Greece · 5-day itinerary
5 days in Athens
The Acropolis, rooftop sunsets and ferries to the islands. Here's a 5-day plan that clusters each day by neighbourhood, with real times, so you walk less and see more.
Day 1
Arrive & settle into Athens
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Arrive in Athens
Check in at your stay in Plaka / Koukaki.
- 12:15 p.m. Lunch
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. · Plaka
Plaka and Anafiotika
Whitewashed island-style lanes under the Acropolis.
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Souvlaki in Monastiraki
7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. · Psyrri · ~$50
Psyrri tavernas and live music
Rebetiko and late tavernas.
Day 2
Layers of history
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Loukoumades (honey doughnuts)
7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. · Monastiraki · ~$43
Rooftop sunset over the Acropolis
Cocktails as the Parthenon lights up.
Day 3
Layers of history
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. · Monastiraki · ~$31
Ancient Agora
Where Socrates walked, with the Temple of Hephaestus.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
- 6:00 p.m. Dinner · Meze and ouzo in Psyrri
Day 4
Layers of history
- 2:15 p.m. Lunch
3:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. · Exarchia · ~$20
National Archaeological Museum
Mycenaean gold and the Antikythera mechanism.
6:40 p.m. – 8:40 p.m.
Evening at leisure
Dinner somewhere that catches your eye, then a stroll or an early night.
Day 5
Farewell, Athens
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wander Athens
Unscheduled time for cafés, rest, or the discovery you didn't plan.
- 12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:15 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.
Depart Athens
Check out and head to the airport or station, allowing plenty of time.
- 7:00 p.m. Dinner · Spanakopita from a bakery
Where to stay in Athens
Shoestring
Psyrri
Lively, central and budget-friendly.
Hotels in PsyrriComfort
Plaka / Koukaki
Under the Acropolis, walkable to the main sights.
Hotels in Plaka / KoukakiLuxury
Syntagma / Kolonaki
Upscale hotels with Acropolis-view rooftops.
Hotels in Syntagma / Kolonaki
What to eat in Athens
Souvlaki
Grilled pork skewers or gyros wrapped in pita.
Moussaka
Layered aubergine, spiced meat and béchamel.
Spanakopita
Spinach and feta in flaky filo.
Loukoumades
Hot honey-drenched doughnuts.
Bougatsa
Custard or cheese filo pie for breakfast.
Greek salad
Horiatiki: tomato, cucumber, olives and a slab of feta.
Where locals send visitors
Kostas $
Souvlaki · Agia Irini Square · Best for lunch
Old-school souvlaki in pita with a tomato sauce, at a hole in the wall.
ReviewsO Thanasis $
Kebab · Monastiraki · Best for lunch
Classic Monastiraki kebab with Acropolis views from the square.
ReviewsDiporto $
Market taverna · Central Market · Best for lunch
A basement taverna with no menu, near the market.
ReviewsVarvakios Agora $
Central market · Central Market · Best for lunch
Athens' bustling meat, fish and spice market.
ReviewsTa Karamanlidika tou Fani $$
Meze and deli · Psyrri · Best for dinner
Cured meats and cheeses in a deli-taverna.
ReviewsLukumades $
Loukoumades · Monastiraki · Best for lunch
Fresh loukoumades with modern toppings.
Reviews
Heads-up: what to steer clear of
- Scam: A friendly stranger invites you for a drink at a bar, where the bill turns out to be huge. Choose bars yourself.
- Pickpockets: Pickpockets are active on Metro line 1 (Piraeus–Monastiraki) and around the Acropolis entrances.
- Safety: In summer, visit the Acropolis right at opening. It closes during extreme heat, and the marble is slippery.
Giro's notes, reviewed October 2026. Things change, so check current advice before you go: Government of Canada travel advisories .
Good to know
- Visit the Acropolis at opening or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds.
- A combined ticket covers several ancient sites.
- Most museums and sites close earlier in winter.
Daily budget per person
| Shoestring | ~$100 |
| Comfort | ~$213 |
| Luxury | ~$612 |
A shared double room, meals and local transport. Flights and tickets not included.
Make this Athens trip yours
Giro rebuilds this plan for your dates, your group and your budget. Swap stops, drag them between days, add your flights and hotel, and share it with everyone coming.
Plan this tripTimes and prices are estimates (prices in CAD at the latest ECB rate). Check opening hours before you go. Place descriptions and photos from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons, credited on each photo. Giro may earn a commission on bookings, at no extra cost to you.