Day 1: The Best of Athens in 24 Hours
The Acropolis & Parthenon
Arrive at the Acropolis entrance on the south slope at 8am to beat the heat and the crowds. The Parthenon, Erechtheion with its Caryatid porch, and the Theatre of Dionysus — the birthplace of drama — are all here on this sacred rock above Athens. The combined ticket (€30) covers the Acropolis plus five other archaeological sites for five days. Coffee at Little Tree Books & Coffee on Kavalloti.
Acropolis Museum & Plaka
Walk downhill to the Acropolis Museum (€10) — one of the world's best archaeological museums, built on glass floors above excavations you can see below your feet. The Parthenon Gallery on the top floor recreates the frieze at its original height. Then wander Plaka — Athens' oldest neighbourhood with neoclassical houses, bougainvillea, and tavernas. Lunch at O Thanasis near Monastiraki Square (souvlaki pita, €3.50).
Monastiraki, Rooftops & Psyrri
Watch sunset from a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated Acropolis — A for Athens on Miaouli Street has the most famous view (cocktails €10–12). Then head to Psyrri for dinner — once gritty, now buzzing with tavernas, street art, and live rembetika music. Try Karamanlidika tou Fani for meze (€8–12 per plate) or Kostas on Platia Agia Irini for the city's best souvlaki (€2.80).
