One-Day Sightseeing Tour in Athens, Greece

Athens, Greece

1 days

Sightseeing

Tourist

Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

About Athens, Greece

Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Athens, Greece. As the cradle of Western civilization, Athens boasts iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the ancient Agora, offering a glimpse into its glorious past. Wander through the charming Plaka district with its quaint shops and traditional tavernas. Visit the world-class National Archaeological Museum and the modern Acropolis Museum. Enjoy the Mediterranean climate, savor delicious Greek cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's lively nightlife. Athens also serves as a gateway to the beautiful Greek islands. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a sun-seeker, Athens promises an unforgettable journey.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring the Historic and Cultural Highlights of Athens

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the iconic Acropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy the panoramic view of Athens from this ancient citadel.

Lunch

Have a traditional Greek lunch in a local taverna in the Plaka district. Try dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki, paired with a glass of local wine.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the Acropolis Museum, which houses artifacts found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes of the Acropolis. Then, stroll through the charming streets of Plaka, known for its neoclassical architecture.

Dinner

Enjoy a dinner in a rooftop restaurant in Monastiraki, offering a stunning view of the illuminated Acropolis. Sample fresh seafood and Greek salads.

Evening

End your day with a leisurely walk around Syntagma Square, the central square of Athens. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Attractions in Itinerary (8)

1
Acropolis

The ancient citadel located on a rocky outcrop above the city of Athens and contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historic significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

2
Parthenon

A former temple on the Athenian Acropolis, dedicated to the goddess Athena, whom the people of Athens considered their patron.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

3
Erechtheion

The Erechtheion is an ancient Greek temple on the north side of the Acropolis which was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

4
Temple of Athena Nike

The Temple of Athena Nike is a temple on the Acropolis of Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike. It was named after the Greek goddess of victory.

Attractions

Monuments

Landmarks

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

5
Plaka

The old historical neighborhood of Athens, clustered around the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis, known for its labyrinthine streets and neoclassical architecture.

Attractions

Neighborhoods

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

Food and Drink

6
Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. The museum was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.

Museums

Cultural Experiences

Architecture

7
Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is the central square of Athens. The square is named after the Constitution that Otto, the first King of Greece, was obliged to grant after a popular and military uprising on 3 September 1843. It is located in front of the 19th century Old Royal Palace, housing the Greek Parliament since 1934.

Attractions

Landmarks

Neighborhoods

8
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a war memorial located in Syntagma Square in Athens, in front of the Old Royal Palace. It is a monument dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. It was unveiled on March 25, 1932, and the soldiers standing guard in front of the Tomb are the Evzones, an elite unit of the Greek Army.

Monuments

Landmarks

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Moussaka

A traditional Greek dish made of layered eggplant, minced meat, and béchamel sauce, a must-try when in Athens.

Souvlaki

Popular Greek fast food consisting of small pieces of meat and sometimes vegetables grilled on a skewer, a common sight in Athens.

Tzatziki

A classic Greek appetizer or dip made from yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and sometimes lemon juice, and dill. It's a staple in Athens.

Dolmades

Stuffed grape leaves with a filling of rice, often includes pine nuts, and various spices. A traditional dish in Athens.

Spanakopita

A savory Greek pastry with a filling of chopped spinach, feta cheese, onions, egg, and seasoning, a popular snack in Athens.

Baklava

A rich, sweet dessert pastry made of layers of filo filled with chopped nuts and sweetened and held together with syrup or honey. It's a classic dessert in Athens.

Horiatiki

Also known as Greek Salad, it is made with pieces of tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, onion, feta cheese, and olives, typically seasoned with salt and oregano, and dressed with olive oil. A common dish in Athens.

Pastitsio

A baked pasta dish with ground meat and béchamel sauce, similar to lasagna but with tubular pasta, and cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice. A traditional dish in Athens.

Loukoumades

Small, sweet fried dough balls drenched in honey syrup and sprinkled with cinnamon, a popular dessert in Athens.

Retsina

A traditional Greek resinated white or rosé wine, which has been made for at least 2000 years. Its unique flavor is said to have originated from the practice of sealing wine vessels, particularly amphorae, with Aleppo Pine resin in ancient times. A must-try when in Athens.

Ouzo

An anise-flavored aperitif that is widely consumed in Greece and Cyprus, and a symbol of Greek culture. Best enjoyed in Athens.

Frappe

A foam-covered iced coffee drink made from instant coffee, water, sugar, and milk. It's a popular drink in Athens, especially during the hot summer months.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Athens, Greece is during the spring (April to June) or fall (September to November). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city's ancient sites. Additionally, these are considered shoulder seasons, so it's less crowded with tourists compared to the peak summer months. This means shorter lines at attractions and potentially lower prices for accommodations.

How to get around

Metro

The Athens Metro is a rapid-transit system in Greece which serves the Athens urban area and parts of East Attica. It incorporates the former Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways, which opened as a conventional steam railway in 1869, and which was electrified in 1904 and is now part of Line 1. The metro system provides a fast, efficient and cheap way to get around the city.

Bus

Athens has an extensive bus network that covers the city center, suburbs, and nearby areas. The buses are modern and most of them are air-conditioned. The bus network includes regular buses, express buses to the airport, and night buses.

Tram

The Athens Tram is a tram network which serves the southern coastal suburbs of Athens, Greece. It is operated by Urban Rail Transport (STASY) S.A. It provides a scenic and convenient way to travel along the coast, and connects with the metro and bus networks.

Taxi

Taxis are a common way to get around in Athens. They are relatively inexpensive and can be hailed on the street or booked in advance. All taxis are equipped with a meter, and drivers are required by law to use it.

Ridesharing

Ridesharing services like Uber and Beat are available in Athens. These services allow you to book a ride using a smartphone app. They are a convenient and often cheaper alternative to taxis, especially if you are traveling with a group or have a lot of luggage.

Car Rental

If you prefer to drive yourself, there are many car rental companies in Athens. Driving in Athens can be challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow streets, but it gives you the flexibility to explore the city and surrounding areas at your own pace.

Bicycle

Athens has a growing network of bicycle lanes, and many areas of the city are flat and easy to navigate by bike. There are several places where you can rent a bike for the day or for a longer period.

Walk

Walking is a great way to explore Athens, especially the historic city center. Many of the city's main attractions, including the Acropolis, Plaka, and the National Archaeological Museum, are within walking distance of each other.

Funicular

The Lycabettus Funicular is a funicular railway in Athens, which links Kolonaki to the summit of Lycabettus hill. It provides a unique and scenic way to reach one of the best viewpoints in the city.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency€ EUR

Time zoneUTC+2

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 112, 166; Fire: 112, 199; Police: 112, 100

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Athens, Greece as a first time visitor

1

The official language is Greek, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

2

The currency is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's also a good idea to carry some cash.

3

Tipping is customary in Greece. In restaurants, it's common to leave a tip of around 5-10% of the bill.

4

The standard voltage in Greece is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. The power plugs and sockets are of type F.

5

Greece is in the Eastern European Time Zone (EET), which is 2 hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+2).

6

Greece has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (June to August) are hot and dry with temperatures often above 86°F (30°C), while winters (December to February) are mild with temperatures usually between 41-59°F (5-15°C).

7

Public transportation in Athens includes buses, trolleys, trams, and the metro. Taxis are also widely available.

8

Greece is generally a safe country, but like any major city, Athens has areas that are best avoided. Always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure.

9

Greek cuisine is a highlight of any visit. Be sure to try local dishes such as moussaka, souvlaki, and tzatziki.

10

Smoking is very common in Greece and is allowed in many public places, including some restaurants and bars.

11

Tap water in Athens is generally safe to drink, but bottled water is widely available if you prefer.

12

Greece operates on a 24-hour clock, similar to military time in the U.S. For example, 1:00 p.m. would be 13:00.

13

Pharmacies in Greece are marked with a green cross and are usually open from 8:00 to 14:30 and then from 17:30 to 20:30.

14

The emergency number in Greece for police, fire, and ambulance services is 112.

15

Greece has strict laws against drug use, and penalties can be severe.

16

Public restrooms can be hard to find in Athens, and many charge a small fee.

17

It's considered respectful to dress modestly when visiting religious sites, such as churches and monasteries.

18

Greece has a strict policy against photographing military installations or personnel.

19

Most shops in Athens close on Sundays, and many also close in the afternoon for a few hours.

20

Athens can be very crowded, especially during the peak tourist season (June to August). Plan accordingly to avoid the crowds.

Basic Greek to know as a first time visitor

English phrase	Native phrase	Pronunciation	When to use it
Hello	Γεια σου	Yah soo	Greeting someone
Goodbye	Αντίο	Adio	Leaving or saying goodbye
Please	Παρακαλώ	Parakalo	Making a request
Thank you	Ευχαριστώ	Efharisto	Expressing gratitude
Yes	Ναι	Nai	Agreeing or confirming
No	Όχι	Ohi	Disagreeing or denying
Excuse me	Συγγνώμη	Signomi	Getting attention or apologizing
I'm sorry	Λυπάμαι	Lipame	Apologizing
Do you speak English?	Μιλάτε αγγλικά;	Milate anglika;	Trying to communicate
I don't understand	Δεν καταλαβαίνω	Den katalaveno	Difficulty in understanding
Help	Βοήθεια	Voítheia	In emergencies
Bathroom	Μπάνιο	Bánio	Looking for a restroom
Food	Φαγητό	Fagitó	Looking for a place to eat
Water	Νερό	Neró	Asking for water
Beer	Μπύρα	Bíra	Ordering a beer
Wine	Κρασί	Krasí	Ordering a wine
Check, please	Ο λογαριασμός, παρακαλώ	O logariasmos, parakaló	Asking for the bill
How much does it cost?	Πόσο κοστίζει;	Poso kostízei;	Enquiring about the price
Where is...?	Πού είναι...?	Pou ine...?	Asking for directions
I'm lost	Έχω χαθεί	Eho hathee	When you are lost

Packing List

Clothing
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight clothing
Sunglasses
Hat for sun protection
Swimwear (if planning to visit the beach)
Light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings

Toiletries
Travel-size shampoo and conditioner
Travel-size body wash or soap
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Deodorant
Sunscreen
Lip balm with SPF
Travel-size first aid kit
Prescription medications (if applicable)

Travel documents and essentials
Passport
Driver's license or other valid ID
Printed copy of hotel reservations
Printed copy of flight tickets
Travel insurance documents
Credit and debit cards
Cash in local currency (Euros)
Emergency contact information

Electronics and gadgets
Smartphone
Charger for smartphone
Power bank for charging devices on the go
Headphones
Camera (if not using a smartphone camera)
Charger for camera
Universal travel adapter

Miscellaneous items
Travel guidebook for Athens
Map of Athens
Reusable water bottle
Snacks for the journey
Travel pillow for the flight
Earplugs and eye mask for the flight
Travel-size umbrella or raincoat (just in case)

Weather Conditions

When visiting Athens, Greece, it's crucial to consider the weather as it can significantly impact your travel experience. Athens experiences a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. During the summer months (June to August), temperatures can soar up to 95°F (35°C), so it's advisable to pack light clothing, sunblock, hats, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the heat. It's also a good idea to stay hydrated and plan sightseeing activities during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon. Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit Athens. The weather is typically warm and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 60°F (15°C) to 75°F (24°C). These seasons are perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing, as the city is less crowded and the weather is comfortable. Winter (December to February) in Athens is mild compared to other European cities, with temperatures usually between 41°F (5°C) and 59°F (15°C). However, rainfall is more frequent during this period, so packing a waterproof jacket or umbrella would be wise. Regardless of the season, it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure you're adequately prepared. Remember, the weather can sometimes be unpredictable, so packing a variety of clothing options is always a good idea.

Month	Hi / Lo (°C)	Weather Overview
January	15° / 5°	January is the coldest month in Athens, but it's still relatively mild compared to many other European destinations. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rain, so pack accordingly.
February	16° / 6°	February sees a slight increase in temperature, but rain is still possible. It's a good time to visit if you want to avoid the tourist crowds.
March	18° / 8°	March marks the beginning of spring in Athens. The weather starts to warm up, but there can still be some rainy days.
April	21° / 11°	April is a great time to visit Athens, with pleasant temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The Easter celebrations in Greece are also a unique experience.
May	25° / 15°	May is an ideal time to visit Athens, with warm, sunny weather and little rain. It's perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city's outdoor attractions.
June	30° / 20°	June is the start of the summer season in Athens. The weather is hot, but not unbearable, and the city is full of life.
July	33° / 23°	July is the hottest month in Athens, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. It's a great time to hit the beaches, but be prepared for the heat.
August	33° / 23°	August is equally hot as July, but the city is less crowded as many locals go on vacation. It's a good time to visit if you don't mind the heat.
September	29° / 19°	September is a fantastic time to visit Athens, with less crowds and still warm weather. The sea is also at its warmest, perfect for swimming.
October	25° / 15°	October sees the return of cooler, more comfortable temperatures. It's a great time to visit if you want to avoid the summer crowds and heat.
November	21° / 11°	November is a quiet time to visit Athens, with mild weather and fewer tourists. It's a good time to explore the city's museums and historical sites.
December	17° / 7°	December is the start of winter in Athens, but the weather remains relatively mild. It's a good time to visit if you want to experience the city's Christmas festivities.