3 days in Athens in the first week of November

With just 3 days I would stay in Athens.

It would take a minimum of 3 days to fully explore and experience the city.

With its world-class archeological sites and museums plus numerous "minor" sites, Anafiotika, Central Markets, Plaka, Monistiraki & Syntagma Square, Psiri District and so much more you would find it hard to fit all those areas plus more in the 3 days you have.

Delphi & Meteora will eat a day each with more time getting there and returning than at the site. Hydra can be done on a day trip so can the alternative island of Aegina which offers more than Hydra.

However, Athens is worth a minimum of three days . . . spend your time there. You'll be overwhelmed with things to do, places to visit, markets, shops and more tavernas you can count.

Grab a Gyro and a Beer and you'll be in Heaven as you wander around Athens.

Thank you TommyK5 for the recommendations, love it!! Exploring Athens and its sites and not having to rush place to place sounds wonderful. A day in Parthenon neighborhood is definitely on the cards. Anafiotika and Monistiraki look extremely colorful and attractive, we will spend our time at these two places as well. Are there places in the city where one can see also see a performance of the Sirtaki dance? We are with two 13 year olds and I would love for them to experience something like that. It doesn't have to be a formal theatre show. Some place where we can expect street music and dancing. thanks again for all the advice.

Unfortunately Murali because of your choices, you're not going to see much of the Authentic Greece... you'll have a resort holiday at Porto Carras but it is entirely for tourists and nothing much Greek about it.

Also, in Athens in midweek, when you say you will be there, it is hard to find any kind of dancing/music venue that isn't specifically set up for tour groups. In the Monastiraki neighborhood there's a good taverna Cafe Avissinia that had traditional music on a sunday afternoon, & frequented by Greeks.

Also, a few years ago, an Athenian friend of mine came up with a tiny taverna - Kapnikarea Mezedopoulus, which is on Ermou Street near the tiny Byzantine church called Kapnikarea. It's lunch only (i.e, 1-5) Mon-Fri, live music. Here's review from 4-square
https://foursquare.com/v/καπνικαρέα-μεζεδοπωλείο/4e7f46d7a17c96ac9dd8b081

Here's a better one which I just found by doing a bit of "googling" (did you try that???) -- it's recommended for families, and has accordion music, traditional songs, and from the reviews, I guess that Guests are encouraged to dance! https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g189400-d6681127-r315251233-Akordeon-Athens_Attica.html
It may be just in evenings, have your hotel call to check.

For evening with music Cafe Kritiko in Plaka is well known http://www.paliatavernakritikou.gr/home_eng.html

Yes, there are tavernas that also have some performances of traditional dance but it's all put on for tour groups... men dancing in the military costume (fontanella), white skirts and pompom shoes (which Greek soldiers would never do!!), and lots of plate-smashing (which greeks never do!), and very expensive mediocre food/drink.

The best place actually to see traditional dance -- lots & lots of it!! is the Dora Stratou outdoor Dance Theatre, but unfortunately I belive its season ends in September.

Thanks Janet. I looked at all the options. They all are wonderful suggestions, the Accordion restaurant in Psirri looks really nice and cozy and the nut brittle looks to die for :). I will google :) and find more options as well! We are in Halkidiki for a 10 day event as part of the US delegation. We do get a day off in the middle of the event but not much otherwise...

thanks

Murali