After a few fun nights in Mykonos, and a budget vacation in Santorini, we wrapped up our 10 day Greece trip exploring the Ancient Greek World in Athens.
If Greece is on your travel bucket list, chances are you will pass through Athens at some point on your route. Why not make a day trip out of it! For us, it was where we flew in and out of from the US.
Carving out a full day of site seeing is the perfect way to get to know this dynamic city. The great thing about Athens is that there is much to do without having to spend a lot of money. We created a 24 hour itinerary that brings you to 12 different Athenian sites and neighborhoods, all while only spending 48 euros.
1. Take a cab to the Acropolis
Grab some free breakfast at the hotel and head out for a day of site seeing. The Acropolis (& Parthenon) are best to visit early mornings when the crowds are light and the sun isn’t too hot. You can see parts of the site when you first get there, but you’ll want to buy a ticket to get up close access. Tickets are 20 euros per person, or only 10 euros if you go during non-peak season (Nov-March 31st).
This is the most expensive activity you will have to buy on your Athens day trip, but worth it because it gives you access to the Acropolis, Parthenon, and many other sites that we’ve listed in this post (see below). Make sure you have good climbing shoes and leave yourself a few hours to explore.
2. Explore the Parthenon and all its beauty
You cannot take a trip to the Acropolis without seeing the Parthenon–quite literally. The Parthenon is on the same campus as the Acropolis, and like the Acropolis is one of the main things people come to Athens to see.
3. Marvel at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater
Also within the Acropolis siteground, you will get to see the empty Theater of Herodes Atticus, which is a stunning outdoor stone amphitheater.
Even after thousands of years from being built, they still have theatrical performances there a couple times a year.
4. Walk through the famous Acropolis Museum of Athens
Take a tour through the Acropolis Museum to learn more about the archeological findings that make up the Acropolis. General Admission is only 5 euros and well worth a visit.
5. Head to the Plaka District for lunch
After a morning of site seeing, you will definitely want to stop for some good food. The Plaka District is a great spot to grab a bite to eat and is minutes from the Acropolis and Parthenon.
Walk through the many restaurants and shops and you are guaranteed to find a lunch option that fits your budget. Try out Καφέ Μεζεδοπωλείο for affordable sandwiches with a view of the Acropolis.
6. Visit the Olympian Zeus Temple
Once you are well fed, walk about 5 minutes to the Olympian Zeus Temple, which was once the largest temple in all of Greece. You can use your ticket you bought for the Acropolis to get in for free.
7. Take a stroll through the National Garden of Athens
Head north and spend some time walking through the National Garden of Athens. It’s a big beautiful garden with lots of great trails to explore.
8. Stop by the Archeological Site of the Roman Bath
Make a quick stop to visit the place where the divinities were once worshiped. The Archaeological Site of the Roman Bath is an underground exhibit right off of the main road.
The area around it was intended to be a site for the metro until these archaeological finds were discovered.
9. Take a walk through the Roman Agora
While you are in the area, check out the Roman Agora, a large open-area courtyard that used to hold the cities marketplace back in the days of Julius Cesar.
When you walk by, you won’t miss the huge columns at the entrance forming the historic temple-like gate. The Roman Agora is also free with your Acropolis ticket.
10. Window shop the Monastiraki Flea Market
Athens’ unique street markets are a great way to spend the afternoon. Starting with the Flea market, you’ll find lots of great items to peruse, from paintings to books to clothes and much more.
11. Visit the Meat & Fish Market
After, you can take a walk through the Meat & Fish markets where locals sell their fresh produce. It’s bustling with people and takes place every day.
12. End with a gyro wrap in the Monastiraki neighborhood
Finally, wrap up the long site-filled day with a giant gyro from the Monastiraki area. In addition to housing Athens’ most popular flea market, this neighborhood has tons of food options for an affordable bite.
COST OF THIS ADVENTURE
- Acropolis Ticket: 20 euros (includes entrance to Acropolis, Parthenon, Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater, Olympian Zeus Temple, and Roman Agora)
- Acropolis Museum of Athens: 5 euros
- Lunch at the Plaka District: 3.50 euros
- Dinner at the Monostiraki District: 7 euros
- Taxi Transportation to and from the Acropolis area: 12.50 euros
TOTAL COST: 48 euros
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