Athens in 3 Days: The Acropolis, Plaka and Market Food

Destination: Athens, GreeceCreated by: Moo_The_TrotterLast updated: 2nd October 2026
Ancient Athens in the mornings, old-town lanes and tavernas later in the day. This three-day route pairs the Acropolis with Plaka, adds a market lunch and finishes with the view from Lycabettus.
City Break
3
Day 1 — Acropolis & Plaka

Acropolis of Athens

Archaeological Site, Historic Site, Viewpoint
$$
Start on the Acropolis, where the Parthenon and surrounding temples rise above the city. Follow the hilltop visit with the Acropolis Museum below, then spend the afternoon in Plaka.
Image of Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum

Museum, History Museum
The museum gives context to the sculpture and architecture seen on the hill, including the Parthenon gallery. Pair it with the Acropolis, then head into Plaka for lunch.
Image of Plaka

Plaka

Historic Site
Walk Adrianou through Plaka, then climb the lanes towards Anafiotika beneath the Acropolis. The small whitewashed houses and steps lead back down to Plaka’s cafés and tavernas for the afternoon.
Day 2 — Agora, Markets & Monastiraki
Image of Ancient Agora of Athens

Ancient Agora of Athens

Archaeological Site, Historic Site
$$
Explore the civic heart of ancient Athens and the Temple of Hephaestus above it. The Agora belongs on this separate day, followed by a walk towards the central market and lunch.
Image of Varvakios Market

Varvakios Market

Marketplace, Market Shopping
Browse the meat and fish halls, then the fruit, vegetables and olives in the streets around them. For lunch, Diporto is a basement taverna near the market, serving a small changing selection of cooked dishes. Continue south to Monastiraki afterwards.

Monastiraki Square

Square, Core Attraction
From Monastiraki Square, follow Ifestou past the flea-market shops, then walk north into Psyrri towards Plateia Iroon. Stop for coffee in the afternoon and return to Psyrri’s restaurant streets for dinner.
Day 3 — Archaeology & Lycabettus

National Archaeological Museum

Museum, History Museum
Spend the morning with the museum’s Cycladic figures, Mycenaean gold and ancient sculpture. These collections reach beyond the Acropolis story. Have lunch near the museum, then head towards Kolonaki and Lycabettus for the late afternoon.
Image of Lykavitos

Lykavitos

Peak, Park Nature
Finish at Lycabettus Hill for a view across Athens to the Acropolis and the sea. Walk uphill if you fancy the climb, or use the funicular for the upper stretch; dinner can follow in Kolonaki below.