Day 1: Ancient Wonders and Plaka Charm

Morning

8:00 AM – Acropolis
Start early to beat the heat and crowds. I used the South Entrance (Metro: Acropoli) and bought a €30 combo ticket online to skip lines. Wandering among the Parthenon’s ancient columns was awe-inspiring. Allow 1.5–2 hours. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes.
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer). Price: €20 (summer) or €30 combo.

10:30 AM – Anafiotika
Stroll from the Acropolis to Anafiotika’s whitewashed alleys. It’s a peaceful escape, like a mini Cycladic village. Perfect for photos, but respect residents’ privacy. Takes about 30 minutes.
Opening Hours: 24/7. Price: Free.

Afternoon

11:30 AM – Plaka
Wander Plaka’s charming streets, browsing boutiques and soaking in the vibe. I grabbed a coffee at a café near Adrianou Street (€3–5). Lunch at “Bairaktaris” taverna (gyros pita ~€3) was delicious and budget-friendly.
Opening Hours: Shops/tavernas ~10:00 AM–10:00 PM. Price: Meals €5–15.

2:00 PM – Souvlaki Kosta
Head to Souvlaki Kosta for a quick, tasty souvlaki (€2.50–3). It’s a small spot, so I took mine to go and ate in Plaka. Arrive early to avoid the lunch rush.
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (closed Sundays). Price: €2.50–3.

Evening

6:00 PM – Philopappos Hill
Hike up Philopappos Hill for a sunset view of the Acropolis. The short climb takes 15–20 minutes; wear comfy shoes. I brought a snack to enjoy the view. Less crowded than other viewpoints.
Opening Hours: 24/7. Price: Free.

8:00 PM – Dinner in Plaka
Return to Plaka for dinner at a taverna (e.g., “Scholarhio” for shared plates, €10–15). Relax and enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.

Tips for Day 1: Start early at the Acropolis to avoid crowds. Plaka and Anafiotika are close, making them easy to combine. Bring cash for smaller spots like Souvlaki Kosta.

Day 2: History Deep Dive and City Views

Morning

9:00 AM – National Archaeological Museum
Dive into history at the National Archaeological Museum (Metro: Victoria). The Antikythera Mechanism and Cycladic figures blew me away. I spent 2.5 hours with an audio guide (€5).
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer, Mondays from 1:00 PM). Price: €12 (summer).

12:00 PM – Lunch Break
Grab a quick lunch at the museum café or nearby (sandwiches ~€5–8).

Afternoon

2:00 PM – Monastiraki Square
Explore Monastiraki Square’s vibrant flea market and street food stalls. I browsed antiques and bought souvenirs (from €1). The Acropolis view from the square is stunning. Watch for pickpockets in crowds.
Opening Hours: 24/7, flea market ~8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Price: Free, purchases vary.

4:00 PM – Lycabettus Hill
Take the funicular (Metro: Evangelismos, €7 round-trip) to Lycabettus Hill for a panoramic city view. I skipped the steep hike and enjoyed a coffee at the summit café (€5). Perfect for late-afternoon photos.
Opening Hours: Funicular 9:00 AM–2:30 AM. Price: €7 or free to walk.

Evening

7:00 PM – Dinner near Monastiraki
Dine at a nearby taverna like “O Thanasis” for kebabs (€8–12). The area’s lively vibe is perfect for evening strolls.

9:00 PM – Hyper Astro Bar
End the day at Hyper Astro Bar (Metro: Panepistimio) with a rooftop cocktail (€8–12). The Acropolis view and retro vibes were a highlight. Book ahead for weekends.
Opening Hours: 6:00 PM–2:00 AM. Price: Cocktails €8–12.

Tips for Day 2: The museum deserves time, so don’t rush. Monastiraki and Lycabettus are great for afternoon energy. Reserve a spot at Hyper Astro for a smooth evening.

Day 3: Leisurely Exploration

Morning

10:00 AM – Plaka Revisited
Return to Plaka for a relaxed morning. I explored side streets and shopped for souvenirs (olive oil, ceramics ~€5–20). A coffee break at “Yiasemi” café was cozy (€3–5).
Opening Hours: ~10:00 AM–10:00 PM. Price: Varies.

12:00 PM – Souvlaki Kosta
Another visit to Souvlaki Kosta for a quick lunch (€2.50–3). The fresh flavors never disappointed.
Opening Hours: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM (closed Sundays). Price: €2.50–3.

Afternoon

1:30 PM – Anafiotika
Revisit Anafiotika for a quiet stroll and more photos. Its charm is perfect for a relaxed afternoon. Takes 30–45 minutes.
Opening Hours: 24/7. Price: Free.

3:00 PM – Monastiraki Square
Return to Monastiraki for more flea market browsing or a snack (e.g., loukoumades, €3–5). The square’s energy is addictive.
Opening Hours: 24/7, flea market ~8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Price: Varies.

Evening

7:00 PM – Dinner in Psyrri
Head to Psyrri (near Monastiraki) for dinner at a trendy spot like “O Kostas” (mains €8–15). The area’s street art and vibe are a fun contrast to Plaka.

10:00 PM – Free Evening
Relax or explore Psyrri’s bars for a low-key night. Alternatively, revisit Hyper Astro Bar for another cocktail.

Tips for Day 3: Take it slow to enjoy Plaka and Anafiotika’s charm. Monastiraki is great for casual browsing. Psyrri offers a hip evening vibe.

Day 4: Nightlife and Final Views

Morning

10:00 AM – National Archaeological Museum (Optional)
If you missed anything, revisit the museum for a shorter visit (1–1.5 hours). Alternatively, sleep in and start with a late breakfast in Plaka (€5–10).
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM (summer). Price: €12.

Afternoon

1:00 PM – Philopappos Hill
Revisit Philopappos Hill for a relaxed picnic or to catch daytime views. The greenery is a nice break from the city.
Opening Hours: 24/7. Price: Free.

3:00 PM – Monastiraki Square
Grab a final snack or souvenir at Monastiraki. I loved the street food vibe (try koulouri, €1–2).
Opening Hours: 24/7, flea market ~8:00 AM–8:00 PM. Price: Varies.

Evening

8:00 PM – Dinner near Alimos
Dine near Akanthus Summer Club (e.g., “Nalu Café” for seafood, €10–20) to prep for a night out. Taxi or Uber to Alimos is easiest.

10:30 PM – Akanthus Summer Club
Dance the night away at Akanthus Summer Club. The open-air vibe and DJs were electric. Dress smartly and arrive early to avoid lines.
Opening Hours: 10:00 PM–6:00 AM (Fri–Sat, May–October). Price: Entry €10–15, drinks €8–15.

Tips for Day 4: Pace yourself for a big night at Akanthus. Philopappos and Monastiraki are great for a chill final day. Bring cash for street food.

General Tips

Transport: Use the metro (Acropoli, Monastiraki, Victoria, Evangelismos) for most spots (€1.20/ticket). Taxis/Uber for Akanthus.

Budget: Expect €50–80/day for food, entry fees, and transport (excluding Akanthus drinks).

Essentials: Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and use sunscreen. Cash is handy for small vendors.

Crowds: Early mornings or late afternoons are best for major sites like the Acropolis.

This itinerary let me experience Athens’ history, views, and nightlife at a perfect pace. I can’t wait to return!