Ultimate Guide to Getting Started in Greece: Athens Highlights and Top Day Trips
As one of the first European countries to reopen to American travelers this year, Greece is experiencing unprecedented demand for visits. Whether you're drawn by its rich history, vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, or stunning islands, most journeys begin in Athens, the arrival point for international flights. This ancient metropolis could fill a week effortlessly, so we've curated essential must-sees for your first days, plus our top day trips from the capital.
Acropolis & Nearby Sites
The Acropolis, Athens' most iconic and visited landmark—and a UNESCO World Heritage Site—belongs at the top of every itinerary, even if you typically skip crowds.
Practical tips: Pack water, wear sturdy shoes for the uphill marble paths (which can be slick), and arrive at 8 a.m. opening for fewer crowds or buy a skip-the-line ticket. Visit at golden hour near sunset for breathtaking city-to-sea views. Guided tours or self-guided audio provide historical and mythological context for the sacred ruins. Entering via the main western gate, pass the restored Propylaea and Temple of Athena Nike, then ascend to the majestic Parthenon. Savor 360-degree panoramas, then explore the north side's Erechtheion with its legendary tales.
On the southern slope, visit the Theatre of Dionysus and the stunning Odeon of Herodes Atticus (Herodeon), a 2nd-century Roman addition still hosting the Athens-Epidaurus Festival's ballets, operas, and tragedies.
Don't miss the modern Acropolis Museum (opened 2009), aligned with the Parthenon and showcasing over 4,000 artifacts like statues and friezes. Open until 8 p.m., it's ideal for evenings—especially Fridays with live jazz and illuminated Acropolis views.
Stay in boutique hotels in Plaka, Thisio, or Monastiraki below the Acropolis. These areas offer walkable cafes, family tavernas with rooftop views, and charming shops along cobbled streets—use the Acropolis as your landmark.
In Plaka, hike Thrasyllou Street to the Church of Aghios Georgios and enter Anafiotika, a Cycladic-like village enclave amid the urban sprawl.
Exploring Athens
Dedicate days to Athens' historic core radiating from the Acropolis, where Greek, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman layers blend seamlessly.
Spot ancient statues like the Monument of Lysicrates near Roman Hadrian's Arch, Byzantine basilicas like Agios Nikolaos Ragavas, and Ottoman mosques like Tzistarakis—built from Olympian Zeus Temple stones—in Monastiraki and Psirri.
For curated culture, visit the National Archaeological Museum (Greece's largest, 11,000+ artifacts from Neolithic to Roman eras), the new Goulandris Museum of Modern Art (Picasso to Greek masters), and the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture (Bronze Age to 20th century).
Ascend Lycabettus Hill (Athens' highest) via cable car for panoramic views, a chapel, cafe, and sunsets over the Parthenon and Saronic Gulf. Below, Kolonaki offers luxury shopping and dining.
Athens excels in cuisine: Generous portions of feta, fresh veggies, olives, olive oil, grilled meats with tzatziki, and seafood. Breakfast on tiropita or loukoumades with Greek coffee; snack on souvlaki street food; end with galaktoboureko custard pie.
Day Trips from Athens
Beyond Athens, easy drives reveal more wonders.
Nearby Mount Hymettus offers hikes to Kesariani and Asteriou monasteries. Eastward, Attica's ancient vineyards produce retsina and kokkineli wines.
Marathon (26 miles away) commemorates the 490 BC battle with a museum and ancient route.
Along the Athenian Riviera, swim at thermal Vouliagmeni Lake en route to Cape Sounion's Temple of Poseidon for epic sunsets.
West to Peloponnese: Epidaurus' 4th-century BC Ancient Theatre (perfect acoustics, summer events) and Sanctuary of Asklepios.
Mycenae, Agamemnon's kingdom, features Cyclopean walls, Lion Gate, and a museum validating Homeric legends.
Romantic Nafplio boasts medieval charm, Bourtzi fortress, and Palamidi Castle (999 steps for sea views).
From Piraeus port, ferry to Aegina (beaches, Temple of Aphaia, pistachios) or car-free Hydra (mansions, donkey paths, yacht marina).
