Have you ever ever questioned if it’s doable to discover Athens in simply someday? We’re right here to let you know that it’s doable! 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. Nonetheless, in at the moment’s world, everyone seems to be working brief on time, so we’ve got put collectively the right someday in Athens itinerary that can assist you benefit from your keep.
One Day in Athens Itinerary
Morning – Historical past
To plan your 1 day in Athens itinerary, you can purchase the Acropolis and 6 archaeological websites, together with the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Historic Agora, and Temple of Olympian Zeus. Aristotle’s College and the Keramikos Historic Cemetery,
Entry to the Acropolis of Athens solely in your most popular date and time slot
One-time entry to every website with the identical ticket
Athens Outdated City (Plaka) self-guided audio tour
Acropolis and Parthenon self-guided audio excursions (if possibility chosen)
You will have 5 calendar days from activation to make use of this cross, so in case you are spending extra time in Athens, you’ll be able to e book timed entries to see every of those points of interest very first thing within the morning or later within the day.
Acropolis
More than likely, each Athens itinerary you’ve learn will let you know to move straight to the Acropolis, and they’re right! The Acropolis is the star of Athens, and it must 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 wonderful. The Acropolis opens at 8:00 a.m., and you must e book your timed entry upfront. So try this proper now. Occasions e book rapidly, and you’ll want to ensure you get your slot.
We’ve stayed at many locations in Athens, however throughout our final go to, we cherished the Astor Resort 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 The place to Keep in Athens.
We booked the Acropolis and 6 predominant archaeological websites combo, which nonetheless works. It’s one of the best ways to see Athens in someday because it provides you 1 timed entry to every website with the identical ticket. You will have to plan correctly to be on time in your entries, however belief me, you’ll want to see all of it!
The principles are continuously altering and generally is a little unclear, so go to the ticket web site and to our weblog submit Tips on how to spend a day on the acropolis to see what the up to date guidelines are. We are going to proceed to observe it as Greek tourism adjustments its thoughts.
You’ll want 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 the moment, and it’s spectacular to see.
On the backside of the Odeon, there’s a fountain to replenish your water bottle; be sure that to try this as it is going to proceed to warmth up because the day goes on.
You’ll then begin making your method downhill to see The Theatre of Dyonisis and different monuments as you make your method down the hill again in direction of town heart.
Historic Agora
Guide your timed entrance to the Historic Agora for 10:00 or 10:30 am. This provides you with time to soak up the highlights of the Acropolis beforehand.
From the Acropolis, you’ll stroll downhill for about quarter-hour to the Historic Agora and temple of Hephaestus. You’ll cross 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 Historic Agora is the perfect preserved historic break within the metropolis. We discovered it extra spectacular than the Parthenon, particularly within the morning mild. Be sure you stroll round it to see it from all angles.
It was based within the sixth century BC. The Historic Agora of Athens was initially used as a gathering place or a spot to congregate. Truly, 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 delightful fluted columns make this temple one of many must-sees in Athens, particularly in case you love Greek structure.
Stoa of Attalos
Ensure 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’ll be able to cool off earlier than transferring on.
I feel you solely want 1 hour to 90 minutes right here. There’s a good museum inside that has air-con which you could take a look at as effectively.
Roman Agora
Guide your timed entry for 11:30 or 12:00 pm. The Roman Agora is included in your cross.
After you’ve visited the Historic Agora, you’ll come out to loads of outside cafes lining the road. If you wish to have lunch now, this can be a great spot to take action. Nonetheless, we propose transferring on to see the Roman Agora. Sure, there are two Agora’s.
The Roman Agora is just a brief stroll from the Historic Agora, and it’s good to see this earlier than the mid-day warmth will get to change into an excessive amount of. You don’t want lots of time right here, however it’s value going into see.
We actually cherished the Roman Agora as a result of you’ll be able to stroll among the many ruins and rise 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 formidable historical past, however at the moment, 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 strategy 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. In case you have a transparent concept of your schedule, we propose 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 chook’s eye view of the Acropolis.
Monastiraki Sq. is surrounded by rooftop bars and eating places, and we propose 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 in case you solely have someday in Athens, we propose consuming all of your meals at one of many eating places with a view. You too can 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 blissful to have seen all of those historic wonders. Now, you’ll be able to 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 retailers are prepared that can assist you buy your excellent 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 perform a little procuring. Should you want water or snacks, it’s an incredible place to replenish your mid-day stroll.
There are many retailers 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 fingers.
Syntagma Sq.
Syntagma Sq. is the principle Sq. of Athens, the place there’s all the time one thing happening. Often, once you stroll as much as this sq., there’s a protest, occasion, or giant gathering occurring. On the prime of the steps, the Greek Parliament Buildings stand entrance and heart.
Altering of the Guard
Should you occur to be on the sq. on the prime of the hour (hopefully you’ve walked right here by 3 pm), you’ll be able to see the altering of the guards, which is sort of fascinating. It occurs each hour, with essentially the most spectacular one going down on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Syntagma Sq. Subway
Syntagma Sq. Metro is the principle metro station within the metropolis, and you may hop on the subway from right here to your subsequent vacation spot. Nonetheless, even in case 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 flooring from the fifth century, an historic aqueduct, pottery, lamps, and even human bones. The museum is free to go to and is value testing.
Panathenaic Stadium
From Syntagma, you’ll be able to 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 house 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’ll be able to simply admire it from the skin. 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 along with your cross. It has been below building for some time, however its columns are undoubtedly value seeing. With solely someday in Athens, although, we propose merely this from the skin 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 may stroll straight below it, leaving the quiet advanced 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 greatest views in Athens. It is a great spot to benefit from the sundown as you sip on cocktails and appetizers to maintain you going till your late dinner, or you’ll be able to have dinner right here and chill out for a few hours on the terrace.
Acropolis Museum
Should you took our recommendation and skipped the Acropolis Museum this morning, now you can make your strategy to the superb museum for a brief go to. The Acropolis Museum is only a brief stroll from Athens Gate and is open till 8 pm.
Even in case you don’t go inside to tour the museum correctly, it’s value seeing the skin and going into its lobby to stroll over the glass flooring that reveal archeological discoveries which can be on show below the muse.
In case you have an hour, you will 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 leap from essentially the most picturesque neighborhood in Athens, Plaka. End up a rooftop restaurant or, in case you are rooftopped out (which is unattainable), order some genuine Greek delicacies at one of many many institutions situated right here in Plaka. We have now a whole submit on the perfect Greek meals that can assist you select from the menu right here.
There are many eating choices in Plaka because it is among the predominant vacationer areas in Athens and one of many oldest neighborhoods. Level A Acropolis Level has lovely views of the Acropolis, supplying you with yet one more angle from which to see this historic UNESCO World Heritage Web site. You might be solely in Athens for someday, and belief me, you’ll by no means tire of seeing this view.
Nightlife
If you wish to preserve the night time 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’re going to be exhausted, however you could by no means come again. Wouldn’t it suck to overlook out on the traditional ruins of this fascinating metropolis?