Do you have just one day in Athens to pack in the sights? Purchase a one-day travel pass for the metro. Then put on your walking shoes to get the most of your day.

Start Your Morning in Athens

Start off your day early by heading to the Acropolis metro station where you can stop by Crescendo. This is a breakfast café with tasty Greek pastries and fresh coffee. From there, you can visit the Acropolis at a time where it’s the coolest. Keep in mind that the crowds of tourists start early, so you’ll want to get there as early as possible. This historic site of ruins is at the top of the list for anyone visiting Athens. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to the famous Parthenon and Temple of Zeus. The must-see attraction also offers breathtaking views of the city.

From there, you can head to the nearby Acropolis Museum. There you can learn even more about the history and importance of the ancient Greeks. The museum is the perfect complement to visiting the ruins.

AFTERNOON

After you’ve had a chance to try a traditional Greek salad from a local café, get lost in the historic walking district of Plaka or the charming neighborhood Anafiotika. Browse from the many shops where you can purchase authentic Greek goods or relax for an afternoon coffee at one of the several adorable cafés.

If you’re looking to fit in more historical sites, visit the Agora ruins of the ancient marketplace. From there, you can take a scenic walk to visit the nearby Temple of Hephaistos and Library of Hadrian.

Athens at Night

Take a break from viewing Athens as the ancient Greek city it was. Then head out in the evening for a more contemporary view of the city. Participate in a pub crawl around Athens or settle in the neighborhood of Gazi. This the home to several trendy new bars and clubs to end your night in Athens with a bang.