72 hours in Athens

Begin your journey through Athens at its most iconic landmark—the Acropolis. Towering over the city, this ancient citadel is a testament to Greece’s rich history and a must-see for every first-time visitor. The imposing Acropolis rock, with its impressive Parthenon, dominates most areas, while the new Acropolis Museum shall definitely be on your bucket list. All of the compelling finds discovered in the Acropolis can be seen at the Acropolis Museum. It is considered to be one of the top 10 museums to visit in the whole world by many travel mags. Allow 2 to 3 hours to fully browse through all the intriguing artefacts. Located on the pedestrian Dionysiou Aeropagitou (Athens’ most upscale street, which is the perimeter of the Acropolis rock), walking along with it, you will reach the quaint area of Thiseio and the picturesque Monastiraki, filled with cafes, tavernas and souvenir shops.

After having had your main cultural fix, indulge in a lazy afternoon and enjoy a traditional hot Greek coffee, which has a nice thick, aromatic blend, or a cold alternative, which is a freddo espresso (without milk) or freddo cappuccino (with milk froth). Our favourite place to enjoy such drinks is Cafe Taf, home to one of the finalists in the World Barista Championships competition. Expect to find expert baristas serving handcrafted brews for coffee connoisseurs in a contemporary-style setting. 

Choose to stay in a central location in the historic part of the city at AthensWas, so that all the ancient wonders are (literally) at your feet. We also recommend staying a few nights at New Hotel in Athens. New Hotel is a part of the group of YES! Hotels, making echoes of a hip, design installment in a privileged city area. It fully encapsulates the Yes! Hotels philosophy – Young, Enthusiastic and Seductive. Rooftop lovers will be happy to learn about the sky-high Art Lounge with panoramic views of the city. The Dolli hotel, is a relatively new 5-star hotel, showcasing quirk, sophistication and glamour.

Syntagma is the heartbeat of Athens, where ancient history meets contemporary flair. With its grand parliament building, bustling markets, and luxury shopping, it’s the ideal spot for diverse experiences. The most prominent shopping high street is straight ahead of Syntagma Square, where the Greek Parliament is situated with the honorary Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Ermou. It is primarily brimming with quality clothes stores and is usually busy most of the time the shops are open. Since shopping can be a way of losing track of time and a real stimulant, you can take a break and get back to base to tuck into an unsurpassed Athenian rooftop gastronomic experience, with a view to die for: the top of the Acropolis! Speaking of views, a favourite local spot is Mount Lycabettus (meaning the mount of wolves, as it has been said that it was once the refuge of the wild wolves of Athens). It offers fantastic panoramic views of the Panathinaiko Stadium or Kallimarmaro, the temple of Olympian Zeus, the Parliament, and the Acropolis. It also hosts a trendy open-air concert venue at the top. If you are lucky enough to experience a concert there, you shouldn’t miss the chance due to its phenomenal acoustics.

For a genuine feel for Athens, no visit is ever complete without a visit to Athens Centra Market. This is the best place to get closer to the locals. It is loud, and animated and the market stalls are chaotic. The number of local products is a testament to the abundance of farm activity in the peninsula. Also, do not miss out on eating at nearby Tis Theatrou to Steki on Theatrou Street nº3-7, which is open every day of the week except on Sundays. It is cheap, entertaining and uses some of the freshest ingredients. Small plates for sharing range from 3 euros and include fava sprinkled with shallots and onions, black eye bean salad (our fave!), sardines, codfish fritters and other bites.

Historic Athens, home to Monastiraki, Plaka, and Anafiotika, is a treasure trove of ancient wonders and lively local culture. Strolling through these neighbourhoods feels like walking through an open-air museum where each corner reveals a new chapter of the city’s rich heritage. Explore vibrant markets, quaint cafes, and scenic alleys, all framed by the imposing Acropolis above. 

Monastiraki

Start your exploration in Monastiraki, the bustling hub of activity with its vibrant square, eclectic mix of shops, and cafes. From there, wander into the tranquil neighbourhoods of Plaka and Anafiotika, where the atmosphere becomes more serene, and ancient ruins and neoclassical houses greet you at every turn. Love coffee? Head to Tailor Made, one of the first-ever specialty coffee shops in Athens. Located in the cosmopolitan area of Monastiraki area, in Agias Eirinis square to be precise, you will have plenty of shopping options as well. Tailor-Made lends its name to the historical fabric shops that were once lined up around the square. A true bonus is a fact that you can buy their dry coffee, brewing equipment and infusions to take with you. All around the world, Greeks hold onto their family lukumades recipe, each with its own special twist. Lukumades otherwise known as ‘Greek doughnuts’ are sold all over Greece from small dedicated patisseries and are usually served as a treat in the afternoon with honey syrup and crushed walnuts. Get yours at hip joint Lukumades on the street Aiolou n°21. We love the honey and cinnamon combination, but there are dozens more to choose from.

Plaka and Anafiotika

Directly below the Acropolis rock, Plaka and Anafiotika welcome you with their neoclassical buildings, narrow passageways, and quaint alleys. Wander through these picturesque neighbourhoods to find hidden courtyards, small museums, and tavernas with panoramic views. You’ll encounter the well-preserved Ancient Agora, where the ruins of ancient Athens come to life.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the National Archaeological Museum is a must. It showcases artefacts that span millennia. If art is more your style, the Benaki Museum offers a deep dive into Greek art and culture. After your tour of the Acropolis, continue to the Kerameikos Archaeological Site, which is easily accessible from the Monastiraki train station. This serene area, used continuously for burials from the twelfth century BC for a thousand years, provides a tranquil counterpoint to the lively streets of Plaka.

Where sophistication and modern luxury converge, Kolonaki is known for its chic boutiques, stylish cafes, and cultural attractions. It’s the place to experience Athenian elegance at its finest. Kolonaki is where sophistication and luxury meet. This upscale neighbourhood offers a blend of designer boutiques and trendy cafes, perfect for high-end shopping and leisurely afternoons. It is a more upmarket area with many chic restaurants and boutiques, so take your time to look after selective pieces. For a hip retail experience, we recommend a cool cafe and boutique concept store, Philos. The contemporary store leads customers through the artistic side of Athens, with dozens of independent brands for design, household goods, and books. We spent most of our time downstairs with an issue of Openhouse magazine whilst gulping down a delicious open sandwich with salmon and sliced cucumbers. 

Interestingly, the Attica department store is located on Panepistimiou n°9. The establishment covers five floors and features over 800 clothing brands, serenaded with design touches and cute corners. Attica Mall reminded us of Galeries Lafayette in Paris. Some of the brands you can shop are Burberry, Paul Smith, Fred Perry, and La Martina.

Escape the city’s hustle in Kifisia, a leafy northern suburb known for its neo-classical buildings and high-end shopping streets. A favourite of locals and visitors alike for its tranquil yet upscale atmosphere. In the northern suburbs of Athens, lies hotel TWENTYONE. This property is in the uptown neighbourhood Kifisia, also known as the Beverly Hills of Athens for its abundance of shops and tree-lined streets with neo-classical buildings. The major shopping malls of Athens are located on the main road artery leading up to Kifissia, and once you arrive there (by train from the centre or by taxi around 25 minutes) you’ll find some designer stores for exclusive luxury shopping! This area is great for unwinding and getting to know another side of Athens. 

We additionally recommend visiting COCO-MAT Hotel Nafsika, as its in-house store and graffiti-embellished rooftop scenario is something to experience.

The Athenian Riviera offers a refreshing coastal escape with its sun-drenched beaches and stunning Mediterranean views. Explore a different side of Athens where luxury meets the sea. The Athenian Suburbia is well worth the hype. After having sampled the main points of interest within the city centre of Athens, you may want to venture out to the outskirts on your last day. The northern parts of Athens, known as the more luxurious neighbourhoods, such as Maroussi, Kefalari, and Kifisia (as mentioned above), are the posher areas; they have their hub of leisurely attractions with slightly different ambience. Another difference you’ll notice is that these neighbourhoods are surrounded by green surroundings, something that is lacking in the centre. Perfect for enjoying a coffee and stroll.

Alternatively, you can make your way towards the southern regions of Faliro and Glyfada, which offer a lovely coastline and generous views of the calming Mediterranean Sea. This coastline is also known as the Athenian Riviera and goes all the way to Sounion, which boasts the stunning Temple of Poseidon built on the top of a cliff. Visit Sounion around sunset to experience breathtaking vistas from the cape.

Athens is the best starting point for a Greek island adventure, so if you are planning a trip to Greece, it is best that you also experience what Greece is renowned for, all in one go.