One Day in Greece: Exploring the Ancient Wonders

  • 8:00AM: Acropolis of Athens
    10 minutes (1.3 miles) from Syntagma Square

    The Acropolis of Athens is a must-see sight in Greece. Once home to the Ancient Greeks, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the Parthenon, Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The view from the top is exceptional.

  • 10:30AM: Plaka
    30 minutes (1.0 miles) from Acropolis of Athens

    Known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods," Plaka is a historic district located right below the Acropolis. The area is famous for its numerous ancient monuments, museums, and picturesque alleys. Visitors can also find several cozy tavernas serving excellent Greek cuisine here.

  • 1:00PM: Temple of Olympian Zeus
    25 minutes (1.0 mile) from Plaka

    The Temple of Olympian Zeus was once the largest temple in Greece but took almost seven centuries to complete. Although it is now a ruined temple, visitors get the chance to see the remains of the temple's Corinthian columns, marveling at their massive size and beauty.

  • 3:30PM: National Archaeological Museum
    17 minutes (0.7 miles) from Temple of Olympian Zeus

    One of the world's great museums, the National Archaeological Museum is home to an extensive collection of ancient Greek art and artifacts. The largest and most significant collection of Greek antiquities, it's a fantastic place to learn more about the ancient Greeks.

  • 6:00PM: The Monastiraki Flea Market
    25 minutes (1.0 miles) from National Archaeological Museum

    A popular shopping district in the heart of Athens, Monastiraki Flea Market is where visitors can find everything from clothes to antiques to electronics. This vibrant bazaar is perfect for buying souvenirs to take home before dinner.

  • 8:00PM: Traditional Greek Dinner in Psirri
    15 minutes (0.5 miles) from The Monastiraki Flea Market

    Psirri is a trendy neighborhood in Athens that is home to many traditional Greek restaurants. Visitors can enjoy an authentic meal of tzatziki, moussaka, and grilled meats while sipping on some ouzo or wine.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Acropolis of Athens (2 hours, 10 EUR)
  • Plaka (2 hours, FREE)
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus (1.5 hours, 8 EUR)
  • National Archaeological Museum (2 hours, 10 EUR)
  • The Monastiraki Flea Market (1.5 hours, FREE)
  • Traditional Greek Dinner in Psirri (2 hours, 20 EUR)

  • Total Estimated Costs: 48 EUR

Transportation

Since all the destinations are located in the city center, the easiest and most cost-effective transportation option is walking. Taxis can also be hailed quickly, and there are several bus and metro stations close by to all destinations.

Useful Tips

If you have more time in Athens, you can add the Ancient Agora, Benaki Museum, and Lycabettus Hill to your list. If you have less time, skip the Temple of Olympian Zeus and head straight to the National Archaeological Museum.

Airport

The Athens International Airport (ATH) is the primary airport in Greece, located about 12 miles from the city center. There are several transportation options from the airport to the city center, the easiest being the metro. The metro ride takes around 40 minutes and costs approximately 10 EUR.

0