Planning your first Athens vacation can feel a little overwhelming at the start. With how much history this city has, it seems impossible to plan an itinerary where you can see everything — but that’s also exactly what makes it such a rewarding place to explore!
With the right mix of cultural stops, walkable neighborhoods, viewpoints, and good food breaks, you can get a real feel for the city without rushing from one landmark to another.
Below are the places we recommend most for first-timers (AKA the spots that give you the clearest sense of ancient Athens, modern Athens, and everything in between), so keep reading for more! 🫶
The Acropolis
View of the Parthenon, the 5th-century BC temple dedicated to Athena and the heart of ancient Athens.
If it’s your first time in the city, the Acropolis of Athens is one of the best places to start your route. It’s the most recognizable landmark in Greece, and it anchors many major sites around its base, making it easy to plan the rest of your day from here.
One of the easiest ways to explore the site (especially for first-timers) is by joining the Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Morning Walking Tour. It covers the hill and the museum in one go and includes guided explanations of the major structures like the Propylea gateway, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Dionysus Sanctuary and Theater, and of course, the Parthenon!
Klook Tip: Once inside, the uphill walk to the top takes about 15–20 minutes at a comfortable pace. Wear sturdy shoes. The marble steps can be slippery even when dry.
At the top of the hill, you’ll see the Parthenon up close, a 5th-century BCE temple dedicated to Athena. Take your time around the viewing spots as well. You get clear views of Lycabettus Hill, the Aegean Sea, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, so don’t forget to charge your phones and cameras!
Acropolis Museum
The modern Acropolis Museum, built above archaeological ruins uncovered during its construction.
After exploring the Acropolis itself, heading straight to the Acropolis Museum is the best way to connect everything you just saw on the hill. The museum focuses on artifacts found on and around the Acropolis, but it presents them in a way that feels clear and accessible even if it’s your first Athens vacation. It’s also a good spot if you’d like time to sit down and be away from the heat outside!
Klook Tip: Combine the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum on the same day. They’re only a short 5-minute walk apart!
One of the highlights is the top-floor Parthenon Gallery, which aligns with the real Parthenon outside. The layout mirrors the temple’s original structure, so you can see the sculptures and friezes exactly as they were meant to be displayed. We suggest starting on the ground floor, where you’ll find glass panels revealing an archaeological excavation right under the building, then working your way up through the exhibits.
Since this is one of the most popular tourist places in Athens, lines can get pretty long. You can secure your Acropolis Museum tickets in advance and skip the queue for easy access into the museum.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora, where Athenians once gathered for politics, markets, and daily life.
A 10–15-minute walk from the Acropolis brings you to another must-visit: the Ancient Agora of Athens If the Acropolis shows the sacred and ceremonial heart of ancient Athens, the Agora shows the everyday life of Greeks in the past.
This is where philosophers debated, merchants sold goods, and political meetings took place. The Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved Greek temples, sits on the western side. It’s smaller than the Parthenon but in remarkably intact condition, and you can clearly see the Doric columns and friezes.
The Agora Museum inside the Stoa of Attalos is also worth visiting. It’s a reconstruction of an ancient marketplace and houses pottery, tools, statues, and coins that show what daily life looked like here.
Klook Tip: The Agora site is large but easy to navigate with shaded areas. Don’t forget to bring a big bottle of water!
Since most spots you’ll be visiting on your Athens vacation are outdoors, easy access to WiFi is a must. Consider getting a Europe eSIM for your trip since this is installed on your phone via QR code. Yes, you heard that right. No need to bring about a bulky portable WiFi device.
Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is home to Greece’s Parliament and the ceremonial Evzones changing of the guard.
From the Agora, you can head toward Syntagma Square, one of the most central and convenient gathering points in modern Athens. This is where you’ll find the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony happens every hour, and it’s a quick, accessible stop if you want to see a culturally significant ritual. On Sundays at 11 AM, the ceremony is longer and more elaborate, so don’t miss out on that!
Klook Tip: From Syntagma, it’s only a 7-minute stroll to the National Garden. It’s one of the calmest green areas in the city and a nice break from sightseeing.
Ermou Street
Ermou Street, a historic route now known as one of Athens’ busiest shopping streets. Photo by Matheus Bertelli on Pexels
From Syntagma Square, walking straight down the pedestrian avenue of Ermou Street is one of the easiest ways to experience daily Athenian life. You’ll pass fashion shops, cafés, bookstores, street musicians, and bakeries selling koulouri (sesame bread rings) – a breakfast staple in the city.
A short detour brings you to the small Byzantine church of Kapnikarea in the middle of the street. It’s one of the oldest churches in Athens, dating back to the 11th century.
Getting around Athens
Athens is a walkable city, but some attractions sit far from each other, especially if you’re staying only a few days. The Athens Hop-On Hop-Off Bus solves this easily by connecting all major sites through multiple routes.
You can use it to:
- travel between the Acropolis, Syntagma, Plaka, and the National Archaeological Museum
- go toward the coast and see the Athenian Riviera
- return to central Athens without needing to navigate metro transfers
If this is your first time on an Athens vacation, this is a stress-free way to get around the city’s best-loved attractions. The open-top seating also gives you clear views of landmarks you might not otherwise notice. And the best part? This bus pass is valid for 48 hours, so you have plenty of time to discover and explore Athens.
Visiting Athens for the first time doesn’t have to feel complicated, and with these stops on your list, you already have a great mix of historical sites and lively local neighborhoods. Ready to go? Then, we’ll see you there! 😉
FAQs on Planning Your First Athens Vacation
What are the must-visit tourist places in Athens for first-time travelers?
The essentials include the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, Syntagma Square, and Ermou Street. These spots give you a good mix of ancient landmarks, museums, lively public squares, and walkable neighborhoods. If you have extra time, add the National Archaeological Museum or a sunset visit to Lycabettus Hill.
How many days should I spend on my first Athens vacation?
Three days is a comfortable minimum for first-timers. This gives you one full day for the Acropolis and surrounding historic sites, another for museums and the city center, and a third for neighborhood explorations or day trips. Four to five days lets you see more without rushing.
Which historical sites in Athens are worth prioritizing?
Start with the Acropolis, then add the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora since they’re close to each other and easy to pair in a single route. The Acropolis Museum is also essential because it provides context that brings the ruins to life. If you’re interested in broader Greek history, the National Archaeological Museum is another strong pick.
Are there any neighborhoods or local spots I shouldn’t miss in Athens?
Yes, Plaka, Monastiraki, Psyrri, and Anafiotika are great for walking, food, and atmosphere. Plaka is the most classic old-town area; Monastiraki is lively with markets; Psyrri is good for dinner and nightlife; and Anafiotika is a quiet, picturesque pocket just below the Acropolis. These areas show you the city beyond the big archaeological sites.
What’s the best way to explore the top tourist places in Athens efficiently?
Walk as much as you can in the city center, since the main attractions sit within short distances of each other. Pair nearby sites on the same day — for example, the Acropolis with the Acropolis Museum, or the Ancient Agora with Monastiraki. For farther spots like the National Archaeological Museum or Lycabettus Hill, use the metro or a city sightseeing bus to save time and energy.
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