Athens (in Greek, Αθήνα or Athína) is one of the best places to visit in Greece (in Greek, Ελλάδα or Elláda), as well as one of the best cities to visit in Europe. As the capital of the country and the Attica region (in Greek, Ἀττική or Attiki), Athens is considered the cradle of Western civilization!

This Athens itinerary is packed with dozens of ancient sites and world-class museums. Despite being a sprawling metropolis, many of its most famous landmarks are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to discover the city’s rich history in just a few days!

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Brief History of Athens

Athens’ history stretches back over 3,000 years, originating as a small settlement in the Neolithic period. Its strategic location, near the Saronic Gulf and fertile plains, allowed it to flourish, eventually becoming a powerful city-state by the 5th century BCE, renowned as the birthplace of democracy.

During classical antiquity, Athens was a hub of philosophy, art, and science, home to figures like Socrates, Plato, and Pericles. Later, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule left their mark on the city, and in the 19th century, Athens became the capital of the newly independent Greek state.

Visiting Athens

The best way to visit Athens is to spend at least four days exploring on foot, as many iconic sites are close together. The city blends ancient history with lively modern neighborhoods, offering archaeological wonders, museums, and vibrant streets to discover.

However, Athens is also a great starting point for day trips in mainland Greece! In that case, I suggest exploring these destinations: Piraeus (9 km), Sounion (62 km), Corinth (83 km), Mycenae (120 km), Epidaurus (138 km), Delphi (162 km), Patras (222 km), Olympia (290 km), or Meteora (341 km).

Athens Itinerary – Day 1

Acropolis

The first stop of this Athens itinerary is the Acropolis (in Greek, Ακρόπολη or Akrópoli), the most iconic landmark of the city and one of the most important ancient sites in the world. Perched on a rocky hill above Athens, it served as the center of religious and political life in classical antiquity.

At the Acropolis, you can explore the Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena, as well as the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea, each showcasing remarkable ancient Greek architecture and sculpture. Plus, it also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Athens!

Read my complete guide to the Acropolis, a must-see tourist attraction on any Athens itinerary!

Acropolis Museum

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is the Acropolis Museum (in Greek, Μουσείο Ακρόπολης or Mouseío Akrópolis) is one of the most visited museums in Athens and one of the most important archaeological museums in Greece, dedicated to the treasures from the Acropolis.

Located at the foot of the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum was inaugurated in 2009 and designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi and Greek architect Michael Photiadis. With more than 14,000 square meters of exhibition space, it showcases over 4,000 artifacts from the ancient citadel!

Hadrian’s Arch

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is the Arch of Hadrian (in Greek, Αψίδα του Αδριανού or Apsida tou Adrianoú). This monumental gate looks more like a Roman triumphal arch (like the Arch of Constantine, Arch of Septimius Severus, and Arch of Titus, in the city of Rome).

At 18 meters high, the structure is made of white marble from Mount Pentelicus – the place from which the rock was extracted for the construction of the monuments of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, and many others scattered around the city.

Hadrian’s Arch was erected in honor of Emperor Hadrian, more specifically when he came to Athens to consecrate the Temple of Olympian Zeus (circa 131-132 AD).

Temple of Olympian Zeus

This Athens itinerary continues at the Temple of Olympian Zeus (in Greek, Ναός του Ολυμπίου Διός or Naós tou Olympíou Diós), one of the largest and most famous classical Greek temples. Also known as Olympieion (in Greek, Ολυμπιείο or Olympieío), it was built between the 6th century BC and the 2nd century AD in honor of Zeus.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is open every day, from 8 am to 5 pm, with the last admission at 4:40 pm. And tickets cost €8 (normal fare) or €4 (reduced fare). There’s also a combined ticket at €30, which is valid for 5 days and includes entry to seven different locations:

1. Acropolis
2. Ancient Agora
3. Roman Agora
4. Library of Hadrian
5. Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
6. Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Read my complete guide to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a must-see tourist attraction on any Athens itinerary!

Panathenaic Stadium

The first day of this Athens itinerary ends at the Panathenaic Stadium (in Greek, Παναθηναϊκό Στάδιο or Panathinaïkó Stadio). This athletics stadium hosted some events of the 1896 Summer Olympics (the first modern Olympic Games). As it’s entirely made of white marble from Mount Pentelicus, it’s also called Kallimarmaro (in Greek, Καλλιμάρμαρο or Kallimármaro).

The Panathenaic Stadium is open every day from 8 am to 5 pm (from November to February) or from 8 am to 7 pm (from March to October). And tickets cost €5 (regular fare) or €2.5 (reduced fare)!

Athens Itinerary – Day 2

Kerameikos

The second day of this Athens itinerary begins at Kerameikos (Greek, Κεραμεικός or Kerameikós), the first public cemetery in Ancient Athens. Sometimes called “Ceramicus”, the archaeological site owes its name to the hero Ceramo and the potters’ neighborhood that used to exist here (“kerameikos” means “ceramic”, in Greek).

Kerameikos is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 8 am to 5 pm, with the last admission at 4:40 pm. Tickets cost €8 (normal fare) or €4 (reduced fare). And there’s a combined ticket at €30, which is valid for 5 days and includes entry to seven different locations:

1. Acropolis
2. Ancient Agora
3. Roman Agora
4. Library of Hadrian
5. Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
6. Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Read my complete guide to Kerameikos, a must-see tourist attraction on any Athens itinerary!

Ancient Agora

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is the Ancient Agora (in Greek, Αρχαία Αγορά της Αθήνας or Archaía Agorá tis Athínas), the administrative, economic, cultural, and social center of Athens in Classical Antiquity. Located northwest of the Acropolis, this archaeological site comprises the ruins of many structures and public buildings!

The Ancient Agora is open every day, from 8 am to 3 pm (in winter) or from 8 am to 8 pm (in summer), with the last entry being at 2:40 pm or 7:40 pm. Tickets cost €10 (normal fare) or €5 (reduced fare). And there’s a combined ticket at €30, which is valid for 5 days and includes entry to seven different locations:

1. Acropolis
2. Ancient Agora
3. Roman Agora
4. Library of Hadrian
5. Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
6. Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Read my complete guide to the Ancient Agora, a must-see tourist attraction on any Athens itinerary!

Hadrian’s Library

This Athens itinerary continues in Hadrian’s Library (em grego, Βιβλιοθήκη του Αδριανού ou Vivliothíki tou Adrianoú), a building erected at the request of Emperor Hadrian – hence the name – to house his extensive collection of books and manuscripts. The foundation of this literary and cultural complex dates from 132 AD.

The Hadrian’s Library is open every day, from 8 am to 3 pm (in winter) or from 8 am to 8 pm (in summer), with the last entry being at 2:40 pm or 7:40 pm. Tickets cost €6 (normal fare) or €3 (reduced fare). And there’s a combined ticket at €30, which is valid for 5 days and includes entry to seven different locations:

1. Acropolis
2. Ancient Agora
3. Roman Agora
4. Library of Hadrian
5. Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
6. Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Roman Agora

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is the Roman Agora (in Greek, Ρωμαϊκή Αγορά or Romaïkí Agora), the Roman Forum of the Greek city during the Roman Empire. Designed between 19 and 11 BC under the orders of Emperor Augustus, this public square hosted the central market, as well as several informal gatherings and meetings.

The Roman Agora is open every day, from 8 am to 3 pm (in winter) or from 8 am to 8 pm (in summer), with the last entry being at 2:40 pm or 7:40 pm. Tickets cost €8 (normal fare) or €4 (reduced fare). And there’s a combined ticket at €30, which is valid for 5 days and includes entry to seven different locations:

1. Acropolis
2. Ancient Agora
3. Roman Agora
4. Library of Hadrian
5. Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
6. Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation

This Athens itinerary continues at the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Virgin (in Greek, Μητροπολιτικός Καθεδρικός Ναός Ευαγγελισμού της Θεοτόκου or Mitropolitismo The Evangelismokósokóso).

Dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, the Orthodox Cathedral of Athens (in Greek, Ορθόδοξος Καθεδρικός Ναός της Αθήνας or Orthodox Kathedrikós Naós tis Athínas) is one of the most important religious temples in the city and the country.

The construction works took almost two decades – between December 1842 and May 1862 – and were promoted by King Otto I of Greece and his wife, Queen Amalia of Oldenburg.

Plaka

The second day of this Athens itinerary ends in Plaka (in Greek, Πλάκα or Pláka), the most charming and photogenic neighborhood in the historic center of the city. And why? Because of its proximity to the Acropolis, its colorful houses, and its characteristic atmosphere!

In Plaka, you’ll find all kinds of cafes, bars, and restaurants, where you can taste the best of Greek cuisine. Not to mention the dozens of souvenir shops, selling typical and regional products (such as olive oil and olives, herbs and spices, wines and liqueurs, honey, cheeses, gold and/or silver jewelry, handmade leather sandals, etc.)!

Athens Itinerary – Day 3

National Archaeological Museum

The third day of this Athens itinerary begins at the National Archaeological Museum (in Greek, Εθνικό Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο or Ethnikó Archaiologikó Mouseío), the largest archaeological museum in Greece. Founded in 1829, it’s dedicated to ancient Greek art and culture.

The National Archaeological Museum moved to its current neoclassical building in 1889. It features more than 8,000 square meters of exhibition space, housing over 11,000 exhibits that range from prehistoric artifacts to treasures of late antiquity!

Omonia Square

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is Omonia Square (in Greek, Πλατεία Ομονοίας or Plateía Omonoías), one of the main squares in the Greek capital. Designed in 1846, it was first called Palace Square (in Greek, Πλατεία Ανακτόρων or Plateía Anaktóron) and later Otto Square (in Greek, Πλατεία Όθωνος or Plateía Óthonos).

Omonia Square is served by the metro station Omonia, where the M1 (green) and M2 (red) lines stop!

Monastiraki Square

This Athens itinerary continues in Monastiraki Square (in Greek, Πλατεία Μοναστηρακίου or Plateía Monastirakíou), another of the most popular squares in the city. And here, two religious temples stand out: the Church of Panagia Pantanassa (in Greek, Εκκλησία της Παναγίας Παντανάσσης or Ekklisía tis Panagías Pantanássis) and the Tzistarakis Mosque (in Greek, Τζαμί Τζισταράκη or Tzamí Tzistaráki).

The Monastiraki neighborhood is one of the areas of Athens that I recommend the most if you want to go shopping or taste local delicacies. Therefore, from Monastiraki Square, go through Pandrossou Street or Adrianou Street – the latter, behind Hadrian’s Adriano’s!

Monastiraki Square is served by the metro station Monastiraki, where the M1 (green) and M3 (blue) lines stop!

Ermou Street

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is Ermou Street (in Greek, Οδός Ερμού or Odós Ermoú), a street that connects the Archaeological Site of Kerameikos to Syntagma Square and crosses the neighborhoods of Psyri or Psiri (Ψυρρή or Psyrrí), Thiseio or Thissio (in Greek, Θησείο or Thiseío), and Monastiraki.

The abundance of international brand stores makes Ermou Street one of the busiest in Athens and one of the most expensive in Europe. On the other hand, it’s here where the Church of Panaghia Kapnikarea (in Greek, Εκκλησία της Παναγίας Καπνικαρέας or Ekklisía tis Panagías Kapnikaréas) is situated, an Orthodox church in the Byzantine style!

Syntagma Square

This Athens itinerary continues in Syntagma Square (in Greek, Πλατεία Συντάγματος or Plateía Syntágmatos), the most important and emblematic square of the Greek capital.

Syntagma Square is the largest square in mainland Greece and the second largest in the country, after Spianada Square (in Greek, Πλατεία Σπιανάδα or Plateía Spianáda) on the island of Corfu.

Frequented by tourists and locals alike, Syntagma Square is one of Athens’ most popular venues for concerts, demonstrations, and other street events.

Syntagma Square is served by the metro station Syntagma, where the M2 (red) and M3 (blue) lines stop!

Hellenic Parliament

The third day of this Athens itinerary ends at the Hellenic Parliament (in Greek, Βουλή των Ελλήνων or Voulí ton Ellínon), an imposing building situated facing Syntagma Square. And did you know that this is also the Old Palace (in Greek, Παλαιά Ανάκτορα or Palaiá Anáktora), the former official residence of the Greek Royal Family?

In front of the Hellenic Parliament, you’ll find the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (in Greek, Μνημείο του Αγνώστου Στρατιώτη or Mnimeío tou Agnostou Stratióti). This monument is guarded by the Evzones (in Greek, Εύζωνες or Évzones) – members of the Greek Presidential Guard, who always wear traditional uniforms.

Athens Itinerary – Day 4

Lycabettus

The fourth and last day of this Athens itinerary starts at Lycabettus (in Greek, Λυκαβηττός or Lykavittós), another of the seven historic hills of Athens.

At 227 meters high, Lycabettus is the highest point in the city. For that reason, it’s very popular among tourists to watch the sunset, take photos, or simply enjoy the panoramic views.

In Lycabettus, you can also visit the Church of Saint George (in Greek, Εκκλησία του Άγιος Γεώργιος or Ekklisía tou Ágios Geórgios) and the Lycabettus Theater (in Greek, Θέατρο Λυκαβηττού or Théavittoútro). And if you don’t want to climb this limestone hill, you can always opt for the funicular!

Lyceum of Aristotle

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is the Lyceum of Aristotle (Greek, Λύκειο του Αριστοτέλης or Lýkeio tou Aristotelis), a philosophical school founded by Aristotle in 335 BC. This school taught both more advanced subjects (physics, logic, and metaphysics) and more accessible subjects (literature, politics, and rhetoric).

The Lyceum of Aristotle is open every day, from 8 am to 3 pm (in winter) or from 8 am to 8 pm (in summer), with the last entry being at 2:40 pm or 7:40 pm. Tickets cost €4 (normal fare) or €2 (reduced fare). And there’s a combined ticket at €30, which is valid for 5 days and includes entry to seven different locations:

1. Acropolis
2. Ancient Agora
3. Roman Agora
4. Library of Hadrian
5. Archaeological Site of Kerameikos
6. Archaeological Site of the Lyceum of Aristotle
7. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Museum of Cycladic Art

This Athens itinerary continues at the Museum of Cycladic Art (in Greek, Μουσείο Κυκλαδικής Τέχνης or Mouseío Kykladikís Téchnis), one of the most distinguished cultural institutions in the Greek capital. Opened in 1986, it occupies a modernist building and the adjacent Stathatos Mansion.

The Museum of Cycladic Art focuses on the ancient cultures of the Aegean, particularly the Cycladic civilization of the 3rd millennium BC. Its collection includes marble figurines that influenced modern artists, along with artifacts from Greece and Cyprus!

Benaki Museum

The next stop on this Athens itinerary is the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture (in Greek, Μουσείο Μενάκη Ελληνικού Πολιτισμού or Mouseío Benáki Ellinikoú Politismoú) is one of the most significant museums in Athens. Founded in 1930 by Antonis Benakis, it’s housed in the family’s neoclassical mansion.

The Benaki Museum of Greek Culture presents a collection spanning Greek history and culture from prehistory to the present day. Its galleries display ancient artifacts, Byzantine icons, traditional costumes, and works of modern Greek art, offering a broad view of the nation’s cultural heritage.

National Garden

This Athens itinerary continues in the National Garden (in Greek, Εθνικός Κήπος or Ethnikós Kípos), also known as the ancient Royal Garden (in Greek, Βασιλικός Κήπος or Vasilikós Kípos). With almost 16 hectares, this green park brings together more than 500 species of plants. It includes a botanical museum, a zoo, a lake, a children’s playground, a café with a terrace, and even a sundial – in addition to several fountains, statues, and ruins!

Zappeion

The fourth and last day of this Athens itinerary ends at the Zappeion (in Greek, Ζάππειο or Záppeio), a neoclassical palace from the late 19th century, which is currently used as a conference and exhibition center, or for official state meetings and ceremonies.

Funded by businessman, philanthropist, and benefactor Evangelos Zappa, the Zappeion was built between the grounds of the National Garden and the archaeological site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The works began in 1874, and the mansion was completed more than a decade later, in 1888.

Map of the Athens Itinerary

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