One Day in Athens
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You've come to this ancient city, but only have one day to see it! Never fear, you can still pack in plenty of popular highlights, plus some of the best off-the-beaten-track spots – simply follow my suggestions.
8 Places
6 City Tips
8 Places
Acropolis
Ancient Ruins, Historic Sites
Acropolis Museum
History Museums
Psirri
Neighbourhoods
Areopagus
Geologic Formations, Historic Sites
Plateia Syntagmatos
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Plaka
Neighbourhoods
Gazi
Neighbourhoods
Tzitzikas kai Mermigas
Restaurants
Athina1_12's City Tips
- A one-day travel pass is valid on all modes of transport: Metro, bus and trolley.
- Wear comfortable trainers for walking.
- If you're coming from Port of Piraeus, simply take the Green Line metro from Piraeus to Monastiraki – no changes are necessary. In about 20 minutes you're in the city centre.
- Carry plenty of drinking water with you. If you run out, bottled water is cheap.
- Women should cover shoulders and knees if going into a church.
- Athens "fast food" is the infamous souvlaiki: Whilst not strictly healthy, it's delicious and makes an authentic change from the Western-style burger meal.
- AcropolisAncient Ruins, Historic SitesSee more photosAthina1_12 Says:
This world-famous ancient monument is top of the list for anyone in Athens for just one day.
Tips- Avoid visiting in the middle of the day and in the height of summer – especially August – to skip the worst of the heat.
- Why not take the weight off your feet and visit with a Segway Tour? It's a fun modern way to see the ancient sites.
Plan to stay: 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #3 of 421 things to do in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- Glorious of an early morning 28/01/2021
- Beautiful but busy 23/01/2021
- Acropolis
▼Address:via Dionysiou Areopagitou str.Athens 105 58GreecePhone:+30 21 0321 4172Hours:Sun - Sat8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Other: - Acropolis MuseumHistory MuseumsSee more photosAthina1_12 Says:
Located right by the Acropolis metro station and housed in a beautifully designed structure. While away a couple of hours learning more about the ancient Greeks.
Tips- The entrance fee is great value, and on certain Greek public holidays, it's free.
- The second floor cafe/restaurant offers great food and panoramic views of the Acropolis.
Plan to stay: 2-3 hoursFrom the communityRanked #1 of 421 things to do in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- Great Museum! 04/02/2021
- Acropolis Museum 22/01/2021
- Acropolis Museum
▼ - PsirriNeighbourhoodsSee more photosAthina1_12 Says:
Wander around the streets of Psiri – near Monastiraki – and marvel at the street art on display in Aischylou Street. Plus, the hidden side streets here offer plenty of little cafes, where you can sit for a while and sip your freddo cappucino whilst watching the world go by. Popular with local Athenians, this is the perfect neighbourhood in which to experience a different, more everyday side of city life.
Tips- Don't be afraid of getting "lost" – that's usually the best way to find beauty.
Plan to stay: 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #32 of 421 things to do in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- One of the coolest neighbourhoods in Athens 12/09/2020
- Atmospheric 19/08/2020
- Psirri
▼ - AreopagusGeologic Formations, Historic SitesSee more photosAthina1_12 Says:
Located just below the Acropolis, Mars Hill offers the perfect spot to sit and enjoy a 360 degree view of Athens, as far as Piraeus Port and nearby islands. Relax here and reflect, knowing that you are following in the footsteps of the ancients...
Tips- Come here for sunrise or sunset.
- Bring a bottle of wine and your favourite person! It can be quite romantic.
- Choose to climb the slippery ancient marble steps or the newer steel ones up to the hill. While it's not steep, wear sensible shoes.
Plan to stay: 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #22 of 421 things to do in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- Free, open and great views. 16/10/2020
- The Areopagus in Athens 20/05/2020
- Areopagus
▼Other: - Plateia SyntagmatosPoints of Interest & LandmarksSee more photosAthina1_12 Says:
An abundance of coffee shops and hustle bustle, Constitution Square is still worthy of a stop-off to view the changing of the Evzones (Guards).
Tips- Sunday at 11am is the main changing spectacle. Be sure to get there early as it will get crowded.
Plan to stay: 1-2 hoursFrom the communityRanked #36 of 421 things to do in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- Grandly central 18/01/2021
- Worth a visit 15/11/2020
- Plateia Syntagmatos
▼Address:Leoforos Vassilissis AmaliasAthens 105 63Greece - PlakaNeighbourhoodsSee more photosAthina1_12 Says:
Wander around the busy streets of this ancient area at the base of the Acropolis. Pause at one of the various coffee shops on offer and browse the Greek goods on sale.
Tips- Allow yourself to take a "wrong turn" – you'll find some wonderful hidden gems with fantastic architectural designs.
Plan to stay: 2-3 hoursFrom the communityRanked #4 of 421 things to do in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- Great place to wander 23/01/2021
- You need comfortabe shoes. 12/01/2021
- Plaka
▼Other: - GaziNeighbourhoodsSee more photosAthina1_12 Says:
Once the old gasworks neighbourhood of Athens, today Gazi is home to a museum and the entire area has been re-generated to accommodate trendy bars, coffee shops, clubs and tavernas, as well as various art outlets.
Tips- Once a month, the Meet Market gathers over a weekend to showcase and sell the creations of local artists, designers, DJs and independent businesses. Great for alternative gifts.
Plan to stay: 2-3 hoursFrom the communityRanked #52 of 421 things to do in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- Lovely neighborhood 10/08/2019
- Plenty nightlife but not much life at the clubs "bars" 04/08/2019
- Gazi
▼ - Tzitzikas kai MermigasRestaurants (Greek)See more photosAthina1_12 Says:
Round off a day of exploring with a meal at this fabulous 'Ant and the Cricket' restaurant. Operating for over 50 years, O Tzitzikas Ke O Mermigkas offers much more than your typical grilled meats or Greek salad.
Tips- The chicken masticato (made from mastic in a cream sauce) on a nest of pastry is my favourite.
- Do as the Greeks do and order many appetizers to share: saganaki, fried aubergine, and calamari to name but a few.
Plan to stay: 2-3 hoursFrom the communityRanked #214 of 2,679 restaurants in AthensCertificate of Excellence 2014- Totally brilliant roast pork and cabbage 30/01/2021
- Fresh food good service 25/10/2020
- Tzitzikas kai Mermigas
▼Address:Mitropoleos 12-14SyntagmaAthens 10431GreecePhone:+30 21 0324 7607Price range:US$22 - US$29Hours:Sun - Mon1:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.Tue - Sat1:00 p.m. - 1:00 a.m.Other:
