Our Mediterranean cruise ended in Athens, giving us more time to explore than other stops, and we made the most of it with a perfect mix of history, culture, and stunning views. As expected, the Acropolis—featuring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, and Propylaea—was the highlight. One unique experience was seeing a concert at the nearly 1,900-year-old Odeon of Herodes Atticus, where Greek superstar Antonis Remos performed alongside, randomly, ‘80s crooner Michael Bolton. (His tie to Greece? Singing Go the Distance from Hercules.) Beyond the Acropolis, we loved wandering through the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the National Archaeological Museum, hiking up Philopappou Hill, and indulging in all the amazing Greek food. Staying in Monastiraki put us within walking distance of almost everything, from charming Plaka streets and scenic rooftop bars to historic landmarks. With tips on avoiding crowds, the best museums to visit, and scenic hikes to take, this guide ensures you make the most of your time in Greece’s vibrant capital.

Two Day Itinerary

This itinerary is based on a trip from September 2023.

Day 1: City Walk & Odeon

• 💡 TIP: Watch out for pickpockets, especially in Monastiraki Square. Stay south of Evripidou.
• 🚊 Transport: Take the Blue Line to hotel
• 🏨 Emporikon Hotel Athens – $146, free cancellation up to a week before, basic room with city view, near Monastiraki Station (direct Blue Line access to cruise port & airport)
• Explore with Combo Ticket 🎟️ (1 entry each):
  • 🎧 70-min Rick Steve’s Athens City Walk (📲 download App)
  • Handrian’s Library
  • Olympieion/Temple of Zeus
  • Roman Agora
  • Stoa of Attalos (museum)
  • Kerameikos (Time Permitting)
  • Aristotle’s School [Lyceum] (Time Permitting)
  • Acropolis (Save for Day 2 morning)
  • Ancient Agora (Save for Day 2 morning)
• Additional Sites (Time Permitting):
  • National Archaeological Museum (Recommended over Acropolis Museum, €15, buy timed entry online to skip lines)
  • Plaka (Walkable old town, great for sidewalk cafés)
  • Parliament (Changing of the Guard – every hour on the hour)
• Hikes (Time Permitting):
  • Philapappou Hill (Easier)
  • Lycabettus Hill (more difficult, but can take cable car)
  • National Garden (Overrated)
• Evening:
  • 9 PM – Concert at the Odeon (€168, Section 3, Zone ST, Row 11, Seats 7-8)
  • Best Rooftop Bars for Acropolis Views:
    • A for Athens
    • 360 Degrees (both near hotel)

Day 2: Acropolis & Ancient Agora

• 💡TIP: Go first thing in the morning (8-9 AM) or late afternoon – avoid at 10-11 AM
• Acropolis & Slopes
  • 🎧 1 hr Rick Steve’s Acropolis walking tour (📲)
  • Parthenon
  • Erechtheion
  • Temple of Athena Nike
  • Propylaea
• Ancient Agora
  • 🎧 1 hr Rick Steve’s Ancient Agora walking tour (📲)
  • Temple of Hephaestus (best preserved ancient temple in Greece)
• Time permitting:
  • Acropolis Museum (stuff from just Acropolis)

@perfuzion

Ancient Athens was unbelievable! The Acropolis and Ancient Agora were remarkable to see! #athens #acropolis #parthenon #erechtheion #templeofathena #ancientagora #templeofhephaestus

♬ GREEK RESTAURANT 2 – Cavendish

@perfuzion

The concert at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus – the nearly 1,900-year-old theater at the base of the Acropolis – featured Greek superstar Antonis Remos and Michael Bolton. The light show was phenomenal and the view of the acropolis breathtaking! It was a splendid Big Fat Greek concert! #odeon #athens #antonisremos #michaelbolton @Scott Perdue

♬ Na Ksanametriso – Antonis Remos