Athens- How Many Nights?

[decemberwedding07]

Hi!  I'm a regular on P&CE.  DH and I are looking to go to Athens as part of a trip in May.  Just wondering if any of you have been there and can offer advice on how much time to devote to it?  We could spend up to 4 nights there, but if 2 or 3 is sufficient, we would rather do that.  It will be our first stop, so we will be jet-lagged on our first day.  TIA!

[scout8]

I think three nights is about right for Athens.

[babsbunny]

In one long day we did the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Archeological Museum, and Acropolis Museum (and we went slow using Rick Steves' podcasts). On a second day, we took a day trip to Delphi (guided tour - enjoyed it). If we had another day, I would have looked at a tour inland to Olympia. You can also fit in a half hour at Parliament (to see the changing of the guards each hour) and then down the street for a quick view of the original Olympic Stadium.

I vote 2 nights to see Athens only, 3 nights if you want to do a day trip outside of Athens.

[erbear]

I loved Athens a surprising amount. I didn't expect to. We were there one night and we saw most of the things you "have" to see, but I would have liked another night/day there.

[erbear]

Where else are you going?

[anaps28]

We spent 2 on our honeymoon and that was all we really needed.

[lolo]

I am shocked by these recommendations! I did a weekish (can't remember exactly) with day trips to Delphi, Sounion and a beach outside of Athens. In no way was I bored.

I would say at least three nights but it does depend on what you're into. Though I'm by no means a true classics geek, I did study Greek drama and really enjoyed seeing the performance spaces, as well as the places where democracy was said to have been born, where Paul walked, etc. The city itself was interesting too--we enjoyed a market and lots of good food

[dragonfly08]

We spent 1 day/2 nights in Athens as it as all we could spare. It was more than enough to do the Acropolis and Acropolis museum. We could have done the Ancient Agora and one or two other things, but the kids were a bit tired so we skipped it. For me, one more day would have been great to fit in a couple of other things. But I couldn't see needing much more than that, personally.

[bullygirl979]

I would say 2-3 nights.

[lolo]

Jul 29, 2014 13:28:40 GMT -5 melmaria said:

Jul 29, 2014 0:11:51 GMT -5 lolo said:

I am shocked by these recommendations! I did a weekish (can't remember exactly) with day trips to Delphi, Sounion and a beach outside of Athens. In no way was I bored.

Depends on what else you have on your itinerary!  When we did our honeymoon, we wanted to spend more time in the islands, so we only spent 2 nights in Athens (and 11 nights split between Crete, Santorini, and Mykonos).  But when I went to Greece with my parents, we spent more time in Athens as a home base and did several day trips like you mentioned.

That's a fair point for sure. 

[wise_rita]

I haven't been but I've heard Athens is a hole.

I'd give it 1 night to see the Acropolis and then get the hell out of Dodge to somewhere more interesting/cleanly.

[emilyinchile]

I like Athens, although I think I'm in the minority on that. I think it's very cool how the ruins are right there, just chilling next to modern life, plus the food is great (and these days, cheap). I don't find it any dirtier or less nice than plenty of big cities, although I also don't find it to be a particularly interesting city beyond the sights.

I would allot 2 full days for Athens. Depending on what time you get in, how much you'll be up for doing on your first day and what time you need to leave Athens to make it to your next destination on your last day, that could be either 2 or 3 nights.

Also, I went to this place the day I arrived, and I now wish that all my long flights could be followed by a relaxing massage experience: hammam.gr/en/ You will actually feel human again afterward, which is invaluable when you've just spent the night on a plane.

[expatpumpkin]

Jul 28, 2014 19:56:40 GMT -5 babsbunny said:

I vote 2 nights to see Athens only, 3 nights if you want to do a day trip outside of Athens.

Ditto.  Athens is not like Paris, London, etc.  If you're sticking to the city sights, two nights is plenty of time.  Have fun!