A perfect 1 day in Athens Itinerary

Want know the best places to visit in Athens? After spending a few days exploring Athens, I’m sharing my favourite ways to spend a full day in this hip yet ancient city!

When to visit and where to stay in Athens
Athens gets HOT, so you want to come in the shoulder seasons. I personally think September is the best month to visit Athens in terms of temperature and busyness but May is great too. I recommend staying in the Koukaki area just south of the Acropolis. It’s close by major areas but still with a local feel. We stayed in these 2 AirBnBs here and here and loved both!

Morning
Go early to the Acropolis to at least somewhat beat the rush and the heat (there are not many trees up on that hill!). After all, it’s the most famous site in Athens! From Koukaki it’s an easy stroll to the south entrance. Unless you are super interested in ancient history, I wouldn’t spend time in the museum though, especially if you’re time poor in Athens. I do suggest watching a youtube a brief doco before you go though or else really you're just looking at some impressive rocks. But still rocks.

Then make your way north to Anafiotika - a village of tiny jumbled passageways just in front of the Acropolis. This is bucket list Athens. The small whitewashed homes of the area are reminiscent of the Greek Islands as they were originally built by workers who came from them to the capital to work construction from the 1800s onwards. It’s surprisingly quiet and peaceful but do note some people still live in the area so do be respectful. 

Afternoon
Once you’ve wandered enough, keep zig zagging down through the more tourist and popular Plaka neighbourhood towards Monastiraki Square. Have a nice lunch with wine in one of Plaka’s bougie restaurants offering lovely views or, for a more budget option, grab some takeout near the square as you sit and people watch. We dined at Thespis and loved it! It’s on the pricier end by Athens standard but we felt it was reasonable for the quality of food and service.

Nearby Monastiraki Square is the start of Athen’s main shopping street called Ermou which stretches from Monastiraki, east all the way up to Syntagma Square. The street is home to name brands like Zara as well as some more local boutiques (we picked up a much needed new suitcase for a bargain price!). Near the start on your left, you will see a small side street full of food options called Aiolou. This is where tried the traditional greek donuts - loukoumades - from the appropriately named “LUKUMAΔΕ.” They have lots of flavours but honey cinnamon is the OG and most traditional. There are also lots of street vendors nearby here selling cheap pastries and breads.

If crowds and shopping aren’t for you, get in an Uber and head for the Kaisariani Monastery (closed Tuesdays) instead. This is one of the best alternative things to do in Athens. Just a short ride away from the city, yet totally secluded, this small well preserved monastery is located in a forest which also includes a lovely viewpoint from Taxiarches Hill. Wander and enjoy the serenity. 

Evening 
From our experience, Athenians tend to eat a bit later in the evening, so do keep that in mind if you really want to soak up the atmosphere. We suggest picking from one of the many cheap but very cheerful and tasty options back in Koukaki for dinner. After dinner, you can walk back up towards the South entrance to the Acropolis where you top off an amazing day with some frozen yoghurt or freshly roasted nuts from a street vendor. 

Have you been to Athens? I’m keen to hear your experience, or answer any questions you might have below so you can the make of your trip! Enjoying the blog? Buy me a coffee here.