From 30,000 feet, Athens revealed itself like a secret slowly waking beneath the fading sun. The Aegean Sea shimmered with molten gold, its waves catching the last light of day. Rugged mountains rose around the city like ancient sentinels, cradling a sprawling urban tapestry where history and modern life intertwine. The coastline stretched out below, soft and inviting, hinting at quiet beaches to rest on and rugged hills waiting to be climbed – each part of the city unfolding like a new discovery, sparking a sense of adventure before I’d even landed.
The ancient Greek philosopher Socrates is famously quoted to have said, “One thing I know, is that I know nothing.” And while I often find trinkets of wisdom within the words of great thinkers, I must admit, I disagree with this one when it comes to Athens. Because if there’s one thing I do know, it’s that this wondrous city is worth every minute of your time.
Athens is a name that carries considerable weight – it may bring to mind sand-toned ancient ruins, Greek mythology and a rich tapestry of history. How could it not? Revered as the birthplace of Western democracy, philosophy and thought, Athens also gave rise to the Olympic Games (founded in 776 BC) and has been a centre of innovation in arts, medicine and education. The name Athens itself is said to have derived from the Greek Goddess Athena, who won ownership over the city after beating Poseidon in a competition, with the Parthenon temple at the top of the Acropolis built in dedication to her.
Despite this rich mythology and nearly 3,400 years of history, Athens struck me as a city deeply rooted in the present. From the vibrant creative scene to its eclectic food spots and buzzing social spaces, there’s so much to dive into. Imagine open-air cinemas with views of the Acropolis, fresh seafood along Marine Drive and botanical cafes serving some of the most flavourful coffee I’ve ever tasted.
Although Athens has plenty to offer, in recent years it’s often overshadowed by its island neighbours – Mykonos for the parties, or Lesbos for an empowering queer scene. But this is no city to overlook. If you’re into seriously good coffee, local artisan pop-up markets and sleepy local beaches along the riviera, Athens has its own kind of magic. Here’s how to spend 72-hours in this vibrant, multifaceted city...
Day 1
Check Into... Ace Hotel + Swim Club in Glyfada, a stylish retreat just outside central Athens featuring Mediterranean-inspired interiors, local artwork and a cool ’70s vibe. Leather seating, ceramics and coffee table books create a warm and inviting atmosphere. The ground-floor pool is the social heart, perfect for evening cocktails and DJ sets and, as a music lover, I loved having a guitar in my room to play. Don’t miss the buffet breakfast (especially the fresh Greek yogurt with granola) to fuel your day.
Step Back In Time At... The Acropolis, Athens’ iconic ancient citadel and an unmissable historical landmark. Yes, it can get busy with tourists – but this is one sight that absolutely lives up to the hype. The climb is awe-inspiring, with the city unfolding beneath you as you ascend. Be sure to pass by the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a breathtaking ancient theatre renowned for its grandeur and architectural elegance. Go early to avoid the heat (there’s no shade here) and crowds. Tickets can be booked online or bought at the South Slope entrance. From November to March, prices are reduced; in peak season, expect to pay around €30.
Replenish Your Electrolytes At... Little Tree Books and Coffee, a charming spot tucked just below the Acropolis. I was happily lost in Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things while sipping on a berry smoothie. Another gem is Minu (a 20-minute walk in the other direction) a plant-filled cafe and restaurant where the greenery nearly outnumbers the seats.
Browse Vintage Finds & Local Crafts... Thissio Flea Market, located in the lively Thissio neighbourhood, just west of the Acropolis (not far from Minu). It stretches from Thissio metro station along Apostolou Pavlou Street – perfect for picking up unique souvenirs and getting lost among the stalls.
Or, For An Art Fix, Step Into The Sleek, Light-filled Halls Of The... National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens (ΕΜΣΤ) – just a 10-minute walk from Little Tree. Housed in a former brewery, this modern space spotlights bold, thought-provoking works by both Greek and international artists – a refreshing contrast to the city’s classical past.
Catch A Sunset Movie At... Ciné Paris, an impressive open-air cinema with breathtaking views of the Acropolis. Nestled in the historic neighbourhood of Plaka, it’s one of the city’s longest-running cinemas – originally opening in the 1960s as an indoor theatre before transforming into the open-air beauty it is today. With its rooftop vibes and electric atmosphere, tickets fly fast – so lock yours in early!
Go For Dinner At... Metropolis Roof Garden (at the top of the Electra Metropolis hotel). Ideally located in Plaka, close to the Acropolis and other key site, this rooftop spot offers a fresh menu of Mediterranean dishes paired with epic city views. For a change of pace, try Nolan’s around the corner, where East Asian flavours like bao buns, rice noodles, and shrimp take centre stage. Both are on the higher end price-wise, but nearby you’ll find Aspro Alogo, a family-run taverna serving traditional Greek fare at authentic prices – think Greek salad, tzatziki and fried halloumi.
Day 2
Have A Slow Start... After a rather jam-packed first day, soaking up some sun while lounging around at one of the many beaches along the Athenian Riviera is the perfect way to ease into your second morning. If you’re staying at the Ace Hotel + Swim Club, you’re in luck, as it’s only a three-minute walk from the lovely Glyfada Beach, which boasts deep blue water and soft waves. If you’re not staying along the Riviera, the buses and trams will easily get you there (you can pay with your contactless card for ease). After you’ve read your book and calmed your mind by listening to the gentle waves, take some time to check out what Glyfada has to offer...
Grab A Coffee And A Sweet Treat At... La Linda Bakery & Café, which has a beautiful mix of indulgent pastries, cakes and coffee that started in Uruguay, before opening the second outpost in Athens (which is a short walk from Glyfada beach). Back in central Athens, 72H Artisanal Bakery is another wonderful bakery – as recommended to me by Athenian local, and Culture Manager at the Ace Hotel, Sofia. Or, if you’re in the mood for something savoury...
Get Your Gyros Fix At... Laos Kai Kalamaki, right by the hotel – the recommendation came from my taxi driver from the airport. On the flight there, I couldn’t stop thinking about gyros – a dreamy combination of fresh bread, meat, salad, garlic sauce and fries. I couldn’t wait to finally order a chicken gyros, and it hit the spot. If you have any room left, order a half-vanilla, half-chocolate soft-serve ice cream. And the best part? The meal cost just over €4!
Continue Exploring The Waters Of Athens At... Vouliagmeni Lake, a hidden gem of the Athenian Riviera. (If you’re heading there post-gyros, you can take the 122 bus from Laos Kai Kalamaki – it only takes 20 minutes.) No matter what time of year you visit, this lake is perfect for a dip – it’s always warm (between 21-29°C year-round), thanks to natural thermal springs. You do have to pay an entrance fee – tip: reserve online ahead of time to get a sunbed – but it’s worth it for bathing in those mineral-rich waters. There’s also a spa, for those looking for a full wellness reset.
Head Back To The Hotel To... Refresh before dinner. You’ve swum, you’ve explored, you’ve caught the sun. If you’re in the mood, head for a pre-dinner cocktail at the hotel’s rooftop bar and restaurant, Sora – the Kasumi cocktail, an umami blend of mezcal, gochujang and grapefruit – is not to be missed. Then, it’s time to eat!
For A Dinner To Remember... You have a couple of options here. If you want to stay close to home, the hotel’s Sebastian Restaurant offers delicious contemporary Greek and American-style food. Their Greek salad is a must-order, packed with capers, anchovies and the juiciest tomatoes I’ve possibly ever had. Or, if you found it too hard to drag yourself away from Vouliagmeni’s shimmering waters and suddenly realise you need to eat, Blue Fish is a great spot nearby, serving up local seafood with stunning sea views to match. (The tartare is next-level.)
Day 3
Wake Up With A View By... Setting your alarm early and catching the sunrise. On my last day in Athens, I sat on the balcony of my room and watched the sun come up from behind the mountains, lighting up the city in a warm glow. The perfect opportunity to take a time out, reflect on the trip so far and gear up for one last day of exploring.
Get Your Caffeine Fix At... Behold the man – a hub for local creatives that serves an excellent coffee. Then, fuel up with breakfast at Stani, a traditional Greek yoghurt bar around the corner that has been around since 1931. The delicious, process-free yoghurt, made from sheep’s milk, is served with a generous serving of honey and walnuts, or you can opt for rice pudding or kataifi (a shredded phyllo dough pastry wrapped around a core of nuts and soaked in sugar or honey).
Stretch Your Legs With... A hike up to Lycabettus Hill. As I mentioned at the start, with the mountains and proximity to the sea, Athens has options for almost every traveller. So for your last day, get some comfy shoes on and get exploring – at 277 metres above sea level, its summit is the highest point in Athens, offering beautiful views across the city. (If you don’t feel like walking, you can also take a cable car.)
If you’re a huge fan of hiking and nature, you could venture further out (around a 30-minute drive from central Athens) to the Aesthetic Forest of Hymettus, Kaisariani and Vyronas, a protected natural area near Athens with lots of hiking trails, historical monuments and wildlife. You can easily spend a full day exploring, so pack snacks to keep you going until you...
Have Some Traditional Greek Cuisine At... Well, you have a few options here. There’s Ta Karamanlidika Tou Fani, a deli in the city’s central Χαυτεία area that serves Greek and Anatolian foods. It’s family-run and the prices are decent for lunch – expect cuts of meat, cheese and hearty stews with flavours that reflect Greek’s diverse communities. Then there’s Diporto, a local gem that has been around for more than 100 years. It’s notoriously hard to find – there’s no sign, no menu and it’s actually underground – but head to 9 Sokratous Theatrou 2 and you’ll be in the right spot.
Walk Off Lunch By Exploring Athen’s Stunning Neighbourhoods... Anafiotika is a tiny, scenic area nestled within historic Plaka, just beneath the Acropolis. The whitewashed houses are built in the Cycladic architectural style, as the area was originally settled by workers from the island of Anafi in the mid-19th century. It’s a small area that can be explored fairly, so afterwards, continue wandering through Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens, known for its cobblestoned streets, Byzantine churches, and neoclassical charm.
Alternatively, Psyrri offers a more urban, artsy atmosphere. I spotted plenty of street art and murals there, and even stumbled into Athens Local Market – a pop-up full of handicrafts, with free entry and plenty of opportunity to chat with local creatives and browse unique handmade goods. The area really celebrates the city’s modern cultural side.
Round Off Your Trip With A Meal At... Tavern Klimataria a lively spot in Psiri that’s been open since 1927. With vibrant, home-style Greek dishes and live music filling the room most nights, it’s unpretentious, soulful and full of life.
