Whether you have been to Athens before, or this is your first trip, you can see the best of this ancient city in one day. Before you arrive I
would recommend you bone up on your Greek mythology and the rich and extensive history of Greece. Even though we have all seen pictures of the Parthenon, knowing why it was built and how it has survived makes your visit to this ancient city more relevant and meaningful.
You will arrive in the port of Pireaus which is quite a distance from the city of Athens so your first decision will be about transportation into the city. There are a number of options available to you;
- Ship excursion
- Private excursion
- Hop on / Hop Off Bus tours
- Private Cab Tours
We used the private excursion company Katakaloon Express on our last visit. It cost about €25 per person for about a 6 hour tour. We would highly recommend this company which offers both on your own and guided options from the port. On our first visit we used a private cab and would recommend it as well, especially of you can share the cost with another couple since it runs about €125.00 but can include up to 4 passengers. Either option gives you the added bonus of interaction with locals who are more than willing to share their pride in their city.
Both the cab and the private excursion had the added benefit of being small group. We left first thing in the morning and hit all the sites well ahead of the big buses. The cab tour included a stop for souvenirs but not for lunch. The private excursion included a stop in Plaka for lunch and shopping.
There is a huge variation in the cost of each of these options, so please do your own research and chose the option that meets both your budget and travel goals. Please see my article on Planning Your Shore Excursion for more details on each of the options listed above.
The first and most impressive destination is the Acropolis. Every time we stop in Athens I have to return to this site. Once you reach the top of the hill take the time to wander about. Look down upon the city of Athens as the ancient gods once did and feel the history steeped in every rocky crag and crumbled pillar.
From there you should make your way through the centre of town to see the Academy, University and National Library ending at Syntagma Square for the changing of the guard. The ceremony and pageantry are captivating to behold, to say nothing of the athleticism of the soldiers and their traditional uniforms. After the ceremony the crowds quickly dissipate so be sure to pause for a moment at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier.
Make a brief stop to photograph the Temple of Zeus. You can pay to enter the area if you have time. Next take a quick walk through Panathenaic Stadium, home of the modern Olympics and a wonder of architecture all in marble. Everyone lines up to get the photo standing atop the podium, so be sure to leave the time to do so yourself. The balance of your time in Athens should be spent in the old town of Plaka. The souvenir shops were a little touristy but the restaurants offered authentic and affordable Greek cuisine. Try the salad!!