How to Plan the Perfect City Break in Athens

Grab your sunglasses and head to sunny Greece for the perfect city break in Athens! A beautiful mixture of history and modernity, Athens is bound to charm you. 

Marvel at the crystal blue water and nibble on some gyros, or get some steps in and explore the ancient city’s ruins and heritage. Curate a fun, stress-free three-day itinerary of Athens with the help of the following suggestions!

Top 5 must-see sights in Athens

1. Acropolis

The Acropolis in Athens has earned its reputation as a must-visit destination, and it’s definitely worth the hype. Feast your eyes on the majestic ruins that dot the landscape, such as the legendary Parthenon, standing tall and proud. 

Start your city break in Athens with the Acropolis and let your imagination roam wild and free as you stroll through the ancient pathways, tracing the footsteps of philosophers, poets, and heroes. From the stunning views of the city below to the intricate details carved into the marble, every corner of the Acropolis reveals a glimpse into the glorious past of Greece.

2. Agora of Athens

You can almost hear the echoes of lively conversations and smell the aroma of fresh spices lingering in the air as you enter the bustling marketplace of the ancient Agora of Athens, the vibrant heart of the city. 

Explore the remnants of grand buildings like the Stoa of Attalos, where shopkeepers once displayed their goods, and the Temple of Hephaestus, a stunning testament to ancient craftsmanship. Glimpse into the daily life of the ancient Athenians at this historic location and spice up your Athens city break.

3. National Archaeology Museum

A treasure trove of ancient artifacts and wonders, the National Archeology Museum invites you to uncover the secrets of Greece’s rich past. Built exactly like the Acropolis, which you can even see from the large windows on the side of the building, the artifacts inside are placed in a way that replicates the original structure. 

From the moment you enter, you’ll be surrounded by statues of gods and goddesses, intricate pottery, and dazzling jewelry that once adorned the necks, arms, and ankles of kings and queens. 

As you wander through the halls, you’ll encounter the famous Mask of Agamemnon and the enchanting Antikythera mechanism, an ancient astronomical marvel. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the wonders of the past, the National Archaeology Museum will swiftly whisk you through the multifaceted, often mysterious depths of Greek civilization.

4. Panathenaic Stadium

This is probably the only Olympic stadium you can visit without burning a hole through your pocket. And it’s the original one too! Picture yourself standing on the same hallowed ground as the ancient athletes, who once abandoned their togas to race in the nude toward victory.

True story! Did you know ancient Greek Athletes competed naked as a tribute to the Greek God Zeus? The grand marble stands that surround you once witnessed the cheers and applause that reverberated through its walls. 

Take a moment to envision the mighty chariots thundering across the track, the athletes pushing their limits, and the crowd erupts in excitement. Add the Panathenaic Stadium to your 2-day Athens itinerary and be inspired by the enduring spirit of athleticism that lives on in this remarkable venue.

5. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus stands as a reminder of the immensity and significance of Greek mythology where you will be immersed in the captivating world of ancient gods and legends. 

As you explore the remnants of this colossal structure, try and listen to the ancient whispers of prayers and ceremonies that once echoed through its halls. Marvel at the intricate details of the friezes and statues that adorned the temple, depicting scenes of mythical battles and divine triumphs. 

Your 3-day Athens itinerary would be incomplete without a dose of Greek mythology. If you are a history buff or just saw the Percy Jackson films recently, check out this fascinating blog on Greek mythology to build the foundation for your trip to Greece.

Top free things to do in Athens

“Free” is the magic word for anyone traveling to Athens on a budget! There are numerous activities you can do to have fun in the Greek capital on your Athens city break.

Unveil Athens on a free walking tour

Choose from a range of free walking tours and explore the historic city with passionate experts to guide you. 

Get some steps in and follow your informative guide as you visit Monastiraki Square, the Theatre of Dionysus, and beautiful neighborhoods. Enjoy an active city break in Athens with some great free walking tours. Make a reservation and start walking!

Take advantage of free entry days

Most museums and archeological sites in Athens offer free admission on certain days so make sure to align your 2-day Athens itinerary accordingly and get some free tours.

Visit the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture on a Thursday and enter for free! Surround yourself with Greek art and make it a budget-friendly city break in Athens.

Take a culture crawl of free Athenian museums such as the Museum of Greek Folk Instruments (free admission for all visitors every first Sunday of the month from November through March), or spend next to nothing (5 euros)  at the Greek Film Archive and watch a vintage screening of a film.

Have a beach day

Finally, of course, cool down from all your adventures in the clear turquoise waters of Athens and take a swim in the Aegean Sea. 

Most of the beaches are only 10 km away from the city prepare for a scenic drive or simply take a taxi. Some stunning beaches you can visit are Vouliagmeni, Kavouri, and Krabo. 

These sandy shores can get very crowded during peak summer times so make a reservation and book some sunbeds to enjoy a relaxed beach day. You can also choose to pamper yourself at the spa and massage facilities available at some of the locations.  

What to eat in Athens

Souvlaki

Legend has it that souvlaki can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was first prepared as an offering to the gods during religious ceremonies.

Imagine succulent chunks of marinated pork, chicken, or lamb, threaded onto long metal skewers, and grilled to perfection over an open flame. As the flames dance and the juices sizzle, a symphony of aromas fills the air, making it impossible to pass by without tasting it. 

Refuel with some delicious gyros around any corner in the city and make your Athens city break one to remember (your tastebuds sure will).

Tzatziki

With origins rooted in ancient Greece, tzatziki is a harmonious marriage of cool cucumber, tangy garlic, and vibrant herbs. 

This creamy and refreshing yogurt-based dip is a must-eat in your Athens itinerary. Scoop it up with warm pita bread, or put a dollop on any Greek platter, to accompany the flavors of this sun-kissed Mediterranean culture. 

Moussaka

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of moussaka, a Greek culinary masterpiece that weaves a tapestry of history, taste, and culture. 

Layers of velvety eggplant, savory ground meat, and luscious béchamel sauce come together in perfect harmony transporting you to the heart of Greece’s culinary heritage.

Greek-style coffee

Your city break in Athens is incomplete without a taste of traditional Greek coffee. Take a seat and sip on Ellinikos, the aromatic elixir that fuels Greek culture. 

This thick and robust coffee has a history steeped in culture, brewed in a traditional briki, and served in demitasse cups. It is the perfect blend to complement your weekend in Athens. 

Feta Me Meli

Order Feta me Meli off the menu and experience the contrasting flavors dance on your tongue like waves crashing against rocky shores. 

Just imagine the crumbly, creamy tanginess of feta cheese wrapped in perfectly baked golden dough and drizzled in honey. Sounds irresistible doesn’t it? Enjoy this sweet and savory dish in Athens and make it the ideal Greek trip.

How to get around Athens

Affordable, reliable, and well-connected, the Athens public transport system helps any traveler get around. Make your Athens city break smooth and stress-free with convenient public transport options. 

You can use any mode of public transportation with a single ticket which only costs a couple of euros. Students and senior citizens can snag a discount, so carry an ID. Check out the local public transport website to get more detailed information regarding ticket options. 

Where to stay in Athens

When it comes to the best areas to stay for your city break in Athens, three key factors come to mind: monuments, restaurants, and beaches, and your proximity to each. 

For proximity to the sights: Plaka

Nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, is a great neighborhood for history enthusiasts. Its narrow, picturesque streets are dotted with ancient ruins, charming cafes, and traditional Greek tavernas. 

For proximity to the food scene: Monastiraki

Another popular area, boasts a lively atmosphere with its bustling flea market and a plethora of authentic eateries. 

For proximity to the beach: Glyfada

Glyfada is an coastal suburb in Athens. With its sandy shores and upscale restaurants, it offers a perfect blend of relaxation and entertainment. 

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Athens is definitely one of the top summer destinations, but if you want to start your holiday streak earlier, check out these lovely spring destinations in Europe during Easter, or if you are seeking a European holiday in March.