It would have been ideal if you had more than a day to explore Athens, but one day is enough to get a glimpse of its immense beauty!
So.. Let's find out how to spend a day in Athens, as full of exploration as possible!
First of all, you can't do anything without having breakfast!
As you probably know, we, Greeks, love food and as a result you will find many great food places everywhere. The most famous coffee places are located in the following streets: Mitropoleos, Kolokotronis, Romvis and Aghias Irinis Square.
After you feel ready and since you are in Monastiraki, you can go for a walk at Monastiraki's Flee Market. The Flee Market of Monastiraki is famous about its thrift shops and the many locals that attracts.
Later, you will head to Syntagma Square, where you will find the Greek Parliament. In order to reach Syntagma, you will have to pass through the popular Ermou street, the most notable commercial street of Greece!
In Syntagma Square, you will marvel at the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of Unknown Soldier. Of course, it is not an actual tomb, but it is a monument dedicated to all those soldiers who died during the wars and weren't recognized. In front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier there are the Presidential Guards, the famous Tsoliades/Evzones.
Next, you will turn right in Vasilissis Amalias Avenue to reach the National Garden, the small green heaven in the center of Athens!
To be more specific, the National Garden is a park in the center of the city, rich in flora and fauna and it's totally worth visiting and exploring, since it is open for the public.
At the south exit of the National Garden, you can see Zappeion. Zappeio Mansion is an enormous building, which is used as a hall both for public and private events. You can marvel at its architecture, that resembles the Ancient Greek architecture as well as wander around that beautiful area.
After you finish your walk, you will head towards the magical district of Plaka! It will be a great idea to grab something to eat/drink while walking, because you don't have a lot of time and you have many more to explore!
Plaka is maybe the oldest neighborhood of Europe! It is truly a unique area, that will thrill you for sure. Also, it is a touristy area and that's why you will see many tourist shops and of course you can buy your souvenirs from there.
Later, you will head to Anafiotika, the beloved area of Athens for most people. Anafiotika was built by workers from Anafi island and as a result the whole area looks like a greek island! You will indeed feel more like walking in the alleys of a greek island, than in a busy city. We recommend you climbing to the top of Anafiotika, in order to marvel at the view of Athens from up high.
Of course, Anafiotika won't be the only high point that you will visit... That's because you will go to the area Acropolis is located, where you can either go inside Acropolis or climb to the second highest point of the center and marvel at the beautiful sight both of Acropolis and the whole city. More specifically, if you prefer the beauty of the city instead of its history, you can visit Areopagus and Philopappos Hill, instead of visiting the crowded Acropolis.
Firstly, Areopagus is a rock that Ancient Greeks used as their court. Now it is a beloved place for locals, who sit on the rocks enjoying their coffee or beer with the view of Athens as well as Acropolis.
However, the view that Philopappos Hill offers is better than the one of Areopagus. Philopappos Hill is located really close to Areopagus (approximately 5 minutes) and as we mentioned before, it is the second highest point of the center of Athens. Climbing Philopappos Hill, you will see the view of Acropolis at first, almost at the same height of it and if you reach the top of the hill, you will marvel at the captivating view of Athenian riviera and Piraeus!
For those who prefer the historic part of Athens, we would suggest you to visit only Areopagus, that offers a marvelous view of the Covered Walkway of Attalus as well as Ancient Agora and later you can visit the Museum of Acropolis. Acropolis Museum is the most modern museum and it is considered as the most breath-taking one in Greece. That's because, it opened in 2009 and it has a great variety of items! Moreover, in Acropolis Museum there is a coffee-restaurant, where you can enjoy a coffee, while looking at Acropolis.
After all this tiring but interesting experience, it is time for a coffee or a meal. To be more specific, you can head to Thissio or Monastiraki, which are 10 minutes away from Philopappos Hill. These two (close) areas are beloved both by locals and tourists, since they are full of extraordinary places, thematic cafes and restaurants with delicious dishes!
After your break, you can go for a relaxing walk around Monastiraki or explore a bit more the center of Athens. More specifically, if you are not yet exhausted, you can visit Kolonaki, which is the most cosmic region of the center.
Lastly, we recommend you to end your day with a tasty cocktail in one of Athens' many rooftops, in order to relax while marveling at Acropolis!
Of course, for those who love vivid nightlife, Athens is the go-to location for you! To be more specific, Athens is well-known for its busy clubs and its fantastic nightlife. We suggest you to head to Keramikos, where the most famous clubs of Athens are located!
We hope that we helped you with your one day or layover in Athens and that you will have the time of your life in this beautiful city.
If you plan on staying longer, you can read here the ideal 3-day itinerary that we suggest!
Also, check out the Athenian sights without entrance fee here!
Watch our 1-minute video with the best sights of Athens' center here
Keep traveling! 😉
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