We were pretty excited to go to Athens on our recent cruise in Europe!
Though we only had a day in the city, which really ended up being only a half day with the transportation back to the cruise, I’m still happy we saw at least one of the major sites on our sightseeing tour of the ancient city.
Of course we still have plenty of things we need to see there, so I guess it just means we need to look at going back or revisiting the city on another cruise – either of which I am more than down for!
Here’s what we did during our day in Athens on a cruise excursion.
A one-day Athens travel itinerary
Bus tour of the city
We started our day in Athens off with a bus tour around the city to see the more modern parts of the city, with views of the Acropolis in the distance.
We made a quick stop at the Panathenaic Stadium for a photo opp and bathroom break. The Panathenaic Stadium is where the first Olympic Games took place! Then it was back on the bus to hear more about Athens’ history and understand the difference between the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Acropolis + Parthenon
Our cruise excursion was a guided tour (and transportation to and from) of the Acropolis. I wasn’t sure what to expect with visiting this site as well as not understanding how to get there from our ship, so it was the perfect excursion for our first time in Athens.
Our guide told us about the Acropolis and the Parthenon building before giving us some time to explore the site on our own. Like I said in my review of the cruise, I really, really wish we had had a bit more time to explore the Acropolis and read all the information about the buildings and remnants there, but still so happy we at least got to visit. I think when anyone thinks of Athens this is the first thing that comes to mind so I’m glad we got to cross it off our travel bucket list.
I also loved the impressive city views from the top and would plan to revisit the Acropolis next time we’re in Athens to have a bit more time to explore the historical site and look out over the city below.
Shopping
Lastly, we had a bit of time to do some souvenir shopping to bring a bit of Athens back home with us. It’ll be nice to have a reminder of our time there as well as an in-your-face reminder we need to go back!
Next time we’re in Athens
All in, I wish we had more than just a half day in Athens as there are so many more things we needed to see and do. Hopefully we’ll be back again, whether on a cruise or on our own exploration of Greece (as we already have our eyes on some hotels in Santorini!).
Knowing what we know now, especially with how easy it could have been to get back to the port in Piraeus, here is what I would have added to our one day in Athens travel itinerary:
Dine in Monastiraki
Had we stayed in the city, or next time we go!, we’d have made sure to dine in the Monastiraki neighborhood and take advantage of the restaurants and coffee shops located right in the square. I’ve read it’s where many of the locals hang out and you’ll find shopping opportunities, can listen to musicians playing in the square, and just take a moment to orient yourself in the city.
The Acropolis Museum
Since we’ve been to the actual Acropolis, I’d have loved to stop at the Acropolis Museum and check out the exhibits and statues housed there. We’d also have a chance to do some great sightseeing by passing by the Gate of Athena and the Roman Forum on our way to the museum.
The Archeological Park
While not actually a traditional park, this is a sightseeing loop that includes som fantastic sites, like the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Supreme Court, Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus, and that Panathenaic Stadium (which we’ve seen but I’d love to learn more about).
Wine tasting or food tour
I really enjoyed the white wine we drank in Oia, Fira, and Argostoli and I’d love to learn more about Greece’s wines and wine production. I think we’d definitely try to squeeze in a food and wine tour if there was time, or at least do some wine bar hopping on our own in Athens!
Ancient Greek Theater Performance
If we stayed in Athens late enough, I think it would be super cool to see a play or performance in an ancient theater. We had a really neat view of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus from the Acropolis!
Odeon of Herodes Atticus, known by locals as Herodeon, was built between 160 AD and 174 AD. It was built for Rigilla, Herodes Atticus’ wife, and Atticus financed its construction. Today, the theater seats 4,680 people and is still used for events, concerts, performances, and festivals.
That wraps up what we did in Athens and what would have added to our 24 hours in Athens travel itinerary if we could have! What else do you recommend for a day in Athens? Leave your comments below so we know what to do next time we’re in Greece!
