One-Day Itinerary in Athens: Best Things to Do in 24 Hours

Heading to the Acropolis of Athens? Let me guide you through the two main entrances—what to expect, which one is better, how to avoid the crowds, and how to get your tickets.

Plus, we’ll walk past the impressive Acropolis Museum!

One-Day Itinerary in Athens, Greece | Breakdown

If you’re trying to make the most of just one day in Athens, this itinerary will help you hit all the must-see spots without feeling rushed.

8:00 am – Start at the Acropolis Hill (One-Day Itinerary in Athens Start Point)

Kick off your Athens day right at the top — literally. Get to the Acropolis Hill as soon as it opens to beat the crowds and the heat.

On the way up, you’ll pass the Theater of Dionysus, where Greek drama was born, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a Roman-era theatre that still hosts concerts today.

Walk through the Propylaea gates, and to your right, check out the Temple of Athena Nike, a small but striking tribute to victory.

At the top, the Parthenon steals the show, but don’t skip the Erechtheion with its famous Porch of the Caryatids.

Take a minute to admire the 360° views — Lycabettus Hill, the Aegean Sea, and Athens sprawled out in every direction.

If you’re with friends or family, think about booking a local guide; they’ll turn what you’re seeing into living history with stories and details you’d never catch on your own.

You can buy tickets directly from the official Acropolis website for €30 per person.
Just keep in mind: tickets bought this way are non-refundable, and you can’t change the date.

If your plans might shift, it’s worth booking through platforms like GetYourGuide or Viator, which allow date changes or cancellations.

10:00 am – Acropolis Museum or Plaka (One-Day Athens Itinerary Option)

After visiting the Acropolis, you’ve got two great ways to spend the next couple of hours.

You can either head to the Acropolis Museum (just a short walk away) to learn more about what you just saw, or take a slower stroll through Plaka, one of the prettiest and oldest parts of Athens.

The museum is modern and packed with incredible finds from the Acropolis, but if you’re more in the mood for a walk, Plaka is full of cute little streets, colorful houses, and quiet corners.

Make sure to check out Anafiotika — it feels like a mini island hidden in the city. Anafiotika is made up of narrow, winding alleys, whitewashed houses, colorful doors, and flower-filled courtyards.

It was originally built in the 19th century by workers from the island of Anafi, who came to Athens to help with construction projects. It’s the perfect spot for photos and a quiet stroll.

As you wander around, you’ll also come across the Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library. Just a short walk from Plaka and Monastiraki, the Roman Agora is one of those sites that often gets overlooked—but it’s absolutely worth a visit.

Built during the Roman period in the 1st century BC, it was once a bustling marketplace and public space. Its most prominent monuments are the Tower of Wind and the Fathiye mosque.

Just a short walk from Monastiraki Square, you will find Hadrian’s Library. Built by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD, it used to be a huge library and cultural center.

Today, you can still see the impressive columns and ruins that give you a feel for how grand it must’ve been.

1:00 pm – Monastiraki & Ancient Agora (One-Day Itinerary in Athens)

By now, you’ll be ready for a break (and probably hungry!).

Head over to Monastiraki, a vibrant part of town with street food, shops, and historical gems.

Grab a delicious souvlaki or gyro to go — places like Savvas or O Thanasis are local favorites (Mitropoleos str).

While munching, stroll through the flea market for souvenirs or just some fun people-watching. But make sure to mind your belongings; it’s busy, and pickpockets love a distracted tourist.

You can easily fit a visit to the Ancient Agora into this one-day itinerary in Athens. The Ancient Agora of Athens was the heart of public life in ancient times. It served as a marketplace, political center, and gathering space.

Take your time exploring the site and pop into the museum housed in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos.

Coffee Tip for Monastiraki

In Monastiraki, the 360 Roof Cafe and Hotel is a great spot to relax with a drink and enjoy stunning Acropolis views. Go around sunset for the best vibe—whether you’re grabbing a coffee or a cocktail, you’ll love the view.

As this is a very popular place, I recommend booking a table in advance.

3:00 – 6:00 pm – Shopping & Syntagma Square

Ready for some modern-day Athens? Walk up pedestrianized Ermou Street, the city’s main shopping avenue. You’ll find both international brands and local boutiques. It’s a great way to see the mix of old and new in Athens.

Keep walking until you reach Syntagma Square, where the Hellenic Parliament building stands.

Try to be there just before the hour to catch the Changing of the Guards ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It happens every hour, and the traditional uniforms are pretty fascinating to see up close.

The full-dress ceremony takes place every Sunday at 11:00 am.

Coffee Tip for Syntagma

The National Garden in Athens is a peaceful oasis right behind the Greek Parliament building in Syntagma Square.

It covers about 15.5 hectares, or roughly 38 acres, and it’s full of small ponds, animals, shady paths, and even some ancient Roman ruins (entrance for the ruins from Vasilissis Sofias Avenue).

If you’re looking for a quieter spot to relax in the city, it’s definitely worth a visit.

One of the nicest little spots in the National Garden is the cozy café inside, which you can get to from Rigillis Street. It’s a laid-back place where you can grab a coffee or a bite to eat, all while sitting under the trees and enjoying the quiet.

Hard to believe you’re just minutes away from the busy streets and the Parliament building!

7:00 – 9:00 pm – Dinner with a View

You’ve earned a relaxing dinner with a killer view. Luckily, Athens has no shortage of rooftop restaurants that serve up both amazing food and unbeatable Acropolis views. Here are the best central ones:

• Couleur Locale, Normanou 3, Monastiraki
• A for Athens (hotel), Miaouli 2, Monastiraki
• City Zen, Aiolou 11, Monastiraki
• Thea Terrace Bar, Apollonos 21, Plaka
• Acropolis Museum Cafe, Areopagitou 15, Makrygianni
• Strofi Restaurant, Rovertou Galli 25, Acropolis
• Olympias, The Rooftop Bar, Omonia
• Zillers Hotel, Mitropoleos 54, Syntagma

Whatever you pick, seeing the Parthenon lit up against the night sky while sipping on local wine or ouzo is the perfect way to wrap up your Athens adventure. You must book your table in advance in any of those terraces.

Bonus Tips for your 1-Day Itinerary in Athens

• Stay hydrated! Especially in the summer, it gets HOT.
• Bring some cash. All places accept cards, but it’s always good to have some euros on hand for tips (although tipping is not mandatory in Greece).
• If you’re not up for walking all day, grab a 24-hour metro ticket. It covers buses and trams, too.
• Wear flat, comfortable, anti-slippery shoes!

FAQs for the One-Day Itinerary in Athens

Best Hotels in the Athens Center

Syntagma Square

If you prefer panoramic views of the Syntagma Square, then the classical Grande Bretagne or Likno Athens with top-notch design, or stunning Gatsby Athens, are all fantastic choices.

Monastiraki

In Monastiraki, you can choose between the outstanding Ergon House and the gorgeous Dolli at the Acropolis (check out their Acropolis views!).

Plaka

In Plaka, you are also spoiled for choice: Choose between Electra Palace Athens (with a stunning rooftop swimming pool)and Sweet Home Hotel (lovely decoration).

Final Thoughts

Athens is a city where ancient history meets a buzzing modern culture. One day isn’t enough to see it all, but with this itinerary, you’ll get a great taste of what makes this place so special. And who knows? It might just tempt you to come back for more.

Kalo taxidi (have a great trip)! And if you’ve followed this itinerary, let me know how it went in the comments — I’d love to hear your experience!

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