ONE DAY IN ATHENS – A COMPLETE ITINERARY

The Acropolis translates to “highest point of the town,” was the location of the thriving ancient citadel originally occupied by the Mycenaen kings.

As time passed, the Acropolis became home to several temples, shrines, and sanctuaries. The most famous of the temples is the temple to Athena, the Parthenon. There is also a theater and sanctuary for Dionysus on what is now referred to as the Southern Slope.

On April1, 2024 a new time-slot process has been introduced to try and minimise overcrowding. We recommend you try and arrive early before the sun and the crowds – booking a private transfer above will ensure this, and can explore this incredible site at your leisure. Many people would say you need 2 hours to explore the Acropolis although some, of course, will say much longer!

Visit the Acropolis Museum, right outside the south gate, directly afterward to get a deep understanding of how life was. It is full of artifacts from the site as well as being home to an ancient neighborhood underneath the modern structure. It truly is one of the great museums in the world!

We also highly recommend buying a ‘Combo’ Ticket which takes in 7 sites including the Acropolis at a bargain price.

Read our Complete Guide to visiting the Acropolis

From the Acropolis Museum head east along Dionysiou Areopagitou to busy Leof. Andrea Siggrou Street where you will see the Temple of Olympian Zeus directly in front of you. You might like to take your time on this short journey as this part of the Plaka neighborhood is quite lovely and a little wander through the local streets will reap rewards.

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was completed in 132 AD after being partially built and in limbo for over 600 years after its original conception.

It was originally built with 104 Corinthian-style columns of which today there are only 15 left. You will notice the temple from many high vantage points across the city and it is only a short walk from the center of town.

Opeing Hours: daily 8 am-7:30 pm

Cost : 6 euro

On the other side of the Temple of Zeus is the beautiful National Gardens, a serene oasis in the heart of the city.

Spanning more than 15 hectares, this public park was commissioned by Queen Amalia in 1838 and completed by 1840. It features lush greenery, winding paths, ancient ruins, and a variety of flora and fauna.

The gardens also house a small zoo, a botanical museum, a children’s library, a café and Zappeion Hall. It is a significant neoclassical building of historical significance used for meetings and ceremonies, as well as events, including exhibitions, conferences, and cultural activities. Its beautiful architecture and historical significance make it a notable landmark within the gardens.

Opening Hours: Always

Cost : free

If you make your way north along the main road here you will reach Syntagma Square. A much nicer route is past Hadrians’ Arch and the Statue of Lord Byron and through the lovely National Gardens.

Syntagma is a famous meeting place for the city and is popular for concerts, protest marches, and other public gatherings.

Things to see at Syntagma Square

At the Eastern end, you will see the Hellenic Parliament Building which does conduct tours from time to time but they must be organised in advance. See their official website for more information.

Outside Parliament is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and it is guarded by The Evzones ( pronounced Ev-zon-ez), an elite unit of the Hellenic Army who, among other things, are known for their very distinctive uniform and elaborate march.

It is a great honour to be selected as an Evzones and the soldiers are selected according to their height, excellent physical condition, and psychological state as well as character and morality.

Each hour on the hour you can witness the Changing of the Guards which is an elaborate and very serious ritual that involves uniform inspections and the goose-step march the Evzones are famous for ( as well as their distinctive outfits).

If you are lucky enough to be visiting on a Sunday you can also see them raising the flag at The Acropolis at 10 am.

Hours: The Evzones change every hour on the hour

Cost: Free

Ermou Street is the central pedestrian-only street that runs for 1.5 kilometres from Syntagma Square, west.

It is where all the big brand high-street stores are found, such as Zara, H&M, and Sephora, as well as numerous specialty shops, particularly fashion boutiques.

The street was one of the first modern roads in Athens and became a pedestrian zone in 1997.

Things to see on Ermou Street

There are numerous things to stop and see along this street but one of the most interesting is the Byzantine Church of Panagia Kapnikarea which is one of the oldest churches in Athens, having been built around 1050. It is right in the middle of Ermou street and impossible to miss.

Hours: usually Mon- Fri. 10:00 – 21:00, Saturdays 10:00 – 19:00

Cost: free

Parallel to Ermou Street walking towards The Acropolis is popular Mitropolis Street, where you will find the Metropolitan Cathedral of Annunciation (aka Metropolis), which is the main cathedral of Athens and all of Greece. It is also the seat of the Archbishop of the Greek Orthodox Church of Athens.

Construction of the Cathedral began in 1842, but it was not completed for 20 years. Marble from 72 demolished churches in Greece was used, and 3 different architects worked on it during the construction process.

The 3-Domes Basilica has been the site of the coronation of Kings, important weddings, and state funerals.

The tombs of 2 saints are inside – Gregory V the Patriarch of Constantinople and Saint Philothei. Adjacent to the Cathedral is the much smaller Church of St. Eleftherios, often called Little Mitropoli.

The cathedral has been quite controversial over the years, with many criticizing its facade and design. It underwent full restoration over a 20 year period of economic hardship but was finally completed in 2016.

Hours: 7 am p.m. every day with mass on Sundays at 6:30am

Cost: Free

When you reach the end of either Ermou Street or Mitropolous Street you will be at Monastiraki Square, one of the busiest squares in Athens. It is home to a metro station, a famous flea market, Hadrian’s library, and more, and is surrounded by tavernas, small shops, and market stalls.

Walking left through the square you will walk on to the Ancient Agora in an area called Agoraios Kolonoa or Market Hill. Agora means ‘market’ in Greek and this is where the ancient Athenians plied their trade and spent time with each other philosophizing, worshiping, and teaching. In fact, it is where Socrates taught and died and became the actual birthplace of democracy.

The ancient archaeological site today is an expansive green site and is quite unusual as a train line runs through it.

Things to see in this area

Highlights include the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved temples in Greece, and the Stoa of Attalos, the Hellenistic version of a shopping mall and today home to a fascinating museum and thousands of artifacts from the late Classical, Hellenistic, Roman and Ottoman periods.

Hours : 

1 Apr – 31 Oct Mon-Sun, 8:00-20:00

1 Nov – 31 Mar Mon-Sun, 8:00-15:00

Cost:  10 Euro or 5 with reduced rates for seniors and students/children 

If you walk towards the Acropolis from the Agora you will enter the charming neighborhood of Plaka ( which means ‘tablet’). This is the most touristic area in Athens but also one of the prettiest. Many people say it reminds them of the islands with the brightly coloured buildings, swathes of bougainvillea and many souvenir shops, tavernas and cafes.

It is worth spending an hour or two wandering around Plaka and you will have possibly already seen some of it when walking from the Acropolis/Museum to Syntagma. Some of the streets are closed to traffic and it’s a very pleasant area to get lost. 

Head back through Monastiraki Square and cross Ermou Street heading up Athinas.

After a few blocks, you will come across the Central Municipal Market, also known as Varvakios Market, which is bordered by Athina, Evripidou, and Sophocleous Streets.

Much of the market is indoors and there you will find many butchers, fishmongers, and other vendors selling a wide variety of fresh food.

The market has been in operation since 1886 and is the modern market that largely replaced the Ancient Agora nearby.

In the adjacents streets and alleyways, you will find many small businesses selling Greek products ranging from flowers and plants, herbs and spices, delicatessen lines, tea, wine, fruit, vegetables, and more.

There are also many small bars, cafes, and tavernas with excellent, authentic snacks and meals on offer. It’s easy to spend several hours in this area of Athens.

Hours:

6:00am to 5:00pm (this can vary from vendor to vendor)

Closed Sundays

Cost: Free  

Head west on Evripdou Street and turn left into either Agiou Dimitriou, Eschilou, or Aristofanous streets all of which will take you into Iroon Place and arguably the heart of Athens most lively and most interesting neighborhood, Psyri.

Things to see and do in Psyri

Psryi is home to a plethora of cafes, tavernas, bars and shops and some of the best food in Greece. At night it becomes very busy and dynamic with live music playing and dancing in the streets is not uncommon.

The street art in the area is quite incredible too and it’s where a whole revolution of graffiti as art began during the economic crisis that gripped Greece around 10 years ago.

You will also find the streets are home to many small artisan shops with craftsmen making handmade leathergoods, fashions and homewares.

Agiou Anargiron is home to many of our favourite tavernas and is car-free. Grab an early dinner or late lunch here either before or after visiting the rooftop bars.

HOURS: 10:00 am to sunrise

Further reading: A Complete Guide to Psyri

Athens has a wonderful bar scene and the rooftop bars in particular really showcase the city at its best.

Whilst some may feel the streets still have too many abandoned and graffiti-covered buildings heading to the rooftops above them see the city in a new perspective, particularly if Acropolis views are on hand.

There are some excellent rooftop bars in and near Psyri such as A for Athens, 360 Cocktail Bar, Couleur Locale, and Pella Inn which you can combine with dinner in Psyri. Many are quite small though so it can pay to book ahead.

Other great rooftop bars across the city include Anglais Athens, MS Roof Garden, Thea Terrace and the famous rooftop at Athens’s most expensive Hotel, the Grande Bretagne.

The Clumsies does not have a rooftop but is considered one of the best bars in the world and is definitely worth a look if you have time.