Traveling to Athens, Greece? Here are Some Tips on How to Spend Your Time
Visiting Athens in one day is no big deal. It is true that the Greek capital deserves a more detailed visit, but if you have little time you will be able to see most of its must-sees. In this post, we help you make the most out of your visit to Athens in one day. If you only have a day, we recommend that you stay in the historic center of Athens close to all the attractions.
1. Start the day in the Agora of Athens and enjoy the Hephaestion
We advise you to start at 8:00, just as the doors of the Agora in Athens open. It was the ancient political, cultural and social center of Ancient Greece. Most of the public buildings were located there. Nowadays there are still remains of some buildings, although as you can imagine they are quite degraded.
But the main attraction of the Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus, the best preserved in the city. The truth is that it's one of the tourist attractions that surprised us the most in Athens. It's spectacular! It dates back to the 5th century BC and is built on pantherid marble, just like the Acropolis. And best of all, you can enjoy it almost alone, without the crowds you'll find at the Acropolis.
Starting early, you'll be very relaxed and won't have to wait in line to buy the combined ticket (which also includes the visit to the Acropolis). This means that to enter the Acropolis later you won't have to queue up. The entrance to the Agora costs 8 euros, while the combined ticket costs 30 euros.
2. Buy some souvenirs at the Monastiraki Market
In this market, you will find everything you are looking for! From fridge magnets to typical Greek products. Walk around and take a look, you will surely want to take some souvenirs home with you. However, keep an eye on your belongings as there are plenty of pickpockets in the area. Athens is a safe city, but pickpockets are the main security threat.
3. Witnessing the changing of the guard
Another essential stop on your Athens trip is to see the curious changing of the guard. It's held every hour on the dot right in front of the tomb of the unknown soldier. It is guarded 24 hours a day by two soldiers, members of the elite corps of the Greek army. Every hour, two new soldiers take over.
It’s best to see the change of guard that takes place at 10 or at 11. If you have been to London, the ceremony is similar although we think this one is more curious and fun.
4. Visit the Temple of Olympic Zeus
With the time it took to build this temple, it's worth a visit! Its construction lasted more than seven centuries. They started it in the 6th century BC and finished it in 132.
In its day the temple was spectacular. It had 104 columns each 15 meters high. However, in the Middle Ages, an earthquake destroyed much of its structure. But what's left is enough to give you an idea of its grandeur. If you've bought the combined ticket, access is free. Otherwise, the ticket costs 6 euros.
5. Photographing Hadrian's Arch
Right next to the Temple of Olympian Zeus (although outside the enclosure) you will see the majestic Hadrian's Arch. It is 18 meters high and was built to separate the ancient city from the Roman part conceived by the Emperor Hadrian. The arch is dedicated to the emperor, who did a lot of good for the country. It was he who ordered the first aqueduct in Athens to be built.
6. Getting lost in Plaka
Plaka is the commercial district par excellence of the Greek capital. Apart from entering its shops and having a few beers on their terraces, we recommend that you get lost in its colorful streets.
7. Discovering Anafiotika, a little piece of the Cyclades in the Greek capital
If you don't have time to visit Mykonos or Santorini, don't worry. In Athens, you can find a little piece of the Cyclades: Anafiotika. Its white, steep and flower-filled streets took us to the Cyclades. This neighborhood was built by masons from Analfi, an island in the Cyclades.
8. Eat the best moussaka in Arcadia to replenish your strength
There is no better way to get your energy up than to enjoy the best moussaka in town. We haven't tried them all but the one from Arcadia has a very good reputation and is tremendous. For those who don't know what moussaka is, it's a kind of lasagna made with minced meat, aubergine and potato slices bathed in bechamel, tomato sauce and cheese au gratin.
9. Visit the Acropolis Museum to learn its history
And when you're done eating, you'll only have to take two steps to visit the Acropolis Museum. It will help you to understand many things. It will also allow you to see many original objects that were taken from the Acropolis to preserve them.
Among the most famous objects are the five original caryatids of the Erecteion. There are actually six, but one is in the British Museum in London. It's one of the best museums we've ever visited, and the entrance fee is £5. A gift for the value it has.
10. Falling in love with the Acropolis from the hill of Filopappou
Filopappou has one of the best viewpoints of the city. It is very close to the Acropolis and has a privileged view of this historical treasure. It's a great place to watch the sunset, although if you go up after lunch, it’ll be much calmer, and for the sunset, we have something better prepared!
At the top of the hill, you will see a funeral monument dedicated to Prince Julio Antíoco Filopappou. Although we advise you to look in the opposite direction and enjoy the views of the Parthenon.
11. Climbing the hill of the Aeropagus
Before entering the Acropolis we advise you to climb the hill of the Aeropagus. But don't worry, it won't take much effort. You will only have to climb some stairs until you reach some rocks from where you will have a beautiful view of the Acropolis. But be very careful because the rocks are very slippery.
12. Visit the Acropolis
We think it is better to visit the Acropolis in the late afternoon. Basically, because in the mornings it gets crowded with cruisers and is very tiring. From 6 PM until closing time it is much quieter and you can enjoy it without being overwhelmed.
The Acropolis is the most important archaeological site in the West. In the 5th century BC, it began to have a lot of political importance and great temples began to be built that we can still enjoy today. The Parthenon, the Erecteion, the Temple of Athena. A paradise!
However, most of them are reconstructions since the original structures have not been able to resist the passage of time and the impact of several earthquakes.
The entrance fee is 20 euros, although it is included in the combined ticket that we have recommended. Without a doubt, an essential stop in Athens.
13. Watching the sunset from Mount Lycabettus
Athens has many viewpoints but, in our opinion, the one on Mount Lycabettus is the best. Just as you leave the Acropolis at about 19:20h, go to the Monastiraki metro stop and take the metro line 3 to Evangelismos, the closest stop to Mt Lycabettus. From the time you leave the Acropolis, it will take you about 40-50 minutes to reach the top.
The Acropolis may be a little far away but the views over the Greek capital are amazing. To get to the top you have two options: either walk up or take the funicular, which costs 7,50 Euro (round trip).
14. Dinner at Avocado
And to put the finishing touches on this tour of Athens, we suggest you have dinner at Avocado. It's in the beautiful Plaka district and we loved it. The quality-price ratio of its dishes is excellent. They have quite a variety: salads, vegetable dishes, pasta, pizzas... And don't forget to try their juices!
