Athens combines antiquity with a genuinely lively modern city, and three days is enough for the Acropolis, its surrounding ancient sites, and a full-day trip to Delphi.
Day 1: The Acropolis and Plaka
Visit The Parthenon and the Erechtheion on the Acropolis first thing, before the midday heat and cruise-ship crowds arrive. Walk down to the Acropolis Museum, then wander Plaka, Athens' oldest neighborhood, for lunch among its narrow lanes.
Day 2: Ancient Agora and Monastiraki
Explore the Ancient Agora, the heart of civic life in classical Athens, then browse Monastiraki Square's flea market. Visit the National Archaeological Museum in the afternoon — one of the finest collections of Greek antiquities anywhere. In the evening, climb Mount Lycabettus for sunset views over the whole city.
Day 3: Delphi Day Trip
Delphi, the ancient sanctuary considered the center of the world in Greek mythology, is a scenic day trip through the mountains from Athens. Travelers with less time can substitute Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon for a shorter half-day trip with a dramatic coastal sunset.
Tips for Your Trip
- Buy the Acropolis combo ticket, which covers the Acropolis plus several other ancient sites, and is valid for five days.
- Visit the Acropolis at opening time or in the last two hours before closing to avoid the heaviest crowds and heat.
- The Athens Metro is fast, cheap, and doubles as an archaeological exhibit — several stations display artifacts found during construction.