Postcards from Athens: A Weekend in Athens Travel Guide
- Marco
- Mar 10, 2025
- 6 min read
Athens - a city where ancient history meets vibrant modern life. From the majestic Acropolis towering above the bustling streets to charming tavernas serving mouthwatering dishes, Athens offers the perfect escape for a weekend getaway. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, or an Instagram-loving traveler, the Greek capital delivers endless discoveries.
I recently spent a whirlwind weekend exploring Athens, and every corner revealed something extraordinary. From sunrise views atop ancient hills to indulgent dinners in cozy tavernas, this city truly lives up to its legendary status.
And here's a fun twist: While waiting for my flight in Berlin, I ran into an old friend I hadn’t seen in years. As fate would have it, we were both heading to Athens - on the same plane! What started as a solo trip quickly turned into a shared adventure, adding an unexpected layer of joy to the journey.
Here’s how to make the most of 72 hours in Athens with this weekend in Athens travel guide - a weekend packed with wonders, flavors, and unforgettable moments.
Day 1: Arrival & A Taste of Modern Athens
Afternoon: Touchdown in the Greek Capital
My journey started with an easy flight into Athens International Airport, followed by a quick transfer to my hotel, the Radisson Blu Park Hotel Athens. Located near the city center, it offered easy access to Athens' main attractions while providing a peaceful escape from the bustling streets.
Did you know? Athens International Airport, officially named Eleftherios Venizelos, is one of the busiest airports in Southeastern Europe, handling over 25 million passengers annually.
Tip: If you're arriving early, leave your luggage at the hotel and head straight out to explore—Athens rewards the curious wanderer!
Evening: Relaxation & First Culinary Encounter
After a short break, I headed to a local supermarket to grab some drinks and snacks—always a smart move when settling into a new city. But the true highlight of my first evening was dinner at Thes - Greek Creative Cuisine.
Here's what made this meal unforgettable:
Starter: Grilled pita bread and the most delightful feta cheese donuts, served with a tomato-spice marmaladeand mastic foam from Chios. Mastic, a resin harvested from the mastic tree, has been used in Greek cooking and medicine since antiquity.
Main: Moussaka, reimagined as a vegetable roll filled with minced beef, topped with béchamel cream, Naxos graviera cheese, and Dodoni yogurt. The inclusion of graviera, one of Greece's most popular cheeses, added a unique touch.
Why it matters: This dinner set the tone for the weekend—Athens isn’t just about ancient sites. It’s a city where culinary creativity thrives.
Day 2: Exploring Athens' Ancient Wonders & A Weekend in Athens Travel Guide
Early Morning: Sunrise & Secret Spots
To make the most of the day, I set my alarm for 6:00 AM. Athens is magical in the early hours—the streets are quiet, the light is soft, and you get to experience the city as it wakes up.
Walking towards the Acropolis, I stumbled upon a few hidden gems:
The Archaeological Museum of Athens building, impressive even from the outside. Fun fact: This museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world, home to more than 11,000 exhibits!
The historic National Bank of Greece headquarters, an architectural gem dating back to 1841.
My first official stop was Areopagus Hill, just below the Acropolis. From here, I watched the sunrise behind the Parthenon, bathing the ancient stones in golden light—a photographer’s dream.
Historical tidbit: Areopagus Hill once served as the high court of ancient Athens, where cases of homicide and religious matters were judged.
Morning: Acropolis & Anafiotika
No trip to Athens is complete without exploring the Acropolis, one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Arriving early meant fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.
Highlights included:
Parthenon: The iconic temple dedicated to Athena, standing tall despite centuries of history. Did you know that the Parthenon was once a church and later a mosque?
Erechtheion: Famous for its Caryatids, the six draped female figures serving as columns.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: An ancient theater still used for performances today—imagine watching a play with the Acropolis as your backdrop!
Temple of Athena Nike: A small but beautiful structure symbolizing victory.
From the Acropolis, I wandered into Anafiotika, a picturesque neighborhood that feels like a slice of the Greek islands. Its white-washed houses, narrow alleys, and colorful flowers provided endless Instagram-worthy moments.
Did you know? Anafiotika was built by workers from the island of Anafi in the 19th century, who constructed their homes in the same style as on their island.
Afternoon: History Meets Flavor
Next, I explored the Plaka neighborhood, Athens' oldest district. Its cobbled streets, boutiques, and cafes created the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll.
Historical stops included:
Hadrian's Arch: A monumental gateway built in honor of the Roman emperor. Interestingly, the arch marked the boundary between ancient and Roman Athens.
Temple of Olympian Zeus: Once the largest temple in Greece, now a majestic ruin. It took nearly 700 years to complete!
National Garden: A green oasis in the heart of Athens, perfect for a short break.
Zappeion Hall: A neoclassical marvel often used for exhibitions and events.
For lunch, I met my friend at Aerides Plaka, a cozy restaurant with traditional dishes. My choice? Grilled chicken with lemon and crispy mashed potatoes. Simple, flavorful, and satisfying!
Late Afternoon: Museums & More History
After lunch, I visited the Acropolis Museum, home to artifacts from the Acropolis itself. The museum's modern design - glass floors revealing ancient ruins below - created a fascinating contrast to the historic exhibits.
Interesting fact: The museum's top floor is aligned with the Parthenon and showcases the original frieze in the same layout as the temple.
I then walked to the Panathenaic Stadium, the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. This venue hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, and standing on its track felt like stepping back in time.
Tip: Don’t miss the small museum inside the stadium, showcasing Olympic torches from past games.
Evening: Sunset & Traditional Greek Dining
For sunset, I headed to Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens. The cable car ride to the top was quick, and the 360° views of Athens at golden hour were unforgettable. Watching the Acropolis light up as the sun dipped below the horizon was pure magic.
Did you know? According to mythology, Lycabettus Hill was created when Athena accidentally dropped a large rock while building the Acropolis.
Dinner was at Ατίταμος, a traditional Greek restaurant. My pick: a green salad with dried tomatoes, balsamic cream, grilled goat cheese, and walnuts. Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect end to an adventure-packed day.
Day 3: Markets, Street Art & Modern Marvels
Morning: Ancient Agora & Monastiraki
I started the day exploring the Ancient Agora, once the heart of public life in Athens. Highlights included:
Stoa of Attalos: Now a museum showcasing everyday artifacts from ancient Athens.
Temple of Hephaestus: One of the best-preserved temples in Greece, dedicated to the god of craftsmanship.
Holy Church of the Holy Apostles: A charming Byzantine church surrounded by ruins.
From there, I wandered into the bustling Monastiraki area, known for its flea markets and street vendors. Among the shops, I discovered the Mona Lisa Experience, a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Must-try: Their 50 cm crepe, stuffed with chocolate, brittle, and lemon sugar toppings. It's as indulgent as it sounds - and totally worth it!
Fun fact: The Monastiraki Flea Market has been running since the early 20th century and remains one of the best places for unique souvenirs.
Midday: Street Art & Modern Athens
Next, I explored the Psiri neighborhood, famous for its vibrant street art, trendy cafes, and bohemian vibe. Every corner was a photo opportunity.
To experience modern Athens, I took an Uber to the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, home to:
National Opera: A sleek, modern building with world-class acoustics.
National Library: Blending contemporary design with historic archives.
Rooftop Park: Offering panoramic views of Athens and the sea.
Did you know? The entire complex is designed to be eco-friendly, powered by solar panels and featuring a sustainable water-management system.
Evening: Farewell Feast
After a short hotel break, I met my friend for a final dinner at Rozalia, a classic Greek tavern in the Exarchia district.
My meal: Chicken souvlaki, perfectly grilled and served with a fresh salad of cabbage, lettuce, and carrots, dressed with olive oil and lemon.
As we toasted to an unforgettable weekend, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the memories made in such a vibrant city.
Day 4: Departure & Final Thoughts
The next morning came early, with a 7:50 AM flight back to Berlin. As I watched the sun rise from the airplane window, I reflected on how Athens had exceeded every expectation.
It’s rare to find a city that seamlessly blends ancient history, modern creativity, and culinary excellence into one unforgettable experience - but Athens does it effortlessly.
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