1 Day in Athens Itinerary: A Definitive Travel Guide

Find your perfect way to spend 1 day in Athens with this Athens itinerary.

Updated: Alternative 24 hour itinerary, where to stay, current restaurants, pictures

Touching down in Athens with only a day—or just a few precious hours—before catching a ferry to the Greek Islands? Maybe you’re squeezing in a city stopover or killing time between flights? Whatever the reason, this one day Athens itinerary is designed to help you make the absolute most of your short stay.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the essential sights, experiences, and local tips you’ll need to navigate Athens efficiently and smoothly—no stress, no wasted time, just the good stuff —fresh from my third trip to the city.

Truth be told, Athens is a vibrant, culture-packed city that really deserves more than just a day. If your schedule allows, I can’t recommend staying two or three days highly enough—you’ll barely scratch the surface otherwise. But if a whirlwind tour is all you can swing, this Athens 1 day itinerary will help you soak up the best of it.

*This ‘one day in Athens itinerary’ post contains affiliate links meaning I might make a small profit if you choose to book at no extra cost to you.

Best time to go: All year-round. Winter months are cooler and wetter, and summer months are dry and hot and also the busiest. Currency: Euro. ATMs and banks located around Monastiraki Square and throughout the centre, credit cards are accepted in most places.

How to Get to Athens, Greece

There are three main ways to travel between the airport and city centre or Piraeus port; taxi, metro or bus. 

Taxi – the easiest and most convenient way to travel, taxis can be found just outside the airport terminal building. A taxi from the airport to Piraeus port takes about 1 hour (no traffic) and costs €50.

Allow for longer during rush hour. Taxis and ride-sharing are cheaper and shorter to the city centre. Taxi drivers speak enough English to communicate the basics. 

Metro – the Athens metro links the airport, city centre, and the port. It takes about 30 minutes on Line 1 to get from the city centre to Piraeus and vice versa.

Trains are more irregular from the airport to the city centre and can take longer than one hour to get from the airport to Piraeus. When going to the airport from the city centre allow for longer.

It’s fairly easy to get to Doukissis Plakentias (the last stop on line 3) but from here you’ll most probably have to get off and wait for another train that completes the rest of the line to the airport. When I travelled it was a Sunday and I had to wait 25 minutes at this station for an airport train. 

If you don’t have much time to spend on public transport, and you don’t with just 1 day in Athens, so I would recommend taking a taxi.

Bus – Lines x93, x95, x96, x97 connect the airport to the city centre. Line x96 goes from the airport to Piraeus. Buses depart about every 30 minutes and the journey takes 90 minutes depending on traffic. Click here for more information on timetables and routes.

Ferry – If you’re travelling into or from the Greek Islands, chances are you’ll arrive in Athens on a ferry. All ferries dock at Pireus port from which you can continue to the city center or the airport by public transport or taxi.

Use Ferryscanner to get the best deals on ferries to and from Athens or the Greek Islands.

Where to Leave your Luggage in Athens

I had exactly 12 hours in Athens after arriving in Piraeus before I needed to head to the airport, and I needed somewhere to leave my luggage. I found that leaving it in the centre of town worked for me because it was the middle point between the port and the airport.

There are quite a few places in the centre of the city where you can leave your luggage however I found the following to be the best. (Athens airport arrivals hall also has a left luggage facility if it’s more convenient for you to leave yours there).

Athens Left Luagge – Located at 3A Veikou Street, very close to Acropoli metro station this facility offers large lockers, a help desk and is open 24 hours a day. There’s also a Luggage Drop at 30 Veikou, just down the street.

Athens Lockers – this company have two different locations. One in Monastiraki Sq which offers lockers of all sizes and one in Syntagma Sq which is more of a left luggage facility. Apart from luggage storage, both sites offer laundry service and a boarding pass printing service.

Only the Syntagma Square facility is open 24 hours a day. 

What to Do with 1 Day in Athens

Athens is a city layered in history—home to some of the world’s most awe-inspiring ancient ruins, iconic monuments, and vibrant neighborhoods where the past and present collide in the best way possible. The good news? You can actually cover a lot of it in just one well-planned day.

The first part of this itinerary is designed with first-timers in mind—perfect for those who want to hit all the must-see ancient sites and get a feel for the heart of the city.

If you’ve already checked the big names like the Acropolis off your list, keep scrolling. I’ve put together an alternative 24-hour plan too: the way I would personally spend my time when coming back to Athens—more neighborhood hopping, hidden gems, and living like a local.

Visit the Acropolis

The unmissable symbol of ancient Athens and one of the best things to see in the city. The Acropolis is a hill in the centre of Athens on which the marvels of the ancient world were built.

On this hill, you can find the Parthenon, one of the world’s finest Doric temples dedicated to the Goddess Athena, the temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the masterpiece of ancient Greece. Erechtheion is another part of the hill on which you can find the Porch of the Caryatids, giant, beautifully carved figures acting as columns. Just below the Acropolis, you’ll also find the Temple of Olympian Zeus.

Apart from the Parthenon, there are about 20 other ruins to explore including many other smaller temples, sanctuaries and ancient theatres.

The queue for tickets for the Acropolis can get very long, especially during the summer high season. Make sure you don’t spend most of your one day in Athens queuing for entry tickets! Pre-book your Acropolis entry ticket and skip the lines.

Visit the Acropolis Museum

Located on the southeastern side of the hill, this large and modern museum houses many remains and artefacts that were once part of the ancient sites on the hill.

Seeing the sculptures and carvings right after seeing the temples gives a wonderful all-round experience of what the temples would have looked like in the ancient world.

The museum also houses pottery and objects from everyday Athenian life throughout all historic periods. It’s an excellently curated museum and is well worth a visit to learn more about the archaeological site and the ancient Greeks.

If you would like to visit another great museum, also try the National Archaeological Museum.

Explore Plaka Neighbourhood

No one day in Athens itinerary would be complete without a walk around Plaka. This historic neighbourhood has some of the cutest alleyways lined with crumbling neo-classical buildings and bougainvillea.

It’s littered with ancient ruins and one of the best ways to see them is to just wander around this neighbourhood and run into them as you go.

Ready for something to eat? Plaka is full of great traditional Greek tavernas and cafes where you can order some mezze, an ice-cold drink and have a much-needed rest. (Scroll down for all my favourite restaurants in Athens.)

Make sure to also seek out the Anafiotika neighborhood within Plaka – a beautiful hillside area with lovely alleys, corners, and dreamy tavernas.

Headed to the Greek Islands after Athens? Read all my Greece guides.

Take some Photos from Areopagus Hill

This small hill just outside the Acropolis grounds on the western side used to be the ancient supreme court. While nothing remains today, this hill is a brilliant photography/ Instagram spot, offering amazing views of the city and the Acropolis temples.

This is one of the best places close to the Acropolis to view the Roman Agora, parts of the National Garden, the Temple of Zeus, Hadrian’s Arch and other historical sites.

Stroll Monastiraki Neighborhood & Flea Market

Monastiraki square is full of ancient church facades and crumbling ruins and is a great place to walk around and explore.

Right next to the square you’ll find the flea market which sells all types of trinkets and souvenirs and it’s a truly authentic experience walking around these small alleyways admiring the classical facades and absorbing the atmosphere.

In the mood for a cocktail with a view? Make a pit stop at 360 Cocktail Bar in Monastiraki for gorgeous views over the square and the Acropolis.

Watch the Sunset from Mount Lycabettus

Another fantastic viewpoint over the whole city. This hill is the highest point in Athens and therefore offers sweeping views of the city. Climb up or take the cable car if you’re feeling tired and enjoy a magical sunset at the top. 

Or Filopappou Hill

Just a short stroll from the Acropolis, Filopappou Hill is one of the best places in Athens to soak up panoramic views without the crowds. The walk to the top is gentle, shaded, and surprisingly peaceful given its central location.

Whether you’re chasing the perfect photo of the Acropolis or simply looking for a quiet spot to catch your breath, this hill is a brilliant detour any time of day—especially around sunset, when the city below glows gold.

Best Athens Tours

If you’d rather skip the planning altogether, booking a guided tour is a fantastic option. A good tour will lead you through the heart of ancient Athens, hitting all the major sights while still leaving you some free time to explore on your own.

It’s hands-down the easiest way to experience the best of Athens in one day, without the stress of organizing it yourself. For my top recommendation for a one-day Athens tour, this Athens full day private tour is the way to go, or check out the options below.

Alternative 24 hours in Athens Itinerary

If you’ve already checked off the major sights and are craving something a little deeper, follow this alternative one day Athens itinerary.

From lesser-known ancient ruins to cutting-edge galleries and the city’s best design boutiques, this is your guide to experiencing your 24 hours in Athens through a more creative, design-focused lens.

Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus

The Ancient Agora was the central public space of ancient Athens, functioning as a marketplace, political hub, and social gathering point. It was here that citizens met to trade goods, discuss philosophy, and participate in democratic life. Today, you can explore the extensive archaeological site, which includes the remains of stoas (covered walkways), altars, statues, and administrative buildings.

At the western edge of the Agora stands the Temple of Hephaestus, built in the 5th century BCE and remarkably well-preserved. Dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and craftsmanship, the temple is an excellent example of Doric architecture and offers insight into the grandeur of ancient Greek religious structures.

Together, the Agora and the Temple provide a clear window into daily life and public culture in classical Athens.

National Garden of Athens

Located right behind the Greek Parliament building, the National Garden of Athens is a peaceful 38-acre green oasis in the heart of the city. Commissioned by Queen Amalia in the 19th century, the gardens were designed to offer a retreat from the bustle of Athens, featuring winding paths, exotic plants, towering palms, ancient ruins, and small ponds.

Today, it’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors looking to escape the heat, take a quiet stroll, or enjoy a moment of calm between sightseeing stops. The garden also connects to Zappeion Hall, another historic site worth visiting while you’re there.

Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium is one of Athens’ most iconic landmarks and the only stadium in the world built entirely from marble. Originally constructed in the 4th century BCE for the Panathenaic Games, it was later restored to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

With its striking horseshoe shape and capacity to hold up to 60,000 spectators, the stadium remains a symbol of both ancient and modern athletic achievement. Today, you can walk on the historic track, sit in the marble stands, and even imagine the roar of crowds from centuries past.

Varvakeios Market

If you really want to get a feel for everyday Athens, head to Varvakeios Market. It’s the city’s main central market where locals shop for everything from fresh fish and meat to olives, cheeses, and piles of seasonal produce.

The atmosphere is busy, loud, and a little chaotic—but that’s part of the charm. It’s a great place to grab picnic supplies, stock up on Greek spices, or just wander and soak up a side of Athens that’s a little rougher around the edges but full of life.

Just be prepared: it’s not polished or touristy, and that’s exactly why it’s worth a stop.

Pop into Ergon House

If you love good food and beautiful spaces, make time for a stop at Ergon House. Part artisanal food market, part sleek deli-restaurant, this stylish spot is packed with Greek produce, fresh seafood, cheeses, charcuterie, and a great selection of wines—perfect for grabbing a snack or picking up edible souvenirs.

Beyond the market, you’ll also find Ergon House Hotel upstairs, a design-forward boutique hotel where you can actually stay among all the foodie action. If you’re into stylish, urban living with serious culinary perks, it’s a great place to base yourself in Athens.

See What’s on at the Gagosian Gallery

For a dose of contemporary art in between ancient ruins, pop into the Gagosian Gallery in Athens. This international powerhouse brings world-class exhibitions to the city, showcasing big-name artists alongside rising stars in a sleek, minimalist space.

Even if you’re just casually into art, it’s worth checking what’s on—you might catch a major show without the usual crowds you’d find in bigger cities.

If that doesn’t appeal, also be sure to check out the National Museum of Contemporary Art Αthens, the building is quite something too.

Go Boutique Shopping

Athens is packed with unique boutiques that make shopping here feel personal and special so make sure you spend a little of your 1 day in Athens shopping. Naxos Apothecary is a must-visit for island-inspired fragrances, skincare, and wellness products, all housed in a beautifully designed space.

For perfume lovers, Phāon is a boutique perfumery offering not only small-batch scents inspired by Greek nature, but also a carefully curated selection of international fragrances from houses like Perfumer H and Ormaie. Beyond perfume, you’ll find soaps, candles, vases, incense, and even fresh flowers—making it as much a design destination as a fragrance one.

Just a short walk away, Mouki Mou brings Maria Lemos’s influential London boutique concept to Athens, tucked under the shadow of the Acropolis in the Plaka neighborhood. Inside, you’ll find a refined selection of womenswear and homeware pieces, all chosen to reflect a slow-fashion philosophy and a love for textured, imperfect beauty.

For accessories, Savapile creates handmade hats blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design, while Olgianna Melissinos Sandals continues a family legacy of crafting some of the city’s best handmade leather sandals—perfect for stepping straight into the Athenian summer.

Where to Eat in Athens

Restaurants

Diporto – A no-frills, old-school Athens institution hidden underground near the Central Market, Diporto serves rustic, traditional dishes in a setting so authentic, there’s not even a sign outside—just locals, barrels of wine, and soul-warming food. I come back here every time I find myself in Athens.

Karamanlidika– Part deli, part taverna, Karamanlidika is the place to savor cured meats, cheeses, and classic meze plates in a lively, retro-style setting that feels like stepping back into old Athens.

Wine is Fine– Tucked away in a chic little corner of the city, Wine is Fine offers a cozy vibe and a smart selection of Greek wines paired with small plates—perfect for a relaxed evening of sipping and nibbling.

Isandsia – Islandsia brings the flavors of the Greek islands to the heart of Athens, serving bright, seafood-driven dishes that transport you straight to a sun-soaked beach, no ferry ticket required.

Akra– Minimalist but deeply soulful, Akra puts a modern, creative spin on Greek flavors, with a small, seasonal menu that feels intimate, thoughtful, and full of unexpected twists.

Taverna ton Filon- A friendly, laid-back taverna tucked in the hills of Filopappou, Taverna ton Filon is beloved for its hearty home-cooked Greek classics and a breezy terrace perfect for lingering lunches.

Souvlaki Kostas – Legendary among locals, Souvlaki Kostas serves up one of the best souvlakis in Athens—simple, juicy, perfectly wrapped—and it’s the kind of place where a line out the door is just part of the charm.

Aster – Cool and contemporary, Aster offers elevated Greek comfort food with a creative edge, in a stylish yet low-key space that feels equally suited for a casual lunch or a special night out.

Nolan– A Greek-Japanese fusion hotspot led by celebrated chef Sotiris Kontizas, Nolan crafts bold, exciting dishes that mash up Mediterranean ingredients with Asian techniques—think soba noodles with smoked eel and Greek-style bao.

Annie- Fine Cooking – At Annie, traditional Greek flavors meet fine-dining finesse; expect beautifully plated, soulful dishes that feel both nostalgic and modern, all served in a warm, intimate space that feels like dining at a friend’s (very chic) home.

Cafes & Bars

A tot – A cozy little hideaway near the Acropolis, A Tot is all about laid-back coffee culture, serving excellent brews and craft cocktails in a rustic-chic space that feels effortlessly cool without trying too hard.

Warehouse Assemblage – Warehouse Assemblage is a sleek, urban café-wine bar hybrid where you can start your morning with specialty coffee and end your evening sipping natural wines and nibbling on creative small plates.

Anäna Coffee & Food – Fantastic spot for coffee, a light lunch, but also browsing magazines, planners etc.

The Clumsies – Consistently ranked among the world’s best bars, The Clumsies is a lively, all-day hangout where inventive cocktails meet warm Athenian hospitality—you’ll find yourself ordering “just one more” whether it’s 5 PM or 2 AM.

Epta Martyres – Perched on a cliff in the Anafiotika neighborhood, Epta Martyres isn’t just a cafe—it’s a view. Sip Greek coffee or a glass of ouzo while gazing out over the sea of white rooftops and deep blue horizon.

The 7 Jokers Cocktail Bar – A tiny but legendary spot tucked behind Syntagma Square, The 7 Jokers is where Athens’ creatives, night owls, and cocktail lovers collide—expect a quirky vibe, strong drinks, and nights that somehow always last longer than planned.

Where to Stay in Athens

For those whose short stay in Athens includes a night, these are some of the best hotels in Athens right now.

Mona – An effortlessly cool boutique stay in the buzzing Psirri district, Mona fuses raw, industrial design with artistic flair, offering loft-style rooms that feel more like creative hideouts than typical hotel suites.
Expect exposed concrete, oversized windows, and a rooftop that’s made for sunset cocktails and sweeping city views.

NOT Hotel – More art installation than traditional accommodation, Not Hotel is a bold, playful space where each room is a unique experience—think surreal interiors, pop art vibes, and a “stay outside the box” attitude.
It’s a true one-of-a-kind stay for travelers who want their hotel to be just as memorable as the city itself.

Shila – Sister property to Mona, set inside a neoclassical mansion in Kolonaki, Shila feels like a dreamy, bohemian escape, blending lush greenery, vintage decor, and a serene rooftop garden perfect for lazy mornings or sunset lounging. With only six suites, the atmosphere is intimate, creative, and dripping with understated Athenian romance.

10AM Lofts – Located in the creative Gazi neighborhood, 10AM Lofts transforms a former industrial warehouse into stylish, minimalist lofts and a stunning penthouse with sweeping Acropolis views, all by creative Eva Papadaki. It’s not for everyone, but it’s perfect for design lovers and those wanting something new. The spaces blend raw materials with vintage touches, offering a unique, artsy base to experience a different side of Athens. Make sure to check out 10AM Apotheke here too.

Monument – Boutique luxury with a side of ancient history, Monument is housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, offering just a handful of elegant, design-forward suites in the heart of Athens’ old town.
Original marble, soaring ceilings, and curated contemporary art blend seamlessly to create a stay that feels timeless yet fresh.

Hotel Grande Bretagne – Old-world luxury at its finest, Hotel Grande Bretagne has been hosting dignitaries and dreamers for over a century, with opulent rooms, a rooftop restaurant facing the Acropolis, and the kind of service that feels truly timeless. Staying here feels like stepping into a gilded chapter of Athens’ history—ideally with a cocktail in hand overlooking the Parthenon.

I hope that you enjoyed this 1 day in Athens itinerary. Any thoughts? Comments? Questions? Pop them in the comments box below and I’ll get back to you!

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