Overview
This 3-day itinerary covers the essential sights of Athens, from the ancient Acropolis to modern neighborhoods and nearby coastal areas. Day 1 focuses on the Acropolis and the historic center. Day 2 explores museums and central neighborhoods. Day 3 offers a choice between a day trip to the coast or a visit to Piraeus port. All transport costs are based on official OASA fares. The 3-day tourist ticket at EUR 20 covers all transport including the airport.
Day 1: Acropolis and the historic center
Start early at the Acropolis archaeological site. It opens at 08:00. Arriving early avoids crowds and heat. Full admission is EUR 30. After the Acropolis, walk down to the Acropolis Museum. General admission is EUR 20. The museum has a restaurant on the second floor with a view of the Acropolis. In the afternoon, explore Plaka and Anafiotika, the small neighborhood of white-washed houses near the Acropolis. Walk through Monastiraki for its flea market and shops. End the day at a taverna in Psirri.
Day 2: Museums and modern Athens
Visit the National Archaeological Museum in the morning. It is one of the most important museums in the world for ancient Greek art. In the afternoon, explore Kolonaki for its boutiques and cafes, or visit the Benaki Museum. Walk down to Syntagma Square to watch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In the evening, head to Gazi or Keramikos for bars and restaurants. The metro connects all these areas.
Day 3: Coast or Piraeus
Option A: Take the tram or metro to the Athens Riviera. The tram runs from Syntagma to Glyfada and Voula. Vouliagmeni Beach is a popular stop. The tram runs daily until around midnight. Option B: Take Metro Line 1 to Piraeus port. The journey from Monastiraki takes about 25 minutes. Piraeus has seafood restaurants, cafes, and the departure point for ferries to the islands. If you have a ferry booked, use this day to explore the port area before boarding.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 3-day tourist ticket worth it for this itinerary?
Yes. The 3-day tourist ticket at EUR 20 includes unlimited travel on metro, buses, trams, and trolleys for 72 hours, plus a round-trip airport transfer. A single airport metro ticket costs EUR 9 one way, so the tourist ticket pays for itself after the airport trip plus a few days of city travel.
Sources
- Oasa.Gr
Locator: Athens transport ticket prices. The 3-day tourist ticket at EUR 20 and all other fares are from the OASA official prices page.. Verified 2026-08-14.
- Stasy.Gr
Locator: Athens Metro Line 3 and tram schedules. Transport times and routes are from the STASY official timetables.. Verified 2026-08-14.