Here's How Many Days In Athens is Enough for a FAB Trip! (2024)

Planning your next Greece trip and wondering how many days in Athens is enough? Then I’ve broken this Athens itinerary into what you can do each day depending on the number of days you have. It will help you decide how many days do you need in Athens to make the best of your time

The ancient city of Athens is the perfect amalgamation of past and present, making it a charming destination in Europe. The towering Acropolis, vibrant neighbourhoods, mouthwatering food, and sprawling museums make it one of the best places to visit in Greece.

But then, with so much to offer, how many days in Athens can be enough to cover it all? I would suggest a minimum of 3 days for all the significant sites.

After all, the Acropolis, Plaka, and Panathenaic Stadium are the reasons why to visit Athens. I am glad to have found this time and money-saving Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket while planning my itinerary.

Based on my Athens experience, spending 5 days in Athens is the best way to understand this city. So, if you want to know how many days do you need in Athens and how to plan your itinerary, my experience with this Greek city would be helpful.

Here’s some top-rated Athens tours for a last minute getaway

• Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
• Athens Street Food Tasting Tour
• Delphi Archaeological Site Full-Day Guided Trip

These hotels in Athens are perfect for that last minute trip!

• Electra Metropolis
• The Athens Gate Hotel
• Arethusa Hotel

How many days in Athens is Enough?

How many days in Athens do you need if you are visiting Athens for the first time?

You can spend 3 days in Athens and cover the most important places like the Acropolis of Athens, the National Archaeological Museum, and Monastiraki ruins.

3 days in Athens will also be enough to stroll around colourful Plaka or Monastiraki and grab a coffee in one of the cute cafes around. If you are staying in Athens for 24 hours, then this Athens in a day itinerary is all you need.

Got more time on your hands? Stay in Athens and reach for the lesser-known sites and neighbourhoods to be a part of the local canvas.

How many days to spend in Athens for a day trip to Delphi or Meteora? Here is a well-planned 3/4/5 days itinerary for the benefit of all those wondering how many days do you need in Athens.

If you are interested in spending a week in Greece, this Greece 7-day itinerary will be helpful.

How many days in Athens?

Is 1 day in Athens enough?

Here’s what to do if you have just 1 day in Athens – Acropolis of Athens, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora of Athens, Monastiraki Square, and Plaka

Many people first head to the Acropolis Museum and then go to the Acropolis. But I suggest exploring the Acropolis first so that you will understand which parts of the Acropolis Museum are useful for you and what the exhibits here are all about.

The best way to escape the crowd and explore the Acropolis of Athens as leisurely as possible is to hit the entrance a little before 8 am. When the doors open, you can be one of the first visitors to enter before the tours start covering the grounds.

After a lot of research, I decided to buy the Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket.

Along with the Acropolis, it covers the Roman Agora, Ancient Agora, Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery, and Aristotle’s School. With additional audio guides for Plaka, Acropolis, and Parthenon, this Athens combo ticket is a lifesaver for first-time visitors.

I had heard and read so much about the Athens Acropolis that I wondered if it would feel underwhelming. But as I sat foot inside the premises, I was awe-struck by all the well-preserved archaeological remains of different ancient buildings here.

In fact, the timeless captivating beauty of the Acropolis is the reason why visit Athens Greece. Each one carries historical, religious, and cultural significance that is engrossing to understand.

How many days to spend in Athens to give justice to this fascinating place? You will need one entire day to explore the popular tourist attractions in Athens. Ensure you are spending enough time here to visit important sites like

• The Parthenon
• Old Temple of Athena
• Erechtheum
• Odeon of Pericles
• Propylaea
• The Temple of Athena Nike

If you need help with how to go through all the sights and make the best of your time, then this Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour is highly appreciated.

It will help you explore the ruins on the hill as well as the Acropolis Museum in 4 hours, keeping the second half of the day for other interesting points.

After having lunch at one of the many restaurants around, head off to the Ancient Agora of Athens.

Agora translates to a gathering place and this is where social, political, and commercial gatherings used to happen. Some of the most important sights to cover here are –

• Temple of Hephaestus
• Hadrian’s Library
• Southwest Temple

Do stop for some time to take in the breathtaking view of the Acropolis from the Agora and also look over the city from this site.

Now that you have done enough sightseeing for a day, it is time to go to Monastiraki Square.

Right outside the Agora of Athens, this square represents one of the oldest areas in Athens. If you are visiting Monastiraki Square on a weekend, then you are in for a treat.

This whole square turns into a local market where everything from clothes to souvenirs is sold, and that too with bargaining to your heart’s content! As this is the shopping district in the city, you will find plenty of shops lining the street and selling different antiques.

Grab a bite or enjoy coffee at one of the traditional tavernas around here and then head to the famous Plaka neighbourhood. How many days needed in Athens to soak in the fun vibes of these areas? At least one whole evening should be dedicated to Plaka.

Plaka is known for its narrow cobblestone streets dotted with neoclassical buildings, giving it the feel of a tiny village right in the heart of the city.

It is a perfect place to unwind after a day of sightseeing. Even though Plaka has several museums like Frissiras Museum, keep this night only for relaxation.

Take a walk along Adrianou Street and enjoy souvenir and handicraft shopping. Pamper your taste buds with a variety of food before calling it a day.

How many days in Athens?

Is 2 days in Athens enough?

Here’s what to do if you have 2 days in Athens – Kerameikos Archaeological Site, Panathenaic Stadium, Athens National Garden, and Kolokotroni Street

Kerameikos Archaeological Site is one of the lesser-visited places in Athens. It is included in Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket.

Packed with different ancient building ruins, funerary sculptures, and temple columns, this is one of the best archaeological sites in Greece.

You will also find Kerameikos Cemetery here which was used for burials for over a thousand years. Visit the museum on the premises and check the collection of burial-related artefacts and original burial monument sculptures.

How many days to see Athens’ well-known sites? You can spend at least 3 days in Athens and include the most important ones in the first 2 days.

Visit the Panathenaic Stadium next as it is one of the top historic places in Athens.

This is the only marble stadium in the world. Panathenaic Stadium is famous for hosting the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympics in 1896.

Considered to be the first international Olympics in modern history, this place is an important milestone in sports history. You can get the official audio tour of this stadium to make the most of your time.

How many days for Athens so that you can eat at different eateries and famous restaurants?

For that, you will need to spend more than a week in Athens.

But instead of searching for a good restaurant, I suggest opting for this Athens Street Food Tasting Tour. This 3-hour tour is the best way to pamper your taste buds as you sample the Greek street food with a local guide. It can be an all-inclusive experience as vegetarian options are also available.

How many days in Athens?

Is 3 days in Athens enough?

Here’s what to do if you have 3 days in Athens – Mount Lycabettus, Kolonáki, Monument to the Unknown Soldier, National Archaeological Museum, Mnisikleous Street

Start your day early with a hike to Mount Lycabettus. This is one of the popular hiking trails in Athens and is less than 1.5 kilometres.

With less than one hour to complete, this moderately easy hike to Mount Lycabettus will reward you with spectacular views of the capital city.

You can also take the Lycabettus Hill Cable Car to reach the top of the hill.

Have breakfast at the hilltop restaurant and visit the Saint George’s chapel perched on the top of the Lycabettus. But how many days do I need in Athens to enjoy this hike to the fullest? You will need at least 3 days so that you can dedicate one early morning for Lycabettus.

Spend some time strolling around Kolonáki if you are a shopping enthusiast. Be it the international shops you are interested in or upscale Greek boutiques that catch your fancy, you will find everything in the Kolonáki neighbourhood.

Stop by the Monument to the Unknown Soldier where you can watch the changing of the guard ceremony every hour.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum next where everything from the prehistoric collection to life-like sculptures await you.

Its extensive collection of Greek Antiquity artefacts has put it among one of the top museums in the world.

It is recommended to check the timings and ticket prices of the National Archaeological Museum before planning your visit.

If you are a history buff and spending more than 3 days in Athens, consider buying a special combo ticket for 15€ that includes the National Archaeological Museum, Christian Museum of Athens, Epigraphic Museum, Numismatic Museum and Byzantine.

Consider spending a leisurely evening roaming around Mnisikleous Street which is located in Plaka district.

This is where you will find lively Mnisikleous stairs dotted with multiple food joints. Pair this traditional Greek cuisine with a glass of wine, sit on the stairs, and enjoy the view of the city. This bustling area is perfect for spending the evening in Athens.

How many days in Athens?

Is 4 days in Athens enough? / Is 5 days in Athens too long?

How many days in Athens is enough? I have heard this question far too many times from those who believe 4 days may be too much in this city!

For those spending 4 or more days in Athens, this capital city has a lot to offer. Hidden from the touristy crowd, you will find numerous gems in the neighbourhoods of Athens. Or, you can opt to get out of the city by booking the best of day trips from Athens.

Here are a few of the remaining tourist attractions in Athens that you can visit –

Varvakios Central Market – the central market in Athens is a vibrant place and a heaven for foodies. This is where you will find the best Greek version of tapas – ouzo and meze. Stop by the Karayiannis for spicy lamb meatballs or try authentic Greek dishes from Stoa ton Athanaton.

Museums in Athens – how many days should I spend in Athens to cover museums and art centres? I wondered after checking the long list of all the popular places. You will find several interesting museums including the Museum of Cycladic Art, the Benaki Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, the War Museum of Athens, and the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

Day trips from Athens

There are different day trips from Athens that you can choose from depending on your interests. But how many days in Athens will you need to cover these day trips?

Spend at least 5 days in Athens so that you can go to Delphi or Meteora. For a seamless experience, I would suggest some of the top-rated day trips many tourists have loved. These trips include transport, lunch, a local guide, and skip-the-line tickets wherever needed.

Delphi Archaeological Site Full-Day Guided Trip – this 11-hour trip to Delphi will give you a chance to explore local Greek villages along with visiting popular sites like the Temple of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia. Entry to the Archaeological Museum of Delphi is also covered.

Meteora Monasteries & Caves Day Trip – When you are in Athens, do not miss an opportunity to explore the enchanting landscape of Meteora. Be it the ancient monasteries or the hermit caves, this Meteora day trip from Athens is full of wonders.

Bus Trip to Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio – travel comfortably to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mycenae, marvel at the theatre of Epidaurus, and stroll around the picturesque coastal city of Nafplio.

Hydra, Poros, and Aegina Day Cruise with Lunch – this well-planned day trip from Athens to the Saronic Islands is the perfect way to catch some tan. How many days to visit Athens and then head out to explore the Mediterranean Sea and the islands? I would suggest reserving one full day for Poros, Hydra, and Aegina.

How many nights in Athens?

Where to stay in Athens?

How many days to spend in Athens and where to stay to make the most of your time in this fascinating city?

You can spend a minimum of 3 nights in Athens and stay in the popular Plaka neighbourhood to soak in the local vibes.

Staying in Plaka or Monastiraki will allow you to reach the popular sites of the Acropolis on foot. If you are looking for budget hotels in Athens, then consider Akadimia or Thiseio. Here are a few hotel suggestions in Athens to suit your needs –

Luxury hotel in Athens – Electra Metropolis is located in the heart of the city near Plaka. Its elegant rooms, spacious suites, spa and wellness centre, and 2 swimming pools ensure a pleasant stay while being close to all the popular places.

Mid-range hotel in Athens – The Athens Gate Hotel is known for offering 4-star facilities without burning a hole in your pocket. It is conveniently located opposite the Temple of Olympian Zeus and is minutes away from the New Acropolis Museum.

Budget hotel in Athens – Arethusa Hotel is located near Plaka and offers simple yet cosy accommodation for budget travellers. AC rooms, free wifi, and 24-hour front desk are some of the facilities at this hotel.

So, how many days in Athens are you planning to spend? Did I convince you that this magical city needs more than 3 days to explore? Or are you planning a quick weekend getaway in Athens?