One-Day Athens, Greece Itinerary
I’d suggest no more than two-days in Athens, but you can hit the highlights in one before you jet off on your island vacation, or head to the mountains of Delphi.
Acropolis
Obviously. You knew you had to visit the Acropolis before you even got to this page.
My advice: go as early as possible.
If you can, buy tickets in advance and for as early in the day as possible. Naturally, this is the thing to see in Athens (and perhaps all of Greece) so it is going to be crowded.
If you’re visiting in the summer, it gets extremely, extremely hot on the Acropolis. Visit early to beat out the hot Apollo rays.
Acropolis Museum
In 2009 the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum opened its doors for Greeks and for the world.
The museum was built to house every artifact discovered on the Acropolis and the surrounding area. The museum contains items from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.
In the above photo, you will see the Elgin Marbles. Notably, one is missing. Greek opinion is that the British Museum stole valuable elements of the Acropolis, and is frequently in a heated discussion with Britain for their return. You can learn more about the controversy here.
Do not skip this museum. If you only have time for one in Athens – this is the heart and soul.
Breakfast or Lunch at Kipos Tou Mousiou
By now, you’re probably starving. Head to the National Archaeological Museum and enjoy brunch on campus at Kipos Tou Mousiou. A delightful museum view with a European diner-esque feel. Need a break from moussaka and gyros? The cafe offers traditional American food (think eggs and bacon) alongside Grecian classics like a frappé.
National Archaeological Museum
Located in the city-center the National Archaeological Museum is considered one of the greatest museums in the world.
All too often we think of Greece only as gods, temples, and Olympics. While Greece is certainly all of these things, the history of Greece encompasses so much more of our shared human history.
This museum is home to artifacts from pre-historic times through late antiquity, encompassing the entire country of Greece.
Plaka District
Plaka is easily the most delightful part of Athens. When I first went to Greece, during the heat of the economic crisis, it was the only part of Athens that seemed…well…normal. Since then, the rest of the city has vastly improved on its journey to recovery – but Plaka remains special.
Easily accessible by the subway (Did I mention the subway has ancient ruins in many of the stations?) The Plaka District is lively, beautiful, and a taste of Old Greece. One of my favorite things about this area is the local bizarre. You can find everything from tourist trinckets to antiques and real thrifty finds. I always love a day of shopping in Greece’s Times Square.
The area also offers great views of other ruins, and plenty of traditional restaurants and cafes to dine in.
360 Bar
While in Plaka District, be sure to visit one of the many rooftop bars in the area such as 360 bar. Not only are the drinks good, but the views, like the one above, are incomparable. 360 is also a great place for a nightcap to view the illuminated Acropolis.
Flisvos Marina
Flisvos Marina is a luxurious waterfront that houses celebrity yachts and exquisite dining.
On the historical side, you can visit the Averof Museum – Floating Naval Museum in Athens. This museum quite literally inside a former warship and is hosted by the Greek Navy.
Photo Credit: Heritage Greece 2019
Row a Greek Trieme at Flisvos Marina
This experience doesn’t run often – but if you’re lucky to be around when it does – sign-up for a traditional Greek warship, or triremes, rowing experience.
This was quite literally one of the most difficult physical experiences of my life, especially with the Navy yelling at me in Greek to row, but I am glad I did it. It gave me a much greater appreciation of ye old warriors that is for certain.
Dinner in the Sky
End your night with a luxurious 6-course dinner suspended 40 meters in the air. You’ll enjoy incredible Greek cuisine as the sunsets of the acropolis. Read more about the Dinner in the Sky experience here.
