What to do in Athens in 1 day: Itinerary with map

Acropolis

The Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the architectural and cultural wonders of the ancient world, located on a limestone hill overlooking the Greek capital. This complex of historic buildings, built mainly in the 5th century BC during the "Golden Age" of Athens, represents the heart of classical civilization and a symbol of Greek democracy and culture. The Acropolis rises approximately 150 meters above the city of Athens and is accessible via a single entrance, the Sacred Way, which leads to the monumental entrance known as the Propylaea.

The main attractions to visit inside the Acropolis are:

• Parthenon: Dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos, it is the largest and best preserved temple on the Acropolis. Built between 447 and 432 BC under the supervision of Pericles, it is an unsurpassed example of Doric architecture and housed a giant statue of Athena by Phidias. Unfortunately, they have been trying to restore its original structure for years, so expect to find scaffolding.
• Erechtheion: Built between 421 and 406 BC, the Erechtheion is famous for the Hall of the Caryatids, six statues of young women that act as columns to support the roof of the structure.
• Propylaea: The Propylaea is the grand monumental entrance to the Acropolis, built between 437 and 432 BC. under the direction of the architect Mnesicles.
• Temple of Athena Nike: A small Ionic temple built between 427 and 424 BC in honor of Athena Nike, the goddess of victory.
• Theater of Dionysus: Located at the base of the Acropolis hill, the theater is considered the birthplace of Greek theater, where the first tragedies and comedies of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides were performed.

Plaka

Plaka is one of the most charming and picturesque areas of Athens and is located at the foot of the Acropolis. Known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods" due to its proximity to ancient monuments, Plaka combines the charm of history with the energy of modern life. Characterized by narrow, winding streets, brightly colored houses, traditional taverns and artisan shops, Plaka is a must-see for anyone visiting the Greek capital.

This is one of the places I appreciated the most in Athens. Walking through this characteristic neighborhood you can breathe in all the Greek culture. A place not to be missed are the Mnisikleous stairs, lined with numerous typical restaurants where, very often, live traditional music is played.

Within the neighborhood you can admire the Roman Agora. Built in the 1st century BC as the commercial and administrative center of the city, the Roman Agora represents a significant example of the Roman influence on Athenian architecture and public life. I would advise against entering the attraction unless you are very interested, as it can be admired very well from the outside.

Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus

Continuing your walk through the neighborhood, you can reach the Ancient Agora. This is an archaeological complex located at the foot of the Acropolis, once the social, political and commercial heart of the city. Located on the western hill of the Agora, the Temple of Hephaestus is one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples in the world. Dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of fire and metallurgy, and Athena Ergane, the goddess of manual arts, the temple reflects the importance of technology and craftsmanship in Athenian society.

Some attractions not to be missed are:

• Stoa of Attalos: A long porticoed gallery with two floors, built in the 2nd century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon. It housed shops and offices on the ground floor and meeting and exhibition rooms on the upper floor. Today restored, it houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora.
• Heliadeion (Altar of the Twelve Gods): Altar dedicated to the twelve gods of Olympus, considered the central point from which distances were measured in ancient Athens.
• Tholos: Circular building that served as the seat of the executive council (prytaneis) of the Athenian government.
• Odeon of Agrippa: Covered theatre built in the 1st century BC by Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa.
• Temple of Apollo Patroos: Ionic temple dedicated to Apollo Patroos, the protector of fathers and families.

Monastiraki Square

Monastiraki Square is one of the liveliest and most distinctive focal points of Athens, famous for its charming atmosphere and the combination of ancient history and modern life. Located in the heart of the city, at the foot of the Acropolis, it is surrounded by historical monuments, Byzantine churches, traditional markets and modern shops, making it an essential crossroads for tourists and Athenians.

Getting lost in the alleys around the neighborhood will be one of the best experiences you will have in Athens. The entire neighborhood is dotted with souvenir and antique shops where you can buy some souvenirs. I recommend visiting Abyssinia Square, full of very spartan antique shops that sell a bit of everything. Also worth visiting is Ifestou Street where there are several souvenir shops, before immersing yourself in Monastiraki Square.

Agia Irini Square and Street Food

From Monastiraki Square, you can proceed to Agia Irini Square. There is nothing special to see in the square except that it is surrounded by restaurants and Street Food kiosks where you can try Greek cuisine. Despite being right in the center, it is possible to eat well for very little, if we consider the prices of the major European capitals. I recommend trying Kostas (Street Food of Gyros and Souvlaki - the queue is guaranteed), Tylixto Greek Wrap (vegetarian and vegan alternatives) and EATERY (typical Greek restaurant).

Ermou Street

Ermou Street is one of the main commercial arteries of Athens, famous for its shopping and for its central role in the urban life of the city. It extends for about 1.5 kilometers from the historic center of Monastiraki to Syntagma Square, passing through some of the liveliest and most characteristic neighborhoods of the Greek capital.

In addition to finding various international clothing chains, you can visit the Church of Kapnikarea. It is one of the most fascinating and well-preserved Byzantine monuments in Athens. Built in the 11th century, this church represents one of the oldest testimonies to the long and rich religious history of the city. Its presence in the center of a lively commercial street creates a fascinating contrast between the old and the new, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Athens.

Syntagma Square and the Monument to the Unknown Soldier

Continuing along Ermou Street, you will arrive at Syntagma Square. It is the beating heart of Athens, the nerve center of the city's political and social life. In addition to being an important crossroads for public transport and one of the main pedestrian areas of the Greek capital, it is home to the Monument to the Unknown Soldier and the Greek Parliament.

Map

Conclusions and Alternatives

Spending a day in Athens offers an extraordinary experience that blends history, culture and urban vibrancy. From the ancient ruins of the Acropolis and the Agora, to the vibrant life of Monastiraki Square and Ermou Street, every corner of the city tells a thousand-year-old story and offers a unique opportunity for exploration and discovery.

If you still have time, you can visit the National Garden which is located right behind the Greek Parliament inside which you will find the Zappeion. Further on you will also find the Kallimarmaro, a stadium built entirely of white marble, which became the epicenter of the modern Olympics in 1896.

Thanks you for reading,

Explorer's Tale.