An Itinerary for One Day in Athens

People love Athens’ neighborhoods, history, and proximity to the beautiful Aegean Sea.  It also happens to be one of the most affordable big European cities to move to!

So while you may find yourself wanting to spend a lot of time in Athens, many people find themselves here for one day. Whether you’re in Athens for a day before a cruise, or before a flight or ferry ride to the islands, you can see many of the city’s famous sites in a single day. 

Here’s what my one-day itinerary for Athens would include:

• Breakfast
• Tour the Acropolis & Parthenon
• Monastiraki Square
• Rooftop Bars
• The Ancient Agora
• Syntagma Square
• The National Gardens
• The Ermou District
• Late dinner with an Acropolis view

One Day in Athens Tours

Athens is a very walkable city, and its metro system is easy to use if you go that route.

However, if you’re looking for a knowledgeable guide to lead you around and provide more of the history behind the sites, this Athens tour has excellent 5-star reviews.

CLICK TO BOOK:  Half-Day Athens Tour

Map of Athens Sites

I’m not numbering the stops on the itinerary. Based on the weather, your hunger level, your interests, and many other factors, it’s best for you to choose which sites to see and in what order.

With that said, here’s a map of the main sites:

Start your day with a traditional Greek breakfast. Try a cafe in the Plaka Neighborhood for Greek pastries, different Greek yogurt options, or eggs with a Greek flair.

There are several restaurants on Makrigianni, a street just southeast of the Acropolis entrance.

I really like the Athina Bistro.  They have a large patio area and really good food, making it a great place to start your one day in Athens.

Is it Touristy? Sure.  But We’re Tourists!

Plus, the restaurants near the touristy part of Athens actually serve good food.  It’s a far cry from some of the bad meals and outrageous prices you’ll find in other tourist hot spots, like Times Square in New York City.

You’ve likely heard: it’s somewhat of a strenuous hike to the Acropolis, but it’s *THE* must-see on a “One Day in Athens” itinerary.

The buildings date back to the 5th century BCE, during the Golden Age of Athens under Pericles.  You’ll see all of the ongoing restoration work currently underway to help maintain the structures.

PRO TIP: Buy your Acropolis tickets in advance!  Do this days or even weeks before your visit to ensure you get the entry time you want.

CLICK TO BOOK: Acropolis Tour & Tickets

Entry to the Acropolis

At the southeastern slope of the Acropolis, you’ll find the entry gates.  Expect long lines to form here.  If you have an 11:00am entry, you can line up around 10:30am.   The line will appear outrageously lengthy, but once they open the gates, the line moves very quickly for each group.

The Hike Up to the Acropolis

YES, it’s going to be crowded.  The crowds are large in the summer, but they’re controlled, with limited numbers allowed in at different times.  Even if you go in the winter, you’ll be there with a crowd.

Theater of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus is located at the base of the Acropolis. 

It is considered one of the earliest and most important theaters in ancient Greece and is often referred to as the birthplace of Greek tragedy.

Sites You’ll See & Explore

• Parthenon: The most iconic structure on the Acropolis was a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.  
• Erechtheion: This is the temple with the famous statues of maidens.
• Temple of Athena Nike: A smaller temple dedicated to Athena as the goddess of victory. 

WARNING: The Acropolis closes when temperatures reach 40 Celcius, so several times each summer entry will be denied in the afternoons.

The Acropolis Museum

After finishing up at the Acropolis, you can walk down to the Acropolis Museum. It’s home to many artifacts from the ancient site. Here’s what you can expect to find at the Acropolis Museum:

• Artifacts: From ancient daily Greek life.
• Transparent Floors: Show archaeological excavations beneath the museum.
• The Parthenon Gallery: Original sculptures and structures.
• Caryatids: The original Caryatids are the statues of maidens that served as architectural supports.

Lunch in Athens

You’ll likely be at the Acropolis for a while, so at this point in our itinerary, it’s at least time for a snack and drink pick-me-up!

Near the Acropolis, wander through the historic Plaka District.  It’s home to narrow streets, neoclassical architecture, and all kinds of shops and cafes.

Choose a taverna in either the Plaka or Monastiraki areas, and sample traditional Greek dishes like moussaka, souvlaki (my favorite!), or a Greek salad.  The Greek salads are very similar to what you’ll find in an American restaurant … only bigger and FULL of delicious tomatoes. 

A Local Favorite

Avli is a tiny hidden gem, which is worth seeking out for an authentic Athens experience.

Beware: you’re likely to find a long line!

Rooftops!

This is one opportunity to dine with an amazing view of Athens.  Many hotels and other buildings have rooftop restaurants, which all feature views of the Acropolis.

Monastiraki Square

This is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Athens.  You’ll find shops and a flea market to check out.  Among the sites to see on a walk through Monastiraki Square:​​​​​​​

• Monastiraki Mosque (Tzistarakis Mosque): Built in 1759, it now houses a ceramics museum.
• Hadrian’s Library: Located just off the square, this ancient Roman structure was built in 132 AD and served as a cultural and intellectual center.
• Pantánassa Church: A small, Byzantine-era church that stands at one corner of the square, dating back to the 10th century.​​​​​​​

Monastiraki Flea Market

One of the most famous markets in Athens, it extends from the square and features a wide variety of goods, from antiques and souvenirs to clothing and accessories.

Varvakios Central Market

This is an outdoor market, full of meats, produce, olives, nuts, and spices.  You’ll find it outside the Athens Center Square Hotel, at the corner of Aristogitonos and Athinas.

It’s also home to antique dealers, selling everything you can possibly imagine.

The Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora includes temples which were once the heart of Athenian life.  Specifically, it was a hub for politics, government, and commerce.

Athens Rooftop Drinks 

Take a break from walking around and enjoy a drink at one of the many rooftop bars in Athens.

I’ll suggest Ermou 18: Beyond the Horizon.

It’ll pop up on your map, and you’ll have to go inside, find the elevators, and ride up to the 6th floor. From there, you’ll climb one more set of steps to the rooftop garden.

Ermou 18 has an amazing view of Athens and the Acropolis, and plenty of tables to enjoy it from.

The National Gardens

I love gardening, so I always try to stroll through the public gardens in the cities I visit. 

Even if you’re not a fan, on a hot day the National Gardens in Athens will provide some shade from the heat!

It’s full of tree-lined pathways, small lakes, and a cafe.

The building was built to host events for the Olympic Games in 1896. It also functioned as the Olympic Village during the 1906 Games.

These days, you can marvel at the facade, but you likely can’t enter.  While you might think it’s a museum to the Olympics, Zappeion Hall hosts conventions and other private events.

So, it’s really just a quick “walk-by” on your one day Athens itinerary.

Syntagma Square: Changing of the Guards

Walk to Syntagma Square and catch the Changing of the Guard in front of parliament. The ceremonial change happens every hour, but the full change with traditional uniforms takes place on Sundays at 11:00 AM.

The Square is often hosting rallies, protests, festivals, and other gatherings.

Amphitheater of Lycabettus (Lycabettus Theater)

In a one-day itinerary, you likely won’t have time to make the hike up to the Amphitheater of Lycabettus.  Still, I’m putting it on here in case you’ve already been to the Acropolis.

The theater is on the peak of one of the highest points in Athens, Lycabettus Hill.  A hike up will deliver panoramic views of the city, including the Acropolis, and the Aegean Sea.

Dinner in Athens

There are countless amazing restaurants in Athens, but I’m just going to mention two of my favorites.  One is a well-known local spot, while the other caters to the tourist crowd looking for more of an Athens experience.

Vassilis Grill House

If you’re heading here after sunset, you might question if you’re in the right place or whether it’s closed.

Vassilis is in the courtyard of a rather unimpressive multi-purpose building housing other businesses. 

I promise: you won’t leave here disappointed OR hungry.  They have an extensive menu of authentic Greek dishes.

The staff is fast and friendly, and it’s a great option for dinner at 9:00pm or even 10:00pm.

For 30 Euros, we had:

• Beers
• Salads
• Chicken gyro
• Several appetizers

Elaia

The view here is so beautiful, the food doesn’t even have to be good.  Only … it is!  This is a beautiful dinner spot, especially around sunset.

It’s probably worth making a reservation, just so you get a good table.  Make sure to specify: you’d like an outdoor table on the roof.

RESERVE A TABLE: elaia-taverna.gr

Advice on Your One Day in Athens Itinerary

A few other things to keep in mind about spending a day in Athens:

Try the Metro

The subway system in Athens is clean and easy to use.  I’d even suggest taking it from the airport to the city center. It’s a 45-to-55-minute ride.

Wear Comfortable Clothing

Athens is a walkable city. Bring comfortable sneakers so your feet aren’t screaming by the end of your itinerary!

Bring Extra Water

Before you even leave your hotel, hydrate well!  It’ll set you up nicely to accomplish a lot in your one day in Athens.

From there, keep downing water, especially during the summer months.

At the Acropolis, too many people didn’t follow this advice, and crowded around the mini drinking fountain behind the ruins.

Buy Tickets Ahead of Time

While you can buy tickets to the Acropolis on-site, it’ll eliminate a hassle if you buy your timed entry days or even weeks before your visit.

Wrap: Is One Day in Athens Enough?

I’d say no, just because there are so many more restaurants I want to try!  

Plus, with this one day itinerary, you won’t make it down to the waterfront area. 

One day in Athens is enough to see some of the major highlights and get a sense of the city’s history and food.  It’ll likely have you planning to come back to explore more of what you weren’t able to squeeze into your one day Athens itinerary!