Athens itinerary for first-timers
The classic neighborhoods in an order that works, with a 4K street walk for every stop. Watch your trip before you take it.
Day 1: The Acropolis & Plaka
The Parthenon early, the Acropolis Museum, the lanes of Plaka and Anafiotika, and sunset on Areopagus Hill.
- 1
Early morning
The Acropolis & the Parthenon
The rock at the heart of the city, climbed past the Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus to the Parthenon, with views over Athens on every side.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- Parthenon
- City views
Go at opening time or late in the day: the top is very exposed, and in summer the midday heat and crowds are hard work.
Walk down to the south entrance and across the road, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
The Acropolis Museum
A modern glass museum at the foot of the rock, built over an excavated ancient neighbourhood, with the sculptures from the Acropolis and a top floor that looks straight up at the Parthenon.
- Acropolis Museum
- Excavations under the glass floor
- Parthenon gallery
Walk up through the lanes into Plaka, about 10 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Plaka & Anafiotika
The old town on the slopes of the Acropolis, with shops along Adrianou Street and, above them, the stairs and whitewashed houses of Anafiotika, built to look like a Greek island village.
- Adrianou Street
- Anafiotika
- Plaka lanes
Walk along the path under the Acropolis, about 15 min.
- 4
Sunset
Areopagus Hill
A bare rock just below the Acropolis entrance, where Athenians gather at the end of the day to watch the sun go down over the city.
- Areopagus Hill
- Acropolis view
- Sunset over Athens
The rock is polished smooth and slippery; wear shoes with grip.
Day 2: Monastiraki, the Ancient Agora & Psyrri
Monastiraki Square and the flea market, the Ancient Agora, the Central Market, and Psyrri after dark.
- 1
Morning
Monastiraki Square & Hadrian's Library
A busy square with the Acropolis rising behind it, the ruins of Hadrian's Library on one side and the lanes of the flea market leading off it.
- Monastiraki Square
- Hadrian's Library
- Flea market
Walk along Adrianou Street to the Agora entrance, about 5 min.
- 2
Late morning
The Ancient Agora
The marketplace and civic heart of ancient Athens, a wide green site of ruins with the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best preserved Greek temples anywhere.
- Ancient Agora
- Temple of Hephaestus
- Stoa of Attalos
Walk up Athinas Street, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
The Central Market & the Roman Agora
The city's big covered food market on Athinas Street, loud with the calls of the fish and meat sellers, a short walk from the columns of the Roman Agora.
- Central Municipal Market
- Athinas Street
- Roman Agora
The market is busiest in the morning and closes on Sundays.
Walk a few blocks west into Psyrri, about 10 min.
- 4
Night
Psyrri at night
A colourful quarter of small streets next to Monastiraki, full of bars, cafés and street art, and at its liveliest late in the evening.
- Psyrri Square
- Street art
- Bar streets
Athens night walk through Psyrri
Video by The Periegete on YouTube
Day 3: Syntagma, the ancient stadium & Lycabettus
Ermou Street and Kapnikarea, Syntagma and the National Garden, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and sunset on Lycabettus.
- 1
Morning
Kapnikarea & Ermou Street
The city's main shopping street, with the tiny Byzantine church of Kapnikarea sitting in the middle of it and the Metropolitan Cathedral just around the corner.
- Ermou Street
- Kapnikarea
- Metropolitan Cathedral
Walk up Ermou Street to Syntagma, about 10 min.
- 2
Late morning
Syntagma, the National Garden & the Panathenaic Stadium
The square in front of the Parliament, with the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, then a shady walk through the National Garden to the marble Panathenaic Stadium.
- Syntagma Square
- National Garden
- Panathenaic Stadium
The guards change every hour on the hour; the larger ceremony is on Sunday mornings.
Walk back through the National Garden past the Zappeion, about 15 min.
- 3
Afternoon
Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian's Arch
The giant columns that are all that is left of the largest temple in ancient Greece, next to the Roman arch that once marked the edge of the old city.
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Hadrian's Arch
- Zappeion
Taxi to the funicular in Kolonaki, about 10 min, then ride or walk up.
- 4
Sunset
Lycabettus Hill
The highest hill in central Athens, with a small chapel at the top and a view across the whole city to the Acropolis and the sea.
- Lycabettus summit
- Acropolis view
- City lights
Walk up through the pine woods in about 30 minutes, or take the funicular from Kolonaki.
Athens Dusk Drive: City Center, Lycabettus and Monastiraki
Video by Calm Driving Greece on YouTube
Travelling with someone?
Send them this 3-day Athens plan, videos included.
Planning your first trip to Athens
How many days?
Three days covers the Acropolis and Plaka, Monastiraki and the ancient market, and Syntagma with a sunset on Lycabettus. Two days is enough for the highlights if you keep moving.
Where to stay
Plaka is the old town under the Acropolis; Monastiraki and Psyrri are lively; Koukaki is quieter and close to the Acropolis Museum; Syntagma is central and well connected. Compare areas →
Getting around
Walk in the centre, where many streets around the Acropolis are pedestrian. The metro is clean and quick for longer trips, including to the airport and the port of Piraeus.
Almost everything a first-timer comes to Athens for sits within walking distance of the Acropolis. On its slopes are the old lanes of Plaka and the white houses of Anafiotika; below it to the north are the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki Square and the flea market, with the bars of Psyrri just beyond; to the east are Syntagma Square, the National Garden and the marble Panathenaic Stadium.
Every stop comes with a walking video filmed on those streets, so you can see the ruins, the lanes and the squares before you arrive. Use the buttons under each video to jump to the landmark, or press Preview to watch a whole day in a row.
Athens itinerary: common questions
How many days do you need in Athens?
Three days is a good first visit: one for the Acropolis and Plaka, one for Monastiraki, the Ancient Agora and Psyrri, and one for Syntagma, the stadium and Lycabettus. Two days covers the highlights at a faster pace.
Is Athens a walkable city?
Yes. The historic centre is compact, and a pedestrian walkway runs around the Acropolis linking Plaka, the Agora and Monastiraki. The metro covers longer trips.
What time should you visit the Acropolis?
Right at opening time or in the last hours before closing. The site has little shade, and in summer the middle of the day is hot and crowded. Book a timed ticket ahead.
When is the best time to visit Athens?
April to June and September to October are warm without the peak heat. July and August are very hot; winter is mild and quiet, with fewer queues at the sites.
Travel times are approximate. Check opening days and any booking requirements before you go.
Where to stay in Athens
6 areas compared, each with a street walk so you can see the neighborhood before you book.
Read the guide →Keep exploring Athens
More 4K walking videos, top sights, food markets and dishes to try.
Athens city guide →