A city that embodies ancient history while still boasting a contemporary vibe, Athens is truly a unique destination. When in Greece, many travelers make Athens their first stop on the way to the dazzling Greek islands. But Athens is is a destination in its own right – well worth a longer visit. With an array of hotel options, beautiful streets to wander in, and a wide array of tours to guide you through the city, there is plenty to keep you occupied for two days and beyond. After getting to Athens from the airport with the help of our handy guide, get ready to make the most of your 2 days in Athens.
Day 1
Morning
Start your morning with a shot of delicious Greek coffee and local pastries to fuel you for the day ahead. Then, head to the Acropolis, where you’ll find the majority of Athens’ most iconic historical landmarks. Don’t miss the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Propylaea. A great way to enrich your sightseeing is by joining a Myths and Gods of Athens tour, which connects the sites you see before you with Greek history and mythology. Starting to get interested in ancient Greece? Our Ancient Greece 4 Day Tour Package awaits you.
Afternoon
For lunch, head to the charming neighborhood of Plaka, at the foot of the Acropolis hill. Here, you’ll find plenty of delightful cafes and eateries serving up some of the best Greek cuisine. Later, take a stroll and pop into some of the quirky stores on Adrianou street. There, you can get hand-crafted souvenirs to bring back home. With your batteries recharged, continue your historical tour of the city. Visit the magnificent Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Our Athens E-bike Tour is a great way to discover all these attractions while enjoying a ride through the city. Check out our Athens travel guide for more must-sees of the city.
Evening
In Athens, great food is easy to find! Near the Acropolis, head into Mani Mani, an elegant restaurant serving tasty dishes from the Mani region in the Peloponnese. If you feel like experiencing some of Athens’ nightlife, you’ll have plenty of options here. Stroll down the pedestrian street of Iraklidon and pop into the first bar or café that grabs your attention. Or head back to the Plaka neighborhood for a drink at Brettos and some music at Stamatopoulos. Then tuck in for the night at one of our favorite hotels, as we’ve mapped out in Where to Stay in Athens.
Day 2
Morning
After another shot of Greek coffee, head straight into the heart of the city – Syntagma Square. For an insider’s guide to Greek cuisine, join an Athens Food Tour. Or head out of the city to the beautiful Greek countryside for an Athens Wine Lover’s Tour or a tour of Nemea Winery & Vineyard tour and explore the country’s excellent vintages. Starting to feel like 2 days in Athens might not be enough? Check out this Athens 5 Day City Break tour package, which packs in all the best Athens has to offer and takes out all the guesswork of exploring this fantastic city.
Afternoon
For lunch, the Benaki Museum Café offers delicious food and a stunning view of the National Gardens and the Acropolis. However, if you prefer a change of scene, head to Kalamaki Kolonaki. This excellent souvlaki joint serves some of the best kalamaki (skewer) alongside pita chips and Greek salad. After lunch, treat yourself to some serious retail therapy in Kolonaki’s high-end shops with our Athens Design Guide in hand. The Museum of Cycladic Art and the Byzantine and Christian Museum are right around the corner. Or take a street art tour to get an inside look at Athens’s fantastic graffiti! Just before sundown, climb or take the funicular up to Mount Lycabettus. Enjoy a sweeping view of the city at sunset.
Evening
For dinner, you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu at Filippou. Established in 1923, this Greek eatery is practically a historical landmark in itself, serving up some hearty dishes typical of Greek cuisine. Say farewell to the city with a cocktail at one of the many excellent bars in downtown Athens such as Baba au rum and Exarhia. The perfect way to finish your 2 days in Athens! And after exploring this incredible city from top to bottom, hop on the train for a tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Meteora!
It’s very likely that after spending 2 days in Athens, you’ll find yourself looking for ways to linger longer in this charming city. It works great as a base for day trips, like the Epidaurus and Mycenae tour, this cruise to Aegina, Poros and Hydra, or a venture out to Delphi. If a multi-day adventure with Athens involved is more your speed, our multiple package options offer many ways to see the city on a longer trip. Our epic 10-day Ultimate Greek Journey will take you through the best that Athens, Santorini and Mykonos have to offer. Whichever way you decide to explore Greece, just make sure that Athens is on the itinerary!
