Athens is a city full of history, culture, and delicious food. Here's an ideal itinerary for 5 days in Athens:

Day 1: Arrival and Acropolis

• Arrive in Athens and check into your hotel
• Head straight to the Acropolis, the most famous landmark in Athens. You can take a guided tour or explore on your own. Make sure to visit the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
• After your visit to the Acropolis, take a stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood, where you can find plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Day 2: Ancient Agora and National Archaeological Museum

• Start your day at the Ancient Agora, the marketplace of ancient Athens. Here you can see the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
• After your visit to the Ancient Agora, head to the National Archaeological Museum, which houses some of the most important artifacts from ancient Greece, including the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera Mechanism.

Day 3: Day trip to Cape Sounion

• Take a day trip to Cape Sounion, located about an hour outside of Athens. Here you can visit the Temple of Poseidon, which sits atop a cliff overlooking the Aegean Sea. The views are breathtaking!
• On your way back to Athens, stop at one of the many beaches along the coast for a swim or a relaxing afternoon.

Day 4: Monastiraki and Syntagma Square

• Start your day at Monastiraki, a bustling neighborhood known for its flea market and street food. Here you can find everything from souvenirs to traditional Greek sweets.
• After exploring Monastiraki, head to Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens. Here you can watch the changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and visit the impressive Parliament building.
• In the evening, head to Psiri, a trendy neighborhood known for its nightlife and live music.

Day 5: Mount Lycabettus and National Garden

• Start your day with a hike up Mount Lycabettus, the highest point in Athens. From the top, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
• After your hike, head to the National Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Athens. Here you can stroll through the gardens, visit the small zoo, and see the impressive Zappeion Hall.
• In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at one of Athens' many excellent restaurants, where you can savor traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and spanakopita.

I hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time in Athens!