Athens Greece 6 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

6 Days in Athens: A Journey Through History

This itinerary explores the historical highlights of Athens over six days, with room for flexibility and personal interests.

Day 1: Acropolis & Acropolis Museum

Morning: Explore the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
- Things to eat: Enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast (yogurt with honey and nuts, coffee, pastries) at a local cafe like Cafe Avra near the Acropolis.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the history of the Acropolis at the Acropolis Museum, which houses artifacts from its ancient slopes.

Day 2: Ancient Agora & Acropolis Museum

Morning: Visit the Ancient Agora, the heart of Athenian political and social life in antiquity.
- Things to do: Wander through the ruins, imagining the bustling marketplace that once thrived here. Explore the Stoa of Attalos and see the remnants of ancient shops and stoas.

Day 3: Acropolis Museum & Archaeological Exploration

Morning: Spend the morning exploring the Ancient Agora.
Afternoon: Visit the National Archaeological Museum, home to an astounding collection of Greek antiquities, including sculptures from the Acropolis.

Things to know before you go:

Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for sightseeing. Summer can be hot and crowded, while winter is milder but some sites may have limited hours.
Getting around: Athens has a comprehensive metro system (the Athens Metro) that’s efficient and affordable. Consider purchasing a multi-day travel pass if you plan on using it extensively. For shorter distances, walking is ideal as many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

Day 4: Ancient Sites & Mythology

Morning: Explore the Acropolis Museum, focusing on the artifacts from the Parthenon.
Afternoon: Visit the Temple of Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, or the Ancient Agora in the afternoon.

Things to know:

Ancient sites: The Acropolis Museum is a must-see for its incredible collection and breathtaking views. Other must-see sites include the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the Kerameikos Cemetery.
History & Mythology: The Acropolis itself, with its iconic remnants like the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, is a testament to Greek history and mythology.

Day 5: Ancient Olympia & The History of the Olympic Games

Morning: Visit the Ancient Olympia Archaeological Site
- Things to do: Explore the site, see the ruins of the ancient stadium, and explore the Olympic Museum.

Day 6: Day trip to Delphi & Relaxing in Athens

Morning: Travel to Delphi, the ancient sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, the god of prophecy.
- Things to do: Explore the ruins, visit the museum, and hike to the Temple of Apollo.
Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional Greek meal at a taverna near the sea.

Things to know:

Ancient Olympia is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the birthplace of the Olympic Games.
Ancient Greece was known for its athleticism and focus on physical prowess.

Where to stay:

Plaka: Charming historic neighborhood with hotels, apartments, and guesthouses offering authentic Athenian experiences.
Monastiraki: A lively area with great shopping and a central location near the metro station.
Psyrri:

A trendy neighborhood with boutique hotels and vibrant nightlife.

**Things to do & Tips for tourists: **

Embrace the culture: Immerse yourself in the rich history of Athens by visiting the ancient sites. Purchase a multi-site ticket to save on entrance fees.
Food, Glorious Food:

Enjoy delicious and authentic Greek cuisine at one of the many tavernas in the city.

Recommended Tavernas:

Taverna Diogenes: Experience traditional tavern food in a cozy setting near the Acropolis.
Lithos Restaurant: Enjoy a taste of Greece’s culinary heritage with this classic taverna experience.
Tzitzikas & Mermigas: A popular choice for locals and visitors alike, offering delicious and affordable Greek cuisine.
Kuzina: Indulge in modern Greek cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients and seafood.

Food:

Enjoy the local flavors: Sample traditional dishes like souvlaki, moussaka, and spanakopita.
Visit the Acropolis Museum: Explore the history of the ancient Olympics, the games’ origins, and the evolution of the Olympic spirit.

Day 7: A Day of Relaxation & Reflection in Athens

Morning: Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a majestic temple dedicated to the king of the gods.
Afternoon: Explore the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athenian life.
Embrace the nightlife: Enjoy a night out in the Monastiraki flea market, a vibrant hub for food, shopping, and entertainment.
Things to know:
- The ancient Greek gods are a crucial part of Greek mythology.
- Souvlaki is a popular street food (grilled meat on skewers), Moussaka a delicious eggplant dish, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple in Athens.
Things to know:
For those interested in the culinary scene:

Try “souvla”, a slow-cooked meat dish often served as a street food delicacy.

For foodies:

Explore the variety and history of Greek cuisine at the National Archaeological Museum.

Things to know (cont.):

Enjoy traditional Greek cuisine:

Try the souvlaki, gyros, or moussaka!

Visit the Acropolis Museum:

Explore ancient artifacts and learn about the history of the Olympics.

Try local delicacies:

Discover delicious taverns in the area offering authentic Greek dishes.

Enjoy the nightlife:

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Athens.

Things to know:
- The Acropolis Museum showcases artifacts from ancient Greece, including sculptures and pottery.

Remember: The Acropolis Museum is dedicated to the history of the ancient site of the same name, while this museum is a great place to start your exploration of Greek history and culture.

Explore the history of the Acropolis:

Discover the ancient ruins and artifacts of the ancient games.

Enjoy traditional Greek food: Try souvlaki, a delicious and savory dish made with grilled meat.

Tips for visiting Athens:

Visit the Acropolis Museum at the beginning of your trip to get a sense of the history and culture.
Pack for all types of weather: Even in summer, it can be chilly in the evenings. Bring layers!
Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking in Athens.

Enjoy the food!

Historical Sites:

Things to do: *

Enjoy a souvlaki, a delicious and traditional Greek dish.

Things to know: The food is a vital part of the Athenian experience.

Ancient Sites (Athens’s History:

Consider visiting the ancient sites in the morning or late afternoon, when they are less crowded and the sun is not as intense.
Enjoy the food near the ancient sites.

Food:

Try local specialties:

Don’t miss out on the delicious Greek food available in the city.

Activities:

Explore the Acropolis, a must-see for any visitor.
Visit the Ancient Agora and the Acropolis Museum.

For those who want to experience the ancient city of Athens:

Bring sunscreen and a hat: The sun can be strong, especially in the summer months.

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for walking around the ancient site, as you will be doing a lot of it.

Explore the Ancient Agora and learn about ancient Athens
Visit the National Archaeological Museum

Enjoy the Acropolis:

Enjoy the views from the Acropolis.
You can enjoy the culture of ancient Greece by visiting the museums near the Ancient Agora. *

Try traditional Greek food:

Experience the deliciousness of Greek cuisine.

The Acropolis Museum:

Enjoy the historical significance of ancient artifacts in a modern setting.

Where to go:

The Parthenon:

Learn about the history and architecture of the ancient world

Ancient Agora: Enjoy the Acropolis for its breathtaking views

Enjoy the history:

Visit the ancient sites near the Acropolis, such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus or the Roman Agora.

Explore other ancient sites in the area.

Where to eat:

Eat traditional Greek food at the Acropolis Museum.

**Enjoy the ancient history and culture of Athens:

Try the souvlaki from a traditional taverna

For the foodies:

The Ancient Agora market is a great place to experience local life. .