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3 Days in Athens Itinerary: Acropolis, Food Tours & Ancient History | TravelOS

3 Days in Athens Itinerary

Ancient ruins, vibrant neighbourhoods, and legendary Greek cuisine in the cradle of Western civilization

TravelOS Team

3 day itinerary

Athens is where Western civilization began, and the weight of history is palpable around every corner. The Parthenon still dominates the skyline just as it did 2,500 years ago. But Athens is far more than an outdoor museum - it's a living, breathing city with world-class food, lively neighbourhoods, and an energy that surprises first-time visitors. This 3-day itinerary covers the essential ancient sites while leaving time to discover modern Athenian life.

Day 1: The Acropolis and Ancient Athens

Your first day focuses on Athens' classical heart. The Acropolis is the undisputed highlight, but the surrounding ancient sites and the charming Plaka neighbourhood make this a full and rewarding day.

Day 1: Classical Athens

08:00

The Acropolis

Arrive at the Acropolis as it opens to beat the heat and crowds. The Parthenon, Erechtheion (with its famous caryatid columns), and Temple of Athena Nike have stood here for nearly 2,500 years. The views over Athens are spectacular.

2.5 hours£18 / £27 combined ticket (valid 5 days)

Morning visits are essential in summer - it gets brutally hot by midday. Bring water, sun hats, and wear shoes with good grip on the slippery marble. Children under 18 enter free with EU passport.

11:00

Acropolis Museum

This stunning modern museum houses treasures from the Acropolis site. Don't miss the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor, designed to mirror the temple's dimensions. The glass floor reveals ancient ruins beneath.

2 hours£12 / under 25 EU free

The museum is fully air-conditioned - a welcome break from the heat. Children often engage better with the museum before the site visit as it brings the ruins to life.

13:30

Lunch in Plaka

Descend into Athens' oldest neighbourhood, a labyrinth of pedestrian streets lined with bougainvillea. For authentic food, skip the main squares and head to Mani Mani for modern Greek or Tzitzikas kai Mermigas for meze.

1.5 hours£12-20 for lunch

Plaka's car-free streets are safe for children. Greek kids eat late (after 9pm), so restaurants are quieter at lunch. Try saganaki (fried cheese) - children love it.

15:30

Ancient Agora

The civic heart of ancient Athens, where Socrates debated and democracy was born. The Temple of Hephaestus is Greece's best-preserved ancient temple. The reconstructed Stoa of Attalos houses the Agora Museum.

1.5 hoursIncluded in £27 combined ticket

More shaded than the Acropolis and less crowded. Children can run more freely here. The ancient paths and ruins spark imaginations about daily life in ancient times.

17:30

Monastiraki and Flea Market

Explore Athens' famous flea market area. Monastiraki Square buzzes with energy. Wander the surrounding streets for antiques, souvenirs, and people-watching. The Tzistarakis Mosque (now a ceramics museum) anchors the square.

1.5 hoursFree to explore

The market is chaotic but generally safe. Keep an eye on valuables. Children enjoy the variety of stalls. Ice cream shops are plentiful.

19:30

Dinner with Acropolis Views

End your first day with dinner overlooking the illuminated Acropolis. Rooftop restaurants in Monastiraki and Plaka offer the views. For quality food with views, try A for Athens rooftop bar, Couleur Locale, or Orizontes at Lycabettus (worth the taxi).

2.5 hours£20-35 per person

Book a rooftop table at sunset. The illuminated Acropolis is magical for all ages. Most rooftop venues welcome children early evening, becoming more bar-like later.

Combined Ticket Saves Money

The £27 combined ticket covers the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Temple of Zeus, Kerameikos, and Aristotle's Lyceum. Valid for 5 days. Buy at any quieter site to avoid Acropolis queues.

Day 2: Museums, Markets, and Local Life

Day two ventures beyond the ancient sites into Athens' vibrant modern neighbourhoods. World-class museums, authentic markets, and a legendary food scene await.

Day 2: Modern Athens

09:00

National Archaeological Museum

One of the world's great museums, housing treasures spanning 6,000 years. The Mycenaean collection includes the golden Mask of Agamemnon. Egyptian and Cycladic galleries are equally impressive. Allow plenty of time.

3 hours£12

The gold masks and bronze statues captivate children. The museum is large - focus on highlights rather than trying to see everything. Air-conditioned throughout.

12:30

Athens Central Market (Varvakios Agora)

Athens' main food market is a sensory overload in the best way. The meat and fish halls are intense but fascinating. Surrounding streets sell fruits, vegetables, spices, and nuts. This is working Athens, not tourist Athens.

1 hourFree / £5-10 for snacks

The meat and fish halls may be too intense for sensitive children (and some adults). The surrounding vegetable markets and nut shops are more approachable. Try fresh loukoumades (honey doughnuts) from street vendors.

14:00

Food Tour in Psyrri/Monastiraki

Join a food tour to discover authentic Athenian flavours beyond tourist restaurants. You'll try local cheese, cured meats, wine, and street food while learning about Greek culinary traditions. Athens Food On Foot and Culinary Backstreets both excellent.

3.5 hours£65-85 per person

Most food tours accommodate children with notice. Portions are generous - hungry kids will be very happy. The walking pace is gentle with plenty of breaks.

18:00

Sunset at Mount Lycabettus

Take the funicular (or hike 20 minutes) to Athens' highest point. The 360-degree views at sunset are extraordinary - you can see the Acropolis, the sea, and the mountains. A small chapel and cafe sit at the summit.

1.5 hoursFunicular £8 return / hiking free

The funicular operates until late and children love the steep ride. The summit is windy - bring a layer. The walk down through Kolonaki neighbourhood is pleasant and manageable for families.

20:00

Dinner in Exarchia or Koukaki

Venture beyond tourist areas for dinner. Exarchia is Athens' bohemian quarter with excellent cheap eats. Koukaki is quieter and more upscale. Try Karamanlidika tou Fani for meze or Mavros Gatos in Psyrri for modern Greek.

2 hours£15-25 per person

Greeks eat late - 9-10pm is normal dinner time. Restaurants are empty at 7pm but will accommodate families. Children commonly stay up late in Greece, so expect to see local kids out too.

Athens Eating Times

Lunch is 2-4pm, dinner rarely before 9pm. Restaurants open earlier for tourists, but you'll see empty rooms until 9pm. For authentic atmosphere, eat late. Tavernas welcome children at all hours.

Day 3: Beyond Central Athens

Your final day offers options: explore more of Athens or escape to the coast. The choice depends on your interests and whether you need a break from sightseeing.

Day 3: Coastal Athens or Hidden Gems

09:00

Piraeus Port or Temple of Poseidon (Choose One)

Option A: Take the metro to Piraeus, Europe's largest port. Wander the waterfront, watch ferries depart for the islands, and explore the yacht-filled marinas. Pasalimani and Mikrolimano harbours are charming. Option B: Day trip to Cape Sounion (70km) to see the Temple of Poseidon perched on cliffs above the Aegean.

3-4 hoursPiraeus metro £1.20 / Sounion bus £6 + £8 temple entry

Piraeus is easy by metro and children love watching the massive ferries. Cape Sounion requires more effort but the dramatic temple location rewards the journey. KTEL buses leave from central Athens.

13:00

Seaside Lunch

If at Piraeus, lunch at Varoulko Seaside or the restaurants along Mikrolimano for fresh seafood. If at Sounion, simple tavernas near the temple serve grilled fish with views. Fresh seafood by the Aegean is quintessential Greek.

1.5 hours£15-30 per person

Greek children eat seafood from a young age. Fried calamari is usually a hit. Mikrolimano's fish restaurants have outdoor seating where kids can watch boats.

15:00

Athens Riviera Beach (or Return to Centre)

If the weather is warm, continue along the coast to beaches at Glyfada, Vouliagmeni, or Varkiza. Vouliagmeni Lake (thermal waters in a stunning natural setting) is unique. Otherwise, return to Athens for final sightseeing.

3 hoursBeach clubs £10-20 / Vouliagmeni Lake £12

Organised beaches (with sunbeds and umbrellas) are safer for children than wild beaches. Vouliagmeni Lake is warm year-round with changing facilities - an unusual experience.

15:00

Alternative: Benaki Museum and Kolonaki

If staying in Athens, explore the excellent Benaki Museum (Greek art from prehistory to modern) and the upscale Kolonaki neighbourhood. Designer shops, elegant cafes, and the leafy streets make for pleasant wandering.

3 hoursBenaki £12

Kolonaki is quiet and safe with several playgrounds. The Benaki has an excellent rooftop cafe. Window shopping along Voukourestiou Street entertains older children.

18:30

Anafiotika Neighbourhood

Before your final dinner, walk through this hidden gem on the slopes of the Acropolis. Built by workers from Anafi island, its whitewashed cubic houses look transplanted from the Cyclades. Narrow paths, cats, and bougainvillea create a magical atmosphere.

45 minutesFree

Children love the maze-like narrow paths. There are steep steps and no barriers in places - hold little hands. The views of Athens and sunset light are beautiful.

19:30

Farewell Dinner

End your Athens adventure with a memorable meal. Strofi has served actors and politicians with Acropolis views for decades. Ta Karamanlidika offers Constantinople-style meze. For something lively, try mezedopoleio Oinopoleion in Psyrri.

2.5 hours£20-40 per person

Order multiple meze dishes to share - this is how Greeks eat and children can try many things. Finish with baklava or galaktoboureko (custard pastry).

Summer Heat Warning

Athens is extremely hot from June to September, often exceeding 40°C. Visit outdoor sites early morning or late afternoon. Carry water constantly. The Acropolis has limited shade and can feel like an oven at midday.

Practical Information

Athens rewards visitors who venture beyond the obvious sites. Here's what you need to know for a smooth visit.

Getting Around

Athens' metro is clean, efficient, and air-conditioned. Line 3 connects the airport to the centre (£9, 40 min). A day pass costs £4. Most central sites are walkable. Taxis are cheap - insist on the meter.

Athens with Children

Greeks adore children. Expect your kids to be fussed over in restaurants and offered treats. Pushchairs are challenging on cobblestones and steep hills. Baby facilities are basic - bring supplies. The heat is the biggest challenge for families.

What to Pack

Athens dress code is casual. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestones and archaeological sites. In summer, lightweight clothing, serious sun protection, and a refillable water bottle are mandatory.

Be prepared for Athens' unique challenges with our comprehensive checklist - from essential sun protection to comfortable shoes for ancient ruins.

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