Athens, Greece

Athens is a city where ancient history and modern energy collide, making it the perfect destination for any getaway, whether with family, friends, or someone special. From rooftop bars with breathtaking views to mouthwatering Greek cuisine, every moment in this city is incredible.

Day 1

Athens has a fantastic public transport system that makes getting around super easy. Metro and bus routes cover all the major tourist spots. While you need to buy a physical ticket instead of tapping your card, it’s a small effort for convenience—and a great way to experience the city like a local.

The easiest way to get from Athens International Airport to the city center is by metro (€9 per person one way) or taxi (€30–50). To take the metro, exit the terminal, cross the car pickup zone, and take the elevator up to follow the train signs. Some ticket kiosks have English-speaking staff who can help.

For our stay, we checked into Brown Acropol, and let me tell you—it was a total vibe. Think retro ‘70s art deco, rooftop hot tubs, and killer views of the Acropolis. If you’re after a hotel that mixes style with a bit of fun, this one’s a winner!

Athens serves dinner late—9 PM or later—so naturally, we kicked things off with a pre-dinner drinks crawl at two great spots.

A for Athens rooftop bar

The cocktails? Next-level, with intricate flavors that make you savor every sip.

The ambiance? Sultry and stylish.

And the view? A direct, jaw-dropping gaze at the Acropolis, glowing with its uplighting in the night sky.

Tiki Athens – This tiki paradise brings a laid-back, tropical twist to the city. Expect an insane rum selection and, if you’re lucky, live music. It’s casual, fun, and just the right amount of quirky.

Then dinner at Mani Mani, which felt less like a restaurant and more like an intimate dinner party with elevated Greek flavors. Some standout dishes we ordered:

Sausage starter with Graviera cream cheese from Ios Island & crispy onion
Beetroot salad with local goat cheese, baby Greek rocket & balsamic glaze
Lamb with Harissa chickpeas & spicy red bell pepper sauce
Crispy filleted fish with paprika oil, Corinthian dry raisins & potato emulsion

This spot is on everyone’s must-visit list, so reservations are necessary!

Day 2

Our first full day in Athens started with a climb to the Acropolis, the "highest point in the city." The iconic rock looms over the city, a reminder of ancient grandeur. Entry is €10 per person, or if you like exploring more, you can grab a €30 combo ticket that also covers sites like Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora.

Included in the single-entry ticket are these legendary landmarks that have stood the test of time:

The Parthenon: Majestic, towering, and awe-inspiring, this ancient temple dedicated to Athena is the crown jewel of the Acropolis.
The Theatre of Dionysus: During the summer, you can catch performances here and be enveloped in the thundering applause that echoes through this ancient venue.
The Odeion of Herodes Atticus: A stunning amphitheater that once hosted the outstanding performances of its time.
The Temple of Athena Nike: A smaller but no less beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess of victory. Try to decipher the different types of columns!

To make the most of our time in Athens, I created a walking tour of these iconic spots, which you can follow here: Athens Walking Tour. It’s the perfect route for anyone eager to experience ancient history while soaking in the beauty of modern Athens.

After visiting the Acropolis's sites, we wandered down the hill to the Monastiraki Flea Market. The streets were alive with vendors selling everything from vintage jewelry to quirky souvenirs. It’s the perfect place to pick up a unique memento of your trip. My go-to keepsake when I venture on a holiday is a pin and a collector's coin.

The sun was shining bright, and with February's mild weather, we decided to take in the apricity from the rooftop at Astro Rooftop Bar for a cocktail and a coffee.

I was told that no visit to Athens would be complete without stopping by O Thanasis, which is ranked among the top 150 legendary restaurants worldwide for its souvlaki. I’ll be honest: It was delicious, but I wouldn’t call it life-changing.

We ventured to Atitamos for dinner, which took us to a different neighborhood. And let me tell you, the food didn’t disappoint.

Here’s a quick rundown of the dinner highlights:

Souvlaki: Tender, marinated meat grilled on a skewer. While pork is the traditional choice, some restaurants offer chicken, lamb, and beef varieties.
Spicy Feta: A creamy, zingy bite that pairs perfectly with every dish.
Saganaki with Shrimp: Crustaceans nestled in a rich tomato-based sauce with a generous amount of feta.

Day 3

After a whirlwind of city sights, we decided to escape the hustle and bustle for tranquility at Lake Vouliagmeni, a peaceful hot spring haven just outside Athens.

The journey was very doable thanks to Athens’ efficient public transportation system. We hopped on a train, and before we knew it, we were nearly at the end of the metro line. From there, we boarded a bus that hugged the scenic coastline, offering us a front-row view of the beautiful sea. The bus conveniently dropped us off right in front of the lake’s entrance, making the entire trip hassle-free and easy to navigate.

There’s a small entrance fee of €17, but it’s well worth it—especially since this ticket grants you access to a prime deck seat with a stunning view of the hot spring. If you’re looking for alternative options for full relaxation, there are offerings from comfortable on-deck chairs to plush day beds perfect for unwinding in the sunshine. While the food and drinks on-site aren’t exactly gourmet, they do the job when hunger strikes.

Pro tip: Remember to bring a towel! And if you forget your swimsuit, they have some for sale.

The facilities are well-maintained, featuring communal showers, changing rooms, and restrooms. But the real magic of the lake? The tiny fish that dart around, nibbling on your dead skin. It’s a quirky, natural spa treatment that is entirely free and surprisingly relaxing. Despite the February chill in the air, I couldn’t resist taking a dip, letting the fish do their thing while I soaked in the calm waters.

After getting back from our day trip out of the city, we made our way to Amber Athens for a memorable dinner. We started with shrimp tempura and moussaka croquettes, the perfect balance of crispy and savory. For the main course, we dove into a refreshing salmon sushi roll and a perfectly cooked pork fillet—each bite a delicious revelation.

To cap off the evening, we headed to Folk for drinks. The cozy outdoor seating offered a snug atmosphere, and we lingered, chatting into the night with the cool Athens air surrounding us.

Athens’ Ancient Wonders

Our day began with a trip to the Acropolis Museum.

Pro tip: Download the free walking tour app and bring a good pair of headphones—it’ll turn your stroll through history into a rich, immersive experience. The café on the top floor is the spot for a coffee with the balcony offering an unbeatable view of the Acropolis.

Next up: the mighty Temple of Olympian Zeus. This colossal ruin speaks volumes about Athens’ ancient power and grandeur. From there, it was just a short walk to the Panathenaic Stadium, a site that was incredible in grandeur. Built in 300 BC and magnificently restored in the 2nd century, this ancient venue once hosted the Olympic Games. Incredibly, this was once the heart of ancient athleticism.

After soaking up the history, we wandered through the National Garden, one of the few green spaces in Athens. This lush escape felt like a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively—before we reached the bustle of Syntagma Square. Here, if you time it right you can see the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

By now, hunger was calling, and we answered with Street Souvlaki.— It was simple, classic and oh-so-satisfying. The portions and flavors were huge and exactly what we needed. But if you're craving something else, consider checking out Tzitzikas & Mermigas, Feyrouz, or Rakoumel for more great Greek eats.

Our afternoon took us toward Lycabettus Hill, which was worth the trip. But first, we made a pit stop at the Athens Capital Hotel, where rooftop drinks with stunning city views were the perfect prelude to the adventure ahead. From there, we hopped on the funicular (a cable railway system, €6 per person each way) to the top of the hill. The panoramic views from Athens’ highest point were breathtaking, especially at sunset, though I’d recommend arriving early to snag a great spot before it gets crowded.

Once at the summit, there’s an open viewpoint and two restaurants. Here, you’ll get one last jaw-dropping view of the Acropolis, a perfect final snapshot of your journey.

Walking Tour Link: Walking Tour

Athens is a city that captures the heart—ancient ruins, delicious food, and a vibrant bar scene that make every moment unforgettable. Whether you're here for a quick getaway or an extended adventure, this city has something that will steal your breath away at every turn.