Acropolis (Opening time: 8:00am) Experience the history of Greece by visiting the magnificent Acropolis. Walk up the sacred rock of Athens and see the world-famous Parthenon which is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.
Plaka District (Opening time: 10:00am) Wander around the charming Plaka District that has lots of narrow streets filled with cafes, shops, and restaurants. You'll find some of the oldest houses in Athens here.
Monastiraki Flea Market (Opening time: 11:00am) Browse through an endless array of shops selling jewelry, vintage clothes, antiques, and souvenirs at the Monastiraki Flea Market. Keep your bargaining skills handy and you might score some treasures here.
National Archaeological Museum (Opening time: 12:00pm) Visit the largest archaeological museum in the country that has a collection of antiquities from all over Greece. The museum exhibits sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and artifacts from the Cycladic and Minoan civilizations to the ancient Greek era.
Lycabettus Hill (Opening time: 4:00pm) Take a break from the buzzing city and get mesmerized by the panoramic view of the entire city of Athens from the Lycabettus Hill. A funicular railway also operates here to provide easy transport to the top of the hill.
Time and Costs Estimates
Acropolis (1-2 hours, €20)
Plaka District (1-2 hours, €10-20)
Monastiraki Flea Market (1-2 hours, €10-30)
National Archaeological Museum (2-3 hours, €15)
Lycabettus Hill (1-2 hours, €5 for funicular ride)
Total Estimated Costs: €60-€90
Transportation
While in Athens, you can make use of the efficient public transportation system where you can find buses, trams, metro, taxis to get you around easily. If you plan on taking the metro, purchase the 90-minute ticket for €1.40 which includes unlimited transfers across all modes of transport. The cab rides are usually metered and will cost around €3-5 for short rides. Always be mindful of traffic in Athens, as it can cause unwanted delays.
Useful Tips
If you have more time to spend in Athens, head to Herodes Atticus Theater to enjoy the open-air performances. Visit the Museum of Cycladic Art, which showcases ancient Aegean culture. Have Athen's famous dish, the Gyros, in the local tavernas. For a night view of the city, head to the Athens Riviera or the Temple of Peleus, commonly known as the Temple of Poseidon. If you have less time, skip the National Archaeological Museum and spend more time exploring Plaka or the Monastiraki Flea Market.
Airports
Athens International Airport (ATH) is located 33km east of the city centre. It is the largest airport in Greece with various international and domestic airlines operating here. The metro runs from the airport to Athens city center which takes around 40 minutes and costs €8. Alternatively, taxi services are available outside the airport terminals, costing around €35-€50 depending on your destination.