April–May and October are more comfortable; in summer, visit archaeological sites at opening time.
🇬🇷 Travel guide
Athens — essential places
Athens rewards early starts: visit the Acropolis before the heat, then spread the museums, Agora, Plaka and city viewpoints across two more days.
Nearby experiences →
The metro links the airport, centre and Piraeus. Buses or tours are useful for outlying archaeological sites.
Koukaki and Plaka are convenient for the Acropolis, Syntagma for transport, and Psyrri for evenings.
Essential places
Acropolis and Parthenon
Place Acropolis and Parthenon in a neighbourhood-based route and check opening times ahead when admission is required.
Acropolis Museum
Place Acropolis Museum in a neighbourhood-based route and check opening times ahead when admission is required.
Ancient Agora
Place Ancient Agora in a neighbourhood-based route and check opening times ahead when admission is required.
Plaka
Place Plaka in a neighbourhood-based route and check opening times ahead when admission is required.
Lycabettus Hill
Place Lycabettus Hill in a neighbourhood-based route and check opening times ahead when admission is required.
Where to stay
- Plaka
- Koukaki
- Monastiraki
Koukaki and Plaka are convenient for the Acropolis, Syntagma for transport, and Psyrri for evenings.
Day trips
- Cape Sounion
- Delphi
- Meteora
The metro links the airport, centre and Piraeus. Buses or tours are useful for outlying archaeological sites.
Practical tips
- ✓ Carry water and wear grippy shoes
- ✓ Check whether tour tickets are included
- ✓ Avoid a midday Acropolis visit in summer
Nearby experiences
★ 4.8 · 12,705
Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Museum guided tour
A licensed guided visit to the Acropolis with an Acropolis Museum option; ticket inclusion depends on the selected package.
Check availability →
★ 4.7 · 9,756
Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon sunset trip
An evening coach trip from Athens along the Athenian Riviera to the Temple of Poseidon and an Aegean sunset.
Check availability →
★ 4.7 · 5,801
Meteora day trip from Athens with monasteries and caves
A very long day trip to Meteora with a local route around the monasteries; confirm admissions and meal details by option.
Check availability →
★ 4.1 · 1,482
Hydra, Poros and Aegina day cruise from Athens
A full day at sea with short stops on three Saronic islands and lunch according to the programme.
Check availability →
★ 4.6 · 5,785
Delphi, museum and Arachova day trip from Athens
A coach trip from Athens to the Delphi archaeological site, museum and mountain town of Arachova.
Check availability →Useful guides
PlanningGreece Travel Guide 2026: Everything to Know Before You Go
Plan mainland Greece and the islands in 2026 with realistic seasons, ferries, budget and pacing.
Read guide →
ItinerariesAthens in 3 Days: A Complete First-Time Itinerary
A practical three-day Athens plan with the Acropolis, museums, Agora, Plaka and Cape Sounion.
Read guide →
TicketsAcropolis and Parthenon Guide: Tickets and Best Time to Visit
Understand Acropolis tickets, entrances, heat, crowds, the museum and guided-tour options.
Read guide →
Day tripsMeteora from Athens: A Complete Day-Trip Guide
Understand the 14-hour day, transport, monastery dress, admissions and the value of staying overnight.
Read guide →
TransportGetting Around Greece: Ferries, Flights, Buses and Rental Cars
Connect mainland and islands, book tickets, allow for wind and decide when a rental car helps.
Read guide →Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Athens?+
Athens rewards early starts: visit the Acropolis before the heat, then spread the museums, Agora, Plaka and city viewpoints across two more days.
Getting around+
The metro links the airport, centre and Piraeus. Buses or tours are useful for outlying archaeological sites.
When to visit+
April–May and October are more comfortable; in summer, visit archaeological sites at opening time.