1-day Itinerary for Athens, Greece

Athens, the cradle of Western civilisation, is a city where ancient history meets vibrant modern life. If you're en route to the breathtaking Greek islands like Milos, spending a day in Athens is both manageable and immensely rewarding. This guide will help you make the most of your 24 hours in this captivating city.

For alternative options, see our full list of things to do in Athens here.

This itinerary is based on what we did on the way to Milos alongside some further research. We got around everywhere on foot, but if you want, you can use the metro to get around faster.

Evening: Arriving in Athens

We suggest getting to Athens the night before you plan to explore so that you can maximise your full day to get around all the sites the city has to offer. Yes, this guide is essentially how to spend a day (and a half) in Athens …

• From the airport: You can get the metro to the city centre (€10) or take a taxi (€35 in the day and €50 in the night)

• From Piraeus port: You can get the metro, the X80 bus or a €20-30 taxi.

Staying in a hotel or apartment in the centre of town will allow you to explore everywhere convenient. Plaka and Monastiraki are perfect options as they are in the centre of town with several bars and tavernas for you to enjoy.

• MS Roof gardens - Food and drinks with a stunning view of the Acropolis

• O Thanasis - Greek Taverna serving delicious Lamb Souvlaki

• Monastiraki Flea Market - For some evening shopping (closes at 10pm)

• Heteroclito - Wine bar

• Nolan - Great spot for a nice dinner

Morning: Ancient Wonders and Hidden Gems

The Acropolis

Your day in Athens officially begins, and where better to start than the iconic Acropolis, home to the ancient Parthenon and awe-inspiring temples?

Arriving early allows you to experience this historic site with fewer crowds and catch the soft morning light, perfect for photos and quiet admiration of the city's legendary architecture. The Acropolis opens at 08:00, and when we went, the queues to get to the Parthenon were extremely long by the time it got to 09:00, so we highly recommend going there for 7:50.

(The tickets for the Acropolis have now changed (2024) to timed booking slots so we hope this makes it easier for you. Make sure you book your tickets using the official site before you arrive)

You can purchase a multi-attraction day pass the day before. This pass is single-use only for each site, so plan accordingly.

Duration: You’ll spend around 1.5 hours exploring the Acropolis.

Anafiotika

After descending from the Acropolis, you could head to the Acropolis Museum, where you'll find an impressive collection of artefacts that tell the story of ancient Greece. However, if you’re only in Athens for a day, we suggest you spend your time soaking in the city instead.

Head to the charming Anafiotika neighbourhood just below the Acropolis. With its winding alleys, whitewashed buildings, and a distinct island vibe, this hidden gem offers a unique taste of Cycladic charm right in the heart of Athens.

A lovely café called Yiasemi serves delicious Greek coffee and Orange Cake where you can relax on the stairways and refuel for the upcoming walking tour.

Midday: Modern Athens

Make sure you wear comfortable shoes as you will be walking a lot from here.

Plaka and Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos)

From Anafiotika, take a leisurely walk through Plaka, one of Athens' oldest and most picturesque neighbourhoods. The charming, maze-like streets are filled with neoclassical buildings, vibrant bougainvillaea, and cosy cafes, offering a taste of traditional Greek life. Wander through this vibrant area, exploring its unique boutiques, artisanal shops, and galleries showcasing Greek arts and crafts.

As you make your way up towards Syntagma Square (Plateia Syntagmatos), you’ll pass historic landmarks and small, shaded squares where locals gather. Once you reach Syntagma, the square opens up with the impressive Greek Parliament Building as its focal point.

Here, you’ll witness the Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn and beautiful tradition performed by the Evzones. This ceremony happens on the hour every hour so try and time your visit to capture this.

If you have time, you can go to the rooftop of Hotel Grande Bretagne, where you can grab a drink and some refreshments with more views of the Acropolis and look over Syntagma Square.

View from Hotel Grande Bretagne

Afternoon: National Gardens and Ancient History

once you’re ready, take a stroll through the National Gardens, a green haven with winding paths, tranquil ponds, and vibrant botanical displays. Originally designed for Queen Amalia in the 19th century, the gardens are dotted with statues, ancient ruins, and hidden benches – perfect for a moment of quiet reflection amidst your exploration.

Within the gardens, don’t miss the Zappeion Hall, a striking neoclassical building used today for exhibitions and cultural events. Built for the first modern Olympics, Zappeion’s impressive columns and architecture add a touch of grandeur to the gardens. If open to the public, step inside to admire the grand atrium and learn more about its role in Greek history.

From here, head to the nearby Panathenaic Stadium, an iconic structure and the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Known as the birthplace of the modern Olympics, this stadium has hosted athletic events since antiquity and was restored for the first modern games in 1896. Climb to the top rows for panoramic views and imagine the energy of thousands of spectators who once gathered here.

Complete your afternoon with a visit to the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a short walk away. Though only a few massive columns remain, this ancient temple was once one of the largest in Greece and a symbol of Athenian power. With views of the Acropolis nearby, you’ll be surrounded by layers of history as you soak in the grandeur of ancient Athens.

By this point, you will find yourself back in Plaka and not far from Monastiraki. You can take this chance to pop home for a little rest or refresher or explore the streets, where you will find plenty of shops, cafes and street food vendors.

Some suggestions depending on your preferences:

• Walk along Areopagitou Street beneath the Acropolis. The evening light casts a magical glow on the ancient stones

• Visit Monastiraki Flea Market for some shopping

• If you want more historical sites, you can explore the Roman Agora, Ancient Agora and Hadrian's Library.

Sunset: A Panoramic Vantage Point

This stop is not to be missed!

Areopagus Hill (Mars Hill)

Climb Areopagus Hill, one of the most iconic spots in Athens, for a breathtaking sunset view. As the sun dips below the horizon, this vantage point offers stunning panoramas of the city skyline, the Acropolis, and the sprawling cityscape below.

Areopagus Hill holds historical significance, once used as a meeting place for the ancient city council, and offers a special perspective that feels both timeless and awe-inspiring. The golden hour light casts a warm glow over the Acropolis, illuminating its ancient structures in a surreal, almost magical way. Bring a camera to capture this incredible view, or simply sit back and enjoy a moment of tranquillity as Athens lights up for the evening.

Evening: Culinary Delights and Nightlife

As night falls, dive into Athens’ vibrant culinary scene. Begin your evening in Psyri or Monastiraki, two lively neighbourhoods filled with traditional tavernas, chic eateries, and rooftop bars with incredible views of the Acropolis. Start with a feast of classic Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh mezze plates, accompanied by local wine or ouzo. For a unique twist, explore modern Greek cuisine at one of the many innovative restaurants where chefs reimagine traditional flavours with a contemporary flair.

After dinner, head to a rooftop bar in Monastiraki or Thiseio, where you can enjoy cocktails with a view of the Acropolis beautifully illuminated against the night sky.

For a more energetic scene, explore the nightlife in Gazi, a former industrial area transformed into a hub of clubs and music venues, popular for its lively atmosphere and eclectic crowd. Whether you prefer a laid-back evening with wine and good conversation or a night of dancing, Athens offers a mix of experiences that capture the city’s spirited nightlife.

Final Thoughts

Athens is a city that beautifully balances its rich history with modern charm. With this itinerary, you'll experience iconic ancient sites, hidden neighbourhoods, and the bustling energy of contemporary Greek life—all in one day. Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, and get ready to fill your Hungry Soles with the wonders of Athens!

Athens Itinerary Map

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