3 days in Athens or surroundings
 

We land in Athens after a17 hr. flight ..we have a hotel for 1 night in Athens although we have 3 full days before our next destination . I know that we will be jet lagged so what do suggest we do first. We appreciate any info...thanks

I would take a day or two and go to Hydra. It's a short ferry over (there are no cars allowed on the island) and a delightful place to truly enjoy Greek life. We stayed at the Hotel Mistral just recently.

If this is your first trip to Athens and you want to see the ruins, you can eat up three days easily. Our favorite place was the Greek Agora, which took us a half day to explore. Then the Acropolis and Temple of Zeus. We really enjoyed the Museum of the Acropolis.

We also took a bus trip to Sounion to see the Temple of Poseidon. Even though you can fill up your days in Athens, I do agree with Nanabee that if you can fit a trip in to one of the islands it will be worth it. We did not go to an island, and I wish we had. Next trip. :)

Athens has a lot to offer, but it is a bustling large metro city. I think getting out to an island or the Peloponnese will give you a different perspective of Greek life in the more rural or country area. You could also rent a car and head down to Nafplio for a day or two. The drive is spectacularly beautiful imho.

Thanks so much for the info...I forgot to mention that we arrive on Oct. 15....are there ferries to Hydra even then?

Acropolis is closed at night, it opens at 8 and closed I think at 6, but check the time. Both time as are good to go, as they have guards marching on the steps. Plus in the morning you will be followed by bunch of dogs that live on the premises and sort of working there. They are part of the scenery and follow first groups of tourists everywhere. There are guides available for hire and they fare very good.
I would go to Delphi. This is very special place.
We rented car and travel a little in Greece. I love the country, it is beautiful, people are friendly. Prepare to read road signs on Greek if you go. It is hard.

hi scissor: yes they have the ferries running pretty much year round.

Change that to "all year round". Ferries are for locals who live on the island, not just tourists. ;-)

On arrival day, just relax. if you are staying near the Plaka, walk around have a bite to eat and get a good nights sleep. Plan to do the Acropolis and the templae of Zeus on day 2 9squeeze in teh Agora if you are up to it). You buy one ticket for all sites, so be prepared to pay 12 EU once. Guides are plentiful, negotiate a proce or do it on your own. Day 3 as suggested, go to Delphi - not to be missed, take it in! As time allows be sure to go to the new museum in Atens as well. That should fill you time

Seafox has a good plan. Going to Sounion is good. Nauplion and Delphi!! There is SO much in Athens--museums and ruins. Don't miss it. An island is fun, but with only 3 days, do the Athens environs. You will not regret it a minute.

Seafox has made a good suggestion. Buy the 12 euro ticket that gets you into the major sites. Since you will be jetlagged have a leasurely morning then head out and get that ticket. Start at the lesser sites right in the Plaka Hadrians Library, the roman Agora and the ancient agora. Walk up to the acropolis and get your bearings but don't go in that first day. Walk up Filopappos hill. The path is well marked and is just near the Acropolis entrance. From here you will get a unique perspective on the acropolis and will help build the anticipation for your visit.
The second day after you are basically recovered from Jet lag be at the Acropolis at opening. baskalla has described it perfectly. It is uncrowded and peaceful. You will be sharing this historic place with fewer than a hundred people for the first hour or so. After a couple of hours the tour buses will arrive and it is time to move off and head to the rest of the sites you didn't do the day before. again they will be uncrowded because everyone will be in the acropolis.

Athens easily takes three days to see properly. Wander around the plaka/Monestraki area. You may be in a maze of streets but for the most part the acropolis is looming overhead so you always have a landmark to orient yourself.
While you are there look for the central markt. It covers more than a whole city block and is directly up Apolonas street from the Monestraki metro station. You can easily spend a couple of hours taking that all in.
Hopefully your plan is to get to islands after your three days in Athens.
Here is an album that shows you the area directly around the acropolis.
Athens http://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr5...7632121475515/
Have a great time.

seafox says, "sorry about the typos!" Yikes!

THANK YOU SO MUCH! You can't believe how much that helps. You were all so helpful. WOW!
Stanbr...thanks for the website!
Can't wait ...10 days left before our trip! YEA!

Have also a look at a very interesting website :
http://www.breathtakingathens.com

It is the official website of the city of Athens, :)

Thanks Clausar. You people are wonderful. This such a great site. Happy travels everyone!