Have you ever wanted to travel back in time? To see the ancient city of Athens in all its glory? Well, now you can! sort of. With a little imagination, you can have an astonishing day in Athens in 2023. Just follow our tips and you'll be transportted back 2,500 years ago!
Table of contents
- 1. Start your day by visiting the Acropolis of Athens - one of the most famous ancient ruins in the world
- 2. Take a walk through the Plaka district, stopping to grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants
- 3. Visit the Temple of Poseidon for stunning views of the Aegean Sea
- 4. Head to one of Athens' many museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum or the Benaki Museum
- 5. Spend some time people watching in Syntagma Square before grabbing dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant
- 6. End your day with a walk through Monastiraki and take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city
1. Start your day by visiting the Acropolis of Athens - one of the most famous ancient ruins in the world
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Acropolis of Athens, one of the most incredible World Heritage-listed sites in history. Admire the mighty Parthenon and marvel at how it has endured since ancient times, then explore the other archaeological wonders such as the Propylaea entrance gate, Temple of Athena Nike and more. A trip to the Acropolis is a great way to become inspired by the past and experience some of Greece's fascinating cultural heritage. Be sure to climb up to Mars Hill too - well worth it for the stunning views across the city!
2. Take a walk through the Plaka district, stopping to grab a bite to eat at one of the many cafes or restaurants
Exploring the Plaka district in Athens is an unforgettable experience. From cafes to restaurants, you can find a variety of local dishes, snacks and drinks to tantalize your taste buds. Get ready to wander through the winding streets and soak up the atmosphere of the city. You will pass traditional buildings and colorful paintings along with ancient ruins and modern buildings. Enjoy a cup of coffee or freshly-cooked Greek delicacies while listening to lively street performances. Finish your journey around sunset at the Acropolis as it glows in the fading daylight, creating an exquisite sight that will stay with you forever!
3. Visit the Temple of Poseidon for stunning views of the Aegean Sea
Embark on a journey beyond imagination and discover breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea at the Temple of Poseidon, located just one hour away from Athens. Waking up early to watch the sunrise is strongly recommended, as it’s easy to take in the calmness of nature and marvel at the beauty that surrounds you. Once there, visitors can explore what was once a place of worship and witness marvelous structures such as courtyards, altars, libraries and baths. A visit to this temple will offer an unforgettable experience with its impressive views, perfect for taking photos or simply admiring the clear blue horizon until the sunsets. So if you’re looking for an extraordinary day trip from Athens - explore ancient history and beautiful sea view combined in a single destination - then add The Temple of Poseidon in your list of must-do activities in 2023!
4. Head to one of Athens' many museums, such as the National Archaeological Museum or the Benaki Museum
When embarking on a tour of Athens in 2023, be sure to schedule at least one day to visit its range of museums. The National Archaeological Museum should not be missed as it contains priceless artifacts from Greece's ancient history. Alternatively, consider the unique Benaki Museum. This museum will tell you stories about the Greek people and their country that were never told before, offering insight into this beautiful culture. Furthermore, it is especially well-known for its collection of works by Greek artists from the Byzantine period. No trip to Athens would be complete without spending some time in one of these world-class museums!
5. Spend some time people watching in Syntagma Square before grabbing dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant
Spend some time people watching in Syntagma Square, the vibrant and memorable heart of Athens. Here you will catch glimpses of traditional Greek culture mixed with modern touches. Gently tap your toe to the beat of bouzouki music and explore nearby cafes, all before grabbing dinner at a traditional Greek restaurant of your choice! From souvlaki options to grilled seafood delicacies, there are so many Greek classics to tantalize your taste buds. Refuel yourself for the next part of the adventure: exploring the legacy of the Acropolis of Athens, which towers majestically over this great city.
6. End your day with a walk through Monastiraki and take in the sights and sounds of this vibrant city
End your day in Athens with a sunset stroll through the narrow alleyways of Monastiraki. The streets are alive with the chatter of friendly locals and shops where you can take home a memento of your stay. You'll never be bored as there is something new around every corner, including cafes and restaurants where you can sample delicious Greek dishes and music that sets the pace for a pleasurable evening. To top off your visit to Athens, venture down to Ancient Agora, located just beneath Monastiraki. Here, marvel at the ruins of some of the city's oldest architecture such as The Temple of Hephaestus and various markets from ancient times. It's all part of this amazing experience that will have you coming back to Athens again and again!