4 Days in Athens: Ancient Wonders & Modern City

Day 1 — The Acropolis

Dawn: Acropolis at opening time — the light is golden and crowds minimal

Morning: Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike

Midday: Acropolis Museum at the base — extraordinary sculpture collection

Afternoon: Plaka neighborhood: ancient streets, tavernas, souvenir shops

Evening: Rooftop dinner overlooking the lit Acropolis

Morning: Ancient Agora of Athens — where Socrates philosophized

Midday: Monastiraki flea market and Ermou Street shopping

Afternoon: Temple of Hephaestus (best-preserved ancient Greek temple)

Evening: Psiri neighborhood for mezedes and ouzo

Morning: National Archaeological Museum — the world's finest Greek antiquities collection

Midday: Kolonaki neighborhood for upscale lunch and gallery-hopping

Afternoon: Funicular up Lycabettus Hill for 360° Athens views

Evening: Exarcheia neighborhood for authentic Athenian bars

Morning: Day trip to Cape Sounion (70km, bus or hire car)

Midday: Temple of Poseidon perched on the cliff above the Aegean — where Byron carved his name

Afternoon: Return via the coastal road, stopping at Vouliagmeni lake

Evening: Farewell dinner in Thissio with Acropolis view