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A Week in Athens: Exploring Ancient Ruins and Modern Wonders

Asha Gowda

Asha Gowda

25 Oct 2023

Embark on a thrilling journey through Athens, Greece, as you discover ancient ruins, vibrant parks, and iconic landmarks. This 8-day itinerary is designed for solo travelers, offering a perfect blend of history, culture, and adventure.

Trip to Athens

Day 1
+

$44

·

$ 3

Antonis Tritsis Metropolitan Park
Urban park with olive groves & trails around a series of lakes, plus cafes & a small stone church.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
17 - 21 min

~

Directions

Hellenic Motor Museum
Heaven for car fans with 110 rare and iconic vehicles, plus an F1 simulator displayed on 3 floors.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$15
7 - 10 min

~

Directions

National Archaeological Museum
Neoclassical museum of Ancient Greek art & archaeology, with sculpture, metalwork, vases & jewelry.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$23
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Technopolis City of Athens
Set in a former gasworks, this arts & culture space now hosts concerts, exhibitions & a gas museum.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$6
Day 2
+

$52

Temple of Hephaestus
Ancient Greek place of worship, built in the Doric style out of marble with bas relief friezes.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$10
2 - 3 min

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Directions

Ancient Agora of Athens
Famous landmark featuring the ruins of an ancient Greek gathering place & a museum with artifacts.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
15 - 22 min

~

Directions

Areopagus Hill
Historic site that once served as the high court of appeal for judicial cases in ancient Greece.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
10 - 15 min

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Directions

Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Concerts & other performances are held at this restored stone theater constructed in 161 CE.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
$13
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Philopappos Monument
Tomb & monument ruins erected in the 2nd century, with an ancient chiseled frieze & inscription.
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$6
16 - 24 min

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Directions

Hadrian's Library
Roman ruins of a library & cultural complex constructed in 132 CE by the emperor Hadrian.
No time set
•
$10
Day 3
+

$32

·

$ 3

Allou! Fun Park
Whimsical amusement park with rides & games for multiple age ranges, plus concessions.
8:00 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$19
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Stavros Niarchos Park
Expansive green space next to a cultural center with landscaped walking paths & a playground.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Museum Ship Averof
Floating museum on an early-1900s armored cruiser, with exhibits about life above & below decks.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$13
Day 4
+

$10

·

$ 3

Hellenic Cosmos Cultural Center (Museum & Theater complex)
Exhibits & virtual reality experiences exploring ancient Greek culture, plus a modern theater.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
$10
11 - 14 min

~

Directions

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center
Modern cultural hub with a national library, opera house, theater & surrounding park.
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
•
Free
13 - 16 min

~

Directions

Piraeus Harbour
Harbor known for its busy seaport with ferries, yachts & ships, plus some nearby cafes.
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
Free
Day 5
+

$39

·

$ 3

Little Kook
Popular, fairytale-inspired cafe offering sweet & savory crêpes & other treats amid whimsical decor.
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
•
Free
12 - 15 min

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Directions

Philopappos Hill
Views of Athens & the Acropolis attract hikers to this small peak with an ancient monument.
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
11 - 16 min

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Directions

Theatre of Dionysus
Huge, tiered performance space seating around 15,000 people, dating from the 6th century B.C.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
$10
5 - 8 min

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Directions

Acropolis Museum
Ultramodern glass & steel museum housing ancient artifacts from the Acropolis archaeological site.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$16
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Hadrian's Arch
This arch-shaped marble gateway with Corinthian columns is named for an ancient Roman emperor.
2:30 PM - 3:00 PM
•
$6
8 - 10 min

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Directions

Lycabettus Hill Funicular
This funicular railway takes visitors through a tunnel to the top of Mount Lycabettus in 10 minutes.
3:30 PM - 4:00 PM
•
$6
Day 6
+

$24

Athens National Garden
Big historic park with native & exotic plants, plus archeological remains & a children's library.
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
•
Free
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Zappeion Garden
Pathways, statues & a fountain in a tree-filled park sitting in front of the 1880s Zappeio Hall.
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
•
Free
21 - 32 min

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Directions

Parthenon
Restored, landmark temple ruins on archaeological site with iconic Doric columns built from 447 BC.
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
•
$24
Day 7
+

$62

·

$ 2

Museum of Illusions Athens
Interactive, trick-of-the-eye rooms like a vortex tunnel & upside-down room, popular for selfies.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
$13
7 - 10 min

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Directions

Roman Forum of Athens (Roman Agora)
The remains of this agora built by the Romans from 19-11 B.C. include columns & an octagonal tower.
9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
•
$13
17 - 26 min

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Directions

Acropolis of Athens
Ruins of iconic 5th-century B.C. temple complex on Athens' rocky hilltop undergoing restoration.
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
•
$24
10 - 12 min

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Directions

Panathenaic Stadium
Site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896, now hosting ceremonial events & tours.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
•
$13
Day 8
+

$20

Central Athens "Varvakios" Markets
Fish, meat & produce are sold at this central market, also featuring restaurants.
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM
•
Free
9 - 14 min

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Directions

National Historical Museum
Exhibits on modern Greek history spanning art, weapons & documents, in the Old Parliament building.
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
•
$13
4 - 6 min

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Directions

Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary
1800s cathedral church of Athens, featuring monumental Greco-Byzantine & neoclassical architecture.
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM
•
Free
14 - 21 min

~

Directions

Temple of Olympian Zeus
Vast temple begun in 6th century B.C. on the site of an ancient outdoor sanctuary dedicated to Zeus.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
•
$8

Budget breakdown: $293 In total

Activities & Food:$281
Transport:$12