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Are you in Athens for the first time and want to make the most of it? No problem! Let us create the perfect plan for 2 days in Athens. From must-see monuments, such as the Acropolis and the impressive New Acropolis Museum, to the most beautiful neighborhoods, the best street food and little insider tips from our local experts.
Athens is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and long days, the peak tourist season from June to August is ideal. However, this is also the busiest time, with higher prices for accommodations and tourist attractions. For milder weather and smaller crowds, consider visiting in the spring (April to May) or autumn (September to November). These periods offer pleasant temperatures and a more relaxed atmosphere, making it perfect for exploring Athens’ ancient ruins and historic center without the hustle and bustle of peak season.
Getting to Athens is a breeze, thanks to the well-connected Athens International Airport (ATH). Located about 20 miles east of the city center, the airport offers numerous flights from major European cities and beyond. Once you land, you have several options to reach the city center. The metro is a convenient and affordable choice, with Line 3 directly connecting the airport to the heart of Athens. Alternatively, you can opt for a taxi or book a private transfer service for a more comfortable ride. Whichever option you choose, you’ll be exploring Athens in no time!
Athens boasts a wide range of accommodations to suit all budgets and preferences. For the ultimate convenience, consider staying in the city center, where you’ll find numerous hotels, hostels, and Airbnb apartments. The Plaka, Monastiraki, and Syntagma Square areas are particularly popular, offering easy access to ancient ruins, historic landmarks, and public transportation. If you prefer a more laid-back atmosphere, check out the Koukaki or Pangrati neighborhoods, which provide a charming local vibe while still being close to the main attractions.
Are you ready to embark on a journey through the ancient ruins and historic center of Athens? With just two days in this exciting city, you’re in for a fast-paced exploration. After arriving at Athens Airport, your adventure into the heart of Greece’s rich history begins. Your first day in Athens is all about traveling back in time and discovering the secrets of ancient civilizations in the historic center.
Taking the hop-on hop-off bus is a fantastic way to get an impression of a new city. Start your day with a coffee to-go, relax on the double-decker bus and get to know Athens from a bird’s eye view. Three different routes are available for the hop-on hop-off city tour, allowing you to visit all of Athens’ fascinating attractions, the port, the city of Piraeus and the beautiful southern suburb of Glyfada. The bus ticket is valid for 48 hours and includes an audio guide in 14 languages. Once you have traveled the entire route, get off at Akroplis, because this is where our discovery of ancient Greece begins.
You can’t explore Athens without seeing the famous Acropolis. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has been inspiring visitors since 1986, and it’s not hard to see why.
First stop on our Acropolis adventure? The Parthenon. You’ve seen it in school books and documentaries, now you can see it for yourself and enjoy the wonder of this ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Athena.But wait, there’s more! As you wander through the Acropolis, be sure to check out the Temple of Athena Nike, a stunning example of classical architecture, and the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids standing guard.
And don’t forget the grand entrance to the Acropolis – the Propylaea. Imagine walking through these monumental gates, just as the Athenians did centuries ago.
Wanna have lunch? Go to Adrianou Street, one of the oldest streets in Athens and grab some traditional food there.
ADRIANOU STREET
The Acropolis is magnificent, but we should also go down to the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora, two other highlights in the Greek capital.
Another significant site to explore is the ancient cemetery of Kerameikos, which offers insights into the funerary customs and cultural practices of ancient Athens. The well-preserved tombstones and sculptures here encourage visitors to reflect on the historical importance of this site during their exploration of the city’s rich history.
The Ancient Agora, once the heart of Athenian life, invites you to wander through its ruins and imagine the political gatherings of antiquity. Don’t miss the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, standing proudly among the ruins.
On the way to the Roman Agora, we travel to another era of history. The Agora was built during Roman times and offers an insight into the city’s later years. Marvel at the Tower of the Winds, an ancient clock tower and weather vane, and explore the remains of the Roman buildings that once stood here.
From Greek democracy to Roman influence, these historic sites tell the story of Athens’ rich and diverse past.
The next point on our exploration tour of historical sites and just a short walk away is the impressive Stoa of Attalos. This reconstructed ancient building offers a fascinating insight into the city’s past.
Originally built in the 2nd century BC by King Attalos II of Pergamon, the Stoa served as a covered walkway and marketplace. After careful reconstruction in the 1950s, it is now a testimony to ancient architecture and trade in Athens.
The Stoa of Attalos also houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, where you can discover artefacts and exhibits that shed light on the history of the ancient city of Athens and its inhabitants.
Visiting Athens would not be complete without seeing the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Dedicated to Zeus, the king of the gods, this monumental structure is a testament to the grandeur and ambition of ancient Greek architecture. As you approach the site, you will be impressed by the size of the temple. Originally built in the 6th century BC, it was the largest temple in Greece with 104 Corinthian columns, only a few of which are still standing today.
TIP: As an additional tip for your Athens adventure, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Panathenaic Stadium, which is just a stone’s throw away from the Temple of Olympian Zeus. As the venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, this iconic stadium holds a special place in Olympic history.
After a day full of Olympic ancient monuments, you should relax and enjoy the beauty of Athens from above. You can experience an unforgettable evening on one of the rooftop restaurant in the vibrant Monastiraki neighbourhood.
Bar A for Athens, Street Miaouli 2 - to get the perfect view!
Your second day in Athens is dedicated to the modern, trendy part of the city. Our itinerary includes the most visited museums in Greece, takes you to the hippest neighborhoods, trendy markets and takes you on a food tour to appreciate the delicious Greek food. Sounds like a fantastic day? So go for it!
We return to the Acropolis, because the Acropolis Museum is only 300 meters away. It is one of the best museums in the world and attracts around 2 million visitors every year.
The new Acropolis Museum opened its doors in summer 2009. It is located in a historic district of Athens, just 300 meters south of the Acropolis Rock, and presents its unique finds on over 14,000 m² of exhibition space. The museum is built on an excavation and visitors can observe the progress of the work through the transparent glass floor. And you might even be there live when a new piece is discovered for the collection!
TIP: Reserve your ticket for the Acropolis Museum in the early morning hours to enjoy the exhibition with less people.
The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is located in the Exarcheia neighborhood, not far from the Athens center. It houses one of the most important collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world, spanning thousands of years of history.
When visiting the National Archaeological Museum, you can easily combine it with other nearby attractions. One popular option is to explore the nearby neighborhood of Exarcheia itself, known for its bohemian atmosphere, street art, and vibrant cafes.
Syntagma Square is the largest square in the modern part of the city of Athens. At the front of the building is the ‘Tomb of the Unknown Soldier’. The tomb serves as a symbolic memorial to all Greek soldiers who died in wars and conflicts. A particularly impressive changing of the guard of the so-called Evzones takes place every Sunday at 11:00 am. New wreaths are then laid at the grave.
If looking for an original souvenir from Athens, then you can head to the Monastiraki Flea Market, only steps from the iconic Monastiraki Square. You won’t only find cute mementos, but also cheap clothing, leather sandals, and more. In the area, you can also visit the Athens Antique Market, where you will be able to find anything from vintage vinyl albums, to odd furniture, unique pieces of jewelry, war relics, and a lot more.
Instead, if you prefer to purchase modern pieces of clothing, shoes, and other fashionable items, you can head in the opposite direction to walk along Ermou Street. This is one of the most popular shopping streets in the city for an affordable shopping spree.
ERMOU STREET
Food tours are not only a great way to try lots of new, delicious, local dishes quickly (and without the commitment of ordering a whole portion before you know if you like it), they’re also a great way to get an idea of a cuisine. Greek food is one of the best cuisines in the world and there is so much to try, not just the famous Greek salad.
That’s why you should definitely take part in a food tour of Athens. On this culinary journey, you will taste mouthwatering Greek cuisine in the oldest bakeries of the city, like “Loukoumades” and “Bougatsa”. You will for example explore the Varvakeios market with fresh seafood and meat and taste high-quality delicacies such as cheese, olives and honey. To finish, there will be a mezze meal paired with Greek wine. Simply delicious!
Don’t miss the lively district of Plaka on your Athens trip! Nestled beneath the Acropolis, this picturesque neighborhood offer a glimpse into the city’s rich history and charm. The cobblestone streets are lined with neoclassical buildings, colorful street art, bright bougainvilleas and cozy tavernas serving authentic Greek cuisine. Explore quaint shops selling local crafts, and feel the timeless allure of ancient Athens mingling with modern-day vibrancy. With its captivating atmosphere and breathtaking views, Plaka promises an unforgettable experience steeped in culture and beauty.
A weekend in Athens is a journey full of history, culture and culinary delights. From the majestic Acropolis to the charming streets of Plaka, every corner of this vibrant city tells a story.
With a city pass, you can maximise your experience by gaining easy access to the most important attractions. The Athens City Pass not only grants you access to famous attractions such as the Acropolis and its museum without having to queue, but also includes the use of public transport and a hop-on hop-off bus tour. With this pass, you can save both time and money and experience more of the city’s rich history and vibrant culture in just a few days.
