What to See and Do in Athens Greece in One Day

Explore ancient history with your kids in Athens! During this family vacation you will get a chance to visit the Acropolis and learn about Greek mythology at the National Archaeological Museum. We have lots of other must see sights and what to do in Athens Greece. Even if you only have one day, Athens is the perfect destination for a family adventure!

What to See in Athens

If you only have one day in Athens, Greece, you can see the most important sights in Athens – the iconic Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Theater of Dionysus. You should also have time to stroll through the charming Plaka neighborhood and stop for a traditional Greek lunch at a local taverna and try dishes like moussaka, souvlaki, and fresh Greek salad. One day in Athens may not be enough to see everything this historic city has to offer, but with a well-planned itinerary, you can still experience the highlights. If you have time to stay in Athens for a second day, make sure to visit Ancient Agora, a lively marketplace in ancient times that now features well-preserved ruins and a museum showcasing artifacts from the area. You can also explore the National Archaeological Museum, home to one of the most extensive collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world.

what to see in athens in 1 day

If you are taking a cruise, I highly recommend taking an excursion to expedite your sightseeing, make sure you learn a lot, and ensure you are back at the port on time. I personaly love booking through the cruiseline so that if there is a delay, they wont leave without me! On our Royal Carribean Greek Isles Cruise we went on the Explore Athens and Ancient Acropolis Tour. Although I added a lot of background information we learned and researched, the itinerary above is what you will see if you take the cruise. Not traveling on a cruise, going before a cruise, or prefer to book it on your own and save money, try this Athens Tour.

Jacaranda trees blooming in the Athens Greece citycenter. These beautiful blue purple flowers bloom in the spring

what to do in athens greece

Our 4 hours tour began when the bus picked us up at the port in Pireaus. They gave us a lot of history about Athens on our drive into Athens going to the Acropolis. In case you are confused, as most are, here is an explanation of the differences between the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The Parthenon and the Acropolis are two iconic landmarks in Athens, Greece that are often confused with each other. While both are located on the Acropolis hill, they serve different purposes and have unique characteristics.

parthenon with family in front — They are constantly doing work to preserve the structure so you will probably see support work during your visit.

The Parthenon is a ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. It was built in the 5th century BCE and is considered a symbol of classical architecture. The Parthenon uses monumental Doric columns, opulent sculptures, and rich history. It served as a treasury, a place of worship, and a symbol of the power and prestige of Athens.

On the other hand, the Acropolis refers to the entire fortified hill where the Parthenon is located. In addition to the Parthenon, the Acropolis also includes other important ancient structures, such as the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea, which served as the entrance to the Acropolis. The Acropolis was a sacred site in ancient Greece and was a symbol of the city-state’s cultural and political significance.

what to see in athens greece

There are over 100 steps to climb to get to the top of the Acropolis. Don’t worry, there are so many amazing vistas on the way you will have an opportunity to stop and rest shortly. But keep going, it just gets better and better – plus more and more crowded. Apparently there are 23,000 visitors daily! When you get to the top you won’t know what to look at first -the amazing ruins that are over 2400 years old or the amaizng view of Athens that surrounds you in all directions.

athens what to see

When visiting the Acropolis in Athens, make sure to explore all the different parts to fully experience this ancient wonder.

Theater of Dionysus

Located on the side of the Acropolis hill, and visible as you begin your climb up to see the Parthenon is the Theater of Dionysus. Make sure you stop to marvel at this remarkable sight. The Theater of Dionysus is a historic site that holds centuries of artistic and cultural significance. Built in the 5th century BC, this ancient theater was dedicated to the Greek god of wine and fertility, Dionysus, and served as a venue for theatrical performances and festivals in honor of the deity.

The Theater of Dionysus was where some of the most famous Greek tragedies and comedies were first performed, including works by playwrights like Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. It was a place where people came to be entertained, to be moved, and to be inspired by the power of storytelling.

Today, visitors can still walk through the ruins of this grand amphitheater and imagine what it must have been like to attend a performance thousands of years ago. The Theater of Dionysus stands as a testament to the enduring impact of art and theater on society, reminding us of the universal nature of human emotions and the timeless power of creativity.

Propylaea

Start your journey by entering through the Propylaea, the grand entrance gateway. The Propylaea, an iconic gateway to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a magnificent piece of ancient architecture that has stood the test of time. Built in the 5th century BC, this impressive structure served as the entrance to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, where the city’s most important temples and sanctuaries were located.

The Propylaea is a stunning example of classical Greek architecture, with its grand Doric columns and intricate designs. It is a symbol of the power and greatness of ancient Athens, and continues to awe visitors with its beauty and grandeur. Walking through the Propylaea is like stepping back in time and experiencing the majesty of the ancient world.

Parthenon

The Parthenon is not just a majestic temple perched atop the Acropolis in Athens, but a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and democracy. Built in the 5th century BC, this iconic structure is dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. The Parthenon’s significance goes beyond its architectural beauty. It served as a center for religious rituals, political meetings, and artistic expression. The intricate sculptures that adorned its exterior told stories of Greek mythology and celebrated the city-state’s victories.

greek ruins on the acropolis with greek blue and white striped flag flying over top — There are so many ruins they are constantly unearthing more and trying to piece them back together.

Throughout history, the Parthenon has endured wars, natural disasters, and even vandalism. Yet, it continues to stand as a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the ancient Greeks. Today, it is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts visitors from around the globe. Every column, every sculpture, and every stone of the Parthenon carries with it the weight of centuries of history and culture. It is a reminder of the legacy left behind by the ancient Greeks, a legacy that continues to inspire and awe us to this day.

Erechtheion

Next, don’t miss the Erechtheion. This beautiful ancient Greek temple is dedicated to Athena and Poseidon and is located on the Acropolis hill overlooking the city. The Erechtheion is known for its intricate sculptures, including the famous Caryatids, which are columns sculpted in the form of women supporting the temple’s porch.

Temple of Athena Nike

Finally, make your way to the Temple of Athena Nike, a smaller yet equally significant temple that is dedicated to the goddess of victory. Enjoy the stunning views of Athens and the surrounding area from this elevated spot on the Acropolis.

what to see in athens in one day

Other sights you will get a chance to see on your tour include Hadrian’s Arch. This monumental gateway, constructed in 131 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian, stands tall and majestic, welcoming visitors to the heart of Athens. Plus Temple of Olympian Zeus which was dedicated to the king of the gods, Zeus, is an impressive sight with its towering columns and rich history.

If you take a guided tour you will only get a quick view of the Panathenaic Stadium. When I visited on my Senior Trip we ran around the track. If you have the opportunity, step inside and admire this magnificent stadium known for hosting the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and continues to be a symbol of athletic excellence and sportsmanship. Constructed entirely of marble, the Panathenaic Stadium is a stunning example of ancient Greek architecture and a testament to the country’s rich history. Visitors can walk through the tunnel that athletes once used to enter the arena, step onto the track where they competed, and even imagine themselves as Olympic champions.