Athens in 1 day or spread over 2 days. My recommended Athena tour maximiser. In the morning before it’s too hot. 1. Acropolis of Athens. Nothing will hit you like the impact of the Parthenon as you see it after walking up the processional entrance (which is steep and slippery from 2400 years of feet). It is of course, one of the most dimensional harmonious constructions ever realised and is deliberately built to evoke an emotional response from anyone that cares to think further than what is before them. Imagine the huge goddess Athena (Athena Parthenos) standing in the centre of it in ivory and gold. She is lost now but the building is a true wonder of the world. I look forward to hearing you view on it including the more recent reconstruction efforts. Of course the rest of the site should not be dismissed and the Erechtheion - a complex architectural benchmark for western civilisation must be seen. It is famous for its 6 break-through columns. The “Porch of the Maidens", these are 6 draped female figures known as caryatids. The original columns are now inside the Acropolis Museum as they were eroding. They’ve also been replicated on Euston Rd. Awful. However, the real deal is hardly seen by the vast amount of Acropolis visitors aside from architectural students. Have it to yourselves. 1. Acropolis Museum. They’ve pretty much rebuilt to the Parthenon’s dimensions and you can see what has been preserved and what has been lost or plundered. Watch the video of its construction whilst there. They’re no fans of the British Museum or Lord Elgin. Nor am I, for that matter. Oh and don’t try to photograph a thing. They’ll shout louder than any Groucho Club staff member ever has. 2. Pnyx - founding area of democracy - as long as you were a man and free. Lol. (This is also very nice at end of the day because you can then get a drink with the Acropolis in-view nearby. It’s basically in your backyard from where you’re staying). I’m sure you’ve worked out that most of the best places are on roofs. https://maps.google.com?q=Pnyx,%20Athens%20117%2041,%20Greece&ftid=0x14a1bd1e90f5c1e5:0xf3a7791472c35bfd&hl=en-GB&gl=uk Another evening when it’s cooler 1. Hadrian's Arch (Right next to Temple of Zeus seen in map below) This was part of my 40th Birthday tour of all things Hadrian. Not exactly adored by the Jews. Loathed infact and justly so. 2. Temple of Olympian Zeus (this used to be free but I think it’s ticketed now, pricks). https://goo.gl/maps/snpwCU7St7v 3. Surprisingly lovely Third Ephorate Of Ancient Antiquities https://goo.gl/maps/zXKuXFMpnLR2 Then get a cocktail at the Hilton Athena and catch a cab back to your place. You’ll have done enough walking by now. Or you can reverse this and start with the drink of course. At some point and you must go to; 1. Ancient Agora of Athens and the Temple of Hephaestus - it’s fun to explore and you need a minimum of 2 hours for it. Again, nice in the morning. https://goo.gl/maps/aBkPHN5fkGE2 2. And of course it is essential you visit the National Archaeological Museum otherwise you won’t have any primer for why the city made some of the greatest treasures of the world. https://maps.google.com?q=National%20Archaeological%20Museum,%2028is%20Oktovriou%2044,%20Athina%20106%2082,%20Greece&ftid=0x14a1bd33bfc5fd8b:0x2a29d34aacb82b4&hl=en-GB&gl=uk You’ll see alot of finely worked gold like you’ve never seen. Marvel at the jewellery and the exquisite sculpture particularly those in copper.