Have you ever ever questioned if it’s attainable to discover Athens in simply someday? We’re right here to inform you that it’s attainable! 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 as we speak’s world, everyone seems to be working quick on time, so we’ve got put collectively the proper someday in Athens itinerary that will help you profit 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 well-liked date and time slot
- One-time entry to every web site with the identical ticket
- Athens Outdated City (Plaka) self-guided audio tour
- Acropolis and Parthenon self-guided audio excursions (if possibility chosen)
You’ve 5 calendar days from activation to make use of this move, so in case you are spending extra time in Athens, you’ll be able to e book timed entries to see every of those sights very first thing within the morning or later within the day.
Acropolis
Almost definitely, each Athens itinerary you’ve learn will inform you to go straight to the Acropolis, and they’re right! The Acropolis is the star of Athens, and it needs to 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 try to be positive. The Acropolis opens at 8:00 a.m., and you should e book your timed entry prematurely. So do this proper now. Occasions e book rapidly, and it would be best to ensure you get your slot.
We’ve stayed at many locations in Athens, however throughout our final go to, we liked 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 major archaeological websites combo, which nonetheless works. It’s one of the best ways to see Athens in someday because it offers you 1 timed entry to every web site with the identical ticket. You have to to plan properly to be on time on your entries, however belief me, it would be best to see all of it!
The foundations are continuously altering and is usually a little unclear, so go to the ticket web site and to our weblog publish How you can spend a day on the acropolis to see what the up to date guidelines are. We are going to proceed to watch it as Greek tourism adjustments its thoughts.
It would be best 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 continues to be in operation as we speak, 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 do this as it’ll 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 the town middle.
Historic Agora
Ebook your timed entrance to the Historic Agora for 10:00 or 10:30 am. This will provide you with time to absorb 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 move the Acropolis Museum, however time is of the essence, and if you wish to go to the Museum, put it aside for later within the day. It’s open till 9:00 p.m.
The Historic Agora is the very best preserved historical damage within the metropolis. We discovered it extra spectacular than the Parthenon, particularly within the morning gentle. 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. Really, the phrase Agora interprets into “an meeting of the folks.” The primary spotlight right here is the Temple of Hephaestus, which is beautiful. The intricate particulars and exquisite fluted columns make this temple one of many must-sees in Athens, particularly if you happen to love Greek structure.
Stoa of Attalos
Ensure that 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 shifting on.
I believe you solely want 1 hour to 90 minutes right here. There’s a good museum inside that has air con that you may take a look at as nicely.
Roman Agora
Ebook your timed entry for 11:30 or 12:00 pm. The Roman Agora is included in your move.
After you’ve got visited the Historic Agora, you’ll come out to loads of out of doors cafes lining the road. If you wish to have lunch now, it is a good spot to take action. Nonetheless, we advise shifting 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 develop into an excessive amount of. You don’t want lots of time right here, however it’s value going into see.
We actually liked 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. Inbuilt AD 132, the pillars and wall are nonetheless standing. It has a formidable historical past, however as we speak, not a lot continues to be standing, so that you solely want about quarter-hour to go to right here. Plus, it’s in your method 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. If in case you have a transparent thought of your schedule, we advise reserving a desk prematurely 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 chicken’s eye view of the Acropolis.
Monastiraki Sq. is surrounded by rooftop bars and eating places, and we advise 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 if you happen to solely have someday in Athens, we advise consuming all of your meals at one of many eating places with a view. You may as well eat at MS Roof Backyard and Hyper Astrobar. These eating places are an occasion unto themselves, trying on the Acropolis and over Monastiraki Sq..
Afternoon
Whew, it has been a busy morning, however you may be comfortable to have seen all of those historical wonders. Now, you’ll be able to calm down and benefit from the vitality of Athens within the afternoon.
Monastiraki Sq.
2:00 pm ish…After lunch, be a part of the hustle and bustle of Monastiraki Sq., the place avenue performers entertain, meals stalls supply genuine Greek meals, and loads of outlets are prepared that will help you buy your good Athens memento. There’s a flea market proper off Monastiraki Sq. that’s value visiting.
Monastiraki is likely one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, and that is the place you’ll begin your afternoon strolling tour.
Ermou Avenue
Ermou Avenue 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 folks watch and do some buying. In case you want water or snacks, it’s an incredible place to replenish your mid-day stroll.
There are many outlets and eating places, and ensure to cease on the Church of Panagia and Outdated Byzantine Church, which is free to enter. No images inside although and they’re very strict about this. I merely had my telephone in my hand and a outdated lady guarding the church practically swatted it out of my arms.
Syntagma Sq.
Syntagma Sq. is the primary Sq. of Athens, the place there’s at all times one thing happening. Normally, while you stroll as much as this sq., there’s a protest, occasion, or giant gathering taking place. On the prime of the steps, the Greek Parliament Buildings stand entrance and middle.
Altering of the Guard
In case you occur to be on the sq. on the prime of the hour (hopefully you’ve got walked right here by 3 pm), you’ll be able to see the altering of the guards, which is sort of attention-grabbing. It occurs each hour, with probably the most spectacular one going down on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.
Syntagma Sq. Subway
Syntagma Sq. Metro is the primary metro station within the metropolis, and you may hop on the subway from right here to your subsequent vacation spot. Nonetheless, even if you happen to 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 historical aqueduct, pottery, lamps, and even human bones. The museum is free to go to and is value trying out.
Panathenaic Stadium
From Syntagma, you’ll be able to hop on the subway or name an Uber to take you to the Panathenaic Stadium. Situated on the east aspect of the Nationwide Gardens, the Panthenaic Stadium was the positioning of the primary fashionable Olympic video games in 1896. The complete stadium is made out of marble, and it’s spectacular to see. The positioning itself has much more historic significance as within the sixth century BC, it was residence 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 surface. The selection is yours.
Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch
As you stroll again towards the town, you’ll encounter the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which is free to enter together with your move. It has been underneath building for some time, however its columns are undoubtedly value seeing. With solely someday in Athens, although, we advise merely this from the surface and as a substitute 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 instantly underneath it, leaving the quiet complicated of the Temple of Olympian Zeus to a bustling, busy avenue.
Cocktails and Sundown
Athens Gate is a superb cease for one more rooftop view of the Acropolis from the other aspect of Monastiraki Sq.. It additionally overlooks the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Arch of Hadrian providing what we expect is likely one of the greatest views in Athens. This can be a good 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 calm down for a few hours on the terrace.
Acropolis Museum
In case you took our recommendation and skipped the Acropolis Museum this morning, now you can make your method to the superb museum for a brief go to. The Acropolis Museum is only a quick stroll from Athens Gate and is open till 8 pm.
Even if you happen to don’t go inside to tour the museum correctly, it’s value seeing the surface and going into its lobby to stroll over the glass flooring that reveal archeological discoveries which are on show underneath the inspiration.
If in case you have an hour, you may get a style of the museum, however to actually 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 bounce from probably the most picturesque neighborhood in Athens, Plaka. End up a rooftop restaurant or, in case you are rooftopped out (which is unimaginable), order some genuine Greek delicacies at one of many many institutions positioned right here in Plaka. We now have a complete publish on the very best Greek meals that will help you select from the menu right here.
There are many eating choices in Plaka because it is likely one of the major vacationer areas in Athens and one of many oldest neighborhoods. Level A Acropolis Level has lovely views of the Acropolis, providing you with yet one more angle from which to see this historical UNESCO World Heritage Website. You’re 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. Certain, you’ll 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?