Planning a trip to Greece and wondering about the best things to do in Athens? Spending 2 days in Athens is the perfect way to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious Greek cuisine. From iconic landmarks like the Acropolis and Parthenon to charming neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki, Athens offers a mix of ancient wonders and modern delights.
Our 2-day Athens itinerary will help you make the most of your short stay in this iconic city. Keep reading to discover the must-see sights, hidden gems, and helpful travel tips that will make your Greece trip unforgettable!
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2 Days in Athens Itinerary:
Day 1 in Athens
8:00 am – The Acropolis
The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most famous historical sites in the world. Perched on a hill above the city, this UNESCO Heritage Site is home to ancient temples like the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Built over 2,500 years ago, the Acropolis was the center of ancient Greek culture and still stands as a symbol of history and architecture. The Acropolis also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, making it the perfect spot to soak in the history and beauty of Athens. Exploring these ancient ruins is a must-see attraction for anyone visiting Athens!
Since this is such a popular attraction, we HIGHLY recommend getting tickets in advance online for the earliest time slot of the day! If you aren’t able to visit right when they open, then book one of the last times of the day. The early morning and late afternoons are the best times to avoid the heat and crowds! But regardless of the time of day or season of year, there will still be plenty of tourists there!
Pro-Tip: Even though you will have to book a timed entry slot, get there around 30 minutes before they open to get in line. People will start lining up well before the Acropolis opens! Then once you’re inside, head straight to the Parthenon if you want to enjoy it with as few crowds as possible. Afterwards, you can spend a few hours visiting the countless other sites on your way back down the hill.
Below are some of the highest rated tours that we’d recommend!
1:00 pm – Walk around the small Greek village of Anafiotika
Anafiotika is a hidden gem in Athens, nestled on the slopes of the Acropolis. This small, charming neighborhood feels like a Greek island, with its whitewashed houses, narrow winding paths, and colorful doors. Built in the 19th century by builders from the island of Anafi, it has a peaceful, village-like atmosphere. It’s only a small area, only a few streets, but still definitely worth checking out this picturesque village!
Keep in mind that locals actually live in these houses, so be respectful and quiet while walking around. If you walk to the top of the neighborhood, there’s a viewpoint with stunning views over Athens!
6:00 pm – Enjoy the dinner & sunset overlooking Athens
There are a lot of restaurants and hotels that have stunning rooftop views of Athens and the Acropolis. Two of the best spots are the 360 Cocktail Bar and Point A! Enjoying a meal and watching the sunset over Athens is the perfect way to end your day exploring.
Our Airbnb actually had an amazing rooftop with views of the Acropolis! So we ordered take away pizza and grabbed wine from a local grocery store to enjoy while relaxing on the rooftop.
We definitely recommend finding somewhere to watch the sunset in Athens because it’s magical!
Watch our Youtube video to see us experience the best 2 days in Athens!
Day 2 in Athens
8:00 am – Climb Mount Lycabettus
Mount Lycabettus offers some of the best views of Athens! Standing at 277 meters high, it’s the tallest point in central Athens. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the Acropolis, the Aegean Sea, and the city below. It’s a great spot to watch the sunrise or simply enjoy the beautiful scenery in a peaceful setting!
To get to the top of Mount Lycabettus, you can either hike up the winding trails or take a 3-minute cable car. If you chose to hike to the top, there is a steep, paved path that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour to walk up. We’d recommend doing this in the morning (or early evening) to avoid the heat. And if you don’t want to walk back down, you can take the cable car!
The cable car operates approximately every 30 minutes, 365 days a year from 9:00 am to 1:30 am (winter hours sometimes end earlier). It costs 10€ round trip and 7€ one way for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the base station on Aristippou Street or on the peak from a cash-only machine.
Note: You can also drive a vehicle to the top! We didn’t mention that option in detail because most people spending 2 days in Athens won’t be renting a car.
11:00 am – Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Greek history. Located near the Acropolis, this modern museum showcases incredible artifacts from the site, including statues, sculptures, and parts of the Parthenon. Its glass floors allow visitors to see ancient ruins beneath the building, creating a unique museum experience. Don’t miss the top floor of the museum! It has a patio with stunning views of the Acropolis!
We visited the museum after visiting the Acropolis and we enjoyed visiting the sites in that order! It made the museum feel even more interesting, having just seen so many of the iconic sites it references the day before. You could probably try to do both in one day if you’re limited on time but you might feel a little overwhelmed with ancient history. So we’d recommend visiting them on separate days if your schedule allows!
Since Athens can get extremely hot mid-day, heading inside to a museum with A/C is a nice reprieve. It’s recommended you purchase your tickets in advance online but you can purchase them on-site as well.
4:00 pm – Go shopping & walk around Plaka & Monastiraki
Plaka is one of the oldest and most charming neighborhoods in Athens, located at the foot of the Acropolis. Known for its narrow, winding streets, neoclassical houses, and lively atmosphere. It’s filled with traditional tavernas, cozy cafés, and small shops selling souvenirs and handmade goods. While a lot of the shops can be more touristy, this is a great place to do some souvenir shopping done in Athens! Just know that many of the shop workers are very vocal and will invite you into the shops to try and make a sale. Nothing wrong this it, just FYI if you have trouble saying no because you feel bad lol!
Close by is another vibrant area neighborhood in Athens, Monastiraki. This neighborhood is also perfect for shopping, with stalls and stores selling a variety of goods from antiques and handmade jewelry to souvenirs and local crafts. It also has beautiful landmarks like the Monastiraki Square, the Tzistarakis Mosque, and the Ancient Agora.
Whether you’re looking for unique finds, wanting to taste delicious street food, or soak up the lively Greek atmosphere, these neighborhoods are a must-visit in Athens!
Save this 2 Days in Athens Itinerary blog post for later planning!
If you enjoyed reading this blog and want to visit another site filled with iconic ancient sites, check out our blog about the best things to do in Rome!
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