Things to Do in Athens Greece in One Day
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Get ready for a marathon day in the birthplace of the modern Olympics. Follow our article on things to do in Athens Greece to keep busy from 8 am (Acropolis opening) until 8 pm (watching the sunset from Lycabettus Hill). In between, our Athens itinerary crisscrosses the city’s historic center.
Athens is a sprawling metropolis, but the historic center is compact with lots of pedestrianized streets. It is less than a 15 minute walk between many ruins, museums, and markets. This one day itinerary is packed with our favorite things to do in Athens. Pick a few sites that appeal to you; or try to hit them all in one marathon day.
FUN THINGS TO TRY IN ATHENS
BEST TIME TO GO TO ATHENS GREECE & WEATHER
Winters in Athens (November to February) are cold and rainy with temperatures in the 40’ (F) range. Summers in Athens (July and August) are sunny and hot with temperatures in the 90’ (F) range.
Randy and I think the best time to visit Athens is during the months of April, May, June, September, and October when the weather is comfortable, the foliage is in bloom, all businesses are open, and the crowds are not at peak.
ATHENS GREECE TOURS
Athen’s and the surrounding area are bursting with cultural and archeological sites worth visiting. An excursion with a knowledgeable tour guide can enhance your understanding of the site’s being explored.
Look for tours that offer air conditioned transport, a guide that speaks your language, and early morning skip-the-line options (for cooler temperatures and shorter wait times). Make sure to use a reputable tour company, with a fair cancellation policy (we like GetYourGuide or Viator).
Athens Greece Tours within the City:
Athens Greece Tours to the Surrounding Countryside:
HOTELS IN PLAKA DISTRIC ATHENS
Of all the beautiful neighborhoods in Athens, Plaka is our favorite. For us, it strikes the right balance of charm, energy, and authenticity. The Plaka district is located in the heart of Athen’s historic center – just below Acropolis hill. Many of its streets are pedestrianized; and the neighborhood is full of fun shops, restaurants, and traditional tavernas.
Try one of these hotels in the Plaka district:
Acropolis Stay: Budget friendly, short walk to major sites
Kyria Boutique House: Next to Acropolic, breakfast included.
The Athens Gate Hotel: Rooftop Dining with Views of Acropolis
Herodion Hotel: First-class hotel with pool and hot tub
THINGS TO DO IN ATHENS GREECE IN ONE DAY
Below, we list the sites included in our one day Athens itinerary, and the physical address of each location. Type the addresses into a map app to navigate between locations. The itinerary can be followed by walking the entire route; or by grabbing a bus or cab between stops.
Our Athens Greece itinerary includes:
Acropolis of Athens
Temple of Olympian Zues
Panathenaic Stadium
Athens National Garden
Plaka District, Mnisikleous Stairs, &Anafiotika
Roman Agora
Monastiraki Square & Flea Market,
Vavakios Market
National Archaeological Museum
Lycabettus Hill
ONE DAY ITINERARY ATHENS GREECE MAP
Route Distance: Including all things to do on the list – 4.6 miles (7.5km)
ATHENS GREECE ITINERARY ONE DAY
Acropolis Tour
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Begin the day with an early morning Acropolis tour (opens at 8am). The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient citadel built on a rocky hill overlooking the city. During the golden age of Athens (5th century BC), the fortress and religious center gave birth to the concepts of democracy, philosophy, theater, and freedom of speech.
At the archeological ruins see temples: the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike; and amphitheaters: Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Theater of Dionysus. At the onsite Acropolis Museum see artifacts taken from the Acropolis site. Plan to take a tour at the site, and to spend 2-3 hours. Reserve ahead.
Try one of these Acropolis tours:
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Address: Athens 105 57, Greece
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a 1 km walk from the Acropolis. The ‘Zeus’ is the largest of the ancient Greek temples. Today, of its 104 original Corinthian columns, only 15 remain standing. There is a small entry fee to access the site.
Panathenaic Stadium
Address: Leof. Vasileos Konstantinou, Athina 116 35, Greece
The Panathenaic Stadium is about 800 meters away from the Temple of Zeus. The all-marble stadium was constructed as a venue for religious and athletic festivals. The 50,000 seat stadium dates back to 144 CE. It was restored for the Olympic games in 1869, and 2004. There is an entrance fee to tour the facility.
Athens National Garden
Directions: Take Via Irodou Attidou to Via Ardittou
On the next leg of your journey, walk 1.2 km from the Panathenaic Stadium to the Plaka district through the National Garden. This leafy leg stroll will take you past Zappeion Hall where many of 2004 Olympic events were planned. The palatial mansion is a cultural and conference center.
ATHENS FOOD TOURS
Plaka District
Address: Kekropos Street
Enter the Plaka district on Kekropos Street. The Plaka neighborhood is the oldest in Athens. The narrow streets of Plaka are lined with boutiques, pastry shops, and art galleries. The district is largely pedestrianized – as it has been for the past 3.000 years. Plaka is the heart of the Athen’s historic district.
There are two main boulevards running through Plaka: Adrianou and Kydatheneon. The point where these two avenues merge is considered the center of Plaka. Take some time to explore the colorful web of alleys that diverge from the two streets.
The Mnisikleous Stairs
Address: Mnisikleous 24-26, Athina 105 56, Greece
While in the Plaka district, take a walk to the Minisikleous Street stairs. Here, you will find a wide stone staircase lined by trendy tavernas and rooftop bars. On the landings between eateries, platforms are filled with outdoor tables and benches with comfy cushions. This is a great place to stop for a drink and some Greek tapas.
Anafiotika
Address: Neighborhood on hillside between Plaka and Acropolis
On the hillside below the Acropolis is a lovely neighborhood of white-washed houses and flower-filled alleys. The neighborhood was originally built by construction workers who immigrated from the Greek island of Anafi. Take a stroll through the residential area. Enjoy the colorful doors, many cats, and a bit of shade.
TRY THESE ATHENS NIGHT TOURS
Roman Agora
Address: Polignotou 3, Athina 105 55, Greece
From Anafiotika, walk to the Roman Agora at the edge of the Plaka district. Some 2,000 years ago the site was a thriving public market. At the site, see the remnants of Hadrian’s Library and the world's first meteorological station – the Tower of the Winds.
Monastiraki Square
Address: Apollonos 21, Athina 105 57, Greece
It is a short trek from the Roman Agora to Monastiraki Square (800 meters). The square is a bustling meeting and gathering space between the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki. From the square, enjoy views of the Acropolis, Church of the Virgin Mary Pantanass, and several Neoclassical, Byzantine, and Ottoman buildings.
Monastiraki Flea Market
Address: Ifestou, Athina 105 55, Greece
Next door to the square is the Monastiraki Flea Market. Made up of a triangle of streets, the permanent bazaar is a popular shopping spot for tourists and locals. In its winding alleys find shops hawking souvenirs, jewelry, shoes, antiques, vintage clothing, and more.
Vavakios Market
Address: Νο68 Αγορα, Athina, Greece
It is another 800 meters from the flea market to the Vavakios food market. At the sprawling market find fresh fish, produce, pastries, kreatopita (meat pies), and more. Stroll the aisles. Sit, drink, and snack.
National Archaeological Museum
Address: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athina 106 82, Greece
It is another 1.1 km from the food market to the National Archaeological Museum. The huge neoclassical building houses priceless antiquities from all over Greece. The collection includes thousands of artifacts from the Egyptian, Mycenaean, Cycladic, and Neolithic eras. When we visited the museum, it was less crowded (and more enjoyable) than the Acropolis museum.
Lycabettus Hill
Address: Aristippou 1, Athina 106 76, Greece
It is 1.9km to our final stop of the day. Walk, or grab a cab, and head to the Lycabettus Hill Cable Car. Ride the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill for panoramic views of Athens, the Acropolis, and the Aegean Sea. At the summit, tour the interior of the Church of St. George. Then, enjoy a drink as the sun sets before riding back down the hill (there is also a paved path to walk if you have any steam left).
We hope you enjoyed our list of our favorite things to do in Athens, Laura and Randy
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