Athens Highlights in 3 Days: Must-See Sights and Local Experiences

Athens, one of the world’s oldest cities, is renowned for its rich history and archaeological ruins, but there’s so much more to it. With its oh-so-fantastic food, stunning landscapes, and distinct architecture, it’s a place where exciting history meets modern life. And it’s not just the iconic landmarks that make it so special – the city has its own unique vibe that’s hard to come by anywhere else.

This summer, I joined the Virgin Voyages Greek Island Glow sail. Before embarking on the adventure, I decided to spend three days in Athens to get a glimpse of the grandeur of ancient Greece. Here’s a recap of my days in the beautiful city that will, hopefully, inspire you to start plotting your own Athens adventure!

Why Visit Athens?

There’s not much that hasn’t been said about the allure of Athens. For years, it has been a beloved travel destination, especially for its famous attractions. 

But what exactly makes Athens so unforgettable? At the birthplace of democracy, you’ll find the Acropolis – home of the iconic Parthenon. Just below lies the Ancient Agora, where renowned philosophers once gathered and debated ideas. And for a truly unique glimpse into ancient athleticism, head to the Panathenaic Stadium – the only stadium in the world that’s made entirely of marble.

Not too much of a history buff? No worries! Athens has plenty to offer beyond historic sites. You can wander for hours through its charming neighbourhoods, indulge in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, or even splurge on a shopping spree in one of the many boutique shops. So, whether you’re into mythology, architecture, or simply lounging by the beach, the Greek capital will keep you occupied.

Accommodations

Every year, thousands of tourists visit Athens for its incredible offerings. And when it comes to accommodations, the city offers something for every traveler. You can book a luxurious stay by the beach, opt for a five-star hotel at the foot of the Acropolis, or choose a more intimate accommodation somewhere in the city center. 

During my visit, I decided to go with a boutique hotel to truly experience the Athenian charm and hospitality, and I couldn’t have been more satisfied! The Perianth Hotel, situated in Agias Eirinis square, truly checked all the boxes for a perfect Greek stay. Staying here means you’ll be a short distance away from the capital’s major attractions, but still just off the crowded tourist trail.

More than just a place to sleep, the hotel describes itself as a ‘neo-modernist marvel that celebrates contemporary Greek culture.’ It certainly delivers on that promise! You’ll find bits of art in every corner of the hotel – from its decor to the architecture. 

Rooms and Suites

In total, there are 47 guest rooms and suites spread across the 6-storey hotel building. Travelers can choose from a range of options, including Classic Rooms, Superior Rooms, the Junior Suite, Perianth Suite, Acropolis Suite, and the Penthouse Suite, each offering something a little different. The largest of them all is The Penthouse, which includes two bedrooms, a private terrace, and even a pool.

This time, we booked a stay in the Classic Room. It was quite spacious, equipped with a king-size bed, walk-in shower, a private balcony, and complimentary coffee, tea, and soft drinks.

Additional Details About the Hotel

When you book a stay at The Perianth, breakfast is included. Each morning, we were greeted with a spread of Greek pastries, fresh fruit, creamy yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, and crusty bread. You can also request scrambled eggs or an omelet made to order. While everything was tasty, after three days, it can feel a bit boring. Unfortunately, it wasn’t possible to order any other hot meals, such as French toast or pancakes.

The upside: you can also enjoy your breakfast in your room free of charge. This is a great option for lovebirds and people who prefer a slower, more private start to the day.

Keep in mind that the entrance to the hotel is on a pedestrian street. This means no transportation is allowed to pull up to the front door.

That said, the service at The Perianth was nothing short of exceptional. The staff go above and beyond to make sure guests feel their best.

Athens Highlights in 3 days: Things to See and Do

With so much buzz surrounding Athens, my expectations going in were sky-high. But Athens didn’t disappoint! Over our three-day stay, my husband and I took part in three different tours, and I loved all of them! Here are our Athens highlights in 3 days.

Greek Cooking Class in Athens Including Rooftop Dinner

What better way to experience Athens than through its food? One of the absolute highlights of our trip was the Greek cooking class. The chef was fantastic and taught us how to make all the traditional Greek eats, such as moussaka, spanakopita, tzatziki, and more. 

The best part? Sitting down to enjoy our creations on a private rooftop. This will definitely be a memory I’ll always treasure!

Greek Food Walking Tour

If the cooking class left you hungry for more (who can blame you), another great experience to have is the Greek food walking tour.

Over six delicious stops, we had the opportunity to sample local treats and specialties, including koulóuria (sesame bread rings), loukumades (Greek donuts), regional cheeses, and sand coffee. This traditional brewing method dates back to Ottoman times, where coffee is slowly heated over hot sand to produce a rich, velvety texture and intense flavor. The visit also included a tour through the local fish and meat market. A must-do activity when in Athens!

Acropolis Monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum

The huge number of tourists in Athens means there can be massive crowds and long visitor lines. For any activity you do, it’s best to book it in advance, especially if it involves one of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Acropolis or the Parthenon.

We joined this walking tour on the last day of our trip, just before boarding the ship, and it was the perfect way to end our Athens adventure with a little dose of culture!

If you’re visiting during the summer months, be prepared, as it can get very hot. Make sure to wear sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes.

See the Changing of the Guard

Another cool experience not to miss in Athens is the official changing of the guard at the Syntagma Square. Every Sunday morning at 11:00, the Evzones – a special unit of the Hellenic Army – together with a military band, march from the Presidential Guard’s barracks to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Visit the Byzantine Museum

One of the coolest museums in Athens is the Byzantine & Christian Museum, housed in the 1848 Villa Ilissia. Explore the mostly underground exhibition walls, filled with ancient and Christian art pieces, and make sure to stop by Aristotle’s Lyceum – a series of beautiful gardens. There’s a cute cafe overlooking the greenery as well!

Go to the Hellenic Air Force Museum

Who said visiting Athens is only about culture? The Hellenic Air Force Museum is home to a vast aircraft collection, primarily from the World War II era. In fact, the museum exhibits rare aircraft that can be found in only a handful of places in the world.

Admire the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

Everything in Athens is grand, and its churches are no exception. The Cathedral, which is the ‘official’ church of Athens and also the headquarters of the archbishop of Greece, was constructed with materials from over 70 abandoned churches. The interior frescoes and icons are equally impressive!

Go to the Food Market

Varvakeois is Athens’ largest food market, bursting with aromas and flavors. On the one side, you’ll find butchers selling all types of meat imaginable. On the other side, you can treat yourself to fresh veggies, fruits, nuts, and spices. 

However, while Varvakeios is the most popular, it is not the only place to shop for local delicacies. The city has plenty of other markets, each with its own unique story. If you have time, consider stopping by the Eleonas Flea Market or the antique market at Avissinias Square.

Take the Cable Car to the Mountain for Evening Views

Looking for the perfect place to snap your Instagram selfie? Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens, where thousands of locals and tourists climb up to the top every year. 

If you’re not up for a hike, it’s also possible to hop on a funicular or cliff railway to reach the hill. Come here during sunset hours for the best views!

Stroll Past the Academy, National Library, and University

One of the most beautiful (and underrated) walks in Athens is along Panepistimiou Street, where you’ll find three impressive neoclassical buildings: the Academy of Athens, the National Library, and the University of Athens. 

Don’t forget to look up! The marble statues and columns are full of mythological symbolism and fine details that are easy to miss at a quick glance.

Shop (Or Window Shop!) in Kolonaki

If you’re into boutique shopping or simply love to people-watch in stylish neighborhoods, make time for Kolonaki. This upscale area feels worlds away from the bustling historic center – think designer shops, chic cafes, and polished locals in linen and sunglasses.

Visit Monastiraki Square

No trip to Athens is complete without a stop at lively Monastiraki Square. You’ll find everything from antique shops and souvenir stalls to rooftop bars and Roman ruins, all within a few minutes’ walk of each other.

Where to Eat and Drink

If you’re a foodie, you’ll be spoilt for choice in the Greek capital. While Greeks mostly love to just grab a souvlaki and wander around the charming streets (and they tend to prefer informality and familiarity), there are plenty of more upscale options available too. In fact, we didn’t have one bad meal in Athens. The food was truly incredible! 

Here are some of the places we visited during our stay:

Cerdo Negro 1985: A dream for meat lovers. We opted for the set menu and were blown away. The cocktails? Also 10/10. It’s no surprise this place keeps popping up in the Michelin Guide.

Merceri: This charming Michelin-starred restaurant combines adorable decor with standout service and a great wine list. We opted for the set menu (because, honestly, how do you choose?), and didn’t regret a single bite.

Dollis Rooftop Restaurant: Come for the Acropolis views, stay for the cocktails. This place is ideal for dinner with a view or just an evening drink as the city lights come on. My pick? The Honeymoon cocktail.

Pro Tip: Athens gets busy – book your dinner reservations in advance, especially during high season.

Final Thoughts

As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens has enough monuments to keep you busy for a week (or more). Yet, if you dare to venture outside the typical tourist attractions, you’ll see the city also has a youthful and playful side to it. 

Three days may not seem like a lot for a city like Athens, but during this time, we managed to experience the best of it – mind-boggling ancient ruins, bustling markets, and truly heavenly food (I’ll be dreaming about it for a long time).

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Want to experience the grandeur of Athens for yourself? Reach out to the expert planners at Travel Queen LLC! We’ll take you beyond the classic tourist attractions – from secret rooftop bars to tucked-away tavernas. Let us design your dream escape!

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