One Short Day in Athens,Greece: A First-Timers Itinerary
As part of my first trip to Greece, we traveled to several incredible destinations, including Athens, Delphi, Mykonos, and Santorini. We made a strong effort to fit in as many experiences as possible within just a week and a half. Because of this tight schedule, I ended up spending only one full day exploring Athens. During that time, we visited the city’s top tourist attraction, but I would absolutely love to return someday to immerse myself more deeply in the local culture and discover some of the lesser-known things to do in Athens.
Below is my detailed one day in Athens itinerary! I had the best time exploring the rich history of the city and enjoying delicious food throughout the day.
Morning at the Acropolis: History, Views & Tips
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece
Open: 8am to 6pm
Last Admission: 5:30pm
Tour Link: If you are looking for the highlights and the deeper storytelling.
One of the top attractions in Athens, Greece, is the Acropolis. Renowned for its classical architecture and historical significance, the Acropolis was the center of excellence during the 5th century BC. It rises 490 feet above Athens and spans 7.3 acres. The ancient Greeks were pioneers in philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine—fields that still shape the modern world today. The Acropolis is home to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
The Acropolis truly felt like a mountain sanctuary above Athens, with different buildings each serving a specific purpose—almost like neighborhoods within a sacred complex.
The Parthenon
The Parthenon stands as a powerful symbol of classical Greek art and architecture. It was dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, and served both as a temple and a venue for important religious festivals in ancient Greece. Construction of this magnificent structure was completed in 438 BC, marking a major achievement in ancient architectural design and cultural expression.
Old Temple of Athens
The Old Temple of Athena was an early Archaic temple built around 525–500 BC for Athena Polias, the city’s protector. It stood on the Acropolis until the Persians destroyed it in 480 BC. Its remains were later reused during the reconstruction of the Acropolis.
Different angles from the sun
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a beautiful, well-preserved ancient theater located on the southwest side of the Acropolis, below the Parthenon. It was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Athenian, in honor of his wife, Regilla.
Final Tips
Don’t forget to look up and admire the small details.
There is lots of uphill walking and slippery rock, so wear comfortable shoes.
Book a guided tour if you want to learn more in depth about the history of this site.
I visited on a Tuesday in May during the late afternoon and had no issues with crowds, but others report heavy congestion—so plan ahead!
If visiting in the summertime, I would choose the earliest possible time slot to avoid the heat. There isn’t much shade or many areas to sit and take a break while up there.
Lunch in Athens: Best Souvlaki at Souvlaki Kostas
Address: Filellinon 7, Athina 105 57, Greece
Established in 1950, this spot is one of the oldest and most renowned places for souvlaki in Athens. There was a long line outside—we waited about 30 minutes—but it was absolutely worth it. The souvlaki was delicious, served in generous portions, and very affordable at just 3.5€ per serving.
PRE DINNER DRINKS AT Hotel Grande Bretagne: GB Roof Garden
Address: Geor. A' 1, Athina 105 64, Greece
GB Roof Garden is a truly luxurious rooftop experience located inside the Hotel Grande Bretagne. The service is exceptionally attentive and top-notch, with every detail carefully handled. While prices are on the higher side, that’s expected for this type of upscale setting. The panoramic views of the city are breathtaking, featuring iconic landmarks such as the Acropolis, Syntagma Square, and the Panathenaic Stadium.
If you have a higher budget than I did and want a prime location, old-school glamour, and a room with a view of the Acropolis, this is the place. It would be a dream hotel for me to stay at someday. If it’s not in your budget, it’s still an amazing stop for a drink.
Where to Eat Dinner in Athens: Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant
Address: Makrigianni 19-21, Athina 117 42, Greece
This restaurant was outstanding in every possible way. The waiters were not only friendly but also incredibly helpful, creating a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere throughout our visit. Even though people were being turned away due to a full dining room, we never felt rushed at all. The food was delicious, the portions were generous, and it’s absolutely worth a visit if you’re craving authentic Greek flavors. I tried moussaka for the first time here, and now it’s one of the first things I look for whenever I go to a Greek restaurant back home.
Where to Stay in Athens: Amalia Athens Hotel Review
We stayed two delightful nights at the Amalia Athens Hotel, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city. The staff were incredibly professional, friendly, and always ready to help with anything we needed. They arranged cabs promptly and made sure we had a safe and comfortable stay. Our room was spacious and beautifully appointed, featuring a balcony with a lovely view overlooking the Athens National Garden. Breakfast was included with our stay and offered a wide, delicious variety that made our mornings even better.
Is One Day in Athens Enough?
Athens is a city I need to spend more time in to fully experience all of its rich culture and history, but for now, I’m incredibly grateful that I was able to experience even a small part of this amazing city.
The short answer is no. But if you have the choice to visit for the day or nothing, I would still choose to do the one day.
xoxo Jenna
