Athens. The city of tzatziki, ancient ruins and… walking, walking, and more walking. Give me a weekend of eating ice cream, temple-hopping, and bite-sized culture any time. This summer, just before the worst heatwave of the year, I wandered through the charming little streets. While I personally could’ve stayed for two more weeks, you can absolutely do it all in a weekend. Want to know all the ins and outs without scrolling TikTok and Tripadvisor for hours? Then you’re in the right place.

<section> <h2>Taking the metro into the city center of Athens</h2> After a short 3.5-hour flight (aka three episodes of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*), you’re already in the capital. And that airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, is easy to get through. Of course, you could rent a car or take a taxi to the city center, but the metro is just as convenient. Keep Google Maps handy and you’ll be fine. Line 3 connects the airport with the whole city—just follow that and you’ll arrive at your hotel. Note: you do need a separate airport ticket, which you can buy at the train station. Good to remember for the return trip: even though you’re just traveling through the city, only this ticket will get you back to the airport – and it’s only valid for a few hours. So watch out for fines and gates that won’t open anymore. Yes, even if your metro is delayed. Then asking for help with hand gestures is your only option; I (unfortunately) speak from experience.Once you’re in the city, the metro is also your best friend. Here’s a golden tip: buy a five-day pass for €8.50. That gives you unlimited access to all the metro lines, buses, and trains in Athens all weekend long. Saves you from having to buy individual tickets. Line 2 will take you to Syntagma, and Line 1 goes to Monastiraki. From these stations, you can reach almost everywhere.

</section><section> <h2>Okay, so what are the hotspots? Where should you go?</h2> <h3>Shopping and being a tourist</h3> <h4>The popular Monastiraki</h4> With its colorful streets, many stray cats, and delicious food, Monastiraki is one of the most fun neighborhoods in Athens. It was definitely my favorite. Location-wise, it’s perfect: the area is close to everything—literally everything you want to see. The moment you step out of the metro station, you can go right or straight into streets full of tourist shops. Both lead to cozy restaurants and spots where you’ll want to stay all day. Grab some ice cream at <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/monalisa.experience/”>Mona Lisa</a> and while you’re there, pop into the <a href=”https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d13137509-Reviews-Hans_Gretel-Athens_Attica.html”>circus-themed candy store Hans &amp; Gretel</a>. Is it blazing hot? Swap the candy for a delicious slushie. This was my favorite part of the neighborhood. You can tell by the 90 photos in my camera roll.Go left at the station? Then you’ll end up in the more ‘authentic’ parts of Monastiraki. Here you’ll find local shops and can stroll around to get a more realistic feel of the area.

<img class=”i279077″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld2.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h4>The Plaka district</h4> Just around the corner from Monastiraki is the trendy Plaka district. Full of tourist shops, but also local gems. Think jewelry stores, leather bag artisans, and wrap-skirt shops. Especially with a bit of sun on your back, it’s a lovely place to walk around. Wander into the residential areas and stroll like a local through Instagram-worthy corners. <img class=”i279076″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h4>Cocktails and Disney vibes in Psiri</h4> Just a Greek stone’s throw away lies the Psiri neighborhood. This was my go-to spot for drinks and a fun night out. Don’t expect crazy nightclubs where you wake up next to a goat at 5 a.m. like in *The Hangover*. You’ll just be chilling in neon-lit bars and terraces. And for the parents (or Disney lovers) among us, there’s even a Disney-themed street. <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/littlekook_/”>The Little Kook</a> is a café and ‘dessert house’ where you can eat in full theme. Especially in the evening, it’s amazing—like stepping into *Alice in Wonderland*, with ice creams and cocktails the size of your face. <img class=”i279078″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld3.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> </section><section> <h2>Culture in Athens</h2> Yes, say Greece and you say antiquity. Besides all the cute spots and shopping options, you also want to soak up some culture in Athens. Where better than the land that invented democracy? You could spend a whole week museum-hopping, but if you’re only here for a weekend, these are the must-sees: <h3>The Acropolis</h3> This is *the* landmark of Athens: the Acropolis. And no, it’s not just one building you walk through like you might think. It’s an ancient citadel with multiple structures. Getting there? That’s a bit of a challenge. The Acropolis literally means ‘the highest part of the city’ in Ancient Greek, so you’ll need to brave a steep climb to reach it. Buy your tickets in advance and start walking. After about twenty minutes, you’ll have one of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen. Walk past the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It’s under scaffolding, but still incredibly impressive. A bit further lies the Erechtheion: a sacred temple devoted to Greek gods and goddesses. <img class=”i279075″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld-2-3.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h3>Another must-see: the Ancient Agora</h3> The old town square of Greece. This was the center of social life, as well as the political and economic heart of the city. Stroll through nature, pet some cats, and see where history once unfolded. Besides the ruins, there are also temples you can walk through. <img class=”i279079″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld4.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h3>Museum tour in Athens</h3> Visiting Athens without seeing a museum is impossible. There are hundreds of places to explore, but the museums you absolutely shouldn’t miss are:<strong>The Acropolis Museum:</strong> here you’ll find everything—just like the name says—that was discovered around the Acropolis. With around 4,000 artifacts, you definitely won’t be bored. Everywhere you look: statues, pots, and actual fragments of the Acropolis. You can watch a film about the history and enjoy a stunning view of the Parthenon and Erechtheion.

<strong>The National Archaeological Museum:</strong> located a 16-minute metro ride away. Here you’ll find archaeological discoveries that were once dug up in the city. Everywhere you look: old coins, life-sized tapestries, wall tablets, and statues.

<img class=”i279073″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld-2.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> </section><section> <h2>Food in Athens</h2> Let’s talk important: the food. In Athens, you’ll eat well for sure—with classic Greek dishes like tzatziki and souvlaki on every menu. Every street has a spot to grab something tasty. I, for example, went to Kasáta for delicious homemade iced tea and downed slushies like my life depended on it at 12 Oz. The tastiest lukumádes can be found at <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/lukumades/”>LUKUMAΔEΣ</a>, and get your frozen Greek yogurt at <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/fresko_athens/”>the Fresko Yoghurt Bar</a>.And my favorite place? Absolutely, without a doubt: <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/ellyzcafe/”>Ellyz Café</a>. This café could’ve been pulled straight from Pinterest with its pink flowers and white chairs. It has everything you crave. Patisserie? Go for a filled croissant or some other pastry. Pancakes? They have those too. Sandwiches with meat or vegan options? Check. And everything follows the same aesthetic: pink. Even the drinks and the La Marzocco espresso machine are pink. It might look too good to be true, but honestly? It’s just that good.

<img class=”i279074″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld-2-2.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h2>Hotels</h2> Now you know what to do, but where oh where should you stay? The best option is a hotel not too far from the center, so you’re close to all the hotspots.A great option is the <a href=”https://www.tripadvisor.nl/Hotel_Review-g189400-d623064-Reviews-Apollo_Hotel-Athens_Attica.html”><strong>Apollo Hotel</strong></a>. Just five minutes from Metaxourghio metro, it’s an affordable and solid home base. The breakfast isn’t huge, but it’s a good way to start your morning. Not into breakfast? There’s a <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/breadfactorymetaxourgeio/?_rdr”>great bakery</a> next door. The room is comfy and exactly what you need—you’ll be out exploring all day anyway. And the best part? For a small price, you get a beautiful view of the Acropolis.

Another nice and budget-friendly spot is the <a href=”https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/athens-city.nl.html?…”><strong>Athens City Hotel</strong></a>. Is it an all-inclusive resort? No, but it’s more than good enough for a quick getaway. The rooms are well-kept and you’re only 800 meters from a metro station. In ten minutes, you’re at the Acropolis. Amazing, right?

Looking for something more luxurious? Then <strong><a href=”https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/the-pinnacle-athens.nl.html?…”>The Pinnacle Athens</a></strong> might be for you. Enjoy a glass of wine on your balcony or rooftop terrace and dive into that super-soft bed. This five-star hotel is just 500 meters from Monastiraki, so you won’t even need the metro all weekend. Saves you some money to spend instead.

</section><section> <h2>Can you really fit it all into a weekend?</h2> Look, vacation is for relaxation, but if you want to make the most of a city trip to Athens—you’ve got to see it all. Grab every opportunity you can. Luckily, with the metro, everything is within reach; you just need to plan well.On the first day, play the tourist in Monastiraki, Plaka, and Psiri.
After a good breakfast, spend day two climbing ruins and hobbling through museums.
The third day is for ‘resting’ and visiting the spots you didn’t get to on day one. And don’t worry about catching your flight on time. Those metros run late, so it’ll all be fine. Siga, siga. (Or in English: take it easy)

</section>

Athens. The city of tzatziki, ancient ruins and… walking, walking, and more walking. Give me a weekend of eating ice cream, temple-hopping, and bite-sized culture any time. This summer, just before the worst heatwave of the year, I wandered through the charming little streets. While I personally could’ve stayed for two more weeks, you can absolutely do it all in a weekend. Want to know all the ins and outs without scrolling TikTok and Tripadvisor for hours? Then you’re in the right place.

<section> <h2>Taking the metro into the city center of Athens</h2> After a short 3.5-hour flight (aka three episodes of *The Summer I Turned Pretty*), you’re already in the capital. And that airport, Eleftherios Venizelos, is easy to get through. Of course, you could rent a car or take a taxi to the city center, but the metro is just as convenient. Keep Google Maps handy and you’ll be fine. Line 3 connects the airport with the whole city—just follow that and you’ll arrive at your hotel. Note: you do need a separate airport ticket, which you can buy at the train station. Good to remember for the return trip: even though you’re just traveling through the city, only this ticket will get you back to the airport – and it’s only valid for a few hours. So watch out for fines and gates that won’t open anymore. Yes, even if your metro is delayed. Then asking for help with hand gestures is your only option; I (unfortunately) speak from experience.Once you’re in the city, the metro is also your best friend. Here’s a golden tip: buy a five-day pass for €8.50. That gives you unlimited access to all the metro lines, buses, and trains in Athens all weekend long. Saves you from having to buy individual tickets. Line 2 will take you to Syntagma, and Line 1 goes to Monastiraki. From these stations, you can reach almost everywhere.

</section><section> <h2>Okay, so what are the hotspots? Where should you go?</h2> <h3>Shopping and being a tourist</h3> <h4>The popular Monastiraki</h4> With its colorful streets, many stray cats, and delicious food, Monastiraki is one of the most fun neighborhoods in Athens. It was definitely my favorite. Location-wise, it’s perfect: the area is close to everything—literally everything you want to see. The moment you step out of the metro station, you can go right or straight into streets full of tourist shops. Both lead to cozy restaurants and spots where you’ll want to stay all day. Grab some ice cream at <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/monalisa.experience/”>Mona Lisa</a> and while you’re there, pop into the <a href=”https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189400-d13137509-Reviews-Hans_Gretel-Athens_Attica.html”>circus-themed candy store Hans &amp; Gretel</a>. Is it blazing hot? Swap the candy for a delicious slushie. This was my favorite part of the neighborhood. You can tell by the 90 photos in my camera roll.Go left at the station? Then you’ll end up in the more ‘authentic’ parts of Monastiraki. Here you’ll find local shops and can stroll around to get a more realistic feel of the area.

<img class=”i279077″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld2.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h4>The Plaka district</h4> Just around the corner from Monastiraki is the trendy Plaka district. Full of tourist shops, but also local gems. Think jewelry stores, leather bag artisans, and wrap-skirt shops. Especially with a bit of sun on your back, it’s a lovely place to walk around. Wander into the residential areas and stroll like a local through Instagram-worthy corners. <img class=”i279076″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h4>Cocktails and Disney vibes in Psiri</h4> Just a Greek stone’s throw away lies the Psiri neighborhood. This was my go-to spot for drinks and a fun night out. Don’t expect crazy nightclubs where you wake up next to a goat at 5 a.m. like in *The Hangover*. You’ll just be chilling in neon-lit bars and terraces. And for the parents (or Disney lovers) among us, there’s even a Disney-themed street. <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/littlekook_/”>The Little Kook</a> is a café and ‘dessert house’ where you can eat in full theme. Especially in the evening, it’s amazing—like stepping into *Alice in Wonderland*, with ice creams and cocktails the size of your face. <img class=”i279078″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld3.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> </section><section> <h2>Culture in Athens</h2> Yes, say Greece and you say antiquity. Besides all the cute spots and shopping options, you also want to soak up some culture in Athens. Where better than the land that invented democracy? You could spend a whole week museum-hopping, but if you’re only here for a weekend, these are the must-sees: <h3>The Acropolis</h3> This is *the* landmark of Athens: the Acropolis. And no, it’s not just one building you walk through like you might think. It’s an ancient citadel with multiple structures. Getting there? That’s a bit of a challenge. The Acropolis literally means ‘the highest part of the city’ in Ancient Greek, so you’ll need to brave a steep climb to reach it. Buy your tickets in advance and start walking. After about twenty minutes, you’ll have one of the most breathtaking views you’ve ever seen. Walk past the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It’s under scaffolding, but still incredibly impressive. A bit further lies the Erechtheion: a sacred temple devoted to Greek gods and goddesses. <img class=”i279075″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld-2-3.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h3>Another must-see: the Ancient Agora</h3> The old town square of Greece. This was the center of social life, as well as the political and economic heart of the city. Stroll through nature, pet some cats, and see where history once unfolded. Besides the ruins, there are also temples you can walk through. <img class=”i279079″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld4.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h3>Museum tour in Athens</h3> Visiting Athens without seeing a museum is impossible. There are hundreds of places to explore, but the museums you absolutely shouldn’t miss are:<strong>The Acropolis Museum:</strong> here you’ll find everything—just like the name says—that was discovered around the Acropolis. With around 4,000 artifacts, you definitely won’t be bored. Everywhere you look: statues, pots, and actual fragments of the Acropolis. You can watch a film about the history and enjoy a stunning view of the Parthenon and Erechtheion.

<strong>The National Archaeological Museum:</strong> located a 16-minute metro ride away. Here you’ll find archaeological discoveries that were once dug up in the city. Everywhere you look: old coins, life-sized tapestries, wall tablets, and statues.

<img class=”i279073″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld-2.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> </section><section> <h2>Food in Athens</h2> Let’s talk important: the food. In Athens, you’ll eat well for sure—with classic Greek dishes like tzatziki and souvlaki on every menu. Every street has a spot to grab something tasty. I, for example, went to Kasáta for delicious homemade iced tea and downed slushies like my life depended on it at 12 Oz. The tastiest lukumádes can be found at <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/lukumades/”>LUKUMAΔEΣ</a>, and get your frozen Greek yogurt at <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/fresko_athens/”>the Fresko Yoghurt Bar</a>.And my favorite place? Absolutely, without a doubt: <a href=”https://www.instagram.com/ellyzcafe/”>Ellyz Café</a>. This café could’ve been pulled straight from Pinterest with its pink flowers and white chairs. It has everything you crave. Patisserie? Go for a filled croissant or some other pastry. Pancakes? They have those too. Sandwiches with meat or vegan options? Check. And everything follows the same aesthetic: pink. Even the drinks and the La Marzocco espresso machine are pink. It might look too good to be true, but honestly? It’s just that good.

<img class=”i279074″ src=”https://amayzine.com/images/2025/09/athene-citytrip-beeld-2-2.jpg” alt=”” width=”1604″ height=”875″ /> <h2>Hotels</h2> Now you know what to do, but where oh where should you stay? The best option is a hotel not too far from the center, so you’re close to all the hotspots.A great option is the <a href=”https://www.tripadvisor.nl/Hotel_Review-g189400-d623064-Reviews-Apollo_Hotel-Athens_Attica.html”><strong>Apollo Hotel</strong></a>. Just five minutes from Metaxourghio metro, it’s an affordable and solid home base. The breakfast isn’t huge, but it’s a good way to start your morning. Not into breakfast? There’s a <a href=”https://www.facebook.com/breadfactorymetaxourgeio/?_rdr”>great bakery</a> next door. The room is comfy and exactly what you need—you’ll be out exploring all day anyway. And the best part? For a small price, you get a beautiful view of the Acropolis.

Another nice and budget-friendly spot is the <a href=”https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/athens-city.nl.html?…”><strong>Athens City Hotel</strong></a>. Is it an all-inclusive resort? No, but it’s more than good enough for a quick getaway. The rooms are well-kept and you’re only 800 meters from a metro station. In ten minutes, you’re at the Acropolis. Amazing, right?

Looking for something more luxurious? Then <strong><a href=”https://www.booking.com/hotel/gr/the-pinnacle-athens.nl.html?…”>The Pinnacle Athens</a></strong> might be for you. Enjoy a glass of wine on your balcony or rooftop terrace and dive into that super-soft bed. This five-star hotel is just 500 meters from Monastiraki, so you won’t even need the metro all weekend. Saves you some money to spend instead.

</section><section> <h2>Can you really fit it all into a weekend?</h2> Look, vacation is for relaxation, but if you want to make the most of a city trip to Athens—you’ve got to see it all. Grab every opportunity you can. Luckily, with the metro, everything is within reach; you just need to plan well.On the first day, play the tourist in Monastiraki, Plaka, and Psiri.
After a good breakfast, spend day two climbing ruins and hobbling through museums.
The third day is for ‘resting’ and visiting the spots you didn’t get to on day one. And don’t worry about catching your flight on time. Those metros run late, so it’ll all be fine. Siga, siga. (Or in English: take it easy)

</section>