Today, Athens still holds great remnants of what was once the cradle of the ancient world. It retains monuments and ruins that reveal what this city was thousands of years ago, attracting a massive number of tourists each year. One of the most common questions is: How much time do I need to see Athens?”
Find out here!
Among the options we’re going to consider are dedicating 1, 2, or 3 days to your trip to Athens. Spending more than 3 days is generally considered too much by the most seasoned tourists.
This isn’t the most recommended option, as it will feel too short. If there’s a lot of tourism, you might leave feeling like you didn’t enjoy Athens, simply because you didn’t have enough time to see it properly.
Many cruises make a one-day (8-hour) stop in Athens. If that’s your case or a similar one, you’ll have to move quickly to make the most of your time.
Start with the Acropolis and the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Agora, Plaka neighborhood, the Panathenaic Stadium, and Syntagma Square. This will give you a broad view of what Athens has to offer.
This is a more popular choice for visitors and is the most recommended. Spending a weekend or 2 days will allow you to see Athens’ highlights. You won’t become an expert on the city, but it’ll be enough to get to know and enjoy it. Sounds good, right?
Fortunately, Athens offers plenty of free activities, allowing you to see a lot without spending much.
This is the best option if you’re the type of traveler who doesn’t like to rush and wants to immerse in the culture of the place you’re visiting.
We have the perfect guide for a 3-day trip to Athens, combining Athens’ highlights with suggestions and alternatives for short trips from the city: What to See in 3 Days in Athens.
We hope our article on the recommended number of days in Athens helps you plan your trip!