One Night in Athens: Best Things to Do

Planning to spend one night in Athens before jetting out to the Greek Islands or another Greek Destination? Even with only one night, Athens is worth visiting to see some of the highlights in this amazing city. Keep reading below for an ideal itinerary for spending one night in the Greek Capital.

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Why Spend One Night in Athens?

Athens is an incredible and vibrant city. Since Athens has the largest international airport in Greece, many people fly to Athens before departing for the incredible Greek Islands. Spending one night in Athens is the perfect way to see the capital city before heading out to your next destination in Greece.

One Night in Athens: A Perfect Itinerary

Visit the Athens Acropolis

You can’t visit Athens without visiting it’s most famous landmark, the Acropolis. Well, you could skip it but I highly advise against it. Even for those not interested in history, the Acropolis is worth visiting at least once.

The Acropolis actually refers to the entire citadel, and not just the iconic Parthenon. Some of the highlights to see at the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Propylaia, Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

Visiting the Acropolis is a perfect thing do in the late afternoon or early evening, which makes it a perfect addition to a one night in Athens itinerary. Closer towards the closing time, the crowds will disperse and it will be cooler out, which is especially important in the hot summer time.

The Athens Acropolis is open year round from 8am until 8pm (last admission at 7:30pm) in the summer and until 5pm (last admission at 4:30pm) in the winter. To maximize time, skip the line tickets can be purchased here.

✔️Click Here to Book Skip the Line Tickets to the Acropolis

Explore Plaka

After taking in some history, head to the charming Plaka district to experience one of the prettiest neighborhoods in Athens. Plaka is full of incredible Greek restaurants, boutique shops, and picturesque streets.

Spend some time wandering around Plaka, looking at some of the shops or relaxing at a Greek taverna.

Enjoy Some Greek Food for Dinner

A highlight of spending a night in Athens is getting some delicious Greek food for dinner. While Athens is an international city with many international food options, Greek food is just a perfect choice with only one night in the city.

I recommend having dinner in Plaka, as it is such a charming part of Athens and there are many highly rated restaurants and tavernas in this area.

For something a bit more upscale, check out the Electra Roof Garden. The views are great, but an advanced reservation is typically needed.

An alternative dinner option is to do a Greek Food Tour, which is an excellent way to taste some of Greece’s best foods with limited time in Athens.

✔️Click Here to Book an Evening Greek Street Food Tour

Visit One of Athens Rooftop Bars

Taking in the views of the Acropolis at night is an incredible thing to do during one night in Athens. To get some of the best views, head to one of Athens rooftop bars. Below are some of the best rooftop bars in Athens.

Athens 360 – An incredibly popular rooftop bar in Athens. It is more upscale and its recommended to make reservations in advance via their website.
A for Athens – A stunning rooftop bar on the top of the A for Athens Hotel. The rooftop bar is open to the public and offers great views of the Acropolis with some excellent cocktails or mocktails.
Electra Roof Garden – A lovely rooftop bar and restaurant with great views, perfect for sunset.

However, to experience the best rooftop bars in Athens, I highly recommend taking this rooftop bar hopping tour. I took this tour personally, and it was a highlight of my time in Athens. The host is incredibly friendly and got us into some of the best rooftop bars in Athens. It is a great way to experience nightlife in Athens, meet other travelers, and see the best rooftop bars without having to plan or make reservations.

✔️Click Here to Book a Rooftop Bar Hopping Tour in Athens

Enjoy the Athenian Nightlife

Athens is a city that comes alive at night, and has great nightlife opportunities. There is truly something for everyone from relaxing wine bars and Greek Tavernas with live music in Plaka, to lively bars and clubs in Monastiraki Square and throughout the Psiri district.

In my opinion, one of the best ways to enjoy a night out in Athens is by taking a tour. The reason for this is because a local guide will show you the best places to go, and also because going out in a group is safer than going out on your own.

For a fun night out, this Small Group Athens Nightlife Tour is the perfect way to experience some of Athens best bars. Try some local drinks, meet other travelers, and enjoy a perfect night out in Athens.

✔️Click Here to Book a Small Group Athens Nightlife Tour

For a more relaxed night in Athens, this Small-Group Food Tour and Wine Tasting in Athens by Night is a fantastic choice. This highly rated tour will take you to try some local Greek food and sip some incredible Greek wine. Stop at local eateries as well as a highly rated wine bar during this experience.

✔️Click Here to Book a Small-Group Food Tour and Wine Tasting in Athens by Night

Alternatives to Athens Nightlife

If checking out the nightlife in Athens isn’t for you than there are plenty of other options for things to do at night in Athens! Here are some great options for alternative things to do at night in Athens.

Electric Bike Tour of Athens by Night

This fun filled small group tour is the perfect night time experience for anyone who wants to see more of Athens.
Ride on an electric bike past Athens most iconic landmarks, which are lit up at night. Your tour guide will tell you intriguing stories about Athens as you experience the city at night. This highly rated tour is a fantastic way to spend one night in Athens.

✔️Click Here to Book an Electric Bike Tour of Athens at Night

Watch the Sunset from Mount Lycabettus

Lycabettus Hill is the highest point in Athens, and is a perfect place to visit in the evening for sunset views. To get up to the top, you can either walk or take the funicular. Once at the top enjoy the beautiful views are checkout the café.

Try a Greek Cooking Class with an Acropolis View Rooftop Dinner

This small group cooking class is with a Greek chef at a local bakery. Learn how to make traditional Greek dishes, from tzatziki to spinach pie, with hands-on guidance from an experienced chef. Afterwards, enjoy an incredible dinner with rooftop views of the Acropolis!

✔️Click Here to Book a Greek Cooking Class with an Acropolis View Rooftop Dinner

Take an Athens By Night Private Tour

Taking a private tour is a great option for anyone that has limited time in Athens, but wants to maximize their time by seeing all of the top sights. This highly rated private tour includes a driver to take you to places like the Acropolis, Hellenic Parliament, Mount Lycabettus, Tomb of the Unknown Solider, Monastiraki, and more.

✔️Click Here to Book an Athens by Night Private Tour

Where to Stay for One Night in Athens

If you are staying only one night in Athens, staying at a hotel in the city center is the best way to get the most out of your limited time in the city. Below are some highly rated hotels that are perfect for a one night stay.

Fun Budget Hostel: Athens Hub Hostel
Perfect for a budget stay, Athens Hub Hostel is located in the city center nearby the popular Ermou Street and not far from Monastiraki. The hostel is air-conditioned, has a bar, terrace, and daily activities. Dormitory style rooms and private rooms are available.

👉Click Here to Check Availability and Book Athens Hub Hostel

Hotel with Acropolis View/Jacuzzi Options: Elia Ermou Athens Hotel
This highly rated hotel is centrally located and offers incredible Acropolis views. Some rooms even have a private jacuzzi, making it perfect for a honeymoon or special occasion.

👉Click Here to Check Availability and Book Elia Ermou Athens Hotel

Hotel with a Rooftop Bar and Acropolis Views: A for Athens Hotel
A for Athens is a highly rated hotel in the heart of the historic center. The highlight of this hotel is its panoramic rooftop terrace and rooftop bar which offer incredible views of the Acropolis.

👉Click Here to Check Availability and Book A for Athens Hotel

FAQ: One Night in Athens

Is One Night in Athens Enough?

One night in Athens is enough to visit the highlights, such as the Acropolis, wander the Plaka neighborhood, and experience some of Athens famous nightlife. Athens is an incredible city with so many things to do that you could easily spend weeks exploring the city. However, if you have limited time it is still worth it to spend at least one night in Athens.

Can You Walk Around Athens at Night?

Athens is a fairly safe city, even at night. As with any city, its best to practice common safety measures such as avoiding walking by yourself late at night or venturing into unknown areas. Taking a guided walking tour, food tour or nightlife tour is a great way to safely explore a new city at night.

What Should I Do in Athens on My First Night?

One of the best things to do during your first night in Athens is to take a walking tour or guided nightlife tour, this will help you get acquainted with the city and is a safe and easy way to explore a new city at night. Other great things to do is to try some Greek food, visit the Acropolis, and wander the Plaka neighborhood.

Conclusion: How to Spend One Night in Athens

There are many different ways to spend one night in Athens. However, with only one night in Greece’s capital its best to see the highlights such as the Acropolis and Plaka Neighborhood as well as ty some delicious Greek Food. Athens is also famous for its vibrant and lively nightlife, which is worth checking out during one night in Athens.

Heading to Greece soon? Check out all the reasons why Athens is a city worth visiting.

Or check out my other guides to famous Greek destinations such as Delphi, Santorini, and Meteora.