Athens one day itinerary: If you’ve only got one day in Athens you can still see many of its main attractions. Athens is a big city but with a surprisingly small tourist centre. You can walk between the main spots without needing to spend time on public transport.
Whether you’re visiting Athens on your way to the Greek Islands, or as a stop off on a cruise, this itinerary will allow you to make the most of your limited time in Athens.
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Athens one day itinerary
- One day in Athens: things you should know
- One day in Athens: Places to visit on your 1 day Athens itinerary
One day in Athens: things you should know
Is one day in Athens enough?
While I’d recommend more time in Athens, one full day in Athens will give you enough time to briefly see the main tourist spots and centre of Athens. The centre is compact, making it easy to explore by foot without public transport. You’ll need to stay in central accommodation and set out early to make the most of your short time. Wear some comfortable shoes as you’re going to be doing a lot of walking!
If you’ve got the luxury of time, I’d recommend 3-4 days in Athens. You can also check out my 4 day itinerary for Athens, including a day trip to the Athens coast.
Is Athens worth visiting?
It is still worth visiting Athens even if you only have one day. Athens is a great place for anyone to visit, and a bucket list destination if you are an ancient history buff. You can explore the ancient sites, stroll through vibrant neighbourhoods, and indulge in delicious Greek food. Athens may not be the most picturesque European city, but we found it more affordable and easier to navigate than many capital cities we’ve visited in Europe.
What do I need to bring?
With this itinerary you will be out and about for your one day in Athens. You can take a large handbag or small backpack into all the places mentioned in this itinerary. Be sure to pack water and snacks, and wear comfortable shoes and layers.
Where can I store my luggage?
There are plenty of options for luggage storage in central Athens if you need to store suitcases. Check for recent reviews or contact the storage company ahead of time if possible to make sure the posted hours are correct.
Is Athens a cheap city to visit?
We found Athens to be cheaper than many large European cities. Accommodation tends to be more affordable, even in the tourist centre. You also don’t need to spend money on public transport getting between sites. Many of the tourist sites are reasonably priced, with the Acropolis ticket costing 20 euros and the combined pass for only 30 euros. Athens has plenty of street food options so you can indulge in local cuisine without spending a lot.
One day in Athens: Where to stay
Make sure you stay central if you only have one day in Athens! Syntagma is closest to public transport which easily connects you to the airport and ferry terminals. Plaka and Monastiraki are also popular areas to stay in the centre of Athens, and will have you a stone’s throw from the spots on your itinerary.
Check maps and transport options before booking accommodation anywhere else in Athens as the wider city is huge. I would not recommend staying outside of central Athens if you only have one day in Athens.
Here are some great hotels in the centre of Athens:
Electra Hotel Athens: This is the ideal spot if you want to be right by public transport and many of the sites. This classically-furnished hotel boasts a fantastic rooftop and has plenty of room options, including suites and family rooms.
Athens Cypria Hotel: Also near Syntagma Square, Athens Cypria hotel is perfectly located, and a wonderful place to stay during your time in Athens. Their rooms are spacious, and they have triple and connecting rooms available for families. They have cots and childrens bed available on request, free of charge (subject to availability).
A for Athens Hotel: This hotel is right on Monastiraki Square, and some of the rooms have views of the Acropolis. The rooftop restaurant and bar are a perfect place to start or end your day in Athens. Their modern rooms accommodate up to four people, and they provide free cots on request (subject to availability).
Visiting Athens with young kids
This one day itinerary is quite ambitious if you are visiting Athens with young kids. You may want to skip the Panathenaic stadium to cut out some of the walking. Strollers aren’t allowed inside the Acropolis and there was no pram storage available when we visited (only at the museum which opens later). Build in time to pick up your stroller from luggage storage or accommodation after your morning visit to the Acropolis.
If you are visiting Athens with young kids, check out my complete guide to visiting Athens with a baby or toddler. This includes kid-friendly restaurants and places to get baby supplies. There are a couple of Bazaar Supermarkets that you will pass as part of this itinerary if you need baby supplies during your one day in Athens.
Getting to and from Athens Airport
You’ve got three options to get between Athens airport and Athens city: Taxi, train or bus. Taxis are the fastest and most expensive way to get straight to your accommodation. If you have one day in Athens, this may be the best option for you.
Taxis to and from Athens Airport
Taxis are available at Athens airport and the price is fixed at €38 during the day to get to the centre of Athens. If you’re travelling with kids, know that car seats are not typically available in taxis, and the drive includes high-speed motorways. If your child needs a car seat, you can arrange a pre-booked transfer and car seat hire through Welcome Pickups.
Trains to and from Athens Airport
Trains go between Syntagma Square and the airport every 30 minutes. The airport station is a short walk from the airport itself. We found this a cost effective and efficient way to get to the airport from Athens centre. One-way adult tickets were €9, children were €4.5, and children under 6 were free.
Buses to and from Athens Airport
There are also buses between Athens airport and various locations in the city. This is the cheapest option, at just €6 adult one way. The buses leave less frequently than the metro, so they may not be the best option for one day in Athens, but may work for you if a bus stops close to your accommodation.
Athens one day itinerary: Places to visit in Athens
Stop 1: The Acropolis
8am, allow 1.5 – 2 hours
While you can see the Acropolis from almost anywhere in central Athens, it is worth visiting to explore the complex, even if you’ve only got one day in Athens. Visiting the Acropolis when it opens at 8am will help you to avoid the heat in summer and the crowds that quickly build.
Once inside the Acropolis, head straight up to the Parthenon while the other early risers slowly make their way to the top. This is a relatively steep 15-minute walk, but means you can enjoy the most iconic temple of the complex with few tourists. You can then take your time exploring the rest of the complex including the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
From the Acropolis, it’s a 10-minute downhill walk to the Ancient Agora.
Stop 2: Other ancient sites
10am, allow 1.5 – 2 hours
Not far from the Acropolis are more ancient sites to see in your one day in Athens. You won’t be able to visit all of them, so pick one or two max to manage your time. For the sites you don’t manage to go into, it’s still worth walking past and catching glimpses from the outside. Especially, given they are so close together.
First you’ll arrive at the Ancient Agora. This was once the centre of Ancient Greece and a meeting place for citizens.
Next to the Ancient Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus. It is one of the best preserved temples in the world despite being built around 415 BC.
From the Temple of Hephaestus, walk 10 minutes along Adrianou street toward Monastiraki square and you will see the Roman Forum and Hadrian’s Library.
Monastiraki Square is only 100m from Hadrian’s Library.
Stop 3: Monastiraki Square and markets
12 noon, allow 1 hour
Your next stop is the vibrant and picturesque Monastiraki square. Monastiraki means little monastery. The square is named after the church on the square that was built as part of a nunnery. Markets and souvenir shops fill the narrow lanes that run off the square.
On your way to the Plaka, take a short detour to Mitropolis Square. This will allow you to see two neighbouring churches: the largest Cathedral and (probably) the smallest church in Athens. Their English names are the Great Metropolitan and the Little Metropolitan.
Stop 4: Plaka district and lunch
1pm, allow 1.5 – 2 hours
Under the shadow of the Acropolis hill you will find the Plaka neighbourhood. This is one of the oldest districts in Athens, but has been beautifully preserved. While you can enjoy the Plaka by strolling its streets, it’s also a great place to stop for lunch during your one day in Athens.
The walk from the Plaka to the Panathenaic Stadium takes about 15 minutes.
Stop 5: Panathenaic Stadium
3.30pm, allow up to 1 hour
The Panathenaic stadium was the site of the first modern Olympic games in 1896. Walk along the track, climb the marble stands, and get a photo on the podium.
We thoroughly enjoyed visiting this place of sporting history. But, if you are travelling with a family or in the height of summer, this may be one to skip on your one day itinerary. The stadium is very hot at this time of day in summer and is a bit further from the other spots. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t be late as the stadium closes at 5pm from November to February.
The walk from the Panathenaic Stadium to Hellenic Parliament takes about 20 minutes through the National Garden. Arrive at the front of the Hellenic Parliament before 5pm to see the changing of the guard on the hour.
Stop 6: Athens National Garden, Syntagma Square and changing of the guard
4.30pm. Allow up to 1 hour
You’ll find an entrance to the Athens National Garden across the road from the panathenaic stadium entrance. The gardens are a great place to relax if you have more than one day in Athens, but it’s also a scenic and shady way to get to the Parliament Building for the next stop on your one day itinerary.
The changing of the guard happens every hour on the hour in front of the Hellenic Parliament. The pair of guards move together in slow motion after standing perfectly still for the previous hour. The changing of the guard takes 10-15 minutes. From there, you can cross the road and explore Syntagma Square.
Stop 7: Rooftop bar – Athens one day itinerary essential!
5.30pm, for as long as you like
It is time to enjoy a drink at one of Athens’ many rooftop bars. Athens has about as many rooftop bars as it has archeological sites, so you’ve got plenty to choose from. There are also many rooftop restaurants if you want to park up for the night and take in the changing view of Athens as night falls and the city lights up.
We had amazing cocktails at MS Rooftop bar which looks down on Monastiraki Square and across to the Acropolis.
Stop 8: Athens one day itineraryby night
There are plenty of great ways to spend your evening in Athens, depending on your energy levels and travel companions:
- Indulge in Greek food at one of the many restaurants along Apostolou Pavlou or Adrianou Street
- Go bar hopping and enjoy street food in Psyri
- Take your kids to Little Kook for a fairytale-inspired dinner
- Go to a concert at the Amphitheatre Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This one needs to be planned in advance as you’ll need to buy tickets and shows are on limited nights only.
Whatever you do, you’ve made the most of your one day in Athens. You’ve also put a whole lot of steps on your pedometer while taking in this lively city full of ancient history, bustling markets, and vibrant neighbourhoods.
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