The Perfect Duration: How Many Days Should You Spend in Athens?
The truth is that a trip to Athens is always a good idea, whether it’s a weekend getaway or a week-long trip. There are so many archaeological sites, excellent restaurants, and scenic neighborhoods to discover that you won’t run out of things to do. But how many days should you spend in Athens to enjoy your stay to the fullest? That’s a very common question!
In this article, we are going to help you find the perfect duration for your trip to Athens and share with you the best things to do depending on how many days you’re planning on staying in Athens. Let’s dig in!
How many days in Athens is enough?
‘How many days should I spend in Athens?’ is a tricky question!
Although there are so many things to do in the Greek capital that could keep you occupied for weeks, you should opt for at least 3 days if you want to see the city’s highlights and explore the local food scene! So, while our recommended amount of time you should spend in Athens is 3-4 days, we are also going to present to you the best things to do in the city if you’re staying for a couple of days.
Extra tip: To get the most out of your stay, we highly recommend that you choose a hotel in Kolonaki or a hotel in Athens city center. This way, you will be within walking distance of all the major sights!
Spending 2 days in Athens
Two days in Athens are enough to see the major sites and taste some of the most popular local delicacies! So, if you can spend only 2 days in Athens, the must things to do are:
A visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum
No matter how many days you’re planning on staying in Athens, you should plan a visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis Hill needs no introduction; it is the international symbol of Athens and democracy, with the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike standing at the top of it. Make sure you visit them all! Almost all the treasures you won’t find on the Acropolis Hill are displayed in the Acropolis Museum along with many other interesting artifacts.
A stroll through the narrow paved alleys of Plaka
No visit to Athens is complete without an atmospheric stroll through the narrow streets of the Plaka neighborhood! Full of white-washed traditional houses and little courtyards embellished with flowers, this picturesque district has a unique island-like atmosphere that will make you feel transported to the Cyclades. What’s more, although it is located in the heart of the city, Plaka feels worlds away from it. So, if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of downtown Athens, you can always get lost in the alleys of Plaka!
Trying the most popular local delicacies
Even if the time you’re going to spend in Athens is limited, you should try the most popular local dishes! Thankfully, there are plenty of traditional taverns scattered around the city, so it won’t be difficult to find iconic Greek delicacies, like moussaka, horiatiki salad, stuffed zucchini, souvlaki, grilled cheese, and spinach pie. If you don’t have time to properly sit at a tavern to eat, you can grab a pita gyros from a grill house in Syntagma, Psyrri, or Monastiraki!
Spending 3-4 days in Athens
In our opinion, 3-4 days is the ideal amount of time to spend in Athens! That’s because you will be able to see the monuments and explore the city’s neighborhoods at your leisure! In addition to the activities mentioned above, you can also:
Set sail to the Saronic islands
Their convenient distance from the city makes the Saronic islands easily accessible, which is the reason why they are among the locals’ favorite destinations for weekend getaways. This means you can experience the charm of Greek island life throughout the year! But you don’t have to explore all the islands in one go; you can opt for a day trip to one or two, keeping the rest of them for your next Athenian adventure. Whichever way you choose to explore, the Saronic Islands are certain to whisk you away into the vacation spirit!
Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus
The Temple of Olympian Zeus stands out amongst the modern buildings of the city center, thanks to its imposing structure. This temple consists of massive marble columns and is surrounded by greenery, creating a beautiful setting that marries history with natural beauty in a mesmerizing way. What’s more, its location, just a few steps from Syntagma Square makes it easily accessible for those who want to combine their stroll in the bustling city center with a glimpse of history!
Get lost in the National Garden
If you need a break from the overcrowded streets of Athens, a visit to the National Garden will reward you with peaceful moments in abundance! In this paradisiacal garden, you will find thousands of trees, plenty of benches, where you can sit and relax, letting the calming sounds of nature lull you, a small zoo with birds, goats, and rabbits, as well as a little pond with ducks. It’s the perfect place to unwind in winter and escape the heat in summer. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to keep coming back!
Whether you can spend a couple of days or 3-4 days in Athens, one thing is for sure; there’s plenty to explore. So, the answer to the question ‘How many days in Athens is enough?’ is that you can make the most of your time in Athens no matter how limited it is, as long as you have a good plan and a good mood. So, are you ready to discover all Athens has to offer?
