2 days in Athens: top things for the perfect itinerary

Share post

There are few, if any, destinations in Europe that showcase the ancient world so perfectly as Athens.

As you wander through the squares and streets of this scenically spectacular city, you’ll come across a surprisingly large number of ancient monuments and historical sites. Add in some more modern sites, excellent museums, a top-notch culinary scene, lively nightlife, and easy access to coastal resorts, and you’ll not be short of things to do in Athens and places to put on your Athens itinerary.

And although 2 days in Athens is arguably not enough to see all of these, in a short break to Greece’s capital you’ll get a taster and a sense of whether you want to return for a longer trip in the future.

Read on to discover the best things to do with 2 days in Athens. At the end, there is some practical information to help you plan your trip. This includes how to get to Athens and how to get around the city.

This post contains affiliate links

Top things to do in 2 days in Athens

Greece’s capital city sits on the coast in the south of the country’s mainland. It has excellent connections to the rest of the country, especially the many Greek islands. This means it’s easy to combine a trip to Athens with visits to some of the destinations on the nearby islands.

If you’re interested in this, check out my posts on the top things to do in Corfu Town in Corfu and in Elounda on Crete.

When you’re in Athens, there’s plenty to do – and certainly more than enough for your 2 days in Athens.

If you plan to do a few of these, check out the Athens City Pass. This gives you access to 30 attractions, plus skip-the-line tickets to the Acropolis and a 2 day hop-on hop-off bus pass.

2 days in Athens: top things for your Athens itinerary

Below are the top things to do in Athens and best places to try to fit into your Greece itinerary if you only have 2 days in Athens.

Visit the world-famous Acropolis and Parthenon

We’d suggest starting your first day with a visit to the famous Acropolis, Athens’ most iconic landmark. This is the hill that you can see from many places in the city. It is justifiably a UNESCO world heritage site and undoubtedly Athen’s most famous historical landmark.

The Acropolis is home to several significant historical attractions. The UNESCO website states that it is the most striking and complete ancient Greek monument complex still existing in our times.

The most well-known monument on the Acropolis is the Parthenon. This crowns the hill and is an awe-inspiring sight, whether viewed from afar or when you are close to it on a visit to the Acropolis. 

Visiting the Acropolis

Unsurprisingly, given its significance, the Acropolis can get crowded. However, a walk up to the summit is a must.

You can visit on any day of the week from 8 am. However, closing times vary according to the season, with shorter hours in the autumn and winter.

The best time to visit it is probably early in the day or as the sun sets. These times of day will have the advantage of avoiding the intense heat of the sun if your visit in summer: the top of the Acropolis is very exposed so it would be easy to get sun stroke if you aren’t careful.

You may also be more likely to avoid the large crowds that head here during the main part of the day in the high season.

You can booked guided tours around the Acropolis. Your guide will provide you with a wealth of fascinating facts about its colourful and eventful history.

This what we did. We booked an afternoon tour and it was well worth it. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and we learned so much which we otherwise wouldn’t have found out.

Things to see on the Acropolis

The Theatre of Dionysus and Temple of Asclepius

Once you’ve passed the entrance to the Acropolis, the first significant attraction on your walk to the summit is the Theatre of Dionysus. Although only a fragment of this stone and marble theatre remains, it’s still an impressive sight.

You can see remnants of its glorious past, including the thrones that dignitaries and priests sat on watching artistic works by ancient Greek playwrights.

As you wander further up, you’ll then pass what remains of the Asclepion. This is a small temple where locals came looking for cures and healing during illness.

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus

A short walk on is the incredible Roman-built Odeon of Herodes Atticus (the Herodeon), an open-air theatre. Constructed from AD 160, it was restored in the mid-20^th century. During the Athens Festival, you can pay to see dance, drama and music performances (our guide told us that Sting had played here recently).

It’s fabulous to see. From your vantage point, you can look out over Athens and see the Monument of Filopappos on Filopappou Hill.

The Temple of Athena Nike and the Propylaia

Just before you reach the main entrance to the top of the Acropolis, you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike overlooking you. It is the smallest monument on the Acropolis, with columns at the front and back and some incredible friezes.

As you round the corner to reach the grand entrance to the Acropolis (the Propylaea), with its huge columns rising on each side, you then get a sense of the scale of the ancient site before you.

And once you’ve passed through a central hall, and walked out into the open air and wandered along the pathway, you’ll see the Parthenon on your right. You’ll also get some incredible views of Athens in each direction.

The Erechtheion

It is easy to be drawn to the Parthenon and ignore the other structures on the summit of the Acropolis.

However, there is arguably an even more significant ancient site to the left – the Erechtheion, named after a mythical king.

It was here where a competition to win the locals’ favour took place. The Goddess Athena offered the city’s residents an olive tree – there is one still standing here – while the god of the sea, Poseidon, used his trident to strike the ground to produce water.

According to our guide, Athena won the competition hands down but so as not to upset Poseidon, the Eretchtheion was constructed to contain a temple in his honour. Athena got her own temple by the entrance.

Arguably, the most impressive feature of this ancient structure is the eye-catching Porch of the Caryatids. It is named after the six maiden columns on its southern porch.  

The Parthenon

Understandably, many tourists flock to the Acropolis to see Greece’s most famous historical site, the Parthenon. Built in the 400s BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena, it is generally considered to be one of the most important ancient sites in the West.  

The Parthenon is constructed of marble, with columns along its rectangular outside. It’s truly magnificent when you see it and really shines when the fading sun lights up the marble.

We got to experience this as we visited in the late afternoon. However, you’ll no doubt be impressed by its majestic features at whatever time of day you visit.

There are also plenty of bars and restaurants in the city from where you can see the Parthenon lit up at night from a distance. We had an incredible view of the Acropolis and Parthenon from our hotel’s rooftop restaurant, and it didn’t disappoint!

Top tip: it can get gusty at the Acropolis’ summit, especially in winter. So, take some warm clothes, especially as the temperature can drop in the late afternoon. If you visit in summer, take sunscreen and water as you’ll be exposed to the hot summer sun. Also make sure you wear suitable footwear. It’s easy to trip at the summit, particularly as there is a temptation to focus on the incredible ruins without paying attention to the uneven ground beneath you.

After marvelling at the ancient ruins at the top of the Acropolis, make sure you spend some time admiring the jaw-dropping views over the sprawling metropolis. Athens feels like it never ends as you look out in every direction with buildings as far as the eye can see.

Book tours to the Acropolis here.

Learn about Greek history in the Acropolis Museum

If you are going to visit any museum in Athens, arguably it is this one, particularly if you have already been to the Acropolis. It’s just a stone’s throw from the Acropolis, so it’s easy to combine a visit to both in 2 days in Athens.

You can book tickets to the Acropolis Museum here.

You can also book tours that combine a guided tour to both the Acropolis and the museum.

Inside the museum, you’ll find a wealth of treasures saved from Greece’s most famous attraction. Understandably, with such a rich and varied collection of artefacts housed inside, you could spend hours here.

Highlights include exhibits which include sections of friezes and sculptures from the Nike Temple and the Erechtheion, relics from the Propylaia, busts of rulers, philosophers, and goddesses, and beautiful statues and figurines.

There are various other things to see, including ancient lamps, coins, and cups. The Acropolis and Athenian foreign policy section also showcases stone slabs with decrees and documents written onto them.

There is also what is generally considered to be museum’s headline attraction: the Parthenon Gallery. Housed in the top-floor glass atrium, the many treasures to see here include the famous frieze from the Parthenon (a combination of some of the original parts of this and copies of sections held by other museums).

You’ll also find a café-restaurant inside the museum. This offers spectacular views of the Acropolis and Parthenon.

To find out more about opening times and what you can see inside, check out the website. And you can book tickets to the museum here.

Take in the views from Philopappos Hill (Filopappou Hill)

When you visit Athens, you will see several hills that rise high above the buildings across the central area. These offer excellent views of the city’s skyline, as well as beyond towards the sea.

One of the most popular to visit is Filopappou Hill. At almost 150 metres high, it provides one of the best views of the Acropolis, especially at sunset. The nearest metro stations to get to the hill and its summit is Akropoli or Thission.

Philopappos Hill is also known as the Hill of the Muses, and you’ll find attractions here aside from the fabulous views. These include a spot believed to have once been Socrates’ Prison, as well as the Monument of Filopappos. It’s also a lovely place to take a stroll.

Witness the changing of the guard at Greece’s Parliament

One of the popular tourist attractions in Athens is watching the changing of the guard in front of the Hellenic Parliament right by Syntagma Square, the city’s central square. It’s a fascinating spectacle to catch. It takes place on the hour every day, but there’s also a ceremonial changing at 11 am on Sundays.

The soldiers, known as Evzones, wear traditional costumes that include short kilts and pom-pom shoes. They cross-over in an elaborate march at the tomb of the unknown soldier. You’ll find crowds of tourists here patiently waiting with their phone cameras to catch the moment the soldiers begin their dynamic moves.

Chill out in the National Garden of Athens

Athens is a city that can be enjoyed on foot, and there are plenty of green spaces to explore. One of the top draws is the former royal gardens known as the National Garden of Athens, which is very popular with locals.

The entrance is a short walk down from the Greek parliament. So if you’ve been to watch the Changing of the Guard, you could pop inside.

The garden is a peaceful place to wander around and escape from the hustle and bustle of central Athens. There are pretty flower beds, tree-lined paths to stroll along, a pond, and a café. It’s a relaxing environment to wander around in the shade, particularly on a blisteringly hot day during the summer months. 

Located a short walk from Athens’ National Garden is another green space – Zappeion Gardens. It houses a palace of the same name that dates from the 19^th century. There is also a café and restaurant here.

Wander around Plaka and sample some Greek food

Central Athens boasts many attractive neighbourhoods within easy walking distance of the Acropolis that you’ll want to explore.

One of the most visited is Plaka. This is a charming hive of narrow streets with historical buildings, including churches dating back to the Byzantine period. There are also tonnes of bars and restaurants, boutiques and souvenir shops, many of which you’ll find on one of Athens’ oldest streets, Adrianou Street.

This neighbourhood is a great spot to pick up gifts for loved ones, enjoy some fabulous Greek cuisine, or sip on a cocktail.

Nearby is another picturesque neighbourhood called Anafiotika that literally sits under the Acropolis. One of the sites in this warren of white-washed houses is the Church of St George on the Rock.

Visit Monastiraki Square and shop in the markets

Another neighbourhood you should explore on your 2 days in Athens is Monastiraki. This is full of fascinating historical sites, museums, eateries, and shopping attractions.

One of the most scenic routes to this fascinating area of Athens is to walk the length of the pedestrianised shopping street known as Ermou Street from Syntagma Square. En route, you’ll pass a small religious landmark dating from the 11^th century (the Church of Kapnikarea) in the centre of the street in a tiny square. It is quite a unique sight!

The bustling Monastiraki Square is the main focal point here. Its striking buildings highlight just how old this area is.

The Monastiraki flea market is just a short distance from the square. This maze of narrow streets is home to traders selling everything from vinyl to Greek sweets, savoury delights and clothes, to old books.

And if you walk north from the square along the long Athinas street in the direction of Omonia square, you’ll come across Athens’ Central Market and its surrounding streets. Inside the market, there’s a colourful spread of Greek favourites such as olives, cheeses, fish, and meat.

As you’d expect, with their proximity to a dazzling array of fresh produce, there are lots of fabulous eateries here, drawing on the fresh ingredients you’ll find in the market and nearby suppliers.

See the Roman Agora and the nearby ancient sites

A short walk from Monastiraki Square is another collection of sites. These include the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, and the Tower of the Winds.

The Roman Agora (also known as the Roman Forum and not to be confused with the Ancient Agora) is a partially excavated site from when the Romans controlled Athens. It served as an open market. Highlights include the Gate of Athena Archegetis and the Tower of the Winds, an octagonal structure for telling the time and weather.

Hadrian’s Library is also here. Dating from a slightly later Roman period, it is the largest structure that Emperor Hadrian constructed. It comprises a column-lined courtyard, a theatre and, of course, a library.

You can also see the Islamic influence dating from when the Ottomans ruled Greece in the form of the Fethiye mosque.

Marvel at the Ancient Agora’s treasures, including the Temple of Hephaestus

A visit to the Ancient Agora is another must when you’re planning your top things to do in Athens. It’s a must for anyone interested in ancient Greek treasures and ancient history.

Whereas the Roman Agora was a marketplace, the Ancient Agora operated as the centre of ancient Greek administration. It covers a large stretch of land not far from Monastiraki Square and incorporates a few sites of special interest, including the Stoa of Attalos and the Temple of Hephaestus.

The Stoa of Attalos and Agora Museum

The two-storey Stoa of Attalos is a covered walkway with columns along it. It houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora which is unmissable for any visitor to the site.

It is often recommended as a starting point at this site, not least because it provides visitors with an explanation of what they will find as they explore the archaeological treasures to be found.

The Temple of Hephaestus

The other main attraction in the Ancient Agora is one of the best-preserved temples in Greece from ancient times – the Temple of Hephaestus. It dates from 450 BC and has Doric architecture.

If you think the temple bears some similarity with the Parthenon on the Acropolis, you won’t be wrong: apparently its architect was one of those hired to design the Parthenon. 

Soak in the Olympic spirit at the Panathenaic Stadium

If you travel around the city via the Hop-on, Hop-off bus tour, you’ll pass this historically significant landmark. It’s also easy to walk to this from the central attractions.

Constructed in the 4^th Century BC, this well-preserved sporting venue has 70,000 seats and a running track. It is here that the first modern Olympic games took place in 1896.

You can pay a fee to go inside and explore.

Stop off at the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch

Also known as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, the semi-ruined Temple of Olympian Zeus is named after Greece’s most significant god. It sits in an open area not far from the Acropolis.  

It’s often said to be the largest temple in Greece. Originally comprising more than 100 Corinthian columns, only 15 are left standing. But even so, what remains is incredible. Take some time to wander around to marvel at its stunning features.

You can approach it via the Arch of Hadrian. As the name suggests, this was constructed by the Emperor Hadrian.

And if you walk over to the far side of the open space, you can look back and soak in the view of the Acropolis. This provides a spectacular backdrop to the temple.

Get the best city views from Mount Lycabettus

The highest point in Athens – Mount Lycabettus – is in the Kolonaki neighbourhood. This area is home to some of Athens’ top museums, notably the Benaki Museum, as well as boutique shops and art galleries.

If you go up to the top of the hill, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most spectacular views of Athens and the surrounding area from the summit. You can also visit the small Chapel of Agios Georgios and stop off in the café or restaurant.

You can walk up to the top of the hill or alternatively take the small funicular (The Lycabettus Cable Car) by Aristippou Street. This runs for 3 minutes in a tunnel to the top.

Visit the National Archaeological Museum

This museum is in the north of the city in a funky neighbourhood called Exarcheia. This means you’ll need to get the metro here or use the hop-on, hop-off bus service.

If you choose to visit, you’ll have access to an extensive and impressive collection of the country’s art and history. It’s Greece’s largest museum, with a collection of more than 11,000 items covering sculptures, frescos and pottery, among other things. You could spend an entire day here.

Among the many highlights you should put on your list for your visit include the Mask of Agamemnon and a bronze statue of Zeus. However, we’d advise you to look at the museum’s website to see what is housed in this gargantuan neoclassical building to plan your time most effectively.

You can buy tickets for the museum here.

Indulge in a food tour

While you are staying in Athens, you’ll probably be eating out at some point. Or for something a bit different, you could book a food tour.

As you wander around neighbourhoods like Monastiraki and Plaka, you’ll come across excellent top-notch cafes, restaurants, and tavernas where you’ll be spoilt for choice with a wide range of grilled meat and fish on the menu, alongside Greek salad, fresh bread, and Greek delights like tzatziki.

With such choice at your fingertips, it can be challenging to find the best place to eat out, so the advantage of booking onto a food tour is that you get the opportunity to try out local delicacies, washed down with Greek alcoholic drinks, plus a bit of local history from a well-informed guide.

This food tour takes you on a walking tour of the central area, taking in some of the city’s oldest food stores, as well as the Central Market and a local tavern. You can sample some traditional Greek food and snacks and some wine and beer.

Or you could book this tour which combines a visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon with a walk around the old town and some food tastings.

How to get to Athens

As the country’s capital and an international destination, you’ll find regular flights to Athens from other European cities and from international airports beyond Europe. For many travellers, Athens also provides a handy stop-over for onward flights to the Greek islands like Santorini and Crete.

In addition, Athens is a gateway to Mediterranean cruises, with most departures from the city’s Piraeus Port. You can also catch local ferries from the port.

The airport – Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport – is located almost 30 kilometres to the east of the city centre. Athens operates an extensive metro system, and you can take Line 3 from the airport to Syntagma Square. Trains operate every 30 minutes and take around 40 minutes.

A slightly cheaper, albeit slower, alternative is the X95 bus to Syntagma Square. This runs more frequently than the metro, but can take over an hour. However, it runs 24 hours a day, unlike the metro, which operates from early morning (5 am) to late at night (midnight, and for Line 3, 2 am at weekends).

When we visited Athens, we decided to take a taxi in (we only had 2 days in Athens so we liked the convenience this offered). There is a flat fare to the city centre, so confirm the meter is running and has the correct tariff before starting your journey. The advantage of getting a taxi is that you’ll see the city on the way in (unlike the metro) and it’s quicker than taking the bus.

How to get around Athens

Athens has an affordable and well-connected public transportation system. It combines three intersecting metro lines (blue, green, and red), buses, trolleybuses, and more recently, a tramway. The trams are great for exploring the coast near Athens and popular beach resorts such as Glyfada.

Like most large cities, Athens also operates hop-on, hop-off buses that comprise several lines. These options are a great idea if you’re on a day trip or only have a short time in the city.

We bought a ticket for one that enabled us to explore part of the coast. We thoroughly enjoyed the change of scene; the only downside is that it takes time to get out there. So if you only have 2 days in Athens, plan your time carefully, so that going out to the coast doesn’t mean you miss any of the main sights in the city. 

Of course, if your focus is taking in central neighbourhoods such as Plaka and Monastiraki, which are in the immediate surroundings of the Acropolis, the best way to get around is on foot. Many of the streets are pedestrianised, so you can wander at your own pace and take in the sights.

Wandering around was one of the highlights of our trip. The central part of Athens is very scenic, and the neighbourhoods that lie in the shadow of the Acropolis are fascinating to explore. They boast many great bars and restaurants, tourist shops, and historical attractions.

Questions people ask

Below, we’ve answered a couple of questions people often ask.

Is one day enough in Athens?

To be brutally honest, the answer is probably no. You’ll have an amazing time if you come for one day, but you’ll barely scratch the surface of this incredible city. Realistically, therefore, 2 days in Athens is preferable if you have limited time. It is probably the minimum time you’ll need to do the main sights justice.

That said, if you do have just one day in Athens, if you manage your time carefully, book some attractions in advance with ‘skip-the-line’ tickets, and maybe also take a city tour or the hop-on hop-off bus, then it is possible to maximise the time you have and see the main sights.

If you do this, put the Acropolis and Parthenon top of your list. Then focus mainly on the central sights that are easy to walk to.

Is Athens worth visiting?

We spent a few days in Athens in November, and we instantly fell in love with the city. In fact, we were so impressed that we’ll be returning for a longer trip in the future.

If you come for two days in Athens, as we did, it’s probably enough time to get your bearings and see many of the main central sights. However, you’ll be left wanting to come back and visit the many attractions you missed the first time.

2 days in Athens

We hope you have a fabulous time in Athens. If you are looking for more inspiration for short breaks in Greece, see my posts on the 17 best things to do in Elounda, Crete and What to do in Corfu Town, Corfu.

For other ideas for short breaks in Europe and the UK, check out my website.

Written by Emma Marshall and Nick Warburton

Share post