Highlights of Athens in a Day

Are you going to Athens on a one day trip? Follow this itinerary and make sure that you get the most of it.

Set out early in the morning and spend a few hours in the National Archaeological Museum - it is a must for fans of both art and history. With more than 11,000 exhibits, the museum boasts one of the greatest collections of ancient Greek sculptures and pottery in the world. After lunch, head to the Acropolis. First, visit the Athenian Agora, an ancient public space consisting of numerous monuments and remains of government buildings. The Agora also contains Temple of Hephaistos, one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples, which also inspired several other buildings around the US and UK. After you explore this area, climb up the rocky hill and admire Acropolis, an imposing complex of historical monuments, which became the symbol of ancient Greece.

Take your time to explore all the monuments on the hill and then descend back to the Herodes Theatre and Theatre of Dionysus, which is considered to be the birthplace of Greek drama. If you have time and energy, you can peek into the museum devoted to findings from the Acropolis archaeological site. Acropolis Museum contains mainly sculptures that used to decorate the historical sites located on Acropolis, but also instruments that the inhabitants of Acropolis used in their everyday life.

The last stop is the Temple of Olympian Zeus, which used to be one of the greatest monuments of its age, as well as the largest temple in Greece. Only 15 of the original Corinthian columns are still standing today, but it is still worth a visit. On your way to the temple, note the Arch of Hadrian, a commemorative monument erected in honor of the Roman emperor Hadrian.

Day 1: Highlights of Athens in a Day

National Archaeological Museum

This museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece. Visiting it is a must for both fans of art and fans of history.

Temple of Hephaistos @ Sygic Traveler

Temple of Hephaestus

Enshrined to Hephaestus, god of craftsmanship and metalwork, this is one of the best preserved ancient Greek temples.

Ancient Agora of Athens

An ancient public space consisting of numerous monuments and remains of government buildings that are worth exploring.

Athena Nike Temple

This white marble temple is dedicated to Athena, the guardian goddess of Athens, bringing victory (Nike).

Acropolis

This complex of historical monuments is the most important landmark of the city and a majestic symbol of ancient Greek culture.

Herodes Theatre @ Sygic Traveler

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

This 5,000-seat theatre was built in 161 AD and funded by Herodes Atticus, a wealthy Greek aristocrat, to honour his late wife.

Theatre of Dionysus

This ancient theatre is sometimes referred to as the birthplace of Greek drama.

Acropolis Museum

As the name suggests, this museum is devoted to findings from the Acropolis archaeological site.

Arch of Hadrian

Although this marble gateway looks like a gate, do not be mistaken, it was never a part of any wall.

Temple of Olympian Zeus @ Sygic Traveler

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Part of the archaeological site of the Olympeion, this temple used to be one of the greatest monuments of its age, as well as the largest…

Find out more
Sygic Travel Maps The world's first map app tailored for travelers
Use the app Not now