10 Days in Athens: The Perfect 10-Day Itinerary (2026)

By Flavia Voican, 360 Business Tour · Updated April 2026

Day 1-2: Arrival & First Impressions

Upon arrival at Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (A2), take the Athens Airport Metro Line 3 to the city center. Check into a centrally located hotel such as Kyriakos Hotel or Hotel Grande Bretagne for a convenient base. On your first day, start with a walk through the city center, passing by Syntagma Square and the Hellenic Parliament building. A short walk brings you to the Athens City Hall, which offers a panoramic view from its rooftop garden. As evening falls, head to Plaka for traditional Greek tavernas and a lively atmosphere.

On day two, visit the iconic Athenian Acropolis, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the world. Entry costs €20 (€10 for EU citizens under 25), and the site is open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (summer) and 5:00 PM (winter). Take a guided tour to understand its historical and architectural significance. After the Acropolis, explore the Erechtheion and the Parthenon. In the afternoon, visit the Acropolis Museum to see artifacts from the ancient site. Finish the day with a coffee at Café Orizonte or a walk along Lycabettus Hill, which offers a magical view of the city at night.

• Hotel (2 nights): €120-€200
• Acropolis ticket: €20
• Public transport (metro): €1.50 per ride
• Dining and coffee: €30-€50 per day

Day 3-4: Museums & Culture

Dedicate day three to museums. Start at the National Archaeological Museum, located in central Athens. Open from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, the museum is home to over 100,000 artifacts from ancient Greek history. Admission is €10. Afterward, visit the Benaki Museum, which showcases Greek culture from antiquity to the modern era. Entry is free on Wednesdays. In the evening, enjoy a Greek film at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC) or attend a traditional music performance in Monastiraki Square.

On day four, visit the Museum of the Ancient Agora to explore the birthplace of democracy. Open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, entry is €5. Then walk through the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos. In the afternoon, take a tram to Museum of Cycladic Art for a modern take on ancient art. Finish the day with a visit to Nea Ionia Market or Varvakios Agora to experience local life and sample fresh produce and street food.

• Museum tickets: €25-€30 total
• Tram ride: €1.50
• Dining and market food: €25-€40

Day 5-6: Local Life & Hidden Gems

Day five is for exploring the neighborhoods beyond the tourist trail. Start with Moschato, a quiet district with local cafes and the Cyprus Garden, a peaceful green space. Then visit Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery and burial ground near the city center. Admission is €5. In the afternoon, walk through Anafiotika, a small Cycladic-style neighborhood on the slopes of the Acropolis. End the day with a sunset view from Lycabettus Hill, reached by the Lycabettus Funicular (€2 round trip).

On day six, explore Metro Station Monastiraki for its underground archaeological museum and then walk through Psiri, a vibrant area with art galleries and jazz bars. In the evening, enjoy a cocktail at Bar Tiki or Little Venice, a picturesque district on the Ilissos River. Don’t miss the street art in Exarcheia, a bohemian neighborhood known for its alternative culture and independent cafes.

• Funicular ride: €2
• Entry to sites: €5-€10
• Drinks and cocktails: €15-€30