The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Athens Greece

Headed to Greece for the first time?

Welcome to the ultimate guide to exploring Athens, Greece! You’re going to explore all of Athens in 1 day and you want to know what to do, how to get around and where to eat! This vibrant city offers a variety of experiences and attractions that are sure to delight. From ancient ruins and monuments to exciting nightlife and traditional cuisine, there’s something here to keep everyone entertained. We’ve put together this guide to ensure that you make the most out of your visit, with all the tips and tricks you need for a memorable trip.

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So grab your bag and join us for a journey through the best of Athens! I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Athens 3 times in the last 2 years so I’m sharing all the information you need in this guide!

Athens is a city with a rich history and culture that spans thousands of years. While it would be ideal to spend more than a day exploring all that the city has to offer, for many travelers, time is limited. If you find yourself with only one day in Athens, don’t worry, it is still possible to see the highlights and make the most of your time with a well-planned itinerary.

Hotels in Athens

I’ve stayed at several different hotels in Athens and my FAVORITE by far is The Athens Gate Hotel. The service, staff, location, view from the rooftop, and breakfast all make it superior to anywhere else I’ve stayed. Its very close to the Parthenon, several really good restaurants, Plaka, and even the metro if you are taking it to or from the airport!

24 Hours in Athens

The Acropolis and Parthenon are the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Athens. No visit to the city is complete without a visit to the Acropolis, an ancient citadel that sits high above the city. The Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, is the most famous structure on the Acropolis. The Acropolis is open from 8 am to 7 pm during the summer months and until 5 pm during the winter months. I would highly recommend starting here when you visit.

Be sure to your combined ticket ahead of time online for the slopes and all the different sites because next you’re headed to the Ancient Agora, a public square in the heart of Athens that was the center of political, commercial, and social activity in ancient times.

When you need a break from all the history and culture, take a stroll through the Plaka neighborhood. This charming neighborhood is known for its traditional Greek architecture, shops, and taverns. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and experience local life.

Food in Greece

Finally, no trip to Athens would be complete without trying some traditional Greek food. The city is famous for its delicious seafood, souvlaki, and moussaka. Make sure to leave enough time to enjoy a meal at a local taverna.

Zorbas in Plaka has excellent food and their staff is very kind. I also love the gyros from Tylixto.  Solo Gelato is one of my favorite Gelato stops in Athens, theyve won awards before! The restaurants on the plaka stairs are fun and several have rooftops you can see sunset from too.

You  can expect to find a wide variety of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and delicious vegetables. One of the most popular dishes in Athens is souvlaki, which is a type of Greek kebab made with marinated meat (usually pork, chicken or beef) and served in a pita bread with tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce. Another must-try dish is moussaka, a traditional Greek casserole made with layers of eggplant, ground meat, and a creamy béchamel sauce. The Greek salad (Horiatiki) is also a staple and a must-try, made with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta cheese, and dressed with olive oil and oregano. Additionally, Athens is known for its delicious seafood and visitors can find a wide variety of fish and shellfish dishes at the city’s many tavernas and seafood restaurants.

Shopping in Athens

Shopping in Athens is a must – you’re going to find the best prices on all the things when you’re here vs on the islands. I always recommend people shopping in Athens over shopping on Mykonos or Santorini.

Some of my other favorite places to visit when I’m in Athens include Little Kook – even if you’re not in a dessert mood, just walking through there is a fun time! Brettos is a fun bar that you’ve also probably seen all over social media. And if you’re into souvenirs – you can get leather sandals made by a local in Athens too!

Athens can sometimes be overwhelming for first-time visitors, but with a well-planned itinerary, it’s possible to see the highlights and make the most of your time in the city. We recommend visiting the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and National Archaeological Museum in the morning, and then taking the afternoon to explore the Plaka and try some traditional Greek food.

Keep in mind that Athens can be hot during the summer months, so make sure to stay hydrated and wear comfortable shoes. The city is also quite hilly, so be prepared for a lot of walking. I always wear my croc sandals when I go – YES I walk 20k steps in these shoes and I absolutely love them.

Athens is a city that has so much to offer, and even if you have just one day to spend there, you can still experience its history, culture, and local life. With a well-planned itinerary, you can make the most of your time and create unforgettable memories. After your very well planned day in Athens, fly or ferry to the islands – be sure to check out Milos & Ios. They are two of my favorites!

You should also check out my Top Travel Tips for Greece – Things you want to know before you go!