Athens 6 Day Itinerary

Athens Travel Itinerary (6 days)

Day 1: Arrival in Athens

  • Morning: Arrive at Athens Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport.
  • Transportation: Use the airport bus (X95) or a taxi to get to your accommodation. The bus ticket costs around €5, and a taxi ride can cost between €30-40, depending on traffic.
  • Where to stay: Consider staying in the Monastiraki area for its central location and easy access to most tourist attractions.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Acropolis Museum ( tickets cost €10) to learn about the history of the Parthenon before visiting it.
  • Evening:
    • Have dinner at Ta Karamitsa ( Greek cuisine ) in the Psirri area, a lively neighborhood filled with restaurants and bars.
    • Explore the nightlife in Gazi or Psirri for a variety of choices.

Day 2: Ancient Athens

  • Morning: Visit the Acropolis (tickets cost €20) to see the Parthenon at sunrise. The ticket includes access to other ancient sites such as the Temple of Athena Nike and the Theater of Dionysus.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens where the Senate building once stood.
    • Visit the Museum of the Ancient Agora (tickets cost €10) to learn more about the history of this area.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a taverna in Plaka for traditional Greek cuisine and live music.

Day 3: The Philopappos Hill & More

  • Morning:
    • Climb the Philopappos Hill (free admission) to see stunning views of Athens and the Saronic Gulf.
    • Explore the nearby Museum of Ancient Agora’s other site, which includes the Temple of Asclepius and the Stoa of Attalos.
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Garden (free admission), a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Evening:
    • Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant like 360 in the Plaka area for panoramic views of Athens.
    • Experience the nightlife in Monastiraki for bars, clubs, and live music.

Day 4: The National Archaeological Museum

  • Morning: Visit the National Archaeological Museum (tickets cost €10) which houses a vast collection of Greek artifacts from the Neolithic era to Roman times.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the nearby Strefi Hill for panoramic views and the Strefi-Hot, an ancient olive press.
    • Visit the Benaki Museum (free admission on Sundays), featuring a collection that spans from the 18th century to the 20th century.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Varoulko Seaside, with Greek cuisine and a beautiful view of the Saronic Gulf.

Day 5: The South of Athens

  • Morning: Visit the Monastery of Kallimassouma (free admission), an Orthodox monastery in the heart of a lush forest.
  • Afternoon:
    • Explore the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the largest and most important temples in ancient Greece (tickets cost €10).
    • Walk to the nearby Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at a restaurant like Funky Gourmet for innovative Greek cuisine.

Day 6: Piraeus & Return

  • Morning: Visit the Port of Piraeus (free admission) and see the ferry terminal.
  • Afternoon:
    • Consider taking a ferry to one of the nearby islands if you have time.
    • Return your rental car or take the airport bus back to Athens for your departure flight.

Transportation in Athens

  • The most efficient way to get around is by using the metro. It’s clean, safe, and covers a wide area of the city.
  • Buses are also available but may be slower due to traffic.
  • Taxis can be used but are more expensive than public transportation.
  • Walking or biking are good options for short distances.

Things to Know in Athens

  • Don’t drink tap water.
  • Try traditional Greek cuisine, which is rich in olive oil and seafood.
  • Explore the many museums in Athens for a deeper understanding of its history.
  • Be prepared for crowds at tourist sites.
  • Respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or monasteries.

Tips and Recommendations

  • Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues.
  • Consider purchasing an Athens Pass for free entry to various attractions and discounts on public transportation.
  • Don’t miss the opportunity to try a traditional Greek coffee in one of the many cafes.
  • Be mindful of pickpocketing in crowded areas like Plaka or Monastiraki.