5-Day Athens Itinerary - Exploring Culture and Gay Life

  • Day 1: The Acropolis
    15 minutes (6 km) from LGBT-friendly hotel in Monastiraki

    Visit the most famous landmark in Athens and explore ancient Greek architecture, history, and mythology. Be amazed by the stunning view of the city from the Hill of the Acropolis. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and a hat.

  • Day 2: The National Archaeological Museum
    20 minutes (6 km) from The Acropolis

    The National Archaeological Museum is home to the most important artifacts from ancient Greek civilization. Enter a world of mythology, art, and history. Don't miss the famous Antikythera mechanism, the Sphinx of Naxos, and the Mask of Agamemnon.

  • Day 3: The Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Syntagma Square
    15 minutes (4 km) from The National Archaeological Museum

    Witness the famous Changing of the Guard Ceremony in front of the Hellenic Parliament Building at Syntagma Square. Admire the Evzones, the elite ceremonial unit's traditional Greek costumes and slow-motion high-kicking march with a 42kg uniform. Take a stroll through the National Gardens nearby.

  • Day 4: The Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and The Panathenaic Stadium
    30 minutes (2 km) from The Changing of the Guard Ceremony and Syntagma Square

    Visit the significant landmarks of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896: The Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as the Kallimarmaro. The stadium hosted the opening and closing ceremonies, and the track and field events.

  • Day 5: A day by the sea - LGBT-friendly Agistri Island
    3-hour round trip from Piraeus Port

    Escape the city's heat and crowds and take a leisurely one-hour ferry to Agistri Island. Enjoy a relaxing day at the island's LGBT-friendly beaches and some delicious Greek food at the local taverns. Pack your swimsuits, towels, and sunscreen.

Time and Cost Estimates

  • Acropolis: (2 hours, €20)
  • National Archaeological Museum: (3 hours, €10)
  • Changing of the Guard Ceremony: (1 hour, free)
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, and Kallimarmaro: (2-3 hours, €16)
  • Agistri Island: (7-8 hours, €30-40 for round-trip ferry tickets)
  • Total Estimated Costs: €76-€86

Transportation

The best way to move around Athens is via public transportation, including the metro, bus, and tram. A single ticket costs €1.20, and a day ticket costs €4.50. Taxis are also available, but they are more expensive than public transportation. A taxi from the airport to the city center can cost up to €50.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, visit the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum, or the Kerameikos Cemetery. If you have less time, skip day 3 or 4, depending on your preferences. Remember that most museums and archaeological sites are closed on Mondays.

Airports

Athens has one airport: Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH). The airport is located in Spata, about 12.5 miles (20 km) southeast of Athens city center. You can take the metro (Line 3) or a taxi from the airport to the city center. The metro ride takes around 40 minutes and costs €10.

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