As a city that once was so rich in ancient heritage and has developed modernly, Athens, after all, is the historic capital of Europe to travelers. Here’s a 5-day Athens itinerary, guided by the best excursions in a city where history comes alive in its every street. And like every city, spending the weekend here in this city is going to be an opportunity where any person, first-timer or one who is on their last go-around, will be able to appreciate everything from famous landmarks to secret gems.
Athens Itinerary
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Day 1: Arrival and Introduction to Athens
Arrival in Athens
If you wish to have a smooth transfer from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to your accommodation in the center of Athens, you can stay in one of two hotels nearby, close to Syntagma Square or Monastiraki- two places to stay that put big landmarks within easy walking distance and make good use of public transport. Then off with the adventuring.
Plaka Neighborhood
Begin in one of the oldest neighborhoods of Athens, Plaka; walk through cobblestone streets bordered with neoclassical houses in bright colors, souvenir shops, and quaint cafes. Stop for a classic Greek lunch at a taverna: try the famous souvlaki or moussaka for the quintessential taste of Greece.
Plakas must-see attractions:
- Anafiotika: one of the most scenic quarters of Athens, for Cycladic architectural influences.
- Roman Agora: home to some remains of a pretty old marketplace.
- Tower of the Winds: It is considered the oldest standing known clock tower, and it also dates back to the 2nd century BC
View of Mount Lycabettus at sunset from above
Spend your first evening, as sun set by climbing up Mount Lycabettus: Athens highest hill. One can reach Mount Lycabettus either by funicular or on foot to the summit where spectacular views of the city coupled with the silhouetted Acropolis -now like a town at night-incidentally await.
Day 2 Ancient Athens – The Acropolis and Beyond
Morning at the Acropolis
Start early, and pay a visit to the crown jewel of Athens, the Acropolis, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is known for some of the world’s most famous buildings in human history: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
- Parthenon: This temple, built in the 5th century BC, was dedicated to goddess Athena and still stands today representing ancient Greek heritage.
- Erechtheion: Observe the Caryatids-sculpted images of females who act as pillars supporting the structure.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Durable construction of the theater, which is still in current use
Acropolis Museum
Once you have had a good stroll about the old ruins head off downhill to the Acropolis Museum, right at the base of the hill. This is actually much more of a new museum holding an enormous collection of artefacts that belonged on the Acropolis, including sculptures and relics of the Parthenon.
Monastiraki Lunch
There are always crowds in the upper square of Monastiraki to break and lunch. Have a plate of gyros or sit in a rooftop restaurant with views over Ancient Agora.
Visit Ancient Agora
Afternoon visit the Ancient Agora: the civic, commercial, and social heart of ancient Athens. Witness the Temple of Hephaestus-one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples.
Evening in Psiri
Walk to Psiri, one of the hip districts with a bohemian feel, street art, and real tavernas, to dinner and nightlife, and enjoy dinner of mezedes (Greek appetizers) accompanied by ouzo or tsipouro.
Day 3: Culture and Modern Athens
National Archaeological Museum
Visit the National Archaeological Museum on the third day of your tour. Collections in this museum date 5,000 years of Greek history. Treasures of the museum include the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism that is the oldest known analog computer in the world.
Syntagma Square and Changing of the Guard
From the museum you can stroll over to Syntagma Square, the pulsing heart of Athens’ politics. Here you can admire it outside Parliament when the Changing of the Guard ceremony takes place with the Evzones (guards) in their traditional uniform.
Walk through the National Garden
Right next to Syntagma stands the National Garden-an oasis of peace amidst the cacophony of the city. Jam-packed with old ruins and fountains, teeming organisms, this greenish haven rejuvenates one’s mind from all the sightseeing.
Afternoon/ Evening at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
But count among its wonders of architecture the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center SNFCC, where Greek National Opera and National Library of Greece are situated; take a sunset and culture.
On Day 4: Half-day visit to Cape Sounion
Morning: Drive to Cape Sounion
Day 4: Visit southern Athens. Head southeast to Cape Sounion, about 70 kilometers from Athens. You can take your car or take an escorted tour via the coastal road packed with scenic views of the Aegean Sea.
Visit Temple of Poseidon
Go to the Temple of Poseidon that was built right along the edge of a cliff, out over the sea. A 5th century BC dedication to the sea god, one of Greece’s most photographed landmarks. During your visit there, try to locate the part of the monument where Lord Byron etched his name into the marble.
Spend the Afternoon at a Beachside Taverna
Then, head on to the temple and retire to one of the beachside tavernas near it for a fresh seafood lunch, straight from the sea.
Savor the grilled octopus, calamari, and whatever the catch of the day is, while catching the sea breeze.
To Athens
By night, return to Athens and stroll around the lovely area of Thissio. There you’ll dine on your classic Greek dinner and an Acropolis view.
Day 5: Athens Riviera and Farewell
Athens Riviera
Last Day: Exit Take a day-trip to the Athens Riviera-just a few kilometers from the city center. First stop: Vouliagmeni Lake, a natural thermal lake highly reputed for its healing virtues. Swim in the warm and mineral-rich waters, which are said to have great therapeutic qualities.
To the south of the city lies a cosmopolitan seaside district of Glyfada, replete with upscale cafes, boutiques, and seafood restaurants. Lunch here is feasted indoors while gazing out at the gleaming Aegean Sea.
Marina Flisvos
Afternoon promenading through the stylish waterfront place Marina Flisvos, where luxury yachts are moored, can be chosen. A slow ambling promenade walk, last-minute shopping, or preparing to rest for the last time by the water can be done.
Farewell Dinner in Athens
For your farewell dinner in Athens, a rooftop restaurant overlooking an illuminated Acropolis would fit the bill. You could have the traditional Greek feast-including spanakopita, dolmades, and a glass of Assyrtiko wine-whilst musing over unforgettable memories made in such a legendary city that was built around an all-powerful city-state which was to bring glory unto itself and those following in its footsteps.
Conclusion
The city is a sight to be seen, and no tourist would believe everything he or she saw. An Athens itinerary that takes you across the city’s ancient landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and even beyond its borders into the beautiful Athens Riviera and Cape Sounion over five great days unfolds new experiences day by day-from the timeless beauty of the Acropolis to the tranquil shores of the Aegean Sea.
Old and New Athens-a combination that always manifests such uniqueness-to make sure every visiting traveler leaves the town with unforgettable memories – be one an enthusiast for history or a modern explorer. Not somewhere one goes; it’s a living museum to be enjoyed while discovering the timeless spirit of Greece, even with the culinary delights. To watch the sunset over the Temple of Poseidon, or to plunge into the bustle of Plaka streets, one can expect something in Athens that promises a kind of adventure like no other.
