The Perfect One Day in Athens Itinerary – Your Guide to The City

Have you ever ever puzzled if it’s attainable to discover Athens in simply sooner or later? We’re right here to let you know that it’s attainable! Many individuals fly into Athens and solely spend a day or two earlier than catching a flight or ferry to the Greek Islands, however Athens is a magical metropolis that deserves extra time. Nevertheless, in at present’s world, everyone seems to be operating quick on time, so we’ve got put collectively the proper sooner or later in Athens itinerary that can assist you benefit from your keep.

One Day in Athens Itinerary

Morning – Historical past

Acropolis

Most certainly, each Athens itinerary you’ve learn will let you know to go straight to the Acropolis, and they’re appropriate! The Acropolis is the star of Athens, and it ought to be the primary place to go to. Going to the Acropolis very first thing within the morning helps you beat the crowds and beat the warmth!

Plan to get to the Acropolis at 7:30 a.m. We extremely suggest reserving a lodge with breakfast included, and most begin breakfast at 6:30 or 7 a.m., so you ought to be effective. The Acropolis opens at 8:00 a.m., and that you must e book your timed entry upfront. So try this proper now. Occasions e book shortly, and you’ll want to be sure to get your slot.

We’ve stayed at many locations in Athens, however throughout our final go to, we liked the Astor Hotel for its location, view of the Acropoli, and worth level—it didn’t break the financial institution! If you’re staying longer in Athens, learn our full information for Where to Stay in Athens.

We booked the Acropolis and 6 principal archaeological websites combo, which nonetheless works. It’s the easiest way to see Athens in sooner or later because it provides you 1 timed entry to every website with the identical ticket. You have to to plan properly to be on time on your entries, however belief me, you’ll want to see all of it!

The principles are continually altering and could be a little unclear, so go to the ticket web site and to our weblog submit How to spend a day at the acropolis to see what the up to date guidelines are. We’ll proceed to observe it as Greek tourism adjustments its thoughts.

It would be best to spend about 90 minutes admiring the Acropolis and its different temples, together with the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The Odean Theater remains to be in operation at present, and it’s spectacular to see. 

On the backside of the Odeon, there’s a fountain to replenish your water bottle; ensure to try this as it would proceed to warmth up because the day goes on.

You’ll then begin making your approach downhill to see The Theatre of Dyonisis and different monuments as you make your approach down the hill again in direction of town middle.

Historical Agora

Guide your timed entrance to the Historical Agora for 10:00 or 10:30 am. This provides you with time to absorb the highlights of the Acropolis beforehand.

From the Acropolis, you’ll stroll downhill for about quarter-hour to the Historical Agora and temple of Hephaestus. You’ll move the Acropolis Museum, however time is of the essence, and if you wish to go to the Museum, reserve it for later within the day. It’s open till 9:00 p.m.

The Historical Agora is the very best preserved historical destroy within the metropolis. We discovered it extra spectacular than the Parthenon, particularly within the morning mild. Ensure you stroll round it to see it from all angles. 

It was based within the sixth century BC. The Historical Agora of Athens was initially used as a gathering place or a spot to congregate. Really, the phrase Agora interprets into “an meeting of the individuals.” The primary spotlight right here is the Temple of Hephaestus, which is beautiful. The intricate particulars and exquisite fluted columns make this temple one of many must-sees in Athens, particularly when you love Greek structure.

Stoa of Attalos

Be certain that to go contained in the Stoa of Attalos. That is the museum with these rows of columns. They have been restored in 1954, and it’s a lovely place. Plus, it’s shaded, so you possibly can cool off earlier than shifting on. 

I feel you solely want 1 hour to 90 minutes right here. There’s a good museum inside that has air con that you may take a look at as properly.

Roman Agora

Guide your timed entry for 11:30 or 12:00 pm. The Roman Agora is included in your move.

After you will have visited the Historical Agora, you’ll come out to loads of outside cafes lining the road. If you wish to have lunch now, it is a excellent place to take action. Nevertheless, we advise shifting on to see the Roman Agora. Sure, there are two Agora’s.

The Roman Agora is simply a brief stroll from the Historical Agora, and it’s good to see this earlier than the mid-day warmth will get to turn into an excessive amount of. You don’t want a whole lot of time right here, however it’s value going into see.

We actually liked the Roman Agora as a result of you possibly can stroll among the many ruins and stand up near the traditional pillars and arches. It takes about half-hour to discover.

Hadrian’s Library

Hadrian’s Library is simply subsequent door, and your ticket contains entry to that. In-built AD 132, the pillars and wall are nonetheless standing. It has a powerful historical past, however at present, not a lot remains to be standing, so that you solely want about quarter-hour to go to right here. Plus, it’s in your technique to Monasteraki Sq., which is your subsequent cease for lunch!

Noon / Lunch: Greek Delicacies and Native Tradition

1:00 pm is the time you’ll lastly sit down for lunch. You probably have a transparent concept of your schedule, we advise reserving a desk upfront as a result of we aren’t having you cease at a avenue vendor or sidewalk cafe. You’re going as much as overlook Monastiraki Sq. with a fowl’s eye view of the Acropolis.

Monastiraki Sq. is surrounded by rooftop bars and eating places, and we advise A Is for Athens. It overlooks the sq. and has the straight on view of the Acropolis. It’s open for Brunch from 11:00 am.

There are different rooftop bars across the sq., and when you solely have sooner or later in Athens, we advise consuming all of your meals at one of many eating places with a view. You may as well eat at MS Roof Backyard and Hyper Astrobar. These eating places are an occasion unto themselves, wanting on the Acropolis and over Monastiraki Sq..  

Afternoon

Whew, it has been a busy morning, however you’ll be pleased to have seen all of those historical wonders. Now, you possibly can chill out and benefit from the vitality of Athens within the afternoon.

Monastiraki Sq.

2:00 pm ish…After lunch, be part of the hustle and bustle of Monastiraki Sq., the place avenue performers entertain, meals stalls supply genuine Greek meals, and loads of outlets are prepared that can assist you buy your good Athens memento. There’s a flea market proper off Monastiraki Sq. that’s value visiting.

Monastiraki is among the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, and that is the place you’ll begin your afternoon strolling tour.

Ermou Road

Ermou Road is a 1.5 km pedestrian-only avenue connecting two of Athens’s largest squares, Monastiraki Sq. and Syntagma Sq.. It’s a enjoyable place to individuals watch and do some purchasing. If you happen to want water or snacks, it’s a terrific place to replenish your mid-day stroll.

There are many outlets and eating places, and ensure to cease on the Church of Panagia and Outdated Byzantine Church, which is free to enter. No pictures inside although and they’re very strict about this. I merely had my telephone in my hand and a previous lady guarding the church practically swatted it out of my palms.

Syntagma Sq.

Syntagma Sq. is the principle Sq. of Athens, the place there’s all the time one thing happening. Normally, if you stroll as much as this sq., there’s a protest, occasion, or massive gathering taking place. On the high of the steps, the Greek Parliament Buildings stand entrance and middle.

Altering of the Guard

If you happen to occur to be on the sq. on the high of the hour (hopefully you will have walked right here by 3 pm), you possibly can see the altering of the guards, which is kind of fascinating. It occurs each hour, with essentially the most spectacular one happening on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.  

Syntagma Sq. Subway

Syntagma Sq. Metro is the principle metro station within the metropolis, and you’ll hop on the subway from right here to your subsequent vacation spot. Nevertheless, even when you don’t journey the subway, go inside to see the archaeological exhibition. When constructing the metro line, they discovered important relics, together with a mosaic ground from the fifth century, an historical aqueduct, pottery, lamps, and even human bones. The museum is free to go to and is value trying out.

Panathenaic Stadium

From Syntagma, you possibly can hop on the subway or name an Uber to take you to the Panathenaic Stadium. Positioned on the east facet of the Nationwide Gardens, the Panthenaic Stadium was the positioning of the primary trendy Olympic video games in 1896. All the stadium is made out of marble, and it’s spectacular to see. The location itself has much more historic significance as within the sixth century BC, it was residence to the Panathenaic Video games, which have been a precursor to the Olympic Video games.  

You possibly can pay to go inside and stroll round or you possibly can simply admire it from the surface. The selection is yours.

Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch

As you stroll again towards town, you’ll encounter the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is free to enter together with your move. It has been below development for some time, however its columns are positively value seeing. With solely sooner or later in Athens, although, we advise merely this from the surface and as an alternative strolling to Hadrian’s Arch.  

Hadrian’s Arch was constructed by Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD. It’s nonetheless standing, and you’ll stroll instantly below it, leaving the quiet complicated of the Temple of Olympian Zeus to a bustling, busy avenue.

Cocktails and Sundown

Athens Gate is a good cease for one more rooftop view of the Acropolis from the alternative facet of Monastiraki Sq.. It additionally overlooks the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian providing what we predict is among the finest views in Athens. It is a excellent place to benefit from the sundown as you sip on cocktails and appetizers to maintain you going till your late dinner, or you possibly can have dinner right here and chill out for a few hours on the terrace.

Acropolis Museum 

If you happen to took our recommendation and skipped the Acropolis Museum this morning, now you can make your technique to the wonderful museum for a brief go to. The Acropolis Museum is only a quick stroll from Athens Gate and is open till 8 pm.

Even when you don’t go inside to tour the museum correctly, it’s value seeing the surface and going into its lobby to stroll over the glass flooring that reveal archeological discoveries which can be on show below the inspiration. 

You probably have an hour, you may get a style of the museum, however to essentially discover it you’ll want 2 or 3 days in Athens and that’s one other Athens itinerary.

Dinner in Plaka

From the Acropolis Museum, you’re a hop, skip, and a soar from essentially the most picturesque neighborhood in Athens, Plaka. End up a rooftop restaurant or, if you’re rooftopped out (which is unattainable), order some genuine Greek delicacies at one of many many institutions positioned right here in Plaka. Now we have a complete submit on the very best Greek meals to help you choose from the menu here.

There are many eating choices in Plaka because it is among the principal vacationer areas in Athens and one of many oldest neighborhoods. Level A Acropolis Level has lovely views of the Acropolis, supplying you with one more angle from which to see this historical UNESCO World Heritage Web site. You’re solely in Athens for sooner or later, and belief me, you’ll by no means tire of seeing this view. 

Nightlife

If you wish to hold the evening going, head again to Monestaraki Sq. to benefit from the nightlife between there and Syntagma Sq.. 

Wow, what a day in Athens! From the traditional echoes on the Acropolis to the beautiful sundown views from Athens Gate, this 1-day Athens itinerary is nothing wanting epic. Positive, you’ll be exhausted, however you might by no means come again. Wouldn’t it suck to overlook out on the traditional ruins of this fascinating metropolis?