ATHENS IN A DAY
Are you looking to visit Athens in a Day? Great decision, the capital of Greece is an amazing European city with huge history. Millions of visitors every year dream and plan to visit Athens. You could also be one of them. In Athens there are many historical sites, as well as narrow streets you can wander, commercial areas you can shop, restaurants you can taste the local cuisine, cafes and bars have the famous “frape” or drink respectively with breathtaking views and non-doubt the amazing riviera for leisure near by the seawater and the sun. Below you can see what we have picked as a must-see on destinations you should by all means include from your trip to Athens.
THE ACROPOLIS THE MOST FAMOUS LANDMARK IN ATHENS
The Acropolis Hill is a must-see for any kind of trip in Athens. This ancient complex comprises of several temples, of which the most famous is the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena. During the ancient times, the hill of Acropolis was used as a fortress from the Athenians against any intruders. During the Roman Empire, the Romans preserved the temples and monuments on the Acropolis, due to the respect they had towards the Greek civilization. During the Byzantine period, the Parthenon was used as a church, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. During the Latin Duchy of Athens, the Acropolis functioned as the city’s administrative center, with the Parthenon as its cathedral, and the Propylaea as part of the Ducal Palace. After the Ottoman conquest of Greece, the Parthenon was used as the garrison headquarters of the Turkish army, and the Erechteion was turned into the Governor’s private Harem. The buildings of the Acropolis suffered significant damage during the 1687 siege by the Venetians in the Morean War. The Parthenon, which was being used as a gunpowder magazine, was hit by artillery shot and damaged severely. No visitor was ever in doubt about visiting the Acropolis, and neither should you!
THE ACROPOLIS MUSEUM – ARGUABLY A WORLD-CLASS MUSEUM
If you are interested in history and archaeology, then you shouldn’t miss out on the Museum of Acropolis. The Acropolis Museum is an archaeological museum focused on the findings of the archaeological site of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built to house every artifact found on the rock and on the surrounding slopes, going all the way back to the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece. It also lies over the ruins of a part of Roman and early Byzantine Athens.
AREOPAGUS HILL – THE GREATNESS OF JUSTICE IN ATHENS
Areopagus Hill, one of the best viewing points of the city when visiting Athens. In Ancient Greece, the Areopagus was the court of justice for many cases, including homicide and anything regarding olive trees. Areopagus is also the spot where Apostle Paul chose to preach Christianity in 51 AD. The view of the Acropolis from up here is really great and allows for some great pictures.
SYNTAGMA SQUARE – THE PARLIAMENT AND THE EVZONES
Just across the street from Syntagma Square, you will see the Parliament. A Neoclassical building constructed between 1836 and 1847, the Parliament was originally the residence of King Otto, who was the first king of modern-day Greece after its liberation from the Ottoman Empire. Since 1929, this magnificent building has been home to the Parliament of Greece. The Evzones are soldiers guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at all times, right in front of the Parliament.
MONASTIRAKI SQUARE – FLEE MARKET
If there’s one place where almost the whole history of Greece -and of Athens- throughout the years is hauntingly present, this is Monastiraki Square. A can’t-miss spot of the city of Athens, Monastiraki Square was -and still is- a boiling cauldron of people, ideas, civilizations, and religions. Perhaps the oldest surviving square of the city, it has faced numerous changes and has surely witnessed the evolution of the city since ancient times. The area is home to clothing boutiques, souvenir shops, and specialty stores, and is a major tourist attraction in Athens and Attica for bargain shopping. The area is named after Monastiraki Square, which in turn is named for the Church of the Pantanassa that is located within the square. There, you can sit in a local restaurant to enjoy the traditional Greek cuisine, salads and souvlaki, or can wander around, taking photos at the picturesque small streets and visit some shops to buy yourself some souvenirs!
ATHENS CENTRAL MARKET – THE TRADITIONAL BAZAAR
The Central Market of Athens is an amazing place to walk around and, well, shop. You can get lost in the crowds of people shopping, instantly getting into the atmosphere of the Athenian lifestyle. While you are there you can buy anything you might want, such as meat, fish, fruits, vegetables and Greek spices and herbs, and stimulating your sense of smell, as the scent of the fresh food there is goes through your nose.
ATHENS BY NIGHT
A great choice for spending some spare time is visiting the coastal side of Athens. The outskirts are an option for those who are looking to get away from the big city, while still enjoying the urban lifestyle at its best. Popular destinations among the suburbs include Glyfada, Voula, Alimos, and Paleo Faliro. All of them allow you to take a stroll while having the beach right next to you, or take a sit at a bar or a restaurant for a classier meal or a cocktail. During the summer, the restaurants and bars are filled with both locals and travelers from all over the world who went out with their friends or family for a night exit. Wherever you come from or whatever your perfect night exit is defined, the nightlife will undoubtedly become a great memory of yours.
Provided you want to remain in central Athens, there is no problem, the options in Athens never run out! In the center of Athens, you can take a stroll at the major streets there are. While you are there, you can look at the shop windows, watch people of all cultures walk by and even take a short stop to let the local street performers amaze you with their stunts. If you are looking for a place to dine, the local restaurants will definitely fulfil your appetite. The traditional dishes will certainly make you crave for more, although the portions are fairly large. If food isn’t your thing and you would like to enjoy a nice drink or a late-night coffee, don’t worry, the options don’t end there. There are rooftop bars and cafés providing a nice cold beverage after a hot sunny day at reasonable prices, with breathtaking views of the city of Athens.
No matter how you choose to spend you day in Athens, one thing is for sure: You will have the time of your life!
ATHENS DAY TOUR
Let us help you with a Day Tour in Athens by local professional guides. The tour is Tailor-made on your standards according to the available time and the number of the passengers. Learn more about the most popular Tours in Athens
