Athens is a beautiful city, steeped in history that is definitely worth a visit when on your trip to Greece. The beautiful ruins will leave you enthralled and the local charm will captivate you. Naturally, we had to post a detailed Athens Itinerary for you.
Although there is no set time that you could spend in a city, 2 to 3 days should be enough to get an overview of historical sites, do some shopping, taste the delicious food and get lost in alleyways. I believe that no destination is complete if you don’t incorporate a mix of all this in your tour. Let’s get to it!
Map of Attractions
How To Use This Map: The icon at the top left corner displays the sidebar which has individual layers. This helps you view the destinations as a list. If you click on the tiny star next to the map title, you’ll be able to save this map into your personal library.
The square bracket icon on the extreme top right helps you view the map on a larger screen. If you want to get details on individual locations, you can click the purple markers on the map.
Enjoy your exploration!
Athens Travel Pass
There are several travel passes you can invest in to tour the Greek Capital. The Multi-Site / Acropolis Combination ticket and the Turbopass Athens being the two most popular ones. So, which one should you buy?
The Acropolis Combination Ticket costs €30 in general and €15 for students. It covers all the major sites we’ve listed in this itinerary. Also, as a tourist if your preference is walking with a mild use of public transport, then I suggest this option. You can always buy individual entries to sites not included which are quite low and cost-effective.
The turbopass on the other hand includes the same sites on the combination ticket plus hop-on hop-off services and free access to public transport for that duration. It costs about €54.90 for one day.
Personally, the turbopass seems like a bit of a stretch in terms of investment considering the Multi-site ticket is valid for 5 days from purchase. However, if you find yourself avidly using public transport, it might prove to be lucrative for you.
Day 1
Temple of Hephaestus
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | OR €4
This is probably one of the best-preserved temples in ancient Greece so definitely an Athens itinerary essential. It is dedicated to Hephaestus, the God of fire and metalwork. It is located quite close to the Ancient Agora. The temple is a Doric Order Temple distinguishable by its fluted/grooved columns. There’s an ongoing joke that it’s probably one of the only few remaining temples in Greece with an actual roof!
ANCIENT AGORA OF ATHENS
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
The Agora comes from the word ‘αγείρω’ which means congregation. It represented an ancient marketplace where people would meet and interact. You’ll find the Agora beneath the northwest slope of the Acropolis. With the Agora you’re essentially standing at the genesis point of culture and intellectual thinking. You’re standing in a place where many a scholar has met and mused over ideas. Socrates, Protagoras and the likes.
ROMAN AGORA
8AM TO 5PM | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
Located towards the east of the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora is another beautiful ruin that just had to be included in this Athens Itinerary. While the Ancient Agora was a place for political and philosophical gatherings, the Roman Agora was more like a marketplace. In its heyday, the Roman Agora was full of beautiful fountains and sculptures as well as merchants and sellers.
Gate of Athena Archgetis
8AM TO 5PM | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
To the west of the Roman Agora, you’ll find the remains of the Gate of Athena Archgetis standing tall and proud. The inscriptions on the ruins suggest that the gate is the entrance to the Roman Agora. It was made by the people for the leader or Athena Archgetis, hence the name.
Hadrians Library
8:00 am to 6:30 pm | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
Located alongside the Roman Agora, Athens’ civic centre i.e. Hadrians Library is truly a place of wonder. It was to be the largest library in Athens as a part of Hadrians re-building plan. While the library was full of various literary and administrative documents, the library also had several rooms to host lectures.
Tzisdarakis Mosque
This Ottoman mosque from 1759 is probably one of the few places in Athens that are not in ruins. So, it definitely warrants a visit on this Athens itinerary. It currently functions as an annexe of the Museum of Greek Folk Art. Apparently the Tzistarakis used one of the pillars, either from Hadrians Library or from the Temple of Olympian Zeus to make lime for the building. Talk about re-purposing eh?
Monastiraki Flea Market
10am to 6pm on sunday | no entrance fee
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
This Sunday flea market is a must-visit for every tourist and an Athens itinerary essential. You’ll get just about anything here. From local souvenirs to textiles, food and even electronics. You name it! Also, getting to mingle with locals is a welcomed plus.
Plaka Stairs
OPEN ALL DAY | NO ENTRANCE FEE
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
Although Plaka is full of stairs, running through the alleys, the famous Plaka Stairs tend to stand out. You’ll find them at Mnisikleous street. Walk up the Plaka stairs to find the famous Anafiotika Cafe. Try visiting during odd hours since the cafe is usually filled to capacity.
Syntagma Square
OPEN ALL DAY | NO ENTRANCE FEE
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
The Syntagma or Constitution Square is the central square of Athens. The square has a long history and every major event in Greece has been mourned or celebrated here. So, naturally, we had to include it in this Athens itinerary. Since it’s so centrally located, you’re going to come across it at least once during your trip.
Monument of the Unknown Soldier
OPEN ALL DAY | NO ENTRANCE FEE | CHANGING OF GUARDS EVERY HOUR
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
You won’t have to walk too far for this one. Within Syntagma Square, this monument/tomb is a dedication to Greek soldiers who died in the war. You’ll also get to see the Presidential Guards (evzones), stand near the tomb and change every hour.
Hellenic Parliament
9AM TO 5PM | CLOSED ON THE WEEKENDS | Guided tours 1.5hrs free of charge | Book at least 5 days in advance
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
North of the Syntagma Square, around the centre of Athens, you’ll come across a overbearing Neoclassical building. The Hellenic Parliament has 3 floors and 2 entrances. It was constructed in 1836. You can take a tour to explore the place. Check this link to book tours
Mount Lycabettus
OPEN ALL DAY | NO ENTRANCE FEE
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
The tallest of the seven hills in the capital, Mount Lycabettus is a must-visit. It’s really hard to miss as well. I mean considering the fact that this particular mountain stands tall and proud, smack dab in the centre of civilisation. You can literally see it from almost anywhere! If you’re looking to grab some astonishing panoramic views of the city, the hike is worth it. Additionally, its a nice little workout and I’ll never say no to that.
Day 2
Acropolis
8:00 am to 6:30 pm | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
Probably the main reason why tourists travel to Athens is to explore this behemoth citadel. It’s essential that you bring your imagination skills along when you visit the Acropolis. Most of it is in ruins. The most important ruins include the Parthenon, the Propylaea and the Temple of Athena Nike. Acropolis comes from the Greek word ἄκρον which means ‘extremity’ or ‘highest point.’
Parthenon
INSIDE THE ARCOPOLIS | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
Literally, nothing needs to be said about the magnificent landmark of Acropolis. It stands tall and proud, right in the centre, demanding all the attention. And rightfully so! This marble temple was built between 447 and 432 BC. In the spirit of true symbolism, the Parthenon stands as a reminder of power, wealth and culture in Athens.
Temple of Athena Nike
INSIDE THE ARCOPOLIS | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
You’ll definitely come across this temple when in the Acropolis. Dedicated to the Patron Goddess and the namesake of the city, Goddess Athena, these wonderful ruins need to be on your list.
Old Temple of Athena
INSIDE THE ARCOPOLIS | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
While only a few stones of the old times can be seen, the Old Temple of Athena is definitely a must-visit when in the Greek capital. This temple was destroyed and rebuilt several times. It is located quite close to the Parthenon, is mostly intact and provides some great views.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
INSIDE THE ARCOPOLIS | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
You’ll find the Odeon of Herodes Atticus sitting below the slopes of the Acropolis. It is an open-air theatre that has hosted some of the best musical performances in ancient Athens. And since we know that Athens is the birthplace of theatre, we had to include it in the itinerary.
Theatre of Dionysus
INSIDE THE ARCOPOLIS | INCLUDED IN ACROPOLIS COMBINATION TICKET
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
As the name suggests, this theatre is dedicated to Dionysus. And rightly so! After all, he is the God of Wine and drama. It was initially meant to be a temple in the 6th century BC however it got converted into a stage for theatrical performances in the 5th century.
Acropolis Museum
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
If you really want the historical significance of the Acropolis to come full circle, you have to visit the Acropolis museum. It’s home to over 3000 artifacts that have been excavated from the ruins. Visiting the museum is quite a surreal experience because you’re welcomed by stunning views of the Acropolis, right alongside the exhibits
Hadrians Arch
OPEN ALL DAY | NO ENTRANCE FEE
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
You’ll find this amazing monument from 131 AD at the entrance of the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Hardian built the arch to separate the old and new city of Athens. The side of the arch facing the Acropolis reads “This is Athens, the former city of Theseus.” The other side of the arch, however, reads “This is the city of Hadrian and not of Theseus.”
Temple of Olympian Zeus
APR-OCT 8AM TO 7PM | NOV-MAR 8AM TO 3.30PM | FULL €6, REDUCED €3 | FREE FOR EU VISITORS BELOW 25 AND CHILDREN BELOW 5
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
There’ll only be a few tall columns to greet you. 15 remaining out of the total 104. But they’re enough. Enough to visualize that this was once a mammoth of a temple. After all, when you’re paying homage to the king of Gods, you got to go big or go home.
Panathenaic Stadium
MAR-OCT 8AM TO 7PM | NOV-FEB 8AM TO 5PM | Ticket €5 | FREE BELOW 6 YEARS
8am to 3pm | Included in Acropolis Combination Ticket | Or €8 Adult and €4 Students
Welcome to the only stadium in the world that is made entirely of marble. You have to pay a little entrance fee and you get a nice little audio guide to go with it. The top of the stadium gives you amazing views of the Acropolis.
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We hope our comprehensive 2-Day Itinerary entices you to visit Athens and make the most of your trip to this historical wonder.
What would you add to this itinerary? Let us know.
Until then, Bon Voyage.