5-Day Adventure: Athens, Greece & Beyond
Discover the birthplace of democracy and ancient wonders in Athens, Greece.
22 April 2023
As a tourist, visiting Athens is a must for history enthusiasts as it offers a wealth of ancient monuments and ruins such as The Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora. In addition to cultural sights, visitors can also enjoy the lively city center with its vibrant nightlife and indulgent street food scene. For an overall authentic experience, it's recommended to take strolls around local neighborhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki to gape at Greek architecture, colorful alleys, and souvenir shops.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check into your hotel, the chic AthensWas Hotel in the heart of the city
- Start your day with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, the ancient hilltop citadel
- Explore the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and other amazing ruins
- Head to the Acropolis Museum to learn more about the ancient Greek civilization
- Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood and stop for a bite at Mani-Mani, a cozy Greek taverna
- Indulge in a culinary adventure with Athens Food Tour, tasting traditional Greek dishes and local specialties
- Take a trip to the busy Athens Central Market to see the abundance of colorful fruits and vegetables
- Visit the National Archaeological Museum to learn more about Greek history
- Wander around the modern neighborhood of Kolonaki, shopping at high-end boutiques
- Pick up some sweet treats at Aristokratikon, a pastry shop in the heart of Athens
- Spend the day exploring the beautiful Athenian coastline
- Visit the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, perched on the cliffs overlooking the sea
- Stop at the picturesque seaside town of Vouliagmeni for lunch by the water
- Relax and soak up the sun at the luxurious Astir Beach Club
- Enjoy a seafood dinner at Klimataria, a cozy tavern in the seaside suburb of Glyfada
- Discover the vibrant street art scene of Athens with Alternative Athens Street Art Tour
- Visit the Benaki Museum to browse a collection of Byzantine and Modern Greek art
- Take a walk around the hipster neighborhood of Exarchia, stopping in cafes and vintage stores
- Climb up to the top of Lycabettus Hill for panoramic views of the city
- Dine at To Kafeneio, a popular taverna serving home-style Greek dishes
- Take a day trip to the charming island of Hydra, just two hours from Athens
- Take a stroll through the car-free streets and admire the neoclassical architecture
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean Sea on one of Hydra's secluded beaches
- Taste fresh seafood at one of the local tavernas overlooking the harbor
- Watch the sunset from the Monastery of Profitis Ilias before returning to Athens.
Length of stay
Type of trip
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.
Bus
The best way to get to Athens by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in Europe. The main bus station in Athens is Kifissos Bus Terminal. There are also domestic buses that connect Athens with other parts of Greece.
