You could quickly amass quite a list of conceivable Athens tours and still have plenty to add just when you thought you were done. Athens is a city with a particularly long and densely filled history and you could easily exhaust a day visiting any number of the city’s attractions. The cradle of Western civilization awaits you with a number of sights that would make for a wonderful day trip in Athens.

The Acropolis

The Acropolis is the attraction that most defines Athens, and it is a must for any Athens tours. The Acropolis was always a strategic point for various cultures, but it’s true glory was recognized during the city’s Golden Age. In the 5th century BC, under the great ruler Pericles, most of what is found on the Acropolis was built. Soon to open at the Acropolis is the new Acropolis Museum, and it will be quite the venue.

Syntagma Square

The ideal location from which to start almost any day trip in Athens, Syntagma Square is the heart of the city and the most significant plaza in the entire country. Here you will find the Parliament Building and the curious guards who stand watch over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Nearby, sit and relax in the National Garden or spend a couple of hours at the also close Benaki Museum. Both the garden and museum are ideal for Athens tours.

The Ancient Agora (Roman Agora)

Located both at the northern base of the Acropolis, the remains found along these stretches give insight and understanding into how this great city must once have looked and functioned. Major developments at the ancient agora for the new Athenian Empire started as far back as the 6th century BC. For the next couple of centuries it would remain the center of civic affairs as the greatest names in Greek history laid the framework for modern civilizations to follow. This attraction worthy of inclusion on Athens day trips includes the best preserved classical temple in Greece, a museum dedicated to excavations of the agora and remains of the Temple of Olympiad Zeus. The Roman agora is just beyond the end of the ancient agora and has many notable ruins.

Lykavittos Hill

This is the best place to go to get a full panoramic view of Athens. Rising to 910 feet above sea level, on a clear day you can even see out to the Saronic Gulf from here. Take the funicular in Kolonaki, or walk up the steps to get to the top of this Athens day tour attraction. On top of Lykavittos Hill there is a restaurant, a viewing deck and a small church. This is a great spot for a romantic dinner.

Panathinaiko Stadium

Also known as Kallimarmaron, which means “beautifully marbeled”, this stadium was erected thousands of years ago, redone in marble in 329 BC, renovated and enlarged by Herodes Atticus in 140 AD, and was used as a venue for the Panathenaic Games of ancient Greece. This worthy addition to any day trip in Athens itinerary would be renovated again in the 1800"s and serve as an Olympic venue for the 1896 Modern Olympic Games in Athens. It even served as an archery venue in the 2004 Olympics, as well as the finish for the men’s and women’s marathons.

National Archaeological Museum

This wonderful museum is usually mentioned among the top ten museums in the world. Not only does the impressive collection feature excavation finds from Athens, but also from around all of Greece. You can imagine that in a country this full of pertinent history that quite a unique collection of items could be amassed. This is a must museum if you plan on visiting one on your Athens day tour. The building itself is an immaculate offering among the neo-classical structures of the city.

Plaka

This is arguably the best neighborhood in Athens and it is mostly closed off to everything but foot traffic. There are many nice restaurants found in the Plaka, and on Sundays you should check out the Plaka flea market, also known as the Monastariki flea market. The Plaka market is open all week, though other days do not match the Sunday affair, and the famous shopping street, Ermou Street, can be found nearby. Plaka is a great place to start when looking for Athens hotels. The Athens Cathedral can be found in the Plaka, as well as two of the best-preserved small Byzantine churches. If nothing else, this is a great spot to grab a cup of coffee and people watch while you take a break on your Athens day tour.