Can you truly explore everything Athens offers in just a couple of days? It might seem challenging, but with good organization, you can quickly cover most of the city!
The key is prioritizing the sites you want to see and planning accordingly.
Living in Athens and hosting many visiting friends has helped me perfect the art of creating short, effective itineraries.
Below is a ready-made itinerary for Athens, showcasing all the best attractions and activities you can enjoy in just a few days!
![A picture of Athens from a distance at sunrise.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ATHENS-Iinterary.jpg)
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How to Divide Your Itinerary For Two Days in Athens
One of the easiest ways to split up your couple of days in Athens is by visiting the historical and archaeological sites one day and exploring modern Athens on the second.
Visiting the most popular places in Athens, the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora, on the first day allows you to be more flexible with your time.
![a woman on a hill across from the acropolis in Athens](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Weather-in-Athens.jpg)
📲 But first, download the GOOGLE MAP! of all the places in this itinerary already prepinned for you! And don’t forget to sign up for the newsletter to get more travel tips for me!
2-Day Athens Itinerary Overview
Here is how you will spend 48 hours in Athens:
Day 1 – Archaeological Sites
- Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolisis Musuem
- Explore Anafiotika
- Stroll Around Plaka
- Lunch at Zorbas Restaurant
- Ancient Agora of Athens
- The Roman Agora
- Hadrian’s Arch & Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Sunset Drinks & Dinner with a View at 360 Cocktail Bar
Day 2- Modern Athens
- Breakfast at This is Loco
- Panathenaic Stadium
- Athens National Garden
- Watch the Change of the Guards at the Hellenic Parliament
- Museum of Cycladic Art
- Explore Pisiri
- Monastiraki Square
- Dinner at Simiul
Essential Tips for Visiting Athens
Before we dive into how to spend your time in Athens, there are a couple of things you really need to know!
🚕 95% of the time you get into a taxi cab in Athens, the driver will not take a credit card. If you order a taxi with Free Now or Uber, this rule doesn’t apply. But if you get in a cab from the street, ask the driver before taking off.
🚽 You can not flush toilet paper in the toilets in Greece! I know this seems like a crazy thing to mention, but it is very important. The pipes are too small and they will clog. Use the bins in the bathroom for your toilet paper.
Ⓜ️ You probably WON’T need to buy a transit pass. Everything you want to see in Athens can be reached by foot. Unless you stay far outside the city center, you can likely just save a few bucks and skip the pass.
🌞 June, July, and August can be almost unbearable to visit. The heat can be intense, and often, the Acropolis will close during midday due to high temperatures. I really recommend visiting Athens in the winter.
Perfect 2 Days in Athens Itinerary
Morning 8:00
Whether you are visiting Athens alone or with friends, I recommend starting with a tour of the Acropolis.
Most guided tours allow you to skip the line and help you keep on track to see everything promptly.
Starting at the Acropolis in the morning is ideal for less crowds and more pleasant temperatures.
Grab breakfast in your hotel, or if you opt for a tour, check out one of the coffee shops near your tour meeting point.
📍 Salt or Sugar is a coffee shop near the old town where you will meet for the tour. It opens at 8 a.m.
![A photo of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stone theatre structure with arched windows and a large stone-paved foreground, located at the Acropolis of Athens, Greece.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Athens-2-Days.jpeg)
![A photo of the Erechtheion, an ancient Greek temple with tall columns, situated on the Acropolis of Athens under a clear blue sky.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/What-to-see-in-Athens.jpeg)
Acropolis and the Parthenon
Of all the things to do in Athens, visiting the Acropolis is obviously on the list. Plan to spend 1 -2 hours here.
The Acropolis is a large hill in the center of Athens that is home to an impressive collection of significant monuments and ancient buildings.
The most popular and well-known spot at the Acropolis is the Parthenon, which includes the Temple of Athena.
This temple was dedicated to the goddess Athena of Greek mythology.
Its large intricate columns and sculptures date back to the fifth century!
The true size and scale of this 2500+-year-old temple are hard to grasp in mere pictures.
![A woman in a red shirt and black pants standing in front of the Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple with iconic Doric columns on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Athens-in-2-days-with-me.jpeg)
![A photo of the Porch of the Caryatids at the Erechtheion, featuring six draped female figures as supporting columns, with a backdrop of the Acropolis and cloudy sky.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Temple-of-Athenia.jpeg)
🎟️ SKIP THE LINE TICKETS: Access the Acropolis & 6 archeological sites without waiting in line!
❤︎ Having tickets already purchased means you will not have to wait in line to purchase tickets. Everyone with a ticket has to wait in the same line to get in. SAVE TIME! Get your tickets now!
The Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is a world-class museum in Athens. Inside the museum, you can learn more about the sites you visited and see more archaeological discoveries.
If you are interested in ancient history, this museum is a must-visit.
You will learn all about the ancient city of Athens and Greek Mythology. Entrance tickets to the Parthenon and the Acropolis Museum are often sold together.
Personally, I am not a museum person and wouldn’t spend extra money to visit. However, this museum is quite special; most tickets include entry (Not the Combo Ticket).
Explore Anafiotika
After the Museum, popping up to the Anafiotika neighborhood is easy. I saved this neighborhood along with all the Athens landmarks here in my free Google map!
Anafiotika is a tiny neighborhood that is very “Instagrambable” under the Acropolis of Athens.
With narrow, winding streets and whitewashed houses, it feels like a small island village.
Built in the 19th century by workers from Anafi, it’s a peaceful spot in the city.
Walk through the alleys to see colorful flowers, hidden courtyards, and great views of Athens.
It’s nice for a quiet stroll and taking beautiful pictures. Despite being central, it’s typically not crowded with tourists.
![A charming street in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens, featuring white-washed buildings, lush greenery, and the Acropolis with a Greek flag visible in the background.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Anafiotika-in-Athens.jpeg)
![A cat sitting on the steps in front of a blue door, with weathered white walls surrounding the entrance, located in the Plaka neighborhood of Athens, Greece.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Cat-in-Athens.jpeg)
Afternoon
Eat Lunch in Plaka
From the Acropolis Museum, you will stroll the streets of Plaka! Here are the main tourist shops. Keep in mind the shops are mostly “touristy.”
Here, you will find all the traditional Greek souvenirs, such as olive oil, handmade pottery, intricate jewelry, and beautifully crafted leather sandals.
PRO TIP: Keep your items close, as tourist areas are prone to attracting pickpockets.
A great spot for lunch is Zorbas Restaurant, located on one of the most beautiful streets in Athens.
Here, you can enjoy traditional Greek food conveniently near your next stop, the Ancient Agora.
![A narrow street in Athens lined with potted plants and classic buildings with balconies. Greek flags are visible, and the street is calm and empty.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Plaka.jpeg)
![A view of Athens from a balcony at dusk, with Mount Lycabettus visible in the distance. The foreground features a table with a checkered tablecloth and lush greenery.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Views-of-Plaka.jpeg)
The Ancient Agora of Athens
Located to the northeast of the Acropolis is the Ancient Agora. During the time of the Greek Empire, this agora served as the central place for all happenings in the area.
Merchants would set up shop there, and matters of politics would be discussed. Today, the structure remains a prime example of the magic of Ancient Agoras in Greece.
After leaving Acropolis Hill, find your way to this incredible landmark museum, which houses the ruins of ancient Greek culture.
I spent a good hour here exploring the grounds and climbing the hill to reach the Temple of Hephaestus.
This well-preserved temple, dedicated to Hephaestus, the god of metalworking and craftsmanship, overlooks the agora and offers a remarkable example of classical Greek architecture.
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Ancient-Agora-Athens.jpeg)
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Temple-Athens-Agora.jpeg)
The Roman Agora
Another ancient architectural ruin is just a short walk away—the Roman Agora. The Roman Forum was built during Julius Caesar’s reign.
The main entrance gate and the Tower of the Winds are still preserved. This clock tower, which is believed to be the first-ever meteorological tower, is still in excellent condition.
This site is included in the Combo Ticket, though many people just admire the ruins for the outside gates. If you don’t have a ticket, I wouldn’t go out of your way to see it.
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Water-Tower-Athens.jpeg)
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Athens-Roman-Agora.jpeg)
Temple of Olympian Zeus
This colossal temple is in central Athens, just a short distance away from the Acropolis.
Like its more famous neighbor, the Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is absolutely enormous in scale.
Visiting will certainly give you an appreciation for Athenians’ artisanry and construction skills.
But if you want to skip something today, you could just get a good look from the outside.
![A woman sitting on a stone bench, photographing the ruins of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens. The scene is framed by pine trees and greenery under a clear blue sky.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Temple-of-Zeus.jpeg)
![A woman in a floral dress and sun hat standing in front of a single standing column of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, with a clear blue sky in the background.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Me-at-temple-of-zeus.jpeg)
Evening
After a full day of checking out ancient Athens, it is time to see the city at night!
If you visit in the summer, the city will be crowded, so I recommend making reservations wherever you go to ensure you have dinner with a view.
360 Cocktail Bar
Finish your first day in Athens with a drink and dinner at 360 Cocktail Bar. This bar has a rooftop terrace that offers panoramic city views, including the Acropolis.
It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset! The bar also has a snack and dinner menu if you’d like to grab a meal.
Online reservations are possible on their website; you must pay to reserve a table!
![A view of Athens at sunset with Mount Lycabettus silhouetted against a colorful sky transitioning from orange to deep blue.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Sunset-View-Athens.jpeg)
![A table setting with plates, cutlery, and a wooden board featuring slices of bread, a bowl of olive oil, and a small dish of salt. A dish with melted cheese and a glass of orange-colored drink are also visible.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Food-and-drinks-athens.jpeg)
Day 2
On your day 2, let’s spend more time exploring the Greek culture and sights of modern Athens.
From walking the streets of Psiri and Plaka to indulging in some retail therapy in Monastiraki, there’s still plenty to see when you visit Athens!
Morning 8:00
Have breakfast at my favorite non-traditional restaurant in Athens! This Is Loco, located in the Koukaki neighborhood, is my top choice!
Their menu has something for everyone! My go-to breakfast here is scrambled eggs with avocado or chilaquiles, as seen below!
![A close-up of a colorful dish featuring two poached eggs, fresh tomato salsa, and a dollop of yogurt with a drizzle of olive oil, served on a crispy base in a teal bowl.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Breakfast-loco.jpeg)
![A table with a teal cup of cappuccino, a glass of water, and part of a breakfast dish with poached eggs, salsa, and yogurt. The background features a cozy café interior with a Christmas tree visible in the distance.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/coffee-at-loco.jpeg)
Panathenaic Stadium
One of the places to visit that holds a lot of historical significance is the Panathenaic Stadium.
Originally built in the 6th century BC, the stadium has been refurbished multiple times and is the site of the first modern Olympic games.
The only stadium in the world made entirely of marble, the Panathenaic Stadium also hosted the 2004 Olympics.
A 15-minute walk from your breakfast spot takes you by Athens National Garden, which you can explore on your way back.
I would plan to spend around 15-20 minutes at the stadium.
Athens National Garden
![A statue of Greek statesman Ioannis Kapodistrias, located in a lush green park. The statue features Kapodistrias seated with a book and quill, atop a marble pedestal inscribed with his name, under a clear blue sky.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Athens-National-Garden-jpg.webp)
On your way back to the center of Athens I recommend taking a stroll through the National Gardens. It is free to enter, and it is a nice shaded escape on a hot day.
There are plenty of paths and pathways to traverse, making it a great place to get lost in nature as you head toward the Museum of Cycladic Art.
Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art was founded in 1986 and preserves artifacts and culture of the Aegean and Cyprus.
In addition to archaeological exhibits, the museum also has contemporary and modern art exhibits of Greek history.
Athens is home to many incredible museums, including the Museum of Cycladic Art, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and the National Archeological Museum, to name a few. Choose one to visit during the afternoon.
Afternoon
![Plate of fried fish](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Lunch-in-Atlantikos-jpg.webp)
After the Athens National Garden & Museum of Cycladic Art, head back toward the city center to my favorite lunch spot for seafood: Atlantikos, located in Psyri on the edge of Monastiraki Square.
It can be quite crowded in Psyri, so I want to remind you again to keep an eye on your belongings.
If the restaurant is too busy, don’t worry; you will find many other options for great food in Athens, especially in Psyri!
Monastiraki Square
![A picture of a busy shopping area in Athens Greece on a cloudy day.](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Monastiraki-Square-jpg.webp)
Next to Plaka, Monastiraki Square is Athens’s central square and shopping hub. Plenty of souvenir shops are nestled within the main square among significant historical sites.
Spot The Church of the Pantanassa, the Tsagarakis Mosque, or even the ruins of Hadrian’s Library.
Off the square, there’s plenty to discover in the Monastiraki area, including Ermou Street, Athens’ shopping street, and the Monastiraki flea market.
It’s worth a good wander, even if you don’t buy anything! Keep your eyes peeled for some of the street art that peppers the walls of Athens!
For all you night owls, Athens has a very vibrant nightlife scene to check out!
Evening
Since you are only in Athens for a couple of days, I recommend you book a table at one of the best restaurants, Simul.
Simul is located near Koloanki, and you could take a cheap taxi there depending on where you are staying.
![a bowl fill with broth and fish at Simul a must visit restaurant in Athens](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Athens-Simul.jpg)
I have eaten at Simul a few times and it is exceptional. They have outdoor as well as indoor dining options. You must book a table in advance to ensure you get a table.
Best Places to Stay in Athens
Koukaki Neighborhood
Koukaki is one of the best neighborhoods in Athens to stay when you only have a couple of days.
It’s close to EVERYTHING you want to visit, filled with narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful homes, cafes, and shops.
There are unique boutiques to visit, such as:
![Shop with small table and coffee in a glass](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cafe-Ere.jpg)
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Cafes-in-Athens.jpg)
There are also several great coffee shops, such as:
- Little Tree Books (my favorite)
- Drupes Spritzeria
- Lotte Cafe Bistrot
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Little-Tree.jpg)
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Lotte-1.jpg)
Hotels I like in Koukaki are:
- Coco Mat Athens BC
- Neoma
![Rooftop Pool at Coco-Mat](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Pool-at-Coco-Mat-Athens-BC.jpg)
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Lobby-of-CocoMat-Athens-BC.jpg)
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Neoma-1440x1080.jpeg)
![](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hotel-Athens-1440x1080.jpeg)
RELATED: Read my full review of Coco Mat Athens BC
Syntagma Square Neighborhood
Syntagma Square is the heart of Athens and another good choice to be close to important monuments such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Greek Parliament building.
Hotels I like in Syntagma Square:
- Hotel Grande Bretagne offers a sumptuous, luxurious stay in the heart of Athens. The hotel’s rooftop restaurant, GB Roof Garden, has excellent views of the Acropolis.
❤︎ Pro Tip: If you don’t end up staying here, have a cocktail at the rooftop bar for the best views of Athens!
Should I Rent a Car in Athens if I Only Have 2 days?
If you visit Athens for 48 hours and then leave Greece, I would say no, you don’t need a car.
However, if you are traveling to the Greek Islands, you may need a car!
Depending on the island you visit, renting a car in Athens and taking it on the ferry to the islands could be a great idea.
In some islands, like Milos you really want to have a car. On other islands, you may get away with not renting one.
It depends on which island you are visiting and what your plans are while there. Get the best deals on rental cars with Discover Cars!
Customs & Etiquette in Athens
- Tipping- Tipping isn’t as much of a custom in Athens as it is in the United States, but I always tip 15% for good service. It is most common in cafes and restaurants. Otherwise, tipping isn’t required!
- Greetings- A traditional greeting in Greece is two kisses on the cheek. Shaking hands is also customary in Athens. Most Greek people and Athenians are pretty friendly, so don’t be afraid to ask for help if necessary.
- Shopping- Haggling is more common in Athens than in other Greek islands, especially at flea markets and souvenir shops. Don’t push too hard just for a bargain; be considerate of shop owners. In general, many shops and restaurants will close for 1-2 hours in the afternoon for a siesta, and most grocery stores are closed on Sundays!
- Dress Code- The dress code varies widely throughout Greece but is mostly elevated casual. Especially if you’re planning on visiting churches or mosques, be prepared to wear long pants or a skirt and cover your shoulders. While this isn’t as applicable in Athens, be mindful that beach attire or wearing just a swimsuit isn’t generally accepted.
Related: Packing List For Greece Travel
How to Get from Athens Airport to City Center
![Train tracks going through the city center of Athens](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Transportation-in-Athens-jpg.webp)
✈️ When visiting Athens, you’ll likely fly into Athens International Airport and need to head to the city center. There are several different reliable ways to get from the airport to the center of Athens – taxi, metro, or bus.
Taking a taxi is one of the more expensive ways to transfer between the airport and the city center, but it is reliable and a good option if you have lots of bags or don’t want to figure out public transportation.
Athens has a good public transportation system. Blue Line 3 connects Athens Airport to the city center from the Metro Station, stopping at Syntagma Square and Monastiraki.
Monastiraki is probably the best stop to get off at if you stay in Plaka.
In addition to the metro, you can also get to the center of Athens by bus from the airport.
The bus runs 24/7 daily, even on public holidays. While the ride takes longer than the metro, a bus is the cheapest way to get to the city center.
✈️ Need an airport transfer? I found this service to be reliable and affordable!
When is the Best Time to Visit Athens?
Although the summer months are the most popular time to visit Athens, they are not the best time to visit.
If you want to experience Athens in the best months, I recommend visiting Athens in April, May, October, and November.
All the best things to do in Athens involve being outside, and the summers are extremely hot. Visiting the Acropolis when it is 100 degrees outside is not fun.
A good idea is to come to Athens when the temperatures are much milder.
If you are looking to visit the Greek Islands on your trip, consider visiting Santorini for 2 days! Santorini is one of the most idyllic and iconic of the Cycladic Islands.
There are so many Greek Islands, and it can honestly be a challenge to choose one. Some of my favorite islands, such as Serifos, are a little more remote.
Another very doable day trip from Athens is to the Greek Island of Hydra! From Athens, it’s a quick ferry ride of just 2 hours!
Wrapping Up Your Athens Itinerary
There’s no denying that Athens is a major city. As the capital of Greece, there is plenty to do.
However, with all the right tips for visiting Athens, hitting the highlights is possible and even easy to do in just 2 days.
I hope this itinerary helps you plan your stay in Athens. Choose your top priorities for the trip, and leave room for wandering the streets and just relaxing!
If the Greek Islands are on your bucket list, check out one of the most magical islands, Sifnos!
If you’d like to check out more of my solo travel itineraries, read the blog here! I also share more in-the-moment updates and travel inspiration on Instagram.
Extending Your Time in Athens?
If you need more time to explore Athens, consider extending your stay for another few days!
Many day trips from Athens are worth your time if you can squeeze it in!
I highly recommend doing a half-day trip to Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon!
PLANNING A TRIP TO GREECE?
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![Athens - Best 2 Days in Greece](https://asinglewomantraveling.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/How-to-Spend-2-Days-in-Athens.jpg)
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This is a perfect guide on how to spend two days in Athens. It’s one of our favorite European destinations.
I agree that you can see many of the key sights in Athens in 2 days – but you really need to plan the timing to make the most of the experience. And great idea to plan to finish the day with a rooftop bar with a view of the sun setting on the Acropolis. Picking a central spot to stay will certainly help with maximising your time in Athens.
Wow, what a dreamy guide! You laid out all the trip details perfectly. The information you shared about the traditional greeting of two kisses on each cheek is very helpful! I’m ready to book my plane ticket 🙂
I love this itinerary. As much as I love taking longer trips, sometimes a couple of days is all I have and this itinerary is perfect.
Aside from the Acropolis, there are plenty of other ancient ruins to explore in Athens. The Roman Forum, Hadrian’s Library, and the Temple of Zeus are all within walking distance of each other and make for a great morning or afternoon of exploring.
I would suggest adding the Parthenon to the list of ancient ruins to explore. It is one of the most famous landmarks in Athens and is definitely worth a visit!