There is a lot you can see and do in one day to quickly immerse yourself in the rich past and modern present of this buzzing European metropolis. Start your day by getting up early and putting on comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Our one day of discovering Athens' past and present begins...

We start at the peak: the sacred hill of the Acropolis. Thanks to the vision and eager project known as The Unification of Archaeological Sites, the area surrounding the Acropolis has been beautified into Europe's largest archaeological park; a network of paved pedestrian-only pathways weaving their way through green-topped hills, historically significant ancient ruins and renovated 19th century neoclassical buildings. A stroll in this most unique open air museum and ecological park is sure to be a memorable one.

Take metro line 2 or The Athens Sightseeing Public Bus Line No. 400 to the Acropolis. Take a few moments to view the Archaeological Collection in the metro. As you ascend from the station's platform you'll get your first peek at the ancient landmark of the Acropolis and its overwhelming stature. The pedestrian-only cobblestone road, Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, lined with late 19th and 20th century neoclassical buildings, will lead you there. Walking along, on your right you will encounter The Ancient Theater of Dionyssos (circa 5th century BC) and The Odeon of Herodes Atticus (built in 161 AD) venues where ancient Greeks held their events and performances. Today, the Herodeion (as the latter is known) hosts the annual Athens Festival and other major art performances. On your left is Philopappou Hill, an area with hand made cobbled roads designed by Greek architect Dimitrios Pikionis in the 1950s. The street to the right of Dionysiou Areopagitou Street leads to the Acropolis, believed to have been the site of worship in Athens from as far back as the Neolithic age. The first temples appeared here in 650 B.C. and were built in honor of the goddess Athena, patroness of the city. In the 5th century B.C., also known as the Golden Age of Greece, the Athenian general, Pericles, commissioned the construction of the monuments we see today.

The entrance to the Acropolis begins at the Propylaia, a single building with two wings that was used as the official entrance to the Parthenon. The Propylaia were built between 437 B.C. and 432 B.C. and can be credited to the renderings of architect Mnesicles. The south wing houses the Apteros Nike or Temple of Athena Nike, an example of the work of architect Kallikrates. It was built around 420 B.C. in honor of the celebration of the victory of the Greeks over the Persians. The Propylaia lead you to the Parthenon, the ruins of which still dominate the center of the Acropolis and undoubtedly the most recognized monument and symbol of Athens, past and present. Dedicated to the goddess Athena, the Parthenon, made of Pentelic marble and of the Doric order, was designed by architects Iktinos and Kallikrates during the period 447-432 B.C. Opposite the Parthenon, at the northern end of the hill, is The Erectheion, a temple of the Ionic order. Built on two levels, the Erectheion is most widely recognized by the Caryatids, six graceful female statues that support the upper part of the temple. An exciting sight is the archaeological site of the Acropolis is the Areios Pagos. A limestone hill 115m high, with steep sides and a rocky summit, this was the chosen meeting point of the aristocratic council and the courthouse of ancient Athens. Follow the signs to the Roman Agora, a large rectangular market surrounded by colonnades built in 132 AD. Take the charming tiny paved streets of Plaka and browse the ancient, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments that are dotted throughout the area. If you are ready to take a break, stop at one of the many dainty and charismatic tavernas that adorn the quiet streets of Plaka. After lunch head towards Monastiraki Square, one of the most characteristic parts of the city for must take home Greek souvenirs.