1 Day in Athens Itinerary: The Best Things to Do in Athens in One Day

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Wondering what to do in Athens in one day? Follow my 1 day in Athens itinerary and explore the best things to do in Athens in one day.

Athens is one of my favorite European capitals. I visited it twice already and can’t wait to go back and explore more of the city and Greece in general.

There’s something about the Hellenic Republic that makes you sure you’ll want to return.

And I’m not talking about its history (which is magnificent) or even its beaches (which are the definition of paradise). There’s just something about the people on the streets, the songs on the radio, and the sun on your skin that makes you feel at home.

Each time I visited Greece, I spent only one day in Athens.

My first time in Athens was also my first solo trip, and I wanted to make the best of it. My time was short so I decided to see Athens in a day, and the island of Aegina the next day.

The second time, I visited with my boyfriend during a week-long Mediterranean cruise. This was his first time in the Greek capital so I ended up doing many of the same things.

Read more:

• 8 Best Day Trips from Athens
• Top 6 Things to Do in Aegina Island, Greece
• Top 10 Best Yoga Retreats in Greece

 

How to Explore Athens in One Day

Athens is a city easy to explore on foot and it’s possible to cover many of the top attractions in one day.

Or you can get on the hop-on-hop-off bus and explore Athens, Piraeus, and the nearby beaches at your own pace.

 

 

Things to Do in Athens in One Day

#1 Dive into history in the Acropolis

A visit to the Acropolis should be on the absolute top of your list of things to see in Athens in one day. After all, what better place to start exploring one of the world’s oldest cities than its crown jewel.

You can book an Acropolis skip-the-line ticket with an audio tour here.

Built in the 5th century BC, the Acropolis of Athens is the most important acropolis in Greece and the most famous Greek monument.

Meaning high cities, the acropoleis were originally defensive structures erected in the highest point of a city and surrounded by walls. Over time, they’ve become political, cultural, and religious centers.

Entering the Acropolis site, you’ll first find the Theatre of Dionysos and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

The latter, built in AD 161 by wealthy Roman Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Regilla, is especially impressive in its beauty and magnificent view over Athens.

Or maybe I’m just an incurable romantic.

Continue your way up to the Propylaia, the monumental entrance to the Acropolis itself.

Inside, the Parthenon rises over Athens as the symbol of the glory of Ancient Greece and Greek democracy.

The Parthenon is considered the most important monument of Classical Greece and one of the most significant cultural monuments in the whole world.

Dedicated to Athena, it’s also one of the finest examples of Greek art and architecture.

Despite all the tourists competing for the best selfie, the perfection and grandiosity of this majestic temple of marble stone it’s impossible to miss.

Next to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion is also worthy of a closer look.

This sanctuary was built on the most sacred area of the Acropolis: the spot where, according to the mythology, Poseidon struck the ground with his trident and where Athena produced the olive tree.

Before saying your goodbyes to the High City, take a moment to admire the most superb view over Athens.

From here, it’s easy to understand why this place was once so busy with Greek gods.

Exiting the Acropolis, don’t forget to make one last stop at the Areopagus Hill, another spot reportedly frequented by divinities.

According to mythology, it was here that Ares was tried by the council of the gods for the murder of Halirrhothios, son of Poseidon.

Climbing this rocky outcrop, you can also get a sight of the Ancient Agora, the heart of Ancient Athens, where Socrates developed his philosophy.

If you’d like to learn more about the Acropolis and ancient Greece, I recommend joining a walking tour of the Acropolis with a local guide.

If you have more time, make sure to also visit the Acropolis Museum, with a collection of all the major archaeological finds from the Acropolis. You can buy a skip-the-line ticket for both the Acropolis and the Museum here.

 

#2 Explore the picturesque Plaka district

Now that you’re probably feeling inspired by the Greek gods and philosophers, start your way down to the historic Plaka, the most picturesque Athens neighborhood.

Located around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, Plaka is the most colorful district of the Greek capital, with its typical houses, trendy tavernas, and kitsch souvenir stores.

It’s also the perfect stop for lunch or a pause in one of its many cafés and restaurants.

Then stroll along the shopping streets of Adrianou and Kydathineon.

These pedestrian arteries are especially crowded with tourists looking for the best bargain to the sound of Greek music and foreign languages.

 

#3 Stop for people watching in Syntagma square

From Plaka head to Syntagma square, like a time traveler coming back to the future.

Syntagma is the center of modern Athens: political center, transportation hub, meeting point, and, not so long ago, the epicenter of several demonstrations whose images spread around the world.

It’s also a good spot for another great thing to do in Athens: people watching.

The first time I visited Athens, I bought myself a Greek frozen yogurt, sat on one of the wooden benches around the square, and just took a moment to relax and enjoy the lively scenario.

 

 

#4 Enjoy the Changing of the Guard

At the top of the hour, take a place in the forecourt of the Greek Parliament, in Syntagma Square, for the Changing of the Guard.

The ceremony occurs every hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

For around 15 minutes the Evzones, the presidential guards, perform a high-kicking ceremony especially notable if you consider the attire – short kilts and pom-pom shoes.

After this performance, they assume their not less remarkable statuesque pose for one hour long. Talk about hard jobs!

This was, without doubt, the most beautiful changing of the guard I’ve ever watched.

After the ceremony, you can even stand next to the Evzones for a picture. Just remember not to touch them at any time.

 

#5 Shop for bargains at Monastiraki

Continue your 1 day in Athens itinerary strolling along the Ermou, the pedestrian shopping street connecting Syntagma to Monastiraki.

Stop in one of the many terrace cafés scattered around Ermou, and take a quick peek at the Athens Orthodox Cathedral, before finally reaching the Monastiraki Market.

Bustling with shops, cafes, and restaurants, the tiny car-free lanes of the Monastiraki Market are a feast for the senses.

Here you can buy everything, from old books to Greek olive oil, and savor the aromas, tastes, and sounds of Athens in all its chaos and splendor.

 

#6 Discover the bohemian Exarchia

The next stop on your Athens itinerary is the Exarchia district.

Exarchia is famous for its leftist and anarchist reputation, and its association with the student’s resistance against the military dictatorship.

Today it keeps an alternative culture and a resident population of students, artists, and intellectuals that give the neighborhood a bohemian flavor.

It’s also home to a vibrant bar and live music scene, attracting both Athenians and tourists.

Wander the narrow streets of alternative stores, tavernas, political graffitis, and street art, and end your visit to Exarchia with a drink and a pause in one of its many sidewalk cafés.

 

 

#7 Contemplate the Academy of Athens

Walk along the Eleftherios Venizelos Avenue, one of Athens major streets and address of institutions such as the Bank of Greece, the National Library, the University, and the Academy of Athens.

The latter is solemnly guarded by the statues of Plato and Socrates.

While I stand before them, contemplating the beauty of these sculptures and the knowledge they represent, I can’t help remembering Plato’s famous words in the Republic:

“This City is what it is because our citizens are what they are”.

Have More Time in Athens?

Check out the best day trips from Athens here.

 

Where to stay in Athens

Intercontinental Athenaeum Athens

During my first visit to Greece, I stayed at the gorgeous Intercontinental Athenaeum Athens. In fact, this was one of the best hotels I’ve ever stayed in!

The Intercontinental Athenaeum Athens is the perfect place to splurge yourself after a day exploring Athens. My classic room was enormous and super comfortable, the staff always very warm and helpful, and the breakfast and dining options simply delicious.

The hotel is located outside the city center, but it does offer a complimentary shuttle bus to Syntagma square and return, several times per day, so you only need to worry about having a great time in Athens.

Click here for more info and booking.

 

There are, of course, many other things to do and see in Athens. But most people end up visiting the Greek capital only for a day, or a couple of days, before moving on to the islands.

If that’s your case, this list of the best things to do in Athens in one day got you covered for the major tourist attractions and charming districts of the Greek capital.

 

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More travel tips

Travel Insurance

SafetyWing – Travel insurance is very important and you should never leave home without it! I use and recommend SafetyWing travel medical insurance for travelers, remote workers, and nomads.

They cover overseas medical assistance in case of accident or illness, travel delay or interruption, lost checked luggage, emergency medical or political evacuation, natural disasters, and personal liability, at very competitive prices.

You can subscribe online here for a minimum of 5 days to a maximum of 364 days, or opt for a monthly subscription instead.

 

Cheap flights

Looking for the best airfare deals? Skyscanner is my favorite travel search engine for finding cheap flights around the world. They also offer price tracking and alerts to help you secure the best deals.

 

Accommodation

When it comes to accommodation, Booking.com is the best site out there. From hotels to apartments, resorts, villas, B&B, and guest houses, it offers the best prices for accommodation all over the world. I book the majority of my stays through them.

 

Yoga Retreats

Looking for a yoga retreat near home or in an exotic destination? BookYogaRetreats offers the best yoga retreats, holidays, and courses around the world for all budgets and levels of experience.

 

Tours

GetYourGuide is my favorite platform for local tours, unique experiences, and skip-the-line tickets to attractions all around the world.

Klook is another great resource for tours and activities, especially if you’re looking for things to do in Asia.

 

Car Rentals

Rentalcars.com is a car rental search engine that compares the biggest brands in car hire and allows you to find the cheapest deals all around the world.

 

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Have you been to Athens? What would you add to this list of things to see in Athens in one day? Share in the comments section below!

 

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