How to Spend One Day in Athens, Greece | Top Things to Do, See & Eat
- Adventures of Matt & Nat
- Sep 25
- 12 min read
Athens isn’t just the capital of Greece, it’s the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and theater, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With a population of over 3 million, it’s a bustling metropolis where ancient ruins stand shoulder-to-shoulder with lively markets, trendy cafés, and vibrant neighborhoods. At its heart rises the Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, a symbol of Western civilization that has looked over the city for more than 2,400 years.
But Athens is so much more than its ruins. Spend a single day here and you’ll discover charming neighborhoods like Plaka and Anafiotika, where whitewashed houses cling to the hillside, and Psiri, where colorful street art and buzzing cafés create a modern, bohemian vibe. You’ll sip traditional Greek coffee, sample savory souvlaki and sweet loukoumades, watch the Changing of the Guard in Syntagma Square, and take in a panoramic sunset from Mount Lycabettus.
This one-day Athens itinerary is designed to give you the best of both worlds: the must-see landmarks that make Athens world-famous, plus the local flavors and experiences that bring the city to life. Whether you’re here on a quick layover, stopping by on a cruise, or adding Athens to a longer Greece adventure, this guide will help you do, see, and eat your way through the city without wasting a moment.
⬇️ Watch our “One Day in Athens” video for a closer look at our time! ⬇️
Know Before You Go: Athens Travel Tips
Before diving into the full one-day itinerary, here are a few quick tips that will make your time in Athens smoother and more enjoyable:
Learn a Few Greek Phrases: While many Athenians speak English, using simple greetings like “Kalimera” (Good morning), “Efkharisto” (Thank you), and “Parakalo” (Please/You’re welcome) will go a long way in making connections with locals. And if you want to go beyond the basics, check out our go-to language learning apps, Babbel and Rosetta Stone!
Understand the Currency: Greece uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s smart to carry a little cash for small purchases, especially in markets or family-run tavernas. Pro-Tip: Bring a credit card with 0% foreign transaction fees. >>Click here to see our favorite travel credit card<<
Plan for the Heat & Crowds: Athens can get very hot, especially in summer, and major sights like the Acropolis fill up quickly. Start your day early, bring water, wear sunscreen, and don’t forget a hat. >>Click here to see our Greece Essential Amazon list<<
Stay Connected with an eSIM: Reliable data is key for navigating Athens’ winding streets and using Google Maps. An eSIM is an easy, affordable way to stay connected. Our go-to eSIM companies are Holafly, Airalo, and Sim Local.
Get Around Easily: Most of central Athens is very walkable, but the metro and taxis are affordable for longer distances or when your feet need a break. Uber operates in Athens, but it usually just dispatches a local taxi.
Know the City Layout: The Acropolis dominates the center of Athens, and most major sights radiate out from there. Neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, and Psiri are within easy walking distance, while Mount Lycabettus offers sweeping city views a little farther out.
⬇️ For the best tours & experience in Athens, check out GetYourGuide! ⬇️
Where to Stay in Athens
Choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference when visiting Athens, especially if it’s your first time. Most of the city’s main attractions are concentrated in the historic center, so staying nearby means you’ll spend less time commuting and more time exploring. Here are a few of the best areas to base yourself:
Plaka: Known as the “Neighborhood of the Gods,” Plaka sits right at the foot of the Acropolis. Its charming, pedestrian-friendly streets are lined with tavernas, cafés, and shops. This is the best area if you want to be in the middle of the tourist action.
Monastiraki: Famous for its lively square and bustling flea market, Monastiraki is a great choice if you love vibrant energy, street food, and easy access to both ancient sites and modern shops.
Syntagma: Home to the Greek Parliament and a hub for transportation, Syntagma offers a mix of convenience and elegance. It’s a smart choice if you want easy metro connections while still being within walking distance of Plaka and Monastiraki.
Psiri: A trendy, bohemian neighborhood with street art, boutique shops, and a thriving nightlife scene. It’s ideal for travelers who want a younger, more local vibe but still stay close to the main sights.
Here are a few hotel recommendations for every budget:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Dolli at Acropolis
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Regal Hotel Mitropoleos
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Ciel Suites Athens
⭐️⭐️ Sweet Home Hotel
8:00 AM: Acropolis & Parthenon
📍 37°58'16.4"N 23°43'25.8"E
No trip to Athens is complete without starting at the Acropolis, the ancient citadel perched high above the city. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to some of Greece’s most iconic landmarks, including the Parthenon, a 5th-century BC temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. Standing here as the morning sun lights up the marble columns is a moment you’ll never forget. Plus, arriving early means you’ll beat both the heat and the crowds (for the most part)… you’ll thank yourself later.
While most eyes go straight to the Parthenon, don’t miss the Erechtheion, with its famous Porch of the Caryatids, or the Theater of Dionysus and Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the southern slope. Fun fact: our hometown of Nashville boasts a full-scale replica of the Parthenon in response to the city’s nickname, “Athens of the South,” due to its historical prominence as a center for higher education, culture, and the arts
Note: The walk up to the Acropolis is a bit steep, and the stones can be slippery, so wear good walking shoes. Also, tickets are no longer sold as combo passes (starting in 2025), and a timed entry reservation is required, so be sure to >>book your Acropolis entry in advance<<.
Optional Add-On: If you have extra time in Athens, visit the Acropolis Museum to see artifacts uncovered from the site. It gives an even greater understanding and appreciation of the significant role that the Acropolis played throughout the centuries.
10:15 AM: Coffee & Breakfast at Mokka Specialty Coffee
📍 37°58'50.9"N 23°43'38.1"E
After exploring the Acropolis, it’s time to fuel up Athenian-style. Stop by Mokka Specialty Coffee, where you can try a traditional Greek coffee brewed in a briki (ibrik), a small brass pot with a long handle. The coffee is finely ground, unfiltered, and served strong with a rich foam on top. It’s a taste of Greece in a cup and the perfect mid-morning pick-me-up before continuing your day. Pair it with a pastry for a light breakfast and soak in the local café culture.
Note: Greek coffee is meant to be sipped slowly, not rushed. You’ll notice a thick layer of grounds at the bottom of the cup… don’t drink that part! Unless you enjoy chewing your coffee.
If you're looking for a more modern coffee experience, try Tailor Made Coffee Roasters or Third Place
11:30 AM: Wander Plaka & Anafiotika
📍 37°58'13.1"N 23°43'54.1"E
Next, head into Plaka, Athens’ oldest and most charming neighborhood. Its colorful streets, neoclassical buildings, and lively squares make it a favorite for both visitors and locals. Stroll through the narrow lanes, pop into small shops, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere that feels worlds away from the busy city streets just beyond.
The real hidden gem here is Anafiotika (ana-fee-OH-tikka), a tiny cluster of whitewashed houses built in the style of the Cycladic islands. Tucked right under the Acropolis, this neighborhood feels like a miniature Greek island village in the middle of Athens—complete with blue shutters, flower-draped walls, and winding alleys begging to be photographed.
End your walk at the Arch of Hadrian, a Roman triumphal gateway that once marked the boundary between ancient Athens and the Roman city. It’s the perfect finale to your morning stroll.
Pro Tip: Download the Rick Steves Athens Audio Guide for a free walking tour. It adds fun history and context as you explore Plaka and Anafiotika at your own pace.
Here are 7 notable stops to look out for in Plaka and Anafiotika:
Church of Panagia Kapnikarea: A mid-11th century Byzantine church located right on Ermou Street—one of the oldest and most atmospheric churches in Athens.
Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Mitropolis): The city’s main cathedral, built between 1842 and 1862, blends Byzantine and neoclassical styles. Its official name is "Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary"
Roman Agora: Athens’ Roman-era marketplace, built in the 1st century BC, with its standout feature—the Gate of Athena Archegetis.
Tower of the Winds: An octagonal marble clock tower from the 1st century BC that served as a sundial, water clock, and weather vane.
Library of Hadrian: Constructed in 132 AD by Emperor Hadrian, this massive complex once held thousands of scrolls and featured lecture halls and a central courtyard.
Lysicrates Monument: A small but elegant marble monument built in 334/333 BC to commemorate a theatrical victory in the nearby Theater of Dionysus.
Hadrian’s Arch: A monumental gateway built in 131–132 AD, symbolically marking the division between old Athens and the “new city” of Hadrian.
1:00 PM: Lunch at Taverna Saita
📍 37°58'20.7"N 23°43'55.3"E
For lunch, we stopped at Taverna Saita, a cozy spot tucked into the heart of Plaka. We had high hopes, and while the food itself was excellent when it finally arrived, our overall experience was less than ideal. Despite asking several times, we never received the pita bread we ordered, and it took over an hour for our main dishes to be served. From what we could tell, it seemed like a case of poor management and short staffing rather than unfriendly service—the staff we interacted with were kind, and other diners around us seemed to be enjoying themselves.
In short, the flavors here are worth trying, but be prepared that your experience may vary. If you want a more reliable option, we recommend Taverna Plaka, just a short 50-meter walk away, where the food is delicious and the service is wonderful.
Want more food inspiration? Don’t miss our guide to “10 Must-Try Greek Foods in Athens Under €5” blog, perfect for planning a self-guided food tour through the city.
2:45 PM: Stroll Through the National Garden
📍 37°58'26.3"N 23°44'07.6"E
On your way to the Panathenaic Stadium, take a leisurely stroll through the 38-acre National Garden of Athens. Once the private garden of Queen Amalia, this lush green space is now a peaceful public park right in the heart of the city. With shaded pathways, small ponds, and ancient ruins tucked among the trees, and even a mini zoo, it’s a refreshing escape from the busy streets outside. It’s not a long detour, and walking through the gardens is the most scenic and enjoyable way to reach your next stop. Plus, it gives you a chance to slow down and recharge before diving back into sightseeing. And if you’re visiting in the summer, the National Garden provides some much-needed shade during the hottest part of the day.
Pro Tip: Enter the gardens through the West Entrance/Exit (37°58'26.3"N 23°44'07.6"E) and exit through the South Entrance/Exit (37°58'19.0"N 23°44'15.6"E)
3:15 PM: Tour the Panathenaic Stadium
📍 37°58'09.4"N 23°44'25.0"E
After lunch, walk over to the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the most impressive landmarks in Athens. Built entirely of marble, it’s the only stadium of its kind in the world and can seat up to 45,000 spectators. The site’s history stretches back to 330 BC, when a simple racecourse was built here for the Panathenaic Games. It was later rebuilt in marble by the Roman senator Herodes Atticus, and after centuries of abandonment, it was excavated in the 19th century and became the venue for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Since then, the stadium has continued to play an important role (it was used again during the 2004 Summer Olympics), and today it serves as the finishing point of the annual Athens Marathon. It’s also the spot where the Olympic flame is formally handed over to each host nation before the Games begin.
Note: Tickets can be purchased on site for €12 (as of Oct. 1, 2025), and while you’re inside, take the time to walk or jog the track for a runner’s-eye view. It’s hard not to imagine the athletes of ancient and modern times competing in the very same place.
4:30 PM: Sweet Treat at Lukumades
📍 37°58'10.5"N 23°43'52.0"E
No trip to Athens is complete without trying loukoumades, the Greek version of doughnuts. These bite-sized golden puffs have been a favorite in Greece since ancient times, traditionally served drizzled with honey and sprinkled with cinnamon or sesame. At Lukumades, you can stick with the classic version or try one of their creative modern twists. Favorites include the Praline (hazelnut cream with crushed biscuit), Bueno (white praline with wafer), and Ice Cream Loukoumades, where the warm doughnuts are paired with scoops of ice cream.
Pro Tip: If it’s your first time, we recommend trying them the traditional way. Or better yet, order both a classic and a modern twist to get the best of both worlds!
6:00 PM: Watch the Changing of the Guard
📍 37°58'31.3"N 23°44'10.4"E
Head over to the Hellenic Parliament building, just across the street from Syntagma Square, where every hour on the hour you can watch the ceremonial Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The guards, known as Evzones, wear traditional uniforms that include pleated skirts, white stockings, and shoes with pom-poms, a striking sight that’s deeply rooted in Greek history.
The ceremony is precise and almost hypnotic, with synchronized movements performed in slow motion. It doesn’t take long, but it’s one of those uniquely Greek experiences that’s worth catching at least once.
Pro Tip: If you happen to be in Athens on a Sunday, the 11:00 AM ceremony is the most elaborate, complete with a full band. But no matter when you go, it’s always a memorable spectacle.
6:20 PM: Scenic Walk Up Mount Lycabettus
📍 37°58'46.6"N 23°44'34.2"E
Instead of rushing straight to the top, make the journey part of the experience by walking up Mount Lycabettus. The winding paths take you through quiet neighborhoods and tree-lined trails, with views of Athens gradually unfolding as you climb higher. There are alternatives if you prefer (like taking the funicular railway or hopping in a taxi/Uber most of the way), but we recommend walking if you’re able. The steady climb is very doable, and the sense of anticipation as the Acropolis and city skyline come into view makes the final reward even sweeter.
Pro Tip: Be sure to pause and turn around at a few points along the way… the views of the city get better and better with every step higher.
6:45 PM: Sunset at Mount Lycabettus
📍 37°58'51.2"N 23°44'35.6"E
At the summit of Mount Lycabettus, you’ll find the small white chapel of the Holy Church of Saint George of Lycabettus, a viewing platform that gets packed with sunset-seekers, and the Sky Bar Café & Restaurant (reservations are highly recommended, though reviews for food and service are mixed). The views from the very top are undeniably stunning, but the crowds can make it feel a little overwhelming.
On our visit, we found a better option: Prasini Tenta, a café perched just below the summit. While the platform above was wall-to-wall with people, this spot was practically empty. Like… suspiciously empty. In spite of our better judgment, we grabbed a table, ordered drinks, and ended up enjoying a relaxed sunset with sweeping views over Athens, which turned out to be one of the highlights of our day! So… If crowds aren’t your thing, skip the summit chaos and head to Prasini Tenta for equally stunning views with the bonus of a cold drink and a seat.
9:00 PM: Dinner with a View
📍 37°58'30.9"N 23°43'55.0"E
To wrap up your day, head to MS Roof Garden, a rooftop bar/restaurant with great views of the Acropolis, a central location, and very affordable prices. It’s a popular spot with a younger crowd, and the atmosphere leans more toward loud music and a party vibe. If that’s your scene, it’s a fun way to end the night—but it wasn’t really our style.
For a more elevated dining experience, we’d recommend Metropolis Roof Garden, where we had dinner on another night during our visit. The food was excellent, the setting felt more refined, and you still get incredible views of the Acropolis lit up after dark.
Pro Tip: No matter where you choose to eat, book a table with a view; the Acropolis at night is one of the most unforgettable sights in Athens.
And that’s how to spend one unforgettable day in Athens! From standing in the shadow of the Parthenon to wandering charming neighborhoods, indulging in sweet loukoumades, and watching the sun set over the city, Athens packs history, culture, and flavor into every corner. We hope this itinerary helps you make the most of your time, whether you’re here on a layover, a cruise stop, or just passing through on your way to the islands.
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