First, Athens by itself is worth maybe five or six days max. Maybe you can add on a secondary trip (Crete) or just do phase two at some resort outside of town. But don't get the idea that you need ten to fourteen days in Athens (it's a waste).
Second, if you got hip or knee issues.....skip Athens. Walking is a big deal and most of the places to see.....require some climbing. Wheel-chair folks? Zero enjoyment, so don't aim for Athens unless you got some physical abilities.
Third, eat at places that Greeks eat at.....not the tourist joints.
Fourth, stay at a hotel within five minutes walking distance of the Parliament building in the middle of town. There's probably a dozen such hotels and that's the best location to walk around at night. Stay at four or five-star hotels. Don't go any lower than four-star.
Fifth, don't worry much over crime or hoodlums. If there are political rallies near the Parliament.....avoid the area. Pickpocket thieves are all over town, so you need to plan head on how you carry your money.
Sixth, There is mostly nothing to see at the harbor, although the hop-on hop-off bus will run out there. Other than viewing the million-dollar yachts.....there's nothing much else there.
Seventh. Don't go in July/August, or November through March. It's either too hot or too cold. Attempting Athens in July? Prepare for 95-degree temperatures and significant consumption of water.
Eighth. Sit down prior to the trip and read at least thirty pages of Greek history....it'll help to understand what happened and why Athens matters.
Ninth. Sip lots of water throughout the day.
Tenth. Using Metro is possible....get the all-day ticket. But I'd strongly advise you to use the hop-on hop-off bus on day one of the trip to see the big side of Athens and grasp where things are located.
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