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One Day in a City > Destinations > Europe > Greece > One Day in Athens: What to See in Athens When Short on Time

One Day in Athens: What to See in Athens When Short on Time

November 2, 2020 By Gina
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One Day in a City Itinerary: Athens, Greece

Things to Do in Athens in a Day

Athens, Greece: Ancient history within a vibrant metropolis
Athens, Greece: Ancient history within a vibrant metropolis

Athens is a chaotic, sprawling city that can seem like a good example of urban planning gone wrong. Athens, despite its mishmash of streets and smoggy air, has spectacular history peeking out from all over the city. During your one day in Athens, you’ll come across spots that have the remnants of ancient civilizations residing on the land that look practically untouched — a feeling that the city just built itself around them and kept going on its sprawling way. (Athens could have used a better city planner back in the day.) And then there’s the Acropolis, which has a mystique completely together with and separate to the rest of Athens. 

The sprawl and wonder of Athens, Greece
The sprawl and wonder of Athens, Greece

If you have just one day in Athens, focus on getting a feel for the ancient history of the city instead of the city as a whole. This sometimes means digging deep and keeping your mind focused while you navigate the city.

This post contains affiliate links for products I like, which means I get paid a percentage of any purchases or bookings made through those links at no extra cost to you, which helps me cover the costs of running this site so I can bring you more great travel content! 

Here’s what to see in Athens to leave it feeling a bit more in touch with ancient civilization.

Touring the Ancient Acropolis

The Parthenon at the Acropolis.
The Parthenon at the Acropolis.

The Acropolis was developed in the 5th century and was the breeding ground for some of the most innovative ideas of the time. Democracy grew from the conversations had on the lands of the Acropolis, which was comprised of architectural wonders that still influence architecture to this day. The most famous of which is the Parthenon (built in 438 BC). Socrates’ old stomping grounds is a must-see for every new visitor to Athens. But prepare yourself – even in off seasons, the site can be overrun with an insane amount of tourists.

One Day Tip: To spare yourself from the line leading up the winding pathway to the Acropolis at the main entrance, head farther down the hilly street to the lesser-traveled south slope entrance.

Crowded Line: This is what you want to try and avoid while at the Acropolis.
Crowded Line: This is what you want to try and avoid while at the Acropolis.

The south entrance is a short hike through some of the Acropolis grounds of the south slope that have ancient statues and an old, crumbling — but still impressive — theater on them. You’ll be walking through trees, getting great glimpses of city views, and it’s surprisingly tranquil. It’s a good path to take as well because you’ll be walking through an area of the Acropolis that doesn’t have a lot left to it (such as the theater), but what it does have is authenticity.

Once you reach the Parthenon, you’ll lose a bit of that authenticity. While the Parthenon is grand looking and impressive to look at, the grounds don’t even try to hide the fact that what you’re looking at is a reconstructed Acropolis. Instead of telling you what you’re looking at, the signs all around the site tell you about the reconstruction. Which is why it’s also important to rent the audio guide or bring a detailed guidebook with you while walking around the Acropolis. Unless you’re a history major, you probably won’t have much of an idea what you’re looking at otherwise.

Or you can just head over to the edge and bask in wonderment. When gazing at the views cascading out from the top of the Acropolis, it’s interesting to think what it must have looked like to Plato and Socrates when they were looking out from this very spot thousands of years ago.

Athens may be a huge, sprawling, crowded metropolis, but it sure is magnificent. A view from atop the Acropolis -- Temple of Zeus and the old theater in the background.
Athens may be a huge, sprawling, crowded metropolis, but it sure is magnificent. A view from atop the Acropolis — The Temple of Olympian Zeus and the old theater in the background.

If  you decide views and a reconstructed Parthenon don’t quite do it for you, head over to the Acropolis Museum.

What to Pack for Your Day in Athens

  • Sunglasses — I like polarized ones for traveling
  • Comfortable shoes — You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
    • My Favorite Summer Travel Shoes
  • A secure purse or daypack that crosses your body and which you can keep in front of you (no backpacks) — Pickpocketing is pretty prevalent in Athens, unfortunately.
    • The Travel Purse I Use
  • This is a must if in Athens in summer.
  • Lastly, but importantly, THIS is One Thing I Always Pack — Because a memory and camera don’t always cut it! (Plus, they’re kind of adorable!)

The Museums of Athens

The Acropolis Museum used to be conveniently located on-site at the Acropolis with the entrance included in the ticket fare. In 2008 it was moved to its own museum and now costs 5 Euros to visit, but it’s still worth a visit if you want to see some of the historical pieces that were excavated from the Acropolis and aren’t satisfied with the replicas at the Acropolis.

An example of ancient art you can see are the Caryatids. The six women columns (known as the Caryatids) you see holding up the Erechteion temple while visiting the Acropolis grounds are actually a copy. The original statues are located in the Acropolis Museum.

Bronze statues of Zeus (or possibly Poseidon - the experts can't decide) at the National Archaeological Museum.
Bronze statues of Zeus (or possibly Poseidon – the experts can’t decide) at the National Archaeological Museum.

If all this original/duplicate stuff doesn’t really matter to you and it was more important to you simply to be on the Acropolis grounds, then with just one day to spend in Athens, I’d recommend skipping the Acropolis Museum and instead spending your time at the National Archaeological Museum, one of the most important museums in the world for showcasing ancient Greek art. You’ll also get a taste of a more urban, gritty part of Athens walking to the museum from the nearest metro stop.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus.

While walking around the Acropolis during your one day in Athens, you’ll probably catch a glimpse of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, a one-time massive temple that was completed in 132 AD after being partially built and in limbo for over 600 years after its original conception. The Temple of Olympian Zeus is worth a visit to see the way the columns of the temple have decayed a bit like dominoes over the centuries.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was originally a building with 104 Corinthian-style columns; today there are only 15 left.

A fallen, broken column at the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
A fallen, broken column at the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Walking around the grounds of the Temple of Olympian Zeus involves crossing the busy road zooming in a circle around the monument. Grab your bags to you and try to find a local to hurry after when they cross – locals often seem to know when the right time is to cross without becoming road kill.

The Plaka Neighborhood

The Plaka is the old town area of Athens. Located close to the Acropolis, it has kept much of its original character and seems a world away from the urban sprawl that occurred to the rest of the city.

The Plaka consists of many shops and cafes, and is also a good area to find something to eat as many of its restaurants have outdoor seating and some pretty awesome Greek food.

Amidst all this are historic sites and ruins, such as the Tower of Winds, which served as a meteorology station in the first century. You’ll also encounter what are basically holes in the ground with fence around it showcasing pillars and the remains of ancient buildings under the ground. If short on time, I wouldn’t bother paying to walk through these. You can glance at them through the fence and it’s best to save your time for exploring the larger archaeological sites in Athens.

Bordering The Plaka is the Monastiraki flea market, a great place to browse through shops, barter, and pick up some souvenirs.

The Food in Athens

When it comes to what to see and do in Athens, don’t stop just at ancient sites; you can’t forget about the cuisine. Greek food consists of a lot of vegetable, a lot of meat, and a lot of feta.

In short: Greek food is spectacular.

Athens has a diverse offering of eateries. Try the simple, but famous Greek Salad — tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and feta with no lettuce — at a small cafe or go big with a feta stuffed lamb masterpiece at a traditional Greek restaurant.

Two thumbs up for Greek food in Athens.
Two thumbs up for Greek food in Athens.

You may only have one day in Athens, you must make time to eat. Even if you’re on a cruise and have free food waiting for you back on the ship, eat in the city! Greek food in Greece is an experience unto itself. Be sure to follow it up with an adventurous shot of ouzo, a Greek licorice-tasting liquor.

The Athens Nightlife

Athens comes alive at night and you won’t have any trouble finding a bar or club to while away the hours until the early morning, of which Psiri is a popular neighborhood to head out in.

If dancing and doing ouzo shots isn’t your idea of a great night out, consider spending your night at the movies at Cine Paris. This is no normal movie theater – it’s a rooftop, outdoor theater that has a bar and a view of the Acropolis, resulting in a pretty memorable way to watch one of Hollywood’s latest offerings.

Where to Sleep in Athens

Need a place to lie your head while in Athens? I have two recommendations. The first in the city center and the second in nearby Piraeus (ideal if you’re catching a ferry to one of the Greek islands the following morning).

Athens Hotel Option: Herodion Hotel

Herodion Hotel is a family-owned hotel centrally located in the Plaka neighborhood right by the Acropolis Museum and the entrance to the Acropolis (which will save you time if you’re short on time!). It has a relaxing terrace with incredible views of the Pantheon, plus bright, well-appointed rooms with air conditioning and turn down service. There is also an onsite bar and restaurant.

  • Click here for more pictures and rates for Herodion Hotel.

Piraeus Hotel Option: Hotel Ionion

Hotel Ionion may have basic looking rooms, but a stay there is escalated to memorable by the friendly, attentive staff, good breakfast, and close proximity to the harbor. It is also a great choice if you’re looking for a budget option while visiting Athens, but don’t want to stay in a hostel.

  • Click here for more pictures and rates for Hotel Ionion.

Or search for Athens hotels using one of my favorite accommodation booking sites for Europe, Booking.com. It has a super user-friendly interface, has the lowest pricing, and you can book now and not pay until you arrive for most rooms.



Booking.com


Psst…Follow me on Instagram for more travel inspiration and tips!
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Find Your Inner Zen in Athens

And remember, overall, while in Athens, try not to get overwhelmed by the massive size of the city and just focus on a few main sights and experiences throughout the day.

After trekking through Athens in the ancient footsteps of so many great and powerful thinkers, you may even find yourself a little wiser...pondering life on what's left of the seats of the old Acropolis theater.
After trekking through Athens in the ancient footsteps of so many great and powerful thinkers, you may even find yourself a little wiser…pondering life on what’s left of the seats of the old Acropolis theater.

Also heading to the Greek Islands during your trip? You may find these articles helpful:

One Day in Santorini
One Day in Mykonos
Renting 4-Wheelers in Greece

Don’t forget these Athens tips — Pin for later!

What to see and do when short ton time in Athens, Greece.

Note: This article was originally published on October 24, 2012; updated on October 10, 2015. 

About Gina

I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

Comments

  1. Gina says

    February 2, 2017 at

    If you’re that short on time, I’d recommend taking a taxi from the airport to the city center and then taking the metro around.

  2. Carlie says

    January 8, 2017 at

    Thank you for this useful information. I am trying to figure out the best way to get around the city. I will have from 10am until 6pm to explore the city. I will be coming from the airport and will need to return there by 6pm to catch a flight to one of the islands. Any advise would be appreciated.

  3. Vrajesh Shah says

    December 7, 2016 at

    Hi Gina,

    Very useful info for one-day travelers. I would probably in Athens on 18th morning and have meetings for 2-days. Planning to stay in for another day i.e. 20th Jan. So in principle i would have one evening on 19th and afternoon of 20th.
    Can you please help me to plan the itinerary including travel modes to reach to this must visit places. This would be really helpful. Thanks in Advance.

  4. Gina says

    August 27, 2016 at

    Glad to hear you found it helpful, Filipa! Enjoy your trip!

  5. Filipa says

    August 26, 2016 at

    I will be in Athens for 1 day so this was really helpfull 🙂
    Wish you all the best

    Filipa from Portugal

  6. Victoria says

    August 16, 2016 at

    Very helpful article, thanks for the tips!

  7. Horace El Khazen says

    January 11, 2016 at

    I did! And thanks for your tips, i’ve almostbeen to all the mentioned places, and tried their food.. The Souflaki is amazing..
    I had fun and was sad to leave after two days, so i stayed for a week! ????????

    Next week going to France

  8. Gina says

    January 11, 2016 at

    Hi Nikita, how fun to be living in Rome for 6 months! If you are hoping to do Athens and Santorini in the same short trip, I would recommend flying to Santorini from Athens instead of the ferry since that’s going to eat up a lot of your time. Would probably be best to do one weekend in Athens and one weekend in Santorini since they’re really not that close to each other, though, since you’ll lose a lot of time traveling in between the two places in just two days. If you need tips for Santorini, check out my One Day in Santorini blog post, too –> https://www.onedayinacity.com/one-day-in-santorini/

  9. Nikita Thakur says

    January 11, 2016 at

    awesome site…really loved it…im gonna use it…im in Rome for 6 months on work assignment…i love travelling places…i wish to cover most of the countries in eupore…and my only issue is I can travel only on weekends….that means only 1 or 2 days to a country….you site is going to help me alot….i wish to visit greece in jan 2016 end….30th and 31st jan 2016…i wish to cover athens and santorini…really dont know how to go about it….it would be great if you could help….i have checked there are return flights to athens from Rome ….30th early mrng to athens and return on 1st feb early mrng…..i hope u could help me….thnks in advance…keep up the good work!

  10. Nikita Thakur says

    January 11, 2016 at

    awesome site…really loved it…im gonna use it…im in Rome for 6 months on work assignment…i love travelling places…i wish to cover most of the ocunrties in eupore…and my only issue is a can travel only one weekends….that means only1 or 2 days to a country….you site is going to help me alot….i wish to visit greece in jan 2016 end….30th and 31st jan 2016…i wish to cover athens and santorini…really dont know how to go about it….it would be great if you could help….i have checked there is return flight to athens from Rome on 30th early mrng to athens and return on 1st early mrng…..i hope u could help me….thnks in advance…keep up the good work! 🙂 🙂

  11. Gina says

    August 18, 2015 at

    Hi Julie, I’m happy you found it helpful. Have fun in Athens!

  12. Gina says

    August 18, 2015 at

    Hope you enjoyed your time in Athens!

  13. Julie says

    August 18, 2015 at

    Hi Gina
    We are in Syros at the moment (7 days at Azolimnos Boay hotel ????????????????) and off to Athens for two nights before we fly back to Australia. We are staying near the Acropolis and this information is perfect…thank you for taking the time to write this blog
    ????Julie

  14. Horace El Khazen says

    August 13, 2015 at

    Traveling next week for two or three days to Athens.. Thanks for all these info! My program is set following to your given info..

  15. Gina says

    June 22, 2015 at

    Glad to hear you found it helpful. Hope you enjoy your time in Athens!

  16. DJ Scoop says

    June 19, 2015 at

    Thanks for your suggestions, loved it, its exactly what my friend and I needed for our one day trip to Athens.

  17. Ranjit says

    December 15, 2014 at

    This is a very nice thing that you are doing for the sake of others who would love to travel but are hard-pressed for time.

    Thank you very much!

  18. Jan says

    November 16, 2014 at

    Thanks for this info. We have a long wait between flights and want to spend time in Athens. We have done the Acropolis and the museum but not the Plaka. It sound like a nice place to spend a few hours and have a meal. Do you know how to get from the airport to Plaka? Is there a bus.

  19. Debbie says

    May 5, 2014 at

    I will visit Athens for the first time in July. Your info was exactly what I need….what to see, places to shop and food! I plan to bring your info with me…thanks!

  20. Gina says

    April 17, 2014 at

    Thanks Saeid!

  21. Gina says

    April 17, 2014 at

    Hi Janice, I walked to the metro stop in Piraeus from the cruise ship and used that to get around the city. However, depending where your ship docks in the harbor it can be a long walk to the metro stop. I’d check with your cruise line to find out where they’ll be docking and ask if there is a free harbor shuttle that takes you into the center of Piraeus, from which you can easily access the metro. Have fun!

  22. Saeid says

    April 17, 2014 at

    Very useful information for people like me who might want to have a quick look at top attractions in Athens.

  23. Janice says

    April 7, 2014 at

    Any advise on how to get around on your one day? Heard about the blue/red bus that you can pick up in the port Piraeus — we are on that 11 day eastern Med cruise. Thanks

  24. Gina says

    January 7, 2013 at

    I love Greek architecture, too, Susan! So regal and impressive. And yeah, I was having fun with that last picture. 😉

  25. Susan @ Cruise Vacation says

    December 28, 2012 at

    whenever I see any Greece place pictures always feel like I’m playing Age Of Empire Game. all their structures look same to me. anyways thanks for sharing and love your last picture there were you thinking.

  26. Gina says

    November 12, 2012 at

    Thank you so much, Donna! I hope you get to visit Athens someday soon, too.

  27. Donna Spears says

    November 11, 2012 at

    Wow. I am almost speechless of the first photo you took.
    It was perfect. I hope I could visit Athens soon.

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