This past summer I had the chance to visit Athens numerous times, and with each visit I uncovered a little more of the city’s magic. If it’s your first time here, it can be hard to know where to begin. Athens is layered with history, alive with energy, and overflowing with food and culture. To help, I’ve put together a three-day itinerary based on my own experiences—balancing ancient wonders with lazy afternoons, hidden corners, and even a quick island escape.
Day 1: History, Food, and Rooftop Views
There’s no better place to start in Athens than at the Acropolis. Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the heat, and climb slowly up the marble steps through the Propylaea until the Parthenon comes into view. Standing in front of it, glowing in the morning sun, is one of those pinch-me travel moments. From the top, the whole city stretches out beneath you—chaotic, modern, ancient, all at once.
Just down the hill is the Acropolis Museum, one of my favorite museums in Europe. With its sleek glass design and light-filled galleries, it feels modern but deeply connected to the ruins above. Walking through, you see sculptures and friezes displayed in ways that bring them back to life, and the glass floors even reveal ongoing excavations beneath your feet. I left with a new appreciation for the stones I’d just walked among.
By lunchtime, head into Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens. Its streets are full of flowers, music, and the aroma of grilled meats. Sit down at a taverna and order something classic—maybe moussaka or souvlaki—but you can’t go wrong with a gyro. Warm pita, juicy meat, tomatoes, onions, a dollop of tzatziki, and yes, even fries tucked inside. It’s messy and perfect.
Afterward, wander through Plaka’s cobblestone alleys until you reach Anafiotika. This hidden corner feels like a Cycladic island dropped beneath the Acropolis, with whitewashed houses and winding stairways. It’s quiet, dreamy, and a world away from the bustle just below.
A Sweet Stop at Little Kook
Before dinner, make a stop at Little Kook, a whimsical dessert café in the Psiri district. This place is pure magic—think Alice in Wonderland meets a fairytale dreamscape. Every few months, the café completely transforms its theme, from Christmas wonderlands to pirate adventures. The decorations spill out onto the streets, and you can’t help but smile as soon as you see it. Grab a coffee or indulge in a decadent crepe or cake while soaking in the over-the-top atmosphere.
Dinner with a View in Monastiraki
For the evening, head to Monastiraki Square. It’s bustling with life—street musicians, market stalls, and locals mingling under the shadow of the Acropolis. The best way to end your day is with dinner at one of the many nearby rooftops offering unforgettable views of the illuminated Parthenon. A few favorites include:
MS Roof Garden – known for its panoramic views and modern cocktails.
A for Athens – stylish and perfect for both dinner and drinks.
Attic Urban Rooftop – a bit more relaxed, tucked away but with equally stunning views.
Dining here, with the Acropolis glowing above you, is one of those quintessential Athens moments you’ll never forget.
A for Athens
MS Garden
MS Garden
Attic
Day 2: Slow Down
After a full first day of history and city wandering, Day 2 is designed to slow down—swap monuments for water, shade, and beach vibes.
Lake Vouliagmeni is unlike anywhere I’ve been before. Nestled between cliffs, this natural thermal lake feels like a hidden spa. The water is warm year-round, somewhere between 21 and 29°C, and locals swear by its therapeutic qualities. Lake Vouliagmeni is just about a 30–40 minute drive from the city center and can be reached via taxi or even a bus. If you like to save on transportation, I suggest taking the bus. The bus (e.g. 122 from Elliniko, 115, 117 from Glyfada) is less than $2 and will take you directly to Lake Vouliagemi. I suggest arriving there close to opening time, as it can get crowded and once capacity is reached, there will be a waiting time.
The place is set up for you to linger: rows of sunbeds and umbrellas, a shaded café where you can grab coffee or a light lunch, and plenty of space to swim. But be sure to bring your own towel. I spent hours here, alternating between swimming, reading on a lounge chair, and just watching the light change on the cliffs.
Entry is around €16–19 depending on the day, a little more if you want the upgraded cabanas or private lounge spots (worth it if you’re with friends or want extra comfort). Everything you need is on site—changing rooms, showers, even a hydraulic lift into the water for people with mobility challenges. I had a simple salad and iced coffee at the café, which hit the spot before one more dip in the lake. If you have time in Athens, this is the perfect place to recharge after all the sightseeing.
After spending most of your day at Lake Vouliagmeni, make your way back up the coast to Bolivar Beach Club in Alimos, to catch the sunset. The vibe here couldn’t be more different—where the lake is serene and tranquil, Bolivar is all about energy and fun. During the day, it’s a stylish beach setup with rows of sunbeds right on the sand, palm trees swaying, and music drifting from the bar. I grabbed a spot near the water, ordered a cocktail, and watched the sun sink lower into the Saronic Gulf.
Once the evening hits, Bolivar transforms. The restaurant serves fresh Mediterranean dishes—think seafood pasta, grilled meats, and mezze to share—and after dinner the place shifts into full beach club mode. The music gets louder, the lights come on, and suddenly you’re dancing barefoot in the sand under the stars. They often host big-name DJs, so depending on the night it can feel like you’re at a mini festival right on the beach.
For me, it was the perfect contrast to the morning: a day that started with stillness and warm water ended with music, laughter, and the sea breeze in my hair. Athens isn’t just about ancient ruins—it’s also a city that knows how to enjoy life by the water.
Day 3: A Day Trip to Aegina
For my last day, I wanted a taste of island life, so I hopped on a ferry to Aegina. Piraeus port is only about a 30-minute ride from central Athens, and from there the ferries to Aegina are frequent and quick. I booked online the night before through Ferryhopper, and for about €15 I was on a fast boat that whisked me across the Saronic Gulf in forty minutes.
Aegina instantly felt different: slower, sunnier, more relaxed. The port is full of colorful fishing boats and tavernas where locals sip coffee for hours. The island is famous for its pistachios, and I tried them in every possible form—pistachio ice cream, pastries, even little jars of pistachio butter to bring home.
I spent part of the day swimming near Agia Marina, where the water is perfectly clear, before heading up to the Temple of Aphaia. Perched on a hilltop, the temple has stood for over 2,500 years, and the views stretch endlessly across the sea. Compared to the Acropolis, it feels quiet and almost forgotten, which made it all the more special.
Back in town, I wandered the narrow streets, picked up souvenirs, and sat down for one last island meal—grilled fish, a Greek salad, and a cold glass of wine with the sea breeze at my back. By evening, I was on the ferry again, watching the lights of Athens sparkle in the distance, already feeling nostalgic.
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