2 days in Athens: Best places to visit

Planning a trip to the bustling and lively Greek capital is an experience of a lifetime offering ventures that are hard to reproduce elsewhere.

The birthplace of democracy, the Olympic Games, philosophy, and so many more welcome visitors with a plethora of spectacular sites and soils drenched with history and culture. We offer you below an illustrative itinerary for those intended to stay 2 days in Athens.

Although merely enough time to see it all, you can still soak up a great deal of Greek allure and create indelible, everlasting memories!

Basic Athens pro-travel tips/information

– The best time to visit the Greek capital (even if it is just for 2 days in Athens) is during the shoulder season, so around late spring, when the weather is pleasant and warm and there are smaller crowds in comparison with the peak summer period.

– To get from Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport to the city centre, you can use subway ,which is just a breath away from the airport of Athens) (choose the blue line), the airport bus (X95 buses terminate at Syntagma Square), the suburban railway, or a taxi (more costly between midnight and 5 am).

Some of the best areas in Athens to stay for a 2-day venture are Plaka, Thissio, Psiri, Koukaki, and Monastiraki, given their proximity to the most popular local landmarks.

– Getting a travel insurance might come in handy. EU residents can also issue a European Health Insurance Card in their home country in case an emergency comes up .

The main attractions in Athens are walkable as they are located relatively close to one another. However, accessing some of them requires using some stairs and walking uphill.

The nearest beach to Athens is Edem Beach, which is located between Alimos and Paleo Faliro districts. It is a sandy, organized option that can be reached via the public transport within around half an hour. You may also take the tram from the Athens square and head a bit further out, to Voula, Vouliagmeni or Glyfada areas for a nice swim.

2 Days in Athens: Day 1

From The Acropolis to dinner at Monastiraki Square

Stop #1:The Acropolis

Acropolis is the most famous archaeological site in Greece (opens daily at 8:00 am), whose citadel has also been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in 1987. Getting there involves climbing up several steps, which are certainly worth the effort, considering the “compensation” you get afterwards. While inside the Acropolis complex, you can lay eyes on an incredible range of landmarks, including the Parthenon Temple, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion, the Dionysus Theatre, and the Prolypaia (the 432 BC-built gate to the Acropolis citadel).

To enter the Acropolis, you could either use the entrance located closer to the Acropolis metro station, marketed as “Tourist information centre Athens” on Google Maps, or the main entrance labelled as “Acropolis ticket office” on Google Maps. The first option is usually less crowded and will get you inside faster than the main entrance.

Stop #2: The New Acropolis Museum

The museum’s sole purpose of existence is to display ancient artefacts unearthed from the area around the Acropolis and the Parthenon. It opened its doors to the public in 2009 and is home to daily objects, vases, and statues (the most awe-inspiring being the original Caryatids), along with sculptures from the frieze of the Parthenon. As for the newly opened basement area, it enables visitors to get a good look into ancient Athens houses that have been excavated underneath!

Besides the important exhibits, though, the New Acropolis Museum also dazzles with its unique architecture featuring massive windows that allow lots of natural light to shower the place, plus fantastic views of the Parthenon!

You may also head to the Acropolis Cafe and enjoy the panoramic views during your break in your 2 days in Athens!

Stop #3: Plaka Neighbourhood

A superbly picturesque neighbourhood in Athens (and one of the oldest ones, too), where you can pamper your palate with delicious local cuisine (there are plenty of local tavernas, ouzeri, and restaurants to choose from) after you stroll around its cobblestone streets! Lined with colourful houses and featuring interesting street art and traditional Greek architecture, Plaka is also home to numerous souvenir shops selling from fur coats to leather goods, as well as a few cool art galleries and museums that we recommend that you visit, if you have the time.

While at Plaka, you could also consider heading to:

Stop 4: The Areopagus Hill & Monastiraki Square

For stunning sunset views and cityscapes, do consider going to Areopagus Hill, which is just a short walk from Hadrian’s Library. Also referred to as Areios Pagos, it served as a court in ancient times. It is also the place where Apostle Paul’s Orthodoxy speech took place in 51 AD. To close a fascinating day, you could visit Monastiraki Square to enjoy dinner or some evening cocktails at rooftop bars.

2 Days in Athens: Day 2

From Monastiraki Square to the Ancient Agora

Stop #1: The Panathenaic Stadium

Totally stunning and hypnotizing, this ancient site used to host the Great Panathenaea, the most significant athletic competition in Athens, at around 330 BC. This is also the venue that has welcomed the first modern-day Olympic Games. You can learn more about the history of the Olympic Games at the on-site museum, located inside the stadium.

Stop #2: The National Gardens of Athens

Designed by King Otto’s wife, Queen Amalia, the National Gardens is a magnificent park and a popular retreat from the noise and the hurried lifestyle of the city. While wandering around this magnetic natural wonder, expect to see hundreds of plant species and an amazing local flora, as well as scenic ponds, a staggering mosaic, and a few ancient ruins.

Stop #3: Syntagma Square

Within walking distance from the National Gardens lies the most central Athens point, Syntagma Square, with the Neoclassical stately Greek Parliament building in the spotlight. It served as King Otto’s (the first king after the country gained its independence) palace until 1935, when it shifted roles and became the Greek Parliament building. If you want to visit it, though, it is advised to pre-book your ticket, given the large numbers of visitors it receives annually.

While here, you can watch the famous ceremonial walk performed by specially selected Greek soldiers that is known as the Changing of the Guards (or the Changing of the Evzones), which takes place hourly by the solemn Tomb of the Unknown Soldier monument that has been built to honour the soldiers that have lost their lives during the wars Greece has been involved in over the years.

Stop #4: Ermou Street

Time for some shopping at Ermou Street, right across the Greek Parliament. It is the main shopping street in Athens that greets visitors and locals alike with pedestrianized streets lined with all sorts of shops, from craft materials, homeware and clothes to fabrics and beads. Of course, you can come here for people-watching or window-shopping, while also admiring Kapnikarea, a famous 11th-century Byzantine church that turns heads with its frescoes. And, if you feel like resting for a moment, there are several bakeries and cafes to grab a bite around here!

Stop #5: Ancient Agora

Just a few steps from the flea market of Monastiraki is one of the most important locations of ancient Athenian life, the Ancient Agora site. This is the very place where many millennia ago, world-renowned Greek philosophers like Plato and Socrates would take their afternoon walks! Today, you can visit the 6th century ruins of the once popular meeting point for all Athenians, including the beautiful Temple of Hephaestus (built in 415 BC) that stands out as being one of the most excellently preserved ancient Greek temples, as well as the Church of Agioi Apostoloi that was constructed in the 10th century AD. While here you may also want to visit the small Ancient Agora Museum for a fascinating insight into life in ancient Athens.

Your 2 days in Athens have just come to an end. However, if you have a few hours to spare, we also suggest a visit to Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery, the National Archaeological Museum, Benaki Museum, and/or the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion!

Of course, you can search through the Internet and find a lot of information about all these places, but we are here to help you have it all organized and create your summer experience by crafting your own unique customized travel package.