W E L C O M E TO TH E
G O O D L I F E
I N
A T H E N S
P L A N N I N G
Athens is a sprawling city with layers of history woven into its vibrant present. Navigating it requires some planning to make the most of its treasures while avoiding fatigue.
While many attractions are walkable within the historic center, Athens’ size and summer heat make it worth considering private transport for exploring outer neighborhoods or fitting multiple sites into a day.
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) are ideal for visiting, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Summer can be intense, with high temperatures and heavy tourist traffic. Winter is delightfully quiet.
For accommodations, staying in Plaka or near Syntagma Square provides easy access to major landmarks, while Kolonaki offers a quieter, upscale experience.
M U S E U M & S I T E B O O K I N G
Acropolis & Parthenon: Book tickets online to skip the often-lengthy queues. Early morning or late afternoon visits are more comfortable temperature-wise, and the golden hour offers softer light for photos. (Btw: there is an article in the works where we're going to help you take better photos while abroad as well – stay tuned!)
Acropolis Museum: A must-visit, this modern museum complements the archaeological site. Advance booking is advisable, especially during peak seasons.
National Archaeological Museum: Home to treasures from ancient Greece, this museum requires at least two hours for a meaningful visit. It’s less crowded in the afternoon.
Panathenaic Stadium: Tickets are available at the entrance, but visiting with a guide enhances the experience with historical context and insights.
Cape Sounion & Temple of Poseidon: A perfect day trip from Athens, sunset visits are particularly magical. Pre-arranging transport or joining a guided excursion is recommended.
Plaka & Monastiraki Markets: While no reservations are required, mornings are quieter for shopping and exploring.
S U G G E S T E D I T I N E R A R Y P O I N T S
DAY I
Ancient Athens
Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon. One of our guides can bring these ancient wonders to life, blending history & mythology.
Lunch: Enjoy traditional Greek dishes at a taverna in Plaka, where vine-covered terraces offer a break from the sun. Yes, you have permission to have souvlaki, tzatziki, and a big crisp bottle of sparkling water.
Afternoon: Head to the Acropolis Museum to delve deeper into the artifacts and sculptures you saw earlier.
Evening: Stroll through the Monastiraki neighborhood, exploring its markets and vibrant atmosphere.
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the beautifully illuminated Acropolis. Try and go easy on the ouzo, which will no doubt arrive unannounced, or should, quite frankly.
DAY II
Museums, Markets & Modern Athens
Morning: Start at the National Archaeological Museum, immersing yourself in the world of ancient Greek art and craftsmanship.
Lunch: Have at it with the street food, such as souvlaki or gyros near Monastiraki Square. If you end up going for a second round, well, these things happen.
Afternoon: Explore Kolonaki’s boutiques and galleries or unwind at the National Garden, a serene escape in the city center.
Evening: Experience Athens’ nightlife in Psiri, with its lively bars, restaurants, and live music venues.
DAY III
Coastal Beauty & Sunset Splendor
Morning: Take a trip to Cape Sounion to visit the Temple of Poseidon. Our guides can arrange private transport to make this all a lot easier.
Lunch: Enjoy a seafood feast at a coastal taverna overlooking the Aegean Sea.
Afternoon: Return to Athens for some relaxed shopping or a coffee at a traditional kafeneio.
Evening: Conclude your visit with a lush dinner in the upscale Kolonaki district or a farewell feast in Plaka.
You might also want to stay longer, and here’s why we think you should:
Consider extending your visit to explore Athens’ surrounding gems.
Delphi, the ancient sanctuary of Apollo, makes for an big-but-doable day trip.
Alternatively, spend time on the nearby islands of Aegina, Hydra, or Poros, each offering its own unique charm.
And of course, Athens is the perfect gateway to explore incredible sites like the clifftop monasteries at the Meteora in Kalampaka.
DAY IV PLUS
M E E T Y O U R G U I D E
All of our guides can offer you a spectacular experience. As each person has a slightly different look at the world, due to their own unique interests and specialties, we'd encourage you to read a few profiles.
