3-day itinerary

Athens

Buy Acropolis tickets online the day before — the walk-up queue runs 45 minutes and the online system takes two minutes. Arrive at 8am when it opens and the Parthenon is yours for the first hour. This 3-day Athens itinerary pairs the Acropolis with the Acropolis Museum directly below it (one of Europe's finest archaeological museums, mostly skipped by visitors in a hurry), the National Archaeological Museum on day two — the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism, 7,000 years of Greek history, plan three hours minimum — and the half-day bus trip to Cape Sounion on day three. For dinner, go to Psiri or Koukaki, not the tourist trap restaurants around Monastiraki Square.

Day 1

The Acropolis and Plaka

Go to the Acropolis first thing when it opens (8am). The light is extraordinary in the morning and the crowds arrive late. Book tickets online the day before — the ticket window queues can be 45 minutes long. The climb is steep; wear flat shoes.

Morning
A

Acropolis

Established

The Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaia, and the Temple of Athena Nike — all on the sacred rock above Athens. Arrive at 8am for the golden light and minimal crowds. Allow 2 hours. The south slope view of the Theatre of Dionysus is included in the ticket.

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Afternoon
AM

Acropolis Museum

Established

The purpose-built museum at the foot of the Acropolis — the Parthenon frieze originals (and plaster casts where the Elgin Marbles were removed) displayed at eye level, exactly as they appeared on the temple. One of the finest museum experiences in Europe. Book online.

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PN

Plaka neighbourhood

Established

The oldest continuously inhabited neighbourhood in Athens — neoclassical houses, Byzantine churches, and narrow lanes beneath the Acropolis. Walk the streets between Monastiraki and Syntagma. The Tower of the Winds and the Roman Agora are both here.

Explore area
Evening
DI

Dinner in Monastiraki

Established

The square and surrounding streets have the best concentration of tavernas in central Athens. Try the souvlaki at Kostas (open since 1950, cash only) or a sit-down dinner at any of the psistaries (grill restaurants) on the surrounding streets.

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Days 2–3

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