4 Days in Athens: Ancient Ruins to Modern Marvels

Discover ancient wonders without breaking the bank in Athens, Greece.

21 June 2023

With a limited budget, a trip to Athens can still be enjoyable and memorable. Explore ancient ruins and landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon, try delicious street food and local cuisine, and opt for budget-friendly accommodations such as hostels or home-sharing platforms like Airbnb. With a little planning and research, Athens can be a great destination for budget-friendly travel.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Old Athens

Check in at Hotel Dioskouros, a budget hotel with an astonishing view of the Acropolis
Take a stroll in the charming neighborhood of Plaka
Visit the Acropolis and admire the Parthenon, the Propylaea, and the Erechtheion
Walk down to the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus
Head to Monastiraki Flea Market and taste some local street food
End the day with a refreshing cocktail at A for Athens rooftop bar, overlooking the illuminated Acropolis

Day 2

A Day for Museums

Begin the day with Loukoumades, Greek honey puffs, at Krinos
Visit the National Archaeological Museum, the largest in Greece, and admire the stunning ancient exhibits
Head to the Benaki Museum to learn about Greek culture and history
Take a stroll at the National Garden and the stunning Zappeion Hall
Have dinner at Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani to taste savory traditional meat dishes
End the day with a Greek coffee at Kafeneio K7, an authentic coffee shop with a traditional vibe

Day 3

A Day Trip to Sounion

Take a day trip to Cape Sounion, a seaside town situated at the southern tip of Attica
Visit the Temple of Poseidon, one of ancient Greece's sacred sites, and admire the breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf
Go for lunch at the charming seaside taverns and taste some fresh seafood
Go for a swim at one of the beautiful beaches of the area
Return to Athens for a night out in the lively neighborhood of Psiri
Have some traditional meze dishes at Klimataria and enjoy live music and dancing at a bouzoukia club

Day 4

A Day for Modern Athens

Start the day with a Greek Yogurt at Stani and a walk at the Athens Central Market
Visit the Acropolis Museum and marvel at the impressive artifacts and the view of the Acropolis
Go for a shopping spree at Ermou Street, the shopping heart of Athens
Take a stroll in the Athenian Riviera and admire the modern architecture of Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Enjoy a farewell dinner at Kuzina, a modern Greek restaurant with a panoramic view of ancient Athens
End the night with a drink at A is for Athens, one of the coolest rooftop bars in the city, and take in the stunning view of the illuminated city.

Length of stay

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Athens, Greece by plane is to fly into Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. It is the largest airport in Greece and is served by multiple airlines from around the world.

Car

The best way to get to Athens by car is to take the Egnatia Odos highway if you are coming from the north of Greece. From the south of Greece, take the A7 highway. There are also several toll stations along the highways.

Train

There is no direct train to Athens from outside Greece. However, you can take a train to Thessaloniki, and then take a connecting train to Athens. The journey takes about 5 hours and the main station in Athens is the Larissa railway station.

Boat

The best way to get to Athens by boat is to take a ferry from some of the Greek islands. The main ports in Athens are Piraeus and Rafina ports. Ferries travel regularly from popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.