24 hours in Athens, Greece

Kicking off our trip to Greece last month, today I am sharing 24 hours in Athens. Being an art history major, I knew we had to spend a day to visit the Acropolis of Athens and see the Parthenon.

We took an overnight direct flight Thursday night into Friday Boston to Rome, then a quick 2 hour flight from Rome to Athens. Arriving around dinnertime in Athens, we quickly headed to the hotel to check in and get ready for our first night in Greece.

Seeing as we only had a short time in Athens, we stayed at the base of the Acropolis at the Athens Gate Hotel to maximize our time exploring the area + conveniently be able to walk everywhere for the 24 hours we were there.

The Athens Gate Hotel's main attraction is the rooftop restaurant and bar with 360 degree views of the city. In one direction you see the Parthenon, lit up at night. In another you see the Temple of Zeus, and keep looking around to glimpse blue water in the distance.

The night we arrived, we grabbed drinks on the rooftop to see the Acropolis and city lit up at night.

For dinner, we walked the streets of Plaka behind the hotel and found a spot to eat outside then bar hopped.

The next day we had a rooftop breakfast at the Athens Gate Hotel then set off to explore the Plaka neighborhood.

Taking in the streets, colorful storefronts, and graffiti, you could spend hours wandering around!

It was surprised to see so much graffiti across the city - some it of better and more beautiful than others, like below!

We had a late morning Greek yogurt snack where you pick your toppings (yum!) before meeting our guide for a walking tour of the Acropolis.

Our guide was very knowledgeable, sharing the history of the Acropolis of Athens and the city. After a steep climb, we made it to the top, taking in those beautiful 360 views!

After the tour, we had a delicious al fresco lunch (this Greek salad was so fresh and delicious! #allthefeta) then headed back to the hotel to go to the airport.

While we didn't have time to visit, I've heard great things about the Acropolis Museum. Next time!

Thanks, Athens, and now - off to Mykonos!

PS: I highly recommend these comfortable walking shoe flats from Frye! I have them in 2 colors.

All photos by me.

SaveSaveSaveSave

24 hours in Athens, Greece