Itineraries for Your Trip to Athens
1 Day in Athens for First Timers
With its dazzling—but crowded—ancient ruins, unforgiving summer temperatures, and chaotic traffic, Athens can leave a first-time visitor weary. I learned this the hard way on my first visit, a quick stopover on my way to Mykonos. I had done little planning and found myself caught in long lines to enter the top sights, overwhelmed by the heat and logistics of getting around and frustrated by the late dining hours. On later visits, I realized that the secret to optimizing your time in Athens is carefully plotting your day in advance. With a bit of forethought, you can cover the top attractions plus have plenty of time to enjoy the city’s buzzy neighborhoods and vibrant dining scene. Here’s how to make the most of one day in Athens for a first-timer.
The summer heat in Athens should not be taken lightly—sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water are a must.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a guided tour of the Acropolis treasures.
The top attractions in Athens are spread across the city, and the famously tangled traffic can make visiting them on your own in a single day seemingly almost impossible. This morning, take the stress out of getting around the city by joining a sightseeing tour that includes transportation. Most Athens overview tours include the UNESCO-listed Acropolis sights—including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Odeon, and Acropolis Museum—plus the central highlights such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Ancient Agora, and Parliament Building in Syntagma Square, with its hourly changing of the guard.
After an action-packed morning covering the top sights in Athens, slow down in the afternoon and spend a few hours exploring one of the city’s vibrant historic neighborhoods. Plaka and Monastiraki are crowded with ancient and historic sights slightly off the beaten track, colorful streets lined with local shops and restaurants, and even bustling markets. Join a walking or bike tour to take in the highlights and hidden gems without the hassle of following a map and guidebook, then relax at a sidewalk café for some great people-watching.
Nighttime is the right time to enjoy Athens. The temperatures go down, the locals come out, and the city empties of cruise excursion and day-trip crowds. Join a food tour or bar crawl to dive into the Athenian culinary and nightlife scene in its trendiest neighborhoods after sunset. Discover eateries and bars that most tourists miss with an insider foodie guide, or relax at a traditional taverna to enjoy a classic Greek dinner and bouzouki guitar folk music performance to top off your day.
