3 Days in Athens, Greece: Best Things to Do and See

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Want to know how to spend 3 days in Athens before taking a Greek Island tour or planning a weekend in Athens? A few weeks before going to Barbados, my cousin and I found a glitch fare from NYC to Athens, Greece, for under $200 and purchased it without hesitation.

With her returning from a mini Euro-trip only weeks before and me planning to go to Thailand for 10 days later that year, we traveled to Athens, Greece, on Labor Day weekend. I planned on going solo, but it worked out for us to go together again.

As short as it was, we did exactly what we wanted to do. Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’re a seasoned traveler, Athens has something to offer everyone. Read more about how we spent 3 days in Athens, Greece, and additional things to add for a 3 day Athens itinerary.

Where to Stay in Athens

We stayed at the Athens Atrium Hotel, a 4-star boutique hotel, which was about 10-15 minutes from the city center and close to a local park, restaurants, and a grocery store.

If you are a traveler who likes to take public transportation, the Athens Atrium Hotel is close to the metro station. We did a combination of taking taxis, Uber, and using pickup services provided by our tours to get around.

You can research hotels based on availability and your budget on sites like Airbnb, TripAdvisor, Booking.com, or read about the best places to stay in Athens from Places of Juma.

Athens Itinerary Day 1: Travel, Check-in, Sightseeing, Dinner, and a Show

Our flight left Friday evening, and we arrived in Athens around 10 AM. As mentioned, I initially planned to go solo, so I booked a round-trip taxi from Athens Airport with Welcome Pickups. Our hotel recommended this service, and it was generally convenient.

Since our room wasn’t ready until 2 PM, we took an Uber ride to the city centre and walked around to familiarize ourselves with the city. The drive was no more than 10 minutes and cost only 4 Euros.

After taking a (3-hour) power nap, we went to Amalia Hotel Athens to get a pickup for the Athens Night Sightseeing Tour with Greek Dinner Show. The tour was pretty much what we saw earlier but with a detailed history of the sites from a local travel guide.

The tour concluded with a dinner show at Tavern Kalokerinos in Pláka. In addition to the good food, the entertainment was great. There was singing, dancing with audience participation, and our favorite: dish breaking.

Athens Itinerary Day 2: Acropolis, Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion, and Saronic Islands Tour

On our second day, we split up for solo exploration. My cousin took a 12-hour tour of the Saronic Islands (Hydra, Poros, and Aegina), and I stayed in Athens. My cousin’s seatmate on the plane recommended the Saronic Island tour instead of going to Mykonos and Santorini, and she loved it. The pictures were so pretty, I kind of wish I had gone with her.

Since I stayed in Athens and my tour was scheduled for the afternoon, I decided to explore the Acropolis of Athens and Panathenaic Stadium. Both tours were self-guided, and I was in awe of the architecture. It was unbelievable to see sites I’d read about since elementary school with my own eyes. I highly recommend getting to the Acropolis when it opens to avoid crowds.

After exploring the Acropolis, take a short walk to the New Acropolis Museum, which offers deeper insights into ancient Athens. It only costs 5 Euros more and is filled with much information. Panathenaic Stadium was just as impressive. It hosted the first modern-day Olympics in 1896 and was the only stadium in the world built of marble.

After lunch in Pláka, I spent my afternoon heading southeast to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon. The temple offers panoramic views that rival the top of the Acropolis of Athens, though the tour might not be worth it if you’ve already seen the Acropolis. However, the views of Cape Sounion are beautiful, especially during sunset.

Athens Itinerary Day 3: Morning Trip to Pláka, Check-out, and Airport Dropoff

On our last day in Athens, we went souvenir shopping in Pláka, the old historical neighborhood. Monastiraki Square and the Monastiraki Flea Market are great places to find unique souvenirs and gifts.

The 3 days in Athens was my quickest international trip, but we had an amazing time. The food, people, and experience were great; it felt like a dream when we got home. Athens is a vibrant city rich in history and culture, offering a perfect blend of ancient ruins and modern life.

Even though our weekend in Athens was short, we made the most of it. I will definitely go back for a longer stay in the Greek Islands.

Things to See in Athens in 3 Days

If you’re planning to spend a weekend in Athens, here are some things to add to your itinerary.

• Acropolis Museum: This is one of the best museums in Athens. It provides extensive details about the Acropolis and ancient Greece.
• Ancient Agora and Roman Agora: These are must-see archaeological sites that offer insights into the daily lives of ancient Athenians.
• Temple of Olympian Zeus: One of the largest temples in the ancient world, dedicated to the king of the Greek gods.
• Changing of the Guards: Witness this ceremonial event in Syntagma Square before the Hellenic Parliament.
• National Archaeological Museum: This museum houses some of the most significant artifacts from ancient Greece.
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus: An ancient open-air theatre located at the foot of the Acropolis, where live music and performances are still held today.
• Panathenaic Stadium: As mentioned, this is the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble, and it’s where the first modern Olympics were held.
• Mount Lycabettus: For the best views of the city, hike or take a funicular to the highest point in Athens.
• Temple of Hephaestus: Located in the Ancient Agora of Athens, this is one of the best-preserved ancient temples.
• Hadrian’s Library: Built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, this library once housed important texts and served as a cultural hub.
• Temple of Athena Nike: A small temple on Acropolis Hill dedicated to the goddess Athena.
• Theatre of Dionysus: This ancient theatre, located on the southern slope of the Acropolis, is considered the birthplace of Greek drama.

Tips for Traveling to Athens

• Best Time to Visit Athens, Greece: The best time to visit Athens is during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall). The weather is nice, and the city is less crowded.
• Getting Around Athens: Public transportation, including the metro, is a great way to navigate the city center.
• Guided Tours: To gain a deeper understanding of the sites, consider booking a guided tour of the Acropolis or take a small group tour.
• Safety: Like any major city, keep an eye on your belongings and stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas.
• Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance for any trip abroad.

Whether exploring ancient sites, enjoying city life, or catching views from Mount Lycabettus, three days in Athens is the perfect amount of time to learn the basics of Greek history.

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