Athens holds 3,400 years of history waiting for you to experience. I spent four days here last spring, and that’s exactly how long you need to see the major sites without feeling rushed.
This guide shows you where to go each day, from the Acropolis to hidden neighborhoods locals love. You’ll learn the best times to visit monuments, which tickets to buy, and how to get around easily.
I’m sharing my tested plan so you can make the most of your first visit.
Here’s what we’ll cover: ancient ruins, modern attractions, where to stay, and practical tips that helped me avoid common tourist mistakes.
Planning Your 4 Days in Athens
Start with ancient sites on days one and two when you have the most energy. Group nearby attractions together to save walking time.
The Acropolis pairs well with Plaka, and Monastiraki sits ten minutes from Ancient Agora.
Buy a three-day metro pass for €22 covering unlimited rides. Get the Acropolis combo ticket for €30, which includes seven sites and stays valid for five days.
Visit major sites right at 8 AM to beat crowds and heat.
Bring comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Pack a refillable water bottle, sun hat, sunscreen, light scarf for churches, and phone charger.
Download offline maps before your trip since phone signals can drop in narrow streets.
4-Day Athens Itinerary: Day-by-Day Guide
Here’s your complete day-by-day plan to see the best of Athens in four days.
Day 1: Find Monastiraki & Ancient Athens
Start your first morning in the heart of old Athens where history meets modern life.
This central plaza sits on ancient ruins. Below the metro station, you can see excavated walls through glass floors. The square connects to a flea market that runs daily.
Visit early morning around 8 AM or after 6 PM when it’s cooler.
This site was Athens’ main gathering place for 5,000 years. The Temple of Hephaestus stands almost perfectly preserved with original columns from 450 BC.
Go right at 8 AM opening time. The site takes about 90 minutes.
This quirky café changes decorations with every season. The place became Instagram famous for its themes. They serve desserts, coffee, and hot chocolate.
Come during weekday afternoons (2-4 PM) to avoid waits.
Day 2: Acropolis & Modern Athens
Today you’ll see Athens’ most famous site and balance it with contemporary culture.
The Parthenon stands as the symbol of ancient Greece. Don’t miss the Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike. Get there right at 8 AM opening.
The combo ticket (€30) adds six more sites. Wear shoes with grip since marble gets slippery.
These cobblestone streets form Athens’ oldest neighborhood. Wind through narrow lanes with shops selling ceramics, sandals, and olive oil products.
Stop for lunch at a small taverna.
This modern complex opened in 2016 with free entry. The park has gardens, walking paths, and a dancing fountain.
In winter, an ice-skating rink opens (€8 entry). Take metro line 2 to Syngrou-Fix, then bus 550.
Day 3: Central Athens & Panoramic Views
Spend today seeing Athens from different angles and walking through green spaces.
Greece’s parliament building faces this square. Every hour, two guards perform the changing of the guard ceremony. On Sundays at 11 AM, a full military band joins.
Arrive 10 minutes early on weekends.
This 40-acre park sits behind parliament. It’s a green escape with shaded paths and ponds. A small zoo area houses peacocks and goats. I liked going around 4 PM.
The famous philosopher taught students here from 335-323 BC. Your Acropolis combo ticket includes entry. Plan 20-30 minutes here.
This 900-foot hill offers the best views in Athens. The trail takes 30-40 minutes. The cable car costs €10 round-trip. Get there 45 minutes before sunset.
Take a taxi from Syntagma for €6-8.
Day 4: Sports History & Local Neighborhoods
Your final day focuses on lesser-known spots where you’ll see how locals actually live.
This all-marble stadium hosted the first modern Olympics in 1896. Entry costs €10 and includes an audio guide. Go early (8-9 AM) or late afternoon when it’s less hot.
This neighborhood sits 15 minutes walk from the stadium. I joined a food tour that took us to five local spots. We tried spanakopita, tirokafteri, and portokalopita.
Book tours limited to 8-10 people. Cost runs €60-80 per person.
Walk around this residential area after eating. You’ll see apartment buildings with balconies full of plants and old men playing backgammon.
Stop at a coffee shop and order Greek coffee (€2-3).
Accommodation Recommendations
Athens has clean, simple hotels near metro stations in Monastiraki or Psyrri neighborhoods. You’ll get a private room with a bathroom, air conditioning, and wifi. Book directly to avoid extra fees.
Foundry Suites Athens offers good value at $90-120 per night with a rooftop garden and Acropolis views. They deliver breakfast to your room. The location puts you walking distance from major sites.
King George sits on Syntagma Square with rooms starting at $250. Hotel Grande Bretagne is Athens’ most famous luxury hotel at $300+. Gatsby Athens runs $200-280 with art deco design.
Hostels cost $20-35 for a dorm bed. For Airbnb, use Superhost listings with 50+ reviews. Whole apartments run $60-100 per night for two people.
Travel Tips
Quick practical tips to help you get around Athens smoothly and safely.
- Metro Line 3 runs from the airport to Syntagma Square in 40 minutes for €9. Taxis cost €40 fixed rate. Most sites sit within walking distance. Buy a three-day metro pass for €22.
- April-May and September-October offer the best weather at 70-75°F. Summer reaches 90-95°F. Winter brings cooler weather and fewer tourists.
- Athens is generally safe. Watch for pickpockets on metro trains. Avoid Omonia Square at night. Solo female travelers should take taxis after 11 PM.
- Buy an eSIM before leaving home. Airalo sells Europe plans starting at $5 for 1GB. Most people speak English in tourist areas.
- Credit cards work everywhere. Carry €20-40 cash for small purchases at markets and tipping.
Conclusion
Athens gave me four days packed with history, food, and real Greek life.
You’ve got a clear plan now: ancient sites on days one and two, modern spots on day three, and local neighborhoods on day four.
Book your Acropolis tickets early, wear good walking shoes, and don’t skip Pangrati for authentic food. I left wanting to return, which is how you know a trip worked.
Start planning your visit now and drop a comment below about which site you’re most excited to see.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money do I need for 4 days in Athens?
Budget €60-80 daily for mid-range travel covering food, metro, and site entries. Bring €300-400 total plus accommodation costs for a comfortable trip.
Is 4 days too long for Athens?
No, 4 days lets you see major sites without rushing plus experience local neighborhoods. Some do it in 2-3 days but miss hidden spots.
What should I not miss in Athens?
The Acropolis and Ancient Agora are must-sees. Also catch the changing of the guard, climb Lycabettus Hill at sunset, and take a food tour in Pangrati.
Can I visit Athens without speaking Greek?
Yes, easily. English is widely spoken at restaurants, hotels, and tourist sites. Metro signs show both languages. Basic phrases help but aren’t required.
Is Athens safe at night?
Athens is safe in main areas like Plaka and Monastiraki until 11 PM. Avoid empty side streets and Omonia area after dark. Take taxis for late-night hotel returns.