3 Days In Athens, Greece
- by XpatAthens
- Tuesday, 08 May 2018
In the last few years, Athens has become more than just a quick stop on the way to the Greek islands. With the plethora of affordable accommodations and exceptional experiences available in the Athens, more and more tourists are opting to spend a few days in the city.
Apart from the most popular experiences in Athens, there's always a market to wander, a rooftop bar to grab a drink, and plenty of shops to explore! From Condé Nast Traveler, here's how to spend 3 days in Athens.
Day 1
Visit the Acropolis! But first, get acquainted with history with these 8 things you may not know about one of the most impressive and beautiful ancient structures.
After your first fix of ancient history, refuel with a mid-morning koulouri (a ring of sesame-covered bread) from one of the food carts below, and then make your way over to the Acropolis Museum, about a seven-minute walk.
For a late lunch, walk over to the hip-yet-tranquil neighborhood of Koukaki, which sits at the foot of the hill yet still manages to provide a much-needed respite from the more touristed streets nearby. For a budget-friendly option, try some of the best street food in Athens!
After lunch, explore the National Museum of Contemporary Art and spend the rest of the day wandering through the streets of central Athens. At night, grab a cocktail at one of Athens' roof gardens with astonishing views and delicious food.
Day 2
While Athens’ Monastiraki Flea Market is—in theory—open seven days a week, it’s only really worth your time on Sunday mornings, when jewelry makers and artisans set up their stalls for the day.
Don’t miss the Stavros Melissinos sandal shop for a pair of classic leather sandals, and make a quick detour to Pittaki Street to Instagram the 150 lanterns, chandeliers, and lamps that hang above the gritty alleyway.
In the afternoon, hike up to the top of Mt. Lycabettus where you will see some of the best views of the city.
Try to time it for sunset and grab a drink at hilltop restaurant Orizontes Lycabettus, which has a panoramic terrace, before making your way back down to the Exarcheia below for dinner.
Day 3
Especially in the summer, the heat can start to take its toll so it makes sense that Athenians spend June through August on one of the 6,000 surrounding islands and islets. Take a peak at one of these day trips out of the city or a nearby island like Evia.
If you don’t want to stray that far from Athens, head towards Vouliagmeni Beach or Glyfada, a spectacular seaside town. For lunch try NAMI Sushi Bar.
Alternatively, dedicate your final day to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center near the Bay of Faliro, where you can do pilates on the Versailles-inspired Great Lawn of Stavros Niarchos Park, watch a ballet in the 1,400-seat main hall, catch the Greek National Opera, or even hole up in the brand new National Library of Greece.
At night, make your way back to the city center to Plaka and become mesmerized by the Acropolis once again. For your nightime cocktail, head to The Clumsies, known as one of the best bars in the world.
Source: CN Traveler
After lunch, explore the National Museum of Contemporary Art and spend the rest of the day wandering through the streets of central Athens. At night, grab a cocktail at one of Athens' roof gardens with astonishing views and delicious food.
Day 2
While Athens’ Monastiraki Flea Market is—in theory—open seven days a week, it’s only really worth your time on Sunday mornings, when jewelry makers and artisans set up their stalls for the day.
Don’t miss the Stavros Melissinos sandal shop for a pair of classic leather sandals, and make a quick detour to Pittaki Street to Instagram the 150 lanterns, chandeliers, and lamps that hang above the gritty alleyway.
In the afternoon, hike up to the top of Mt. Lycabettus where you will see some of the best views of the city.
Try to time it for sunset and grab a drink at hilltop restaurant Orizontes Lycabettus, which has a panoramic terrace, before making your way back down to the Exarcheia below for dinner.
Day 3
Especially in the summer, the heat can start to take its toll so it makes sense that Athenians spend June through August on one of the 6,000 surrounding islands and islets. Take a peak at one of these day trips out of the city or a nearby island like Evia.
If you don’t want to stray that far from Athens, head towards Vouliagmeni Beach or Glyfada, a spectacular seaside town. For lunch try NAMI Sushi Bar.
Alternatively, dedicate your final day to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center near the Bay of Faliro, where you can do pilates on the Versailles-inspired Great Lawn of Stavros Niarchos Park, watch a ballet in the 1,400-seat main hall, catch the Greek National Opera, or even hole up in the brand new National Library of Greece.
At night, make your way back to the city center to Plaka and become mesmerized by the Acropolis once again. For your nightime cocktail, head to The Clumsies, known as one of the best bars in the world.
Source: CN Traveler