lake Vouliagmeni, a natural spa, for a quick dip in its warm waters.
• Day 5: Benaki Museum and Mount Lycabettus
  End your Athens' trip by visiting the Benaki Museum, which houses a vast collection of Greek art and historical objects, ranging from ancient times to modern periods. Then, enjoy a cable car ride to Mount Lycabettus for another magnificent view of Athens.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Acropolis Hill (2-3 hours, €20)
• Ancient Agora (1-2 hours, €10)
• National Archaeological Museum (2-3 hours, €15)
• Lycabettus Hill (1-2 hours, €7)
• Syntagma Square (1 hour, free)
• Cape Sounion (4-5 hours, €50)
• Temple of Poseidon (1-2 hours, €8)
• Lake Vouliagmeni (2-3 hours, €15)
• Benaki Museum (2-3 hours, €12)
• Mount Lycabettus (1-2 hours, €7)
Total Estimated Costs: €144

Transportation

Travelers can easily navigate Athens using public transportation, including buses, metro, trams, and taxis. A single ticket for any means of transport costs €1.40 with duration up to 90 minutes. The 5-day ticket costs €10 and can be used for all transport. Taxis are also reasonably priced, with most fares ranging from €6 to €12. However, it is advisable to beware of taxi scams, especially at the airport.

Useful Tips

If you have additional time, consider taking a day trip to the nearby islands of Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Alternatively, you can explore more of Athens' neighborhoods, such as Kolonaki, Exarcheia, and Kypseli. For those with less time, consider combining Day 1 and Day 3 and skipping Day 4. Also, be cautious of pickpockets and remember to dress modestly when visiting religious sites.

Airports

Athens International Airport (ATH) is the primary airport serving Athens and is located 20 kilometers east of the city center. It is Greece's largest and busiest airport, with flights from major cities worldwide. The easiest way to get to the city from the airport is by taking a taxi, which costs around €35-€50 and takes around 30 minutes, or by using the metro, which costs €10 and takes about 40-50 minutes.