24 Hours in Athens: The Perfect Layover Adventure

The Greek Isles seem to be the must-visit summer destination for travelers everywhere. How could anyone resist the dreamy blues of Santorini or the blossom-filled shops of Mykonos? Many people planning a trip to one of the 166+ inhabited islands of this historic country find themselves flying through Athens. It can be easy to overlook the city and continue your trip to the Mediterranean, but a day in Athens is exactly what you need!

Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities and boasts an impressive collection of ruins and temples that are centuries old. While its history is rich, the city is incredibly easy to explore in just one day. If you’re making a connection in Athens, consider expanding your layover to a full day to get a taste of this cultural hub. Today I’m showing you guys the perfect itinerary to see the highlights of Athens in just 24 hours!

Lukumades

A donut a day keeps the doctor away, right? Greece has its own spin on donuts called loukoumades and a tiny, busy shop called Lukumades is the best place to get your fix. These honey and cinnamon fried dough balls are made fresh following a traditional recipe. It gets really fun when you pick your custom injectable fillings or delicious toppings to take your donut experience to the next level. Get yours smothered in chocolate praline and almonds or stuffed with lemon cream or sprinkled with cookie bits – the options are endless.

The Acropolis

This often-sought gem is the tourist highlight of Athens – so come early! This ancient citadel sits high above the city and provides an impressive look into the splendor and magnificence of ancient Greece. Walk on over after your donut breakfast and plan to spend about two hours taking in the beautiful ruins. I can’t stress the importance of getting here early since this place fills up with tourists quickly.

Acropolis Museum After you’ve explored the Acropolis itself, walk over to the nearby museum to see some of the more delicate, yet equally incredible, ruins and artifacts. The placards around the museum are very descriptive so you’ll be fine without an audio or tour guide. Be sure to check out the underground exposed ruins at the entrance and the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor. The café patio is also a fantastic viewpoint for a photo op of the Acropolis.

Liondi's

Give your feet some much-needed rest and indulge your taste buds at the nearby Liondi Restaurant. This small café is bustling but serves up some of the best traditional Greek dishes in town. It’s smushed between other restaurants and easy to miss – be persistent and make sure you seek this place out. The moussaka (baked potato and eggplant dish) is out of this world and be sure to start your meal with the addictive tzatziki and a pitcher of house white wine. Even if you need to wait for a table, it’s so worth it.

Temple of Olympian Zeus After you’ve had your fill of Greek wine and feta, get some more sightseeing in by heading to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. There is an entry fee to this monument (like most places in Athens) but I found it to be worth it given the smaller crowds here compared to the Acropolis. It’s one of the tallest temples ever built in the ancient world and once boasted 104 columns. While only 15 still stand today, it’s a gorgeous marble and gold temple that’s perfect for pictures with fewer tourists lingering in the background.

Panathenaic Stadium A quick hop on the Athens metro or bus will get you to this final sightseeing stop quickly. This is the only stadium in the world made exclusively from marble and is the home of the famous Olympic Flame. The modern Olympics can be directly connected to this classic stadium originally built in 6 BC. You can admire this stop without buying a ticket, but the best photo ops are inside the stadium so consider splurging if you’re into that kind of thing. The marble gets hot during the day but you’ll feel like a true Olympian exploring this famous landmark.

Gelato Stop Hop back on the public transport and stop near the Acropolis again for a sweet treat. DaVinci’s Gelato serves up delicious flavors in inventive sprinkled cones and is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up. You’ll find a lot of European-inspired flavors not often seen in the States that are beyond amazing (like tiramisu or yogurt with honey and nuts). Indulge in a flavor or three served up in a cone – it’ll taste even better than it looks.

Plaka & Monastiraki Shopping Athens is home to tons of delightful little shops. While many cater to tourists and sell souvenir-style goods, it’s still fun to see the gifts on display. Stroll down the Plaka and Monastiraki areas and take in the homemade soap shops, endless tavernas, and cheesy little tourist stores. You’ll find lots of breezy dresses perfect for Greek-Isle hoppers, beautiful jewelry, and airplane-approved packs of olives to bring home. You can wander for as long as you’d like!

Dinner

Once you’ve worn your feet down with all the Athens trekking, get one last culinary adventure in with a stop at Atitamos. You’ll find homemade Greek classics at a very reasonable price. Start your meal with grilled feta and consider sharing a few dishes among your table. This is a bit more removed from the touristy areas and doesn’t take reservations, but it’s worth the venture!

Cocktails End your action-packed day in Athens with a nightcap. Osterman provides a beautiful atmosphere with jazz music and mood lighting. While I took advantage of the Greek wine as much as possible, the cocktails are also inventive and yummy. Cube Project has a nice terrace with Acropolis views during the summer if you’re looking for a cheaper and more laid-back alternative.

Athens is a historic city boasting some of the most impressive ruins in the world. It can be quick to write off this destination as a mere layover, but 24 hours is all you need to absorb the beauty of this city. With plenty of amazing food and views, Athens will keep you busy before you jetset to one of the many famous Greek Islands.

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