Athens 4 Day Itinerary: Three City Days and One Full Day Out
By Vasilis Tsiklos · Updated
Short answer
Spend three days in Athens and one full day outside it. For the day out, Delphi suits history lovers, Nafplio and Epidaurus suit most groups, Hydra suits anyone who wants a slow island day, and Meteora is only for people who accept a very long day.
How to plan 4 days in Athens
With four days in Athens, you can see the city at an easy pace and still take one full day out. We suggest putting the day trip on Day 3 or Day 4, after you've seen the Acropolis, so a change in weather or energy doesn't cost you the main sights.
Days 1 to 3: Athens at an easy pace
Day 1: the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum and Plaka
Start at the Acropolis at opening time, then the Acropolis Museum, then Plaka and Anafiotika in the evening.
Day 2: the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki and the National Archaeological Museum
Walk the Ancient Agora and Monastiraki in the morning, then spend the afternoon at the National Archaeological Museum. Watch the sunset from Lycabettus Hill.
Day 3: slower Athens
Use the third city day for what you missed: the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, the National Garden, or a long lunch. In summer, keep the middle of the day free.
Day 4: choosing your full day out
All four trips below are full days. They differ in drive time, walking and what you see. Be honest about your group before you choose.
Delphi
- Drive each way:
- About 2h 30m
- Length of day:
- 10–11 hours
- Best for:
- History lovers who don't mind a steep site
Nafplio + Epidaurus
- Drive each way:
- About 1h 50m
- Length of day:
- Full day
- Best for:
- Most groups, including families
Hydra
- Drive each way:
- About 2h 30m–2h 45m to Metochi, then a short ferry
- Length of day:
- 11–12 hours
- Best for:
- Couples and friends who want a slow island day
Meteora
- Drive each way:
- About 4h
- Length of day:
- 12–13 hours
- Best for:
- People set on seeing the monasteries, who accept a very long day
Delphi: for history lovers
The ancient oracle on a mountainside, with one of the best site museums in Greece. The site climbs a steep hill, which matters if anyone walks slowly.
Nafplio and Epidaurus: the easiest full day
A pretty old harbor town and the best-preserved ancient theater in Greece, about 1 hour 50 minutes from Athens. If you can't decide, this is usually the safe choice.
Hydra: a slow island day
An island with no cars, stone houses and harbor cafés. You drive to Metochi port, take the short ferry across, and your driver meets you back at the port. Good if you want the sea more than ruins.
Meteora: a very long day
The monasteries on top of rock pillars are like nowhere else. But Meteora is about 4 hours each way, so the day runs 12 to 13 hours. It works for people who really want to see it. With young kids, older travelers or anyone who gets carsick, it is usually too much in one day.
Practical tips for Athens
Acropolis tickets and entry time
The Acropolis uses timed entry tickets. Book yours online before you arrive. The best time to go is right at opening, before the heat and the cruise-ship groups.
Opening hours
The Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora and the National Archaeological Museum all change their hours by season, and all close on certain public holidays. Check the hours the week you travel. The Acropolis opens at 08:00 every day, and closing time moves earlier as autumn turns to winter:
April 1 – August 31
- Opening hours:
- Daily 08:00 – 20:00
September 1 – 15
- Opening hours:
- Daily 08:00 – 19:30
September 16 – 30
- Opening hours:
- Daily 08:00 – 19:00
October 1 – 15
- Opening hours:
- Daily 08:00 – 18:30
October 16 – 31
- Opening hours:
- Daily 08:00 – 18:00
November 1 – March 31
- Opening hours:
- Daily 08:00 – 17:00
Summer heat
From June to September, the middle of the day is hot and the ancient sites have little shade. Do the outdoor sites early, spend the afternoon in a museum or at your hotel, and go back out in the evening. Carry water and a hat.
Comfortable shoes
The marble paths on the Acropolis are polished smooth and slippery, and Plaka and Anafiotika are full of steps. Wear shoes with grip, not sandals with flat soles.
Other Athens itineraries
Fewer days in Athens? These plans are shorter.
Questions about athens 4-day itinerary
Is 4 days in Athens too long?
No. Four days lets you see the city at an easy pace and take one full day trip outside Athens.
Which day trip is best with 4 days in Athens?
Nafplio and Epidaurus suits most groups. Delphi suits history lovers. Hydra suits a slow island day. Meteora is only worth it if you accept a 12 to 13 hour day.
Can I do Meteora as a day trip from Athens?
Yes, but it is about 4 hours each way and the day runs 12 to 13 hours. For many groups it is too long.
Which day should I take the day trip?
Day 3 or Day 4, after you have seen the Acropolis. That way bad weather or a tired group doesn't cost you the main sights.