Athens 4-Day Seasonal Itineraries

Spring in Athens - Ancient Wonders & Blooms

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Morning (8:00 AM)

Acropolis€20 - arrive early before heat & crowds

✓ Opens 8AM - arrive first! Combined ticket €30 (valid 5 days, 7 sites). Wear comfortable shoes - marble is slippery. Bring water. Allow 2-3 hours. Under 25 EU citizens free with ID.
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Late Morning (11:00 AM)

Acropolis Museum€15 - world-class ancient artifacts

✓ Modern AC building - perfect break from heat. Glass floors show excavations below. Top floor Parthenon gallery stunning. Allow 2 hours. Cafe with Acropolis views.
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Lunch (1:30 PM)

Greek taverna in Plaka€12-20

✓ Old Athens neighborhood. Try moussaka, souvlaki, Greek salad. Scholarhio or O Thanasis recommended. Shaded terraces perfect for spring.
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Afternoon (3:30 PM)

Wander AnafiotikaFree - hidden island village

✓ Cycladic-style houses under Acropolis. Whitewashed lanes, bougainvillea blooms. Very photogenic. Only 45 houses - explore slowly.
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Evening (7:00 PM)

Sunset at Lycabettus Hill€10 funicular

✓ 360° Athens views. Can hike up (30min) or take funicular. Cafe at top. Sunset over Acropolis unforgettable. Spring weather perfect.
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Morning (9:00 AM)

Ancient Agora€10 - marketplace of ancient Athens

✓ Included in combo ticket. See Temple of Hephaestus (best preserved Greek temple). Stoa of Attalos museum. Shaded paths under trees.
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Late Morning (11:30 AM)

National Archaeological Museum€12

✓ World's finest ancient Greek art collection. Mask of Agamemnon, Antikythera Mechanism. Allow 2-3 hours. AC inside.
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Lunch (2:00 PM)

Central Market€8-15 street food

✓ Varvakios Agora - authentic local market. Fresh seafood, meat, produce. Cheap tavernas inside. Very local experience.
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Afternoon (4:00 PM)

Explore Monastiraki flea marketFree

✓ Antiques, souvenirs, vintage items. Best on Sundays. Acropolis views from square. Haggling expected.
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Morning (9:00 AM)

National GardenFree spring blooms

✓ 38-acre oasis in city center. Duck pond, botanical museum, cafe. Perfect spring morning stroll. Peaceful escape.
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Late Morning (11:00 AM)

Temple of Olympian Zeus€8

✓ Massive columns - once largest temple in Greece. Combo ticket valid. Quick visit 30-45min. Hadrian's Arch nearby.
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Afternoon (2:00 PM)

Day trip to Cape Sounion€10 + €10 bus

✓ Temple of Poseidon on cliff. 70km from Athens. KTEL bus from Pedion Areos. Sunset tours popular but crowded. Spring weather ideal.
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Full Day Trip

Delphi ancient oracle€12 + €18 bus

✓ 2.5hr bus from Athens. Temple of Apollo, ancient theater, museum. One of Greece's most important sites. Guided tours €50. Mountain scenery stunning in spring.

Summer in Athens - Heat & Sea

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Early Morning (7:00 AM)

Acropolis€20 - beat 40°C heat!

✓ CRITICAL in summer - arrive at opening! By 11AM unbearable heat. Bring hat, sunscreen, 2L water. No shade on rocks. Combined ticket €30.
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Late Morning (10:00 AM)

Acropolis Museum€15 AC refuge

✓ Essential AC escape. Spend 3 hours here during peak heat. Museum cafe for lunch with views.
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Afternoon (3:00 PM)

Beach at Vouliagmeni€8

✓ 25min from center. Organized beach, clear water. Bus or tram. Stay until sunset. Beach bars open late.
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Morning

Indoor museums during midday heat€10-15

✓ National Archaeological, Benaki, Byzantine museums all AC. Plan indoor 11AM-5PM. Evening outdoor activities.
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Evening (8:00 PM)

Rooftop dinner Psirri area€20-35

✓ Summer nights lively. Outdoor dining perfect. Acropolis views. Greeks eat late (9-11PM).
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Day Trip

Island hop to Hydra or Aegina€30-50

✓ Ferries from Piraeus. Hydra: no cars, donkeys only! Aegina: pistachio island, Temple of Aphaia. Full day escape from city heat.
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Full Day

Beach club experience€20-40

✓ Astir Beach, Yabanaki Beach. Sunbeds, restaurants, bars. Spend whole day. Athens Riviera stunning.

Autumn in Athens - Perfect Weather

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Morning

Acropolis€20 - ideal temperatures

✓ September-October perfect weather. Still warm but comfortable. Fewer crowds than summer. Best time to visit!
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Afternoon

Walk ancient sites comfortably€30 combo

Where to Eat and Drink in Athens

A Guide to Best Cafes and Restaurants

Athens Food Guide
Spondi
★ Michelin

Spondi

French-Mediterranean €€€€

Two Michelin stars since 2002. Elegant courtyard dining with innovative French-Greek fusion. Athens' most celebrated restaurant.

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Karamanlidika

To Karamanlidika tou Fani

Traditional Greek €€

Historic deli-restaurant serving meze and cured meats since 1922. Authentic family recipes in atmospheric setting near Central Market.

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Taf Coffee

TAF Coffee

Specialty Coffee €€

The Art Foundation - coffee roastery in converted neoclassical mansion. Award-winning specialty coffee, art gallery, hidden courtyard.

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O Thanasis

O Thanasis

Souvlaki & Kebab €

Legendary souvlaki spot in Monastiraki since 1964. Famous for lamb kebabs wrapped in pita. Always packed with locals and tourists.

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Hytra
★ Michelin

Hytra

Modern Greek €€€€

Michelin-starred rooftop restaurant with Acropolis views. Contemporary Greek cuisine using local ingredients. Tasting menus showcase innovation.

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Mani Mani

Mani Mani

Regional Greek €€

Specializing in cuisine from Mani region. Creative takes on traditional dishes. Cozy atmosphere near Acropolis Museum. Excellent wine list.

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Blue Cup

Blue Cup

Coffee Roasters €€

Athens coffee revolution pioneers. Multiple locations, own roastery. Expertly crafted espresso and filter coffee. Minimal aesthetic.

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Taverna tou Psarra

Taverna tou Psarra

Seafood Taverna €€€

Historic seafood taverna in Plaka since 1898. Fresh fish grilled to perfection. Acropolis views from terrace. Classic Greek experience.

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Varoulko Seaside
★ Michelin

Varoulko Seaside

Seafood Fine Dining €€€€

Michelin-starred by chef Lefteris Lazarou. Innovative Greek seafood on Mikrolimano marina. Stunning sea views and impeccable service.

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Kostas

Kostas

Street Food €

Tiny souvlaki joint near Syntagma. In business since 1950s. Only serves pork souvlaki - simple, cheap, perfect. Local institution.

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Little Kook

Little Kook

Themed Cafe €€

Fantastical themed cafe that changes decorations seasonally. Instagram-famous. Coffee, desserts, full meals. Alice in Wonderland vibes.

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Avli tou Thodori

Avli tou Thodori

Greek Taverna €€

Family-run taverna with beautiful garden courtyard. Homestyle Greek cooking. Generous portions, warm atmosphere. Hidden gem in Plaka.

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Nolan

Nolan

Modern Greek €€€

Contemporary Greek cuisine in chic Kolonaki setting. Creative cocktails and wine bar. Popular with stylish Athens crowd. Excellent brunch.

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Underdog

Underdog

Specialty Coffee €€

Industrial-chic coffee shop and roastery. Focus on single-origin beans. Brew bar with multiple methods. Athens specialty coffee scene leader.

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Oineas

Oineas

Wine & Meze €€

Traditional ouzeri and wine bar. Excellent Greek wine selection. Small plates perfect for sharing. Authentic neighborhood atmosphere.

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Photo Spots in Athens

A Guide to Best Spots & Hidden Gems

Athens Photo Spots
Acropolis
Iconic

Acropolis from Areopagus Hill

Free
👕 Outfit: Flowing white dress, Greek goddess vibes, ethereal pastels
⏱ Best Time: Sunset (30min before) for golden Parthenon glow
📷 Photo Tips
• Perfect unobstructed Acropolis view from rocky outcrop
• Arrive 1 hour before sunset for best spot
• Bring cushion - rocky surface
• Blue hour after sunset equally stunning
• 360° city views available
• Can get crowded - patience required
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Anafiotika
Hidden Gem

Anafiotika Village

Free
👕 Outfit: Boho Greek island style, white linen, colorful accents
⏱ Best Time: Early morning (7-9am) or late afternoon for soft light
📷 Photo Tips
• Cycladic island village hidden under Acropolis
• Whitewashed houses with blue shutters
• Bougainvillea blooms spring-summer
• Narrow winding streets - very photogenic
• Only 45 houses - quiet residential area
• Respect locals - keep voices down
• Best Instagram spot in Athens!
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Lycabettus Hill
Iconic

Lycabettus Hill Summit

€10 funicular
👕 Outfit: Sunset-ready elegant casual, comfortable shoes if hiking
⏱ Best Time: Sunset for 360° city views with Acropolis
📷 Photo Tips
• Highest point in Athens - 277m elevation
• Funicular every 30min or hike up (30-40min)
• Church of St. George at summit
• See all of Athens, Piraeus, Aegean islands
• Sunset over Acropolis spectacular
• Cafe at top for refreshments
• Can get very crowded at sunset
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Philopappos Hill
Hidden Gem

Philopappos Hill Monument

Free
👕 Outfit: Adventurous explorer, hiking boots, earthy tones
⏱ Best Time: Golden hour, less crowded than Areopagus
📷 Photo Tips
• Ancient monument with perfect Acropolis view
• Less touristy alternative to Areopagus
• Pine tree-covered hill for shade
• 15-20min uphill walk from Plaka
• Multiple viewpoints along the way
• Great for sunrise too - very peaceful
• Watch footing on rocky paths
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Temple of Poseidon
Iconic

Temple of Poseidon, Cape Sounion

€10
👕 Outfit: Flowing maxi dress, windswept romantic, coastal vibes
⏱ Best Time: Sunset - most dramatic light over Aegean Sea
📷 Photo Tips
• Ancient temple perched on cliff 60m above sea
• 70km from Athens - 1.5hr drive or bus
• Byron carved his name here (don't copy!)
• Sunset tours extremely popular - book ahead
• Windy - secure camera and clothing
• Dramatic columns against sea backdrop
• Worth the journey - bucket list spot
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Stavros Niarchos
Hidden Gem

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Park

Free
👕 Outfit: Modern minimalist, architectural chic, monochrome
⏱ Best Time: Late afternoon for architecture + sunset views
📷 Photo Tips
• Renzo Piano-designed cultural center
• Modern architecture vs ancient Athens
• Mediterranean gardens and canal
• Rooftop park with Acropolis views
• Opera house and national library
• Clean lines perfect for minimal photography
• Free concerts and events often
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Plaka Streets
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Plaka Neighborhood Streets

Free
👕 Outfit: Casual chic traveler, comfortable walking shoes, summer dress
⏱ Best Time: Early morning (7-9am) before tourist crowds
📷 Photo Tips
• Picturesque neoclassical buildings
• Bougainvillea-covered tavernas
• Adrianou Street most photogenic
• Acropolis peeks between buildings
• Colorful shop fronts and cafes
• Gets very crowded by 10am
• Explore side streets for hidden corners
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National Garden
Hidden Gem

National Garden Duck Pond

Free
👕 Outfit: Garden party, floral prints, natural soft colors
⏱ Best Time: Morning light filtering through trees (9-11am)
📷 Photo Tips
• Peaceful oasis in city center
• 38-acre botanical garden
• Ancient ruins scattered throughout
• Dappled sunlight through canopy
• Perfect escape from summer heat
• Children's library and small zoo
• Great for portrait sessions
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Syntagma Square
Iconic

Syntagma Square Guard Change

Free
👕 Outfit: Smart casual, respectful attire for ceremonial event
⏱ Best Time: 11am Sunday for full ceremonial change with band
📷 Photo Tips
• Evzone guards in traditional costume
• Hourly changing every hour on the hour
• Sunday 11am most elaborate ceremony
• Arrive 15min early for front spot
• Guards remain motionless - unique photo op
• Parliament building backdrop
• Zoom lens helpful for details
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Psirri Street Art
Hidden Gem

Psirri Street Art District

Free
👕 Outfit: Urban street style, edgy creative, bold patterns
⏱ Best Time: Afternoon light (3-5pm) highlights murals
📷 Photo Tips
• Athens' hipster neighborhood
• Colorful street art and murals everywhere
• Constantly changing - always new art
• Grungy-chic atmosphere
• Great contrast to ancient ruins
• Vibrant nightlife area (photo at night too!)
• Explore all the side alleys
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