Determining how many days to spend in Athens depends on your interests and travel goals, but generally, a stay of 2 to 4 days is ideal for most visitors. This duration allows you to explore the city’s rich history, vibrant culture, and culinary delights without feeling rushed.
Planning a weekend in Athens allows you to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history, culture, and culinary delights. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Athens in two days, ensuring you experience the city’s most iconic and enjoyable attractions.
Start your two-day itinerary to Athens with a delightful breakfast at Café Melina in the Plaka neighborhood. Enjoy a traditional spanakopita and Greek coffee in a charming, historic setting.
No trip to Athens is complete without visiting the Acropolis. Spend your morning exploring the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The early visit allows you to avoid crowds and enjoy the stunning views of Athens.
Next, head to the Acropolis Museum, where you can delve into the rich history and artifacts associated with the Acropolis. This modern museum provides context and depth to your understanding of ancient Greek civilization.
For lunch, head to Monastiraki and dine at Thanasis Tavern. This renowned eatery is famous for its delicious souvlaki and offers a vibrant atmosphere perfect for soaking in the local culture.
In the afternoon, visit the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens. Explore the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos to gain insight into the daily life and politics of ancient Greeks.
Take a break at Little Kook in the Psiri district. This whimsical café offers a unique atmosphere for enjoying a coffee or dessert, making it a delightful stop in your weekend in Athens.
After your coffee break, spend time exploring the Psiri district. Known for its vibrant street art, quirky shops, and lively ambiance, Psiri offers a taste of Athens’ contemporary culture.
End your first day with a fine dining experience at Aleria Restaurant in Metaxourgeio. Enjoy modern Greek cuisine in an elegant setting, perfect for winding down after a day of exploration.
Begin your second day with a luxurious breakfast at Zonar’s, a historic café in Syntagma Square. This classic spot is ideal for a relaxing start to your day.
Spend your morning at the National Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient Greek artifacts. This museum is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
After the museum, take a leisurely stroll through Syntagma Square and the National Garden. This peaceful walk offers a respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
For lunch, head to Avli Tou Thodori in the Kolonaki neighborhood. This cozy taverna serves traditional Greek cuisine, providing an authentic dining experience.
In the afternoon, visit the Benaki Museum to explore its diverse collection of Greek art and artifacts from antiquity to modern times. The museum offers a comprehensive look at Greek history and culture.
Spend the late afternoon exploring Kolonaki, an upscale neighborhood known for its boutiques, cafes, and galleries. This area is perfect for shopping and people-watching.
End your weekend in Athens with a visit to Mount Lycabettus. Take the funicular or hike to the summit for a stunning panoramic view of Athens at sunset, a perfect finale to your two-day itinerary to Athens.
Conclude your trip with dinner at Strofi, where you can enjoy a meal with a breathtaking view of the Acropolis. This dining experience is a perfect end to your adventure, leaving you with lasting memories of Athens.
Planning a trip often involves creating a detailed itinerary, but flexibility is key to a truly enjoyable experience. When designing a two-day itinerary to Athens, it’s essential to outline the major attractions and activities you want to include.
Athens is a city rich in history and culture, and sometimes the best moments come from unplanned adventures. Whether it’s stumbling upon a charming café in the Psiri district or extending your visit to the National Archaeological Museum because it captivated your interest, allowing room for flexibility can enhance your trip. The key is to use your two-day itinerary to Athens as a framework, while remaining open to the unexpected, ensuring a more personalized and memorable travel experience.
Time | Activity |
---|---|
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast at Café Melina Start your day with a delicious spanakopita and Greek coffee in the charming Plaka neighborhood. |
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Visit the Acropolis Explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. Enjoy stunning views of Athens. |
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM | Acropolis Museum Discover the rich history and artifacts at the Acropolis Museum, just a short walk from the Acropolis. |
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM | Lunch at Thanasis Tavern Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Monastiraki, famous for its souvlaki and vibrant atmosphere. |
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM | Ancient Agora Visit the heart of ancient Athens, including the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos. |
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Coffee Break at Little Kook Relax with a coffee or dessert in this whimsical café in the Psiri district. |
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM | Explore Psiri District Discover vibrant street art, quirky shops, and the lively atmosphere of this artistic neighborhood. |
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Dinner at Aleria Restaurant Head to Metaxourgeio for a fine dining experience with modern Greek cuisine. |
Time | Activity |
---|---|
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM | Breakfast at Zonar's Begin your day with a luxurious breakfast at this historic café in Syntagma Square. |
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM | Visit the National Archaeological Museum Explore one of the world’s greatest collections of ancient Greek artifacts. |
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Walk through Syntagma Square and the National Garden Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the heart of Athens and relax in the beautiful gardens. |
1:00 PM - 2:30 PM | Lunch at Avli Tou Thodori Experience traditional Greek cuisine in a cozy taverna in the Kolonaki neighborhood. |
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM | Benaki Museum Visit this museum to see a diverse collection of Greek art and artifacts from antiquity to modern times. |
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM | Explore Kolonaki Wander through this upscale neighborhood known for its boutiques, cafes, and galleries. |
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Sunset at Mount Lycabettus Take the funicular or hike up to the top for a stunning panoramic view of Athens at sunset. |
8:00 PM - 10:00 PM | Dinner at Strofi Enjoy a dinner with a view of the Acropolis, offering a perfect end to your Athens adventure. |