Athens, Greece-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Acclimatization

Places to Go:

  • Monastiraki Flea Market: Start your day by exploring the Monastiraki Flea Market, a sprawling outdoor market filled with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to second-hand goods. (9:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • Pandrosos Museum of Greek Musical Instruments: Visit this unique museum, which showcases an impressive collection of traditional Greek instruments.

Activities:

  • Wander through the lively streets of Monastiraki and Psirri neighborhoods to get a feel for local life.
  • Take a stroll along the famous Hadrian’s Arch, which marks the entrance to the city.

Where to Eat:

  • Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fryganou: For lunch, head to this cozy taverna, serving traditional Greek cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Souvlaki Rotisserie: Visit this popular spot for delicious souvlaki and other Greek street food favorites.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Plaka: This charming hotel is situated in the heart of Plaka, Athens’ oldest neighborhood, offering comfortable accommodations and a unique experience.
  • Airbnb options: Consider staying in an Airbnb apartment or house in Monastiraki or Psirri for a more local feel.

Things to Know:

  • Respect local customs: Be mindful of your surroundings and respect local customs, especially when visiting churches or monasteries.
  • Beware of pickpocketing: Take necessary precautions to protect yourself from petty theft in crowded areas.

Transportation:

  • Metro: The metro is an efficient way to get around Athens. Use the blue line (M1) and red line (M2) to reach many popular attractions.
  • Bus: Buses are another option, but be prepared for potential traffic congestion.

Tips:

  • Learn some Greek phrases: Show respect by learning basic Greek phrases like “Γεια σας” (Geia sas - Cheers!) or “Ευχαριστώ” (Efharistó - Thank you).
  • Try local food and drinks: Be adventurous and try traditional Greek cuisine, such as moussaka or souvlaki, and don’t forget to wash it down with a glass of ouzo.

Day 2: Ancient Athens

Places to Go:

  • Acropolis of Athens: Visit the iconic Parthenon, a symbol of ancient Greece’s power and culture. (8:00 AM - 5:00 PM)
  • National Archaeological Museum: Explore this world-class museum, home to an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the Acropolis to gain a deeper understanding of its history and significance.
  • Visit the nearby Monastery of Kaisariani, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture.

Where to Eat:

  • Taverna tou Laki: For lunch, head to this traditional taverna, serving delicious Greek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Ouzeri tou Laki: Try some ouzo and enjoy the lively ambiance at this popular spot.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Plaka (same as Day 1): Consider staying here again for convenience and a unique experience.
  • Airbnb options: Alternatively, stay in an Airbnb apartment or house in Monastiraki or Psirri for a more local feel.

Things to Know:

  • Acropolis tickets: Purchase your Acropolis ticket in advance to avoid long wait times.
  • Respect the site: Remember to respect the ancient site and its surroundings, especially when taking photos or engaging with vendors.

Transportation:

  • Metro (same as Day 1): Use the blue line (M1) and red line (M2) to reach the Acropolis from your accommodations.
  • Bus: Alternatively, take bus number 052 from the Monastiraki neighborhood to get to the Acropolis.

Tips:

  • Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for a day of exploring ancient Athens.
  • Bring water and snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout your day at the Acropolis.

Day 3: Island-Hopping

Places to Go:

  • Piraeus Port: Start your day by visiting Piraeus, the main port city of Athens. Take a ferry or catamaran to one of the nearby islands.
  • Aegina Island: Visit this charming island, known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites like the Temple of Aphaia.

Activities:

  • Relax on Aegina’s stunning beach, Agia Marina.
  • Explore the island’s picturesque villages, such as Perdika and Marathonés.

Where to Eat:

  • Seafood taverna: For lunch, head to a seafood taverna in Piraeus or Aegina for fresh fish and other local specialties.
  • Traditional Greek cuisine: Try some traditional Greek dishes like moussaka or souvlaki on the island.

Where to Stay:

  • Piraeus hotels: Consider staying in Piraeus for convenience and a unique experience.
  • Aegina accommodations: Alternatively, stay on Aegina Island for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Ferry schedules: Check the ferry schedule in advance to plan your day accordingly.
  • Beach etiquette: Respect local customs when visiting beaches, especially in areas with designated nudist or naturist sections.

Transportation:

  • Ferries and catamarans: Use ferries or catamarans from Piraeus Port to reach Aegina Island.
  • Bus: Alternatively, take a bus from Athens to Piraeus Port for your island-hopping adventure.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds: Be mindful of crowds on the ferry and at popular beaches.
  • Bring sunscreen and water: Stay protected and hydrated during your day in the sun.

Day 4: Artistic Athens

Places to Go:

  • National Gallery: Visit this world-class museum, featuring an impressive collection of Greek art from the 19th century onwards.
  • Benaki Museum: Explore this unique museum, showcasing a range of artifacts from ancient Greece to modern times.

Activities:

  • Take a guided tour of the National Gallery to gain a deeper understanding of its collections and significance.
  • Visit the nearby Monastery of Kaisariani, a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture.

Where to Eat:

  • Taverna tou Laki: For lunch, head to this traditional taverna, serving delicious Greek cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.
  • Ouzeri tou Laki: Try some ouzo and enjoy the lively ambiance at this popular spot.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Plaka (same as Day 1): Consider staying here again for convenience and a unique experience.
  • Airbnb options: Alternatively, stay in an Airbnb apartment or house in Monastiraki or Psirri for a more local feel.

Things to Know:

  • Museum hours: Check the opening hours of the National Gallery and Benaki Museum before planning your day.
  • Respect museum rules: Remember to respect the museums’ rules, especially when taking photos or engaging with exhibits.

Transportation:

  • Metro (same as Day 1): Use the blue line (M1) and red line (M2) to reach the National Gallery from your accommodations.
  • Bus: Alternatively, take bus number 052 from the Monastiraki neighborhood to get to the National Gallery.

Tips:

  • Dress comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for a day of exploring artistic Athens.
  • Bring water and snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout your day at the museums.

Day 5: Nightlife

Places to Go:

  • Monastiraki Flea Market (night market): Visit this lively night market, offering a range of goods and experiences under the stars.
  • Psirri neighborhood: Explore this vibrant area, known for its bars, clubs, and live music venues.

Activities:

  • Enjoy a drink or snack at one of the many outdoor cafes in Psirri.
  • Visit the nearby Museum of Greek Musical Instruments, featuring an impressive collection of traditional Greek instruments.

Where to Eat:

  • Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fryganou: For dinner, head to this cozy taverna, serving traditional Greek cuisine in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Souvlaki Rotisserie: Visit this popular spot for delicious souvlaki and other Greek street food favorites.

Where to Stay:

  • Hotel Plaka (same as Day 1): Consider staying here again for convenience and a unique experience.
  • Airbnb options: Alternatively, stay in an Airbnb apartment or house in Monastiraki or Psirri for a more local feel.

Things to Know:

  • Night market hours: Check the opening hours of the night market before planning your evening.
  • Respect local customs: Be mindful of your surroundings and respect local customs, especially when visiting bars or clubs.

Transportation:

  • Metro (same as Day 1): Use the blue line (M1) and red line (M2) to reach Psirri from your accommodations.
  • Bus: Alternatively, take bus number 052 from the Monastiraki neighborhood to get to Psirri.

Tips:

  • Be prepared for crowds: Be mindful of crowds in popular areas like Psirri.
  • Bring sunscreen and water: Stay protected and hydrated during your night out.

Day 6: Departure

Transportation:

  • Airport transfers: Use a taxi, bus, or metro to get from Athens to the airport for your departure flight.
  • Public transportation: Alternatively, take public transportation from Athens to the airport for your return journey.

Tips:

  • Check-in early: Check in online and print or download your boarding pass to save time at the airport.
  • Be prepared for security checks: Be mindful of security protocols and arrive early to ensure a smooth departure.