One day in Athens is all cruise ship passengers have to explore the historic sites of the ancient empire and the modern portions of Greece’s capital city. The list of key places to visit in Athens includes significant landmarks, culinary delights, and both ancient and modern art. Despite the time restrictions, we managed to see many of the highlights in only one day in Athens.
Our trick to seeing Athens in a day was two-fold
- Planning our Athens must-see list in advance of arriving.
- Comparing the tours to see which ones match our list.
- Pre-purchasing a tour, or in our case, a private driver as none of the tours matched our must-see list.
Planning: Creating Your Personal Thing to See in Athens in a Day
First, the list of best things to do in Athens will be slightly different for each person. To create your “top things to do in Athens Greece” list, start with informational pages like this one, written by people you trust. This page represents what we believe are the top Athens attractions. Next, take notes. Then, get yourself a guidebook that you can carry on the ship where you might not have access to the internet. We personally recommend Rick Steves Mediterranean Cruise Ports.
Finding Athens Private Tours or Athens Shore Excursions
Next, we reviewed the excursions offered by the ship to see if any of them went exactly where we wanted to go. We generally opt for independent shore excursions, as they cost less, do more, have smaller groups, and are more personal. The ship’s tours often start more than an hour after arriving in port, have large groups, are impersonal, and frequently include a shopping stop where the ship earns commissions.
As none of the tours exactly met our needs, we opted for one of the private tours in Athens Greece. We created our own Athens itinerary with input from our guide. For us, this was the ideal option. Note: At the time of writing, only licenced guides were permitted to enter the venues with clients.
IMPORTANT: In Greece:
- A private driver can take you to destinations, tell you about them while outside, but cannot enter with you.
- An official guide can accompany you into the venues.
Check out these Athens Shore Excursions
| TOUR | TYPE | FEATURES | DURATION |
| Sightseeing of Athens and the Acropolis | Private Guide Private Driver | Fully licensed guide and a private driver Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, Panathenian Stadium New Acropolis Museum, changing of the guard | 4 hrs |
| Acropolis Walking Tour | Group Walking | Acropolis and central Athens with an expert guide Parthenon, the Herodian Theatre and Temple of Zeus, Syntagma Metro Station archaeological museum | 3.5 hrs |
| Self-Guided Tour | Private Driver | Fully customizable Get tips from the driver, explore on your own | 4 hrs |
| Segway Tour | Small Group Segway | Segway instruction Choose: Acropolis or City Highlights tour | 2 hrs |
| Food Tour | Small Group Walking Tour | Sample cuisine from shops and markets Learn culinary history | 4 hrs |
| Athens City, Acropolis & Acropolis Museum | Group Walking | Fully licensed guide Skip-the-line service Syntagma Metro Station museum Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Dionysus Theater and Sanctuary, Changing of the Guards, Greek Parliament and National Gardens | 5.5 hrs |
*Viator, a TripAdvisor company offers a worry-free shore excursion guarantee with some of their shore tours (be sure to read the details on any trip you choose).
Photo Tour: Things to do in Athens in a day
Initial Historic Sites on the Acropolis
Our first stop was the Acropolis, which means “high city.” We walked past several ancient structures before coming to the most famous ones. We came here directly from the port and were ahead of the horde of tour buses that were arriving before we left.
Parthenon and Erechtheion
Views from the Acropolis
Agora (ancient market area)
Greek Parliament and the Changing of the Guard
Visit a Museum in Athens
We enjoyed the National Archaeological Museum of Athens. It was a difficult choice between it and the Acropolis Museum, but we opted to see artefacts from all over Greece as we had already stood upon the Acropolis. As a bonus, the air-conditioned museum was a refreshing break from a blistering hot day.
Other significant museums in Athens that we didn’t get to:
- Museum of Cycladic Art
- The Byzantine and Christian Museum (exhibits from the 3rd century AD to the late medieval era)
- The Numismatic Museum (one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of ancient and modern coins)
- The National Museum of Contemporary Art (located in a former brewery)
- The Jewish Museum of Greece
Stop and Enjoy a Meal or Snack
The Panathenaic (Olympic) Stadium
The Panathenaic (Olympic) Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. It has hosted three Olympics: the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and again in 1906. Plus it was used for events of the 2004 Olympics.
It is less popular than other sites. Therefore, unlike everywhere else we visited in Athens, it was fairly empty. In fact, it was empty enough for the girls to have a race around the Olympic track and then stand on the podium.
See the Olympic Torches
The first lighting of each Olympic Torch takes place in Greece and then tours the country. Next, the flame transfers to a purpose-built lantern for a flight to the host country. Upon arrival, the flame jumps to an identical copy of the first torch and is run through the host country. Each Olympic torch has six copies.
Each of the torches started in Greece are housed at the Panathenaic Stadium. To see them, walk through the tunnel leading out of the stadium on the far side from the entrance. Climb the stairs at the end of the tunnel to find the room.
Other Historic Sites to Visit during a day in Athens
Did we see all of Athens in a Day?
Of course not. We did see many of the highlights, but here are a few more key things to do in Athens that we missed:
- Walk the labyrinth of streets and have a coffee or meal in the old historic Pláka neighbourhood.
- Shop in the Monastiraki district.
- Stare in awe of the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus.
- Imagine participating in one of the Athenian assemblies at Pnyx, and being a part of the creation of democracy in 507 BC.
- Study the columns and architecture at the ruins of Hadrian’s Library created in 132 AD.
Travel Tips whether you have one day in Athens or longer:
- Visit the Acropolis as early in the day as possible as the ticket queue gets over an hour long.
- When at the Agora, or probably at any of the ruins, do not take a photo standing behind one of the headless statues to give the appearance of your head being on top of the statue. The guards will come running and stand over you until you delete the photo.
- If you visit as a cruise port and enjoy Athens as much as we did, you will probably want to return for a longer visit. When you do, check for the best hotel pricing at Booking.com.
- Get out to at least one of the Greek islands. We went to Mykonos. The relaxed atmosphere and stark white-washed buildings offered a sharp contrast to the fast-paced Greek capital of Athens.
- Many of my Greek images are available for purchase at Zazzle.
We visited Athens as one of nine ports as we cruised the Mediterranean on the NCL Spirit. We arrived in Athens after my favourite destination from this cruise, the historic and picturesque ruins of Ephesus Turkey. From Athens, we cruised into Venice Italy, our port of disembarkation. The ports included one port in France, four in Italy, two in Greece, and two in Turkey.
If you are heading out to sea, read next: 25 Tips for Cruising that Everyone Should Know.
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Jossus Travelpics
If I had one day in Athens I would see the Acropolis and on my way down go to Anafiotika, my favourite neighbourhood in Athens, and then the Archaeological Museum.
Paula Morgan
Fabulous photos Rhonda I just booked my flights for Greece for a month next May/June. Love the old shot of you at the Acropolis. The photos have really helped me to decide to actually spend 3 days in Athens as there seems there is more than enough to see.
Rhonda Albom
There is lots to see. I only had one day off a cruise ship. I would have liked to spend more time there.
Mike Cotton
As other commentators have said, one day is never enough time. But saying that, itineraries like this one, do help in maximising your time in a city. I’d love to visit Athens one day.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Mike, and I agree, planning is the key to limited time – that and a driver.
Lauren
One day is never enough, but sometimes you have no choice! I’ve been in this situation before. It’s amazing to make the most of your time and know that you’ll have other awesome spots to return to someday!
Rhonda Albom
Very true, and we always try to make the best of it when it happens.
Wanderlust Wayfarer
Now this brings back memories. You covered a lot of the same territory I did in one day on my trip to Athens. I love the idea of hiring a private guide to take you around. You get to choose your own adventure that way!
Rhonda Albom
That is exactly why we did it. I am lucky to be married to someone with very similar interests, so we can custom to accommodate both of us.
Victoria
Totally did not know that is what Acropolis meant! But it makes total sense seeing where the structure was built! Also, it is one of the really good restaurants in Florida 😉
Travelera
I really enjoyed this post, you know how much I love cruising but the downside is that they leave you one day to see so much so this post its perfect to refer back if I go to Athens in the future.
I loved the picture of your girls sitting in the same post as you 30 years ago, how lovely!
I wish you a great week!
Nuria
Barbara
Wow, so much to discover in ATHENS in one day! I cant believe how many people were there at the Acropolis! it s certainly a great city. I pass by almost every year for a day on my way down to the Greek Islands, so I have seen most of these sites.
Rhonda Albom
Sometimes we look at photos and think “It didn’t feel that crowded”, but the Acropolis did feel like that many people.
Natasha Haley
These are some amazing tips. We always try to make the most of time in places even if its a short trip. It is always good to hear other who have been successful at it too. Will keep this in mind for athens
Rhonda Albom
We generally prefer leisure and lots of time to explore, but sometimes all we have is one day, so we pack it all in.
Christina
Love your photos. It looks like the weather was beautiful when you visited. Athens is one of those cities steeped in history and mystery. And I’m sure your girls will always remember their visit to Athens, especially the chance to run on the track in the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium.
Rhonda Albom
I know, how cool that they got to run on that track, and stand on the podiums.
Fiona Maclean
Reminds me how I really need to go back to Athens. I haven’t been for years and really haven’t explored properly!
Rhonda Albom
I don’t feel that I explored it properly either.
Kavey Favelle
I think your tactic of advance planning and booking a private driver and car was wise, to allow you to pack in as much as you could into the time. And getting off the ship amongst the first on arrival to port probably helped you to beat some of those crowds at Acropolis too. I went when I was four, over 4 decades ago, and there’s a photo of me on that same fallen rock somewhere in our family albums. I’ve not been back (yet) though.
Rhonda Albom
We pre-arrange for private drivers often when we travel and have limited time in a city. Especially from a ship. Even the expensive driver is often cheaper than paying for four people on an excursion.
Jackie
We spent 3 days in Athens and I would say that was plenty before leaving on a tour. Our hotel was directly across from the Parliment.
Oh I remember those tourist postcards that were mailed to us.
Rhonda Albom
Three days might have been all I could take of the crowds, but I am sure there is plenty more to see. Cool that you got a postcard too. 🙂
jill
When I think of Athens, I think of history and food. So I think I would go with the day the way you did. I’m not really a huge city person so one day would be enough for me at a time, then maybe go back another time. Greece is definitely at the top of the list for me though! I love the old photo you had from your previous visit – and the photo of your girls on the track! Fun!
Rhonda Albom
I was so happy that I have always taken care of photos, so I could find that old photo.
Anda
Ah, I want to go to Athens so badly! When we lived in Romania, Greece was only a stone’s throw away from us, but at that time we couldn’t travel anywhere outside the borders. Now we have to cross the world to get there and it’s not so easy anymore, but I still didn’t give up hope that I’ll make it there someday. Your pictures are fascinating.
Rhonda Albom
On the bright side, you can and do travel now. And, thanks.
jesh StG
We were in Athens for nine days. But if we had only been there one day, I would have gone to Plaka, and the main square, visited one of the churches. Eat an authentic Greek meal. Go to the street market with antiques. Oh, and visit one of the islands. But the Acropolis was a major disappointment – and you are talking to an artist here. The pillars are the only thing to see there. In the museum you are nor allowed to take pics. We were planning to spend there a whole day, but in two hours we got bored and left for the city.
Rhonda Albom
They may be an overcrowded disappointment, but they felt like a must see to my family who had not been before.
JM Illinois U.S.A.
Oh my goodness the crowds are too much; but the sights are worth it. I like the old picture versus the new picture of you. Show less crowded in the old old days. You are a lucky person to have been there twice. Good planning. I like at the end what to to and what not to do.
Rhonda Albom
Agreed about the crowds, and it was only getting worse as the morning progressed
Teresa Kindred
Love all your pictures and especially the post card! Teresa
Rhonda Albom
As soon as I saw the spot I remembered sitting there all those years ago. I couldn’t believe it was still there.
Diana Villa
Wow Greece is just so beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and the incredible pic 😀
Rhonda Albom
Yes, Greece is filled with photographically beautiful sites.
Sharon
I love the photo where you are pointing up at the columns. This is on my (long) bucket list! So much history, and lovely views too.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks. I like the way it seems to give it some perspective.
Cheryl
You packed a lot into one day and seemed to capture the essence of Athens. My son really wants to go to Greece. I’m going to save this and share it with him.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Cheryl, that is my goal to capture the essence of a city.
Raeshal
That was amazing. I love all of your pictures. I like the 30 year postcard. That can be a family tradition. You make me want to travel to Greece. I’m in Nashville TN, and we have the recreation of the Parthenon here. I visit that park alot it’s my favorite. Thanks for sharing
Rhonda Albom
I wonder if it will still be the same in another 30 years.
Patricia
The pictures of Athens are beautiful and stunning! I want to visit someday! I LOVE all the art there. 🙂
Rhonda Albom
I love the art, but it is the architecture that really stole my heart.
Lady Fi
That was one busy day! Fascinating and fabulous.
Rhonda Albom
And exhausting. We slept well that night.
Patrick Weseman
What beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing. That is a place that I would love to go to.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Patrick.
Alissa A Apel
That’s amazing you got to fit that into one day! WOW! So much history at your fingertips.
Rhonda Albom
The secret is having a driver. No wasting time looking for parking, and he is right there at the end of every activity, ready to take us to the next one.
Driller's Place
Thanks for sharing some wonderful images. I don’t believe that I will ever get to visit Athens and these images are beautiful. Have a blessed day.
Rhonda Albom
I am glad you enjoyed my images. Athens is a fascinating city.
Joyce Lansky
I would love to go to Athens, but it looks like I won’t get my one day at this point; so I’ll have to vicariously live it through you.
Rhonda Albom
Never say never. But I hope you have New Zealand higher on your list than Greece.
Sandee
I wouldn’t care for those crowds, but I haven’t cared for them for many years.
Beautiful city and great shots.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom
I agree, there were way too many people there, but it is the only way to see these amazing sites.
Indah Nuria Savitri
Greece has always been on top of my list.. I sincerely hope I can go there soon. Really appreciate your tips, Rhonda
Rhonda Albom
I hope you can get there too. It’s a wonderful historic destination.
Terri Vanech
Great pictures; looks like you had a blast, short visit notwithstanding.
Rhonda Albom
True to both, we had a blast and it was way too short.
L. Diane Wolfe
That is amazing your were there 30 years earlier in a similar photo. Such a beautiful place. If that crowd was beating the crowds, I’d hate to see what it looks like when it’s really busy.
Rhonda Albom
I couldn’t believe it when I saw that sideways column still there so many years later. I had to get the shot. And yes, the crowds do get worse.
stevebethere
What a fantastic trip lots to see I like the photo of you and hubby and the lovely view behind you too 🙂
Have a pittabreadtastic Day Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Sarah took that photo of us, long before she took her first photography class. She always had a good eye for photography.
image-in-ing
It would be hard to spend just one day in Athens!
Beautiful photos. You spent your time well.
Rhonda Albom
It was a long and busy day, and yes we felt like we spent our day quite well.
enhenyero
Wish I have the resources to travel at this part of the world.
Rhonda Albom
Maybe one day.
Nick Wilford
You packed a lot into one day, I’m impressed. I’ve always wanted to visit the Acropolis!
Rhonda Albom
Having the driver made a big difference, as we didn’t have to spend any time looking for parking, or walking distances.
Nano @ Travel With Nano B.
I always wanted to go to Athens. How wonderful that you got to revisit the place with your girls!
Rhonda Albom
I love Athens. I am sorry I didn’t spend more time in Greece with my girls. We had planned on it, but then we got the last minute cruise deal, and the plan all changed.
Karren Haller
What an amazing trip, fun to see your card from 30 years ago. The structures are wonderful, I just hope they remain in-tacked!! Karren:)
Rhonda Albom
I am so glad I still have that card from all those years ago. It was fun to pull it out and look at the two together.
Tony Payne
Always wanted to go to Athens. I was fascinated by ancient Greece from an early age.
Shane Curtis
I still can’t afford a visit to Athens. It’s actually on my plan but my funds aren’t enough yet. I really envy this trip of yours. Anyway, nice photos you got there.