đď¸ 1 day
đ15 station
đ° Average price
đ City exploration
âď¸ Hot season
đŁ Approximately 21.110 step
Have you ever wondered if it is possible to explore Athens in just one day?
We're here to tell you it's possible! Many people fly into Athens and spend only a day or two before boarding a plane or ferry to the Greek Islands, but Athens is a magical city that deserves more time. But since everyone is short on time in today's world, we've put together the perfect one-day itinerary in Athens to help you make the most of your stay.
đ Day 1 - 15 stops
1.Acropolis
To visit the Acropolis, the crown jewel of Athens, it is important to go early in the morning because it will help you escape the crowds and heat! Aim to arrive at the Acropolis by 7:30 am. I recommend booking a hotel that includes breakfast because most people start breakfast around 6:30 or 7 a.m. so you won't have any problems. The Acropolis opens at 8:00am and you need to book timed entry, so you should do that now. Times books up quickly and it's important to get your seat. You can make reservations for the Acropolis and 6 other main archaeological sites. It allows 1-time entry to each location with the same ticket, making it the best way to see Athens in one day. You'll need to plan wisely to get to your entrances on time, but rest assured you'll want to see them all! You can spend approximately 90 minutes on the Acropolis and explore other temples such as the Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike and Herodes Atticus Odeon. The Odeon Theater is still in operation and is definitely worth a visit.
2.Ancient Agora
Book your entrance to the Ancient Agora for 10:00 or 10:30. So you will have time to see the main points of the Acropolis in advance. After about a 15-minute walk, you will descend from the Acropolis and reach the Ancient Agora and the Temple of Hephaestus. You will pass by the Acropolis Museum, but it is important to use your time wisely. If you want to visit the Museum, leave it until later in the day, because it is open until 21.00. The Ancient Agora is the best preserved ancient ruin of the city. It will look more impressive than the Parthenon, especially in the morning light. Try to walk around it and see it from every angle. The Ancient Agora of Athens, founded in the 6th century BC, was initially used as a public gathering place. The word Agora actually means âpublic meeting placeâ. The main attraction here is the impressive Temple of Hephaestus. Intricate details and elegant columns make this temple a must-see, especially if you are interested in Greek architecture.
3.Stoa of Attalos
Definitely don't forget to visit the Stoa of Attalos. This museum is a column-lined building and was restored in 1954. The Stoa of Attalos is cool and shady, so you can take a break and cool off. The Stoa of Attalos, one of the important structures of the ancient period, was used during the Ancient Greece and Roman periods, especially in the Hellenistic period. Stoas built by Attalos, who came from the Kingdom of Pergamum, were covered market areas used for various purposes such as trade, social interaction and religious ceremonies. The Stoa of Attalos was located in the Agora of Athens in the early 2nd century BC and was a center of trade and cultural activities. The stoa, which was a two-storey building, had shops on the lower floor and an open gallery on the upper floor. The upper floor was used for a variety of events, while occasionally serving as the venue for meetings, exhibitions, and other public events. It will be enough to spend approximately 1 hour to 90 minutes to visit the Stoa of Attalos. There is also a nice museum with air conditioning inside, so you can wander around comfortably.
4.Roman Agora
Set your timed entry for 11:30 or 12:00 and the Roman Agora comes with the Ancient Agora ticket. After visiting the Ancient Agora, you will reach the many open-air cafes lined along the street. If it's lunch time, this could be a great option. However, we recommend that you also visit the Roman Agora. Yes, there are two Agoras. The Roman Agora is a short walk from the Ancient Agora and it might be nice to see this area before the midday heat gets too much. You don't need to spend a lot of time, but it's worth seeing. We really liked the Roman Agora because you can wander around the ruins and get up close to the ancient columns and arches. It can be explored in about 30 minutes.
5.Hadrian's Library
Hadrian's Library is right next to the Roman Agora and you have access with your ticket. The columns and walls built in 132 AD are still standing. Although its history is quite impressive, there is not much to see today, so you will only need 15 minutes to visit this place. Moreover, you will be about to set off for lunch at your next stop, Monasteraki Square!
6.MS Roof Garden
By 13:00 in the afternoon, it's time for lunch! If your schedule is clearly defined, I recommend booking in advance because we don't want to stop you at street vendors or sidewalk cafes. You head towards Monastiraki Square, which offers a bird's eye view from the top of the Acropolis. Monastiraki Square is surrounded by rooftop bars and restaurants and I recommend MS Roof Garden. This venue overlooks the square and has a direct view of the Acropolis. Open for brunch from 11:00. There are other rooftop bars around, so if you only have one day in Athens, I recommend spending all your meals at restaurants with views.
7. Monastiraki Square
14:00 in the afternoon... After lunch, join the action and crowd in Monastiraki Square, where street artists entertain, stalls serving authentic Greek food, and wonderful Athens souvenirs. There is also a flea market right next to Monastiraki Square that is worth seeing. Monastiraki is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens and this is where you will start your afternoon walking tour.
8. Ermou Street
Ermou Street is a 1.5 km pedestrian-only street connecting Monastiraki Square and Syntagma Square, two of the largest squares in Athens. This is a pleasant place to people watch and do some shopping. If you need water or snacks, this is a great option to refresh your mid-day walk. There are many shops and restaurants on the street. Also, be sure to visit the Church of Panagia and the Old Byzantine Church, with free entrance. However, taking photos inside is prohibited and they are quite strict about it. Once, when I had my phone in my hand, an old woman guarding the church almost took it away from me..
9. Syntagma Square
Syntagma Square is the main square of Athens where there is always something going on. Usually when you walk into this square you will encounter a protest, event or large gathering. At the top of the square's stairs, the Greek Parliament Buildings are front and center. If you are in the square every hour (I hope you walked here by 15.00), you can see the changing of the guard, which is quite interesting. The changing of the guard takes place every hour, most impressively on Sundays at 11:00.
10. Syntagma Square Subway
Syntagma Square Metro is the city's main metro station, from where you can take the metro to your next destination. However, even if you do not plan to take the subway, you can go inside and see the archaeological exhibition. While building the metro line, important remains such as a 5th-century mosaic floor, an ancient aqueduct, pottery, lamps and even human bones were found. Visiting the museum is free and well worth a visit.
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