24 Hours In Athens: A Culture Lover's Guide

A modern city filled with ancient wonders, Athens is often seen as a layover before reaching the islands. While we think the Greek capital deserves more than a night, we’ve helped you narrow down the options with an itinerary of top cultural sights to see in the city if you’re there for 24 hours. Fair warning, this guide only scratches the surface of the vibrant and cultural city that Athens is, so we are pretty sure you’ll be begging for more.

Day One

5.30 PM

Now that you’ve settled in your hotel, don’t miss an opportunity to get acquainted with the city’s rich history. Head straight to the National Archaeological Museum, the largest museum in Greece. In this imposing neoclassical building, you will find artefacts from the nineteenth century excavations in and around Athens, as well as diverse treasures from all around the country, ranging from prehistory to late antiquity.

National Archaelogical Museum, 44 Patision, Athens, Greece. +30 213 214 4800

National Archaeological Museum, Athens, Greece

8.30 PM

For dinner, grab a cab or walk up to Kallidromiou Street in Exarcheia – the anarchist district of Athens – to find Ama Laxei, a stunning restaurant set in a former school, and boasting a beautiful courtyard. Trust us, you won’t regret it one bit. The menu is diverse and includes a plethora of mezes, and the atmosphere will help you relax after your journey.

Ama Laxei stis Nefelis, 69 Kallidromiou, Exarchia, Athens, Greece. +30 210 3845 978

10.30 PM

You may choose to head straight to your hotel at this point, but if you are in the mood for a nightcap, Warehouse is the place to be. Also in Exarcheia, this wine bar is a favorite among locals, with an extensive wine list including Greek and international labels. If you are not a wine fan, the cocktail menu is equally enticing. Don’t overdo it as tomorrow you have to wake up early to see what else Athens has in store for you.

Warehouse, Mavromichali & Valtetsiou 21, Athens, Greece. +30 21 5540 8002

Day Two

8.30 AM

Start the day bright and early with a visit to the Acropolis, Athens’ jewel. If you’re visiting in summer, plan to be there extra early as it quickly gets crowded. After arriving at the Acropolis metro station, make your way up to the Sacred Rock, and be prepared to be amazed. As you climb up the Propylaea gates, you will be astounded by the beauty and splendor of its many monuments.

Acropolis, Athens, Greece.

10 AM

Continue your exploration with a quick stop by the Acropolis Museum, a stellar example of modern architecture located opposite the Acropolis. Housing the numerous artefacts found on the Acropolis site, the museum is set upon pillars to allow visitors to admire remnants of a part of Ancient Athens.

Acropolis Museum, Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens, Greece. +30 21 0900 0900

12.30 PM

For a light lunch, stay inspired and head to Little Tree Books & Coffee. The bookstore/café is a quiet, inspiring place for a quick lunch. We recommend the open-faced sandwiches. If you prefer something more filling, Balcony Restaurant & Bar on Veikou Street is a solid option. With a menu filled with Greek flavors prepared with contemporary flair, Balcony offers delicious cuisine you can enjoy from the balcony if the weather allows it.

Little Tree Books And Coffee, Kavalloti 2, Athens, Greece. +30 21 0924 3762

Balcony Restaurant & Bar, Veikou 1, Athens, Greece. +30 21 1411 8437

1.30 PM

Now that you’ve satisfied your taste buds, make your way towards Syntagma Square to admire the Parliament building, which used to be the former residence of the first king and queen of the modern state of Greece. Watch the evzones perform their distinctive walk as they stand and watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier before you head over to the Museum of Cycladic Art, a little gem nestled in Kolonaki. The museum hosts a wide collection of prehistoric art from the Cyclades islands.

Goulandris Museum of Cycladic art, Neofitou Douka 4, Athens, Greece. +30 21 0722 8321

3 PM

Before heading off to the airport, make sure to drop by Plaka, the picturesque district at the foot of the Acropolis, where you can snatch some souvenirs before leaving. All you have to do after that is head to your hotel, pack your bags and promise yourself to come back for more.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.