If you’re heading to Greece, you’ll probably spend some time in Athens. This guide will detail how to spend one full day in Athens. From where to stay, what to do, and where to eat, I’ve got you covered.
Arriving to Athens is a great jumping off point to see so many beautiful places in Greece like Mykonos, Zákynthos, and Meteora. Athens itself though is steeped in history and cool things to see.
Good to Know for Greece
Currency: Euro
Capital City: Athens
Primary Languages: Greek, English
Bordering Countries: Albania, North Macedonia, Bulgaria, Turkey
Part of Schengen Zone: Yes
Part of European Union: Yes
Quick Athens History and Significance
Athens has a history spanning over 3,000 years. It was the heart of Ancient Greece, a powerful civilization known for its contributions to philosophy, democracy, art, and science.
During the Classical period, Athens became an intellectual center under leaders like Pericles. It was home to philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, and the birthplace of democracy.
The city’s landmarks, including the Parthenon on the Acropolis, reflect its golden age. Following centuries of Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman rule, Athens became the capital of modern Greece in 1834. Its significance lies in its legacy as the cradle of Western civilization.
Today, Athens remains a bustling city, blending its rich historical heritage with modern culture, making it a destination for tourism, arts, and education in the Mediterranean region.
What to Do in Athens in One Day
One day in Athens will give you enough time to see the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, and take in some of the city. This one day tour of Athens is organized to help maximize your limited time in one of Europe’s gems of a city.
Start your day with a short morning climb up Areopagus Hill to see the Acropolis from across the way. If you’re traveling Greece in the summer, head to Areopagus Hill at sunrise to beat the heat and the crowds. If you’re visiting Athens in the winter, the organization of outdoor activities in the itinerary is more flexible.
I recommend decent sneakers, as the rocks are a bit slippery but full hiking gear is unnecessary. Bringing a bottle of water is a good idea too. Once you get to the top, you can take in 360-degree views around the city.
After Areopagus Hill, head for brunch and a treat nearby at Lukumades for donuts and coffee or a fuller meal at Six D.o.g.s. Lukumades is better for quick service and a small bite, while you can hang out in a pretty courtyard space at Six D.o.g.s. Both are within walking distance of Areopagus Hill.
After breakfast or brunch, you’ll walk around the neighborhood to see the central Monastiraki Square, neighboring Hadrian’s Library, weird Little Kook alley, and the Varvakios Central Municipal Market.
After exploring the neighborhood, head for lunch at Ama Lachei. This Athens restaurant has a great outdoor terrace and greenery. Plus, the food was my favorite of all the places I tried.
If you’re still feeling good and have time, head to National Archaeological Museum nearby Ama Lachei.
If you’d like to eat closer to the Acropolis, head to Kati Allo. This small spot is a low key, mom and pop vibe where you can order from large pans of food based on what looks good and what’s available. From beef stew to stuffed peppers, vegetarians and meat eaters will really like this conveniently located restaurant. It was one of my favorites! It is also great on a budget.
As you approach the late afternoon, catch an Uber to the Acropolis Museum. As of summer 2024, the Acropolis Museum costs 15 euro per person and includes admission to the Acropolis. Here you can see old artifacts and learn more about the site. It is modern and well air conditioned.
Use your Acropolis Ticket to enter around 6 pm to catch the sunset soon after (August 2024). At the Acropolis you’ll see the Parthenon and Nike Temple. Be prepared for crowds. Sunset can be a busy time around the Parthenon. It is also quite windy at the top, just in case you’re planning on wearing a skirt or keeping your hair down. There’s also a decent climb and walking on uneven surfaces at the Acropolis. Again, a solid pair of sneakers would be the best choice.
In the evening, head to Tavern Klimataria for live music and communal seating at dinner. This a great way to round out your day in Athens. If you only have one night in Athens, a dinner with a live show is a great way to spend it.
The best one day Athens itinerary will help you see important historical and cultural sites, eat at the best little hidden gems, and organize the day efficiently (both for time and money). This itinerary does just that.
Where to Stay in Athens
This one day Athens itinerary covers not only what to do, but where to stay as well. Here I’ve selected a place for each type of budget, including the hotel I personally stayed at and recommend for a mid-range hotel.
First, I have a few Athens tips about which neighborhoods to stay in. One of the best visitor neighborhoods is Plaka, aka “Neighborhood of the Gods.” Plaka is located just below the Acropolis. It’s full of narrow streets, neoclassical buildings, shops, cafes, and tavernas. It’s touristy but picturesque and close to many attractions.
Edgy and anarchist, Exarchia is a cool neighborhood with lots of street art and small restaurants. It’s a politically active, unique, and creative place to explore. This is where I stayed. There were tons of cool graffiti and little cafes.
Another great neighborhood option is Monastiraki. Home to the famous Monastiraki Flea Market, this area is packed with restaurants, cafes, and shops. It’s within walking distance of major sites like the Acropolis, Hadrian’s Library, and the Ancient Agora. It is close to a lot of the bustling night life.
Athens Budget Lodging
City Circus Hostel – This boutique hostel is known for its quirky design, rooftop terrace with Acropolis views, and a variety of events like bar crawls and movie nights. It’s ideal for solo travelers and those looking for a vibrant, social atmosphere. Located near the lively Monastiraki area, it offers both dorms and private rooms with modern amenities like A/C and comfy beds.
Athens Mid-Range Lodging
Pame Paradiso – This is a highly rated boutique hotel located in the vibrant Exarchia neighborhood of Athens. The hotel is praised for its stylish, modern decor. Many of the rooms feature balconies. The location is convenient, within walking distance of popular attractions like the National Archaeological Museum and Omonia Metro Station, making it ideal for sightseeing. This is where I stayed and had a restful experience. It had hot water, dark curtains for sleeping, and a clean space. It also has a little rooftop patio for a cool view of the neighborhood.
Athens Luxury Lodging
St. George Lycabettus Lifestyle Hotel – This upscale hotel offers amazing panoramic views of the Acropolis and the city. It has over 3,300 reviews and is located in the posh Kolonaki district. Visitors praise its rooftop restaurant, luxurious facilities, and proximity to high-end shopping.
Where to Eat in Athens
When visiting Greece, there are three iconic foods you should try. Moussaka is a rich and comforting dish, featuring layers of eggplant, minced meat, and potatoes, topped with a creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden.
Souvlaki is another must-try, consisting of skewered and grilled meat, typically pork or chicken, served with pita bread, tzatziki, and vegetables. For a lighter option, spanakopita is a popular savory pie made from flaky phyllo dough, filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs, offering a delicious mix of crispy and creamy textures. I’m also a huge fan of just a classic greek salad, which I ordered pretty much everywhere I ate.
Here’s a quick list of spots in Athens and why they’re special:
- Lukumades (little donut holes with sauces and ice cream. quick service)
- Tavern Klimataria (live music and big long tables)
- Feyrouz (Middle Eastern, desserts, vegetarian friendly, quick service)
- Kati Allo (low key, mom and pop vibe, yummy family style dinning)
- Ama Lachei (outdoor terrace, greenery, my favorite!)
- Six D.o.g.s (cocktails, outdoor space)
How to Get Around in Athens
Getting around Athens is convenient with its public transport system. The metro is the fastest and easiest way to navigate the city, with three lines connecting major areas and tourist spots. Buses and trolleys cover extensive routes, while trams run along the coastal areas.
There are many taxis and they are relatively affordable. For a more scenic, simple, and cheap option, walking is ideal in the historic center, where many attractions are within close proximity. Additionally, renting a bike or using ride-sharing apps can be useful for short distances.
How to Get to Athens
To get to Athens, Greece, the most common option is by air. Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) serves numerous international and domestic flights. It’s located around 22 miles (35 km) from the city center. From the airport, you can easily reach central Athens via the Metro (Line 3), bus (X95 to Syntagma Square), taxi, or a pre-booked private transfer.
Another option is to travel by train. Although Greece isn’t as well-connected to other European countries by train as some other destinations, routes exist through Bulgaria and Serbia. Domestic trains, especially from Thessaloniki, are a more common way to reach Athens, with the main train station being Larissis Station.
Ferries are a popular mode of transport if you’re coming from Italian ports like Venice or Bari, or from the Greek islands such as Crete, Mykonos, and Santorini. Ferries typically arrive at Piraeus, Athens’ main port, from where you can continue to the city center by metro or bus.
For those traveling by car or bus, driving from neighboring countries such as Albania, North Macedonia, or Bulgaria is feasible via highways like the Egnatia Odos. Domestic buses (KTEL) also provide regular connections to Athens from cities across Greece.
Wondering if your phone will work?
Nowadays, most travelers have smart phones with either a physical or electronic sim card. Your local carrier (ie: AT&T, Verizon, etc.) may offer you an international plan or daily rates of $5-10 for using data overseas. This can add up very quickly and become shockingly expensive depending on the length of your trip. You may even be visiting a place that your domestic carrier does not cover.
To resolve this, it is usually cheaper to change your sim card. If you have an unlocked phone, you can typically switch out your sim card for better rates.
For years I switched out physical sims from my iPhone. I usually had to find a local carrier (ie Movistar, Vodaphone, Orange, etc.) in whatever place I was traveling and spend sometimes an hour in the shop setting up my new plan.
Finally, eSims have changed the game. I now can purchase an eSim from the comfort of home and have it set up for immediate use upon arrival to a new country for a fraction of what AT&T would charge me. There are several companies out there that offer eSims for travel, but the one with the greatest variety of plans, multi-country coverage, and wide regional options is Airalo.
Short Visit in Athens Map
Here’s the Athens map I personally used and created to plan my trip in summer 2024. If you’re wondering what to do in Athens in one day, this map will help you plan and stay organized.
Is one day in Athens enough?
Yes and no. A 2 day Athens itinerary is probably better. A day in Athens gives you enough time to see the bare minimum essentials like the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum, but it doesn’t give you much quality time to really explore all the neighborhoods. When I visited I only had 1 day in Athens and I found it to be great, but left me eager to go back some time to see, eat, and explore more.
Hopefully this 1 day Athens guide will help you make the most of your short visit to this great city in Greece.
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