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1-day walking tour in Athens

Description:

If you only have one day to spend in Athens, there are a few must-sees, namely the Acropolis and the surrounding archeological sites. Along the way you will pass through the historic districts of Plaka and Monastiraki that are scattered with museums, shops and dining. Getting a hotel in the city center - Syntagma, Acropolis or the Plaka - will allow you easy access to the sites. Ask you hotel to make your lunch and dinner reservations.

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Author: Jennifer

Day 1 - Athens

On this tour you will make a circle around the Acropolis rock as you visit the city’s key archeological sites. A pedestrianized walkway will get you to all these sites. Start at Dionysiou Areopagitou street, which begins just steps from the Acropolis metro station. Some landmarks you will pass on the way to the Acropolis are the New Acropolis Museum, the Dionysos Theater and the Odeon of Herod Atticus. Consider purchasing the Acropolis ticket (Euro12) which gives you access to 7 archeological sites (Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Dionysos Theater, Kerameikos Cemetery, Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Library) even though it will be difficult to visit all of these sites in just 1 day. Give yourself about 45 minutes to tour the site. Back on the pedestrian walk, walk down the hill to the Ancient Agora. This section of the walkway is named Apostolou Pavlou. On your left you will pass Pnyx, Arios Pagos and Philopappou Hills, the National Observatory and a number of eateries as you pass through the neighborhood of Thissio. Just opposite the Thissio metro stop you will enter the neighborhood of Monastiraki. This section of the walkway is named Adrianou street. Give yourself at least 2 hours to visit the Ancient Agora. Highlights include the Temple of Hephaistos, the Stoa of Attalos (including the museum) and the 11th century Agioi Apostoloi church. After touring this site you may wish to stop for lunch and recharge your batteries. Adrianou street is lined with tavernas and cafes. Check out Kouti and dine with a view of the Acropolis or head over to Café Abyssinias in the antique bazaar or try Bairaktaris right off Monastiraki Square (in the heart of the flea market). Next stop the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds. Weave your way into the Plaka and do some souvenir shopping. In the evening dine in the Plaka at the quaint taverna, Tou Psara, and sample Greek fare while listening to Greek music. Other evening options include an early dinner and then experiencing an alfresco performance. Greek dance performances at the Dora Stratou Theater begin in mid May and run through the end of September (Tu-Sa 9:30pm, Su 8:15pm, Mon closed) while performances at the Odeon of Herod Atticus begin in June.

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Acropolis

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Location:

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Theorias
Dionissiou Areopagitou. Ticket booth, small post office, and snack bar are located slightly below the Acropolis entrance
105 58 Athens, Greece