24 Hours in Athens

24 Hours in Athens // Nattie on the Road

Athens is a sprawling metropolis filled with tons of history and things to see, but it sort of ends up being a stopover point for most people on their way out to the Greek Islands. So if you find yourself, like we did, with 24 hours in Athens before heading out to the islands, there are some rad things you’ve got to check out. Here are the best things to do in Athens during a short stay.

Where to stay in Athens // Nattie on the Road

How to spend 24 hours in Athens Greece // Nattie on the Road

Stay

Best Western Acropolis Ami: This place is super affordable and centrally located. It’s an easy walk up to the Acropolis and fairly close to a metro stop. Plus it has a rooftop bar with live music and a great view of the Parthenon.

Airotel Alexandros: Also pretty central, you can walk to Mount Lycabettus. Super friendly and helpful staff, and they have an option for breakfast in the morning. Also there’s a good kebab spot down the street.

Best wine bar in Athens Greece // Nattie on the Road

Eat/Drink

Cinque Wine Bar & Deli: Just a little ways down the hill from the Acropolis, this little wine bar is serving up delicious Greek wines, and local meats and cheeses that are amazing! The owners are super friendly and will give you a tasting of their favorite wines before you decide on a glass to order. Make sure to get the meat and cheese platter for snacking on with your wines!

Find the best wine bar in Athens! // Nattie on the Road

Galaxy Restaurant and Bar (at the Hilton): If you looking for a fancy cocktail the Galaxy bar is pretty bougie. Sit outside on the deck with a great view of the Acropolis and the city while sipping on your drink.  

Best bars and restaurants in Athens Greece // Nattie on the Road

Aleria: If you are looking for a fancy dinner this is the place to go. We happened to be in Athens on our Anniversary so we splurged and on the tasting menu and wine pairing at Aleria. I’d call the food modern Mediterranean, and the ambiance was the perfect balance of laid back, but still a little fancy. We sat on the back patio, it was filled with greenery and candles making it quite romantic.

Kebabs from any Kebab stand: Kebabs and falafel are delicious and probably my favorite kind of street food. There are stands and little shops all over the place so you can’t go wrong.

Sunset over the Parthenon // Nattie on the Road

What to do with 24 hours in Athens Greece // Nattie on the Road

Do

Acropolis: If you are in Athens you have to see the Acropolis, it’s the biggest piece of history, like, ever. It’s crazy to look at building, or pieces of buildings that have been around for so long. There’s no tour or anything, you pay your 20 euros (yeah kind of expensive) and you can just walk around the whole thing. There are signs that give you the history and information on each part. Plus there are some awesome views of the city.
*Pro Tip: Just outside the Acropolis and down the hill a little bit, theres a giant rock, if you climb up it you can get a pretty sweet selfie with the Acropolis in the background.

Things to do in Athens - visit the Acropolis // Nattie on the Road

Even if you only have one day there is plenty to see in Athens // Nattie on the Road

Acropolis selfie // Nattie on the Road

Hike Mount Lycabettus: If you are feeling like a hike, Mount Lycabettus will give you a give you a nice little challenge. It’s quite literally a mountain in the middle of the city. The bottom half is shaded by pine trees and at the top there is a cafe, a small church and epic panoramic views. You can also drive part of the way up if you feel so inclined, there’s a parking lot near a large open air theater halfway up.

The best things to do and see in Athens Greece // Nattie on the Road

Views of Athens Greece // Nattie on the Road

Athens City Guide // Nattie on the Road

Shop on Ermou: At the bottom of Syntagma Square you’ll come to Ermou Street, it’s a pedestrian only walkway filled with all kinds of shops. It’s got everything everything from souvenir shops to fancy boutiques so if you are in need of some retail therapy this is the place.

Walk the streets of Athens // Nattie on the Road

Syntagma Square: So maybe this isn’t a place to seek out to go see, but if you are walking around central Athens you’ll most likely end up walking through Syntagma Square. It’s the center of Athens, and an easy way to orient yourself in the city. The Parliament building is right there as well as a few museums that are worth checking out if you have time.

Notes

Weather: It is hot and dry in the summer getting into the 80’s and 90’s during July and August. The rest of the year is fairly mild temperature wise, coldest months are December and January, when it will get down into the 50’s.

Everything to do and see in Athens in 24 hours // Nattie on the Road

Money: Greece uses Euro, which is nice if you’ve been traveling around Europe, you won’t have to switch money. There are ATM’s all over, but plenty of places take credit cards as well. You must have a chip card though for it work (thank goodness American banks are finally switching over!).

Athens City Guide // Nattie on the Road

Transportation: Athens metro is pretty easy to use and goes to most places you’d want to get to (Airport, Acropolis, the port). I also felt like walking was easy, especially if you are staying some place central, once you are off the main road there are lots of pedestrian only paths and quiet streets.

21 comments

21 thoughts on “24 Hours in Athens

    1. nattiekaf Post author

      Haha I though the same thing as soon as I got there, “how had I never been here before??” It’s such an awesome country!

      Reply
  1. Florence

    Loved our time in Athens! This is a great guide for people who only have a day to spend there – I definitely can’t wait to go back to soak up more of the culture and history. #FlyAwayFriday

    Reply
  2. Chloe

    Wow! You guys covered a lot of ground for just one day!! I love that!! I feel like sometimes when I’m under a time constraint I see more/do more! And that food!! OMG – I miss Greek food and their amazing wines. Love the post and thanks for sharing! #FlyAwayFriday

    Reply
    1. nattiekaf Post author

      haha yeah I totally get super ambitious when I have a time constraint in some place cool. I’m like “we have to go see all the things!!”

      Reply
  3. alex

    I’ve saved this because inevitably we will end up in Athens for 24 hours in the future like you mentioned – as a stop off to a little island somewhere. Lovely pictures and great advice. #FlyAwayFriday

    Reply
    1. nattiekaf Post author

      Awesome! You’ll love Athens and the islands are amazing too! I have to some posts about those coming up soon! Thanks!!

      Reply
  4. Juliette @ Snorkels To Snow

    Great guide! I’m yet to go to Greece but absolutely can’t wait to visit one day. The views from the top look incredible! I have some friends there currently who keep posting ridiculously good looking photos on Facebook…#FlyAwayFriday

    Reply
    1. nattiekaf Post author

      The really cool thing about Athens is all the hills that kind of just shoot up out of the city so if you go to the top you can get the best views of everything, and I’m all about the views haha. Thanks for reading!

      Reply
  5. Kana

    Ahhhh! I’m going to Athens in March so this comes at the perfect time! I’m definitely bookmarking this for later! You’re definitely getting me excited with all the lovely photos and tips! Thanks for joining us on #FlyAwayFriday – hope to see you again this week! xo

    Reply
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