48 hours in Athens: The perfect two-day itinerary
Follow our 48 hours in Athens itinerary to make the most of a wonderful weekend or two days in the capital of Greece and discover its best landmarks and must-do experiences.
- 04/08/2023
Millions of tourists come to Greece every year to experience its culture, learn its history, taste its cuisine, experience the hospitality of its people and create unique memories that will be forever engraved in their minds and hearts. Most people may choose the Greek islands (and not without reason), but Athens, the capital, offers countless options to its visitors, with activities and experiences for all tastes.
That’s why we’ve decided to create the perfect 48 hours in Athens, with all the must-see and must-do things. From strolls around the historic centre and the Acropolis, to worth visiting spots for dining and delightful peregrinations in idyllic spots.
Day 1
Wake up early enough in the morning and make your way to the Acropolis and the Parthenon (see the opening hours here) to avoid the crowds and the heat. Make a note to wear sneakers and comfortable clothes. You can then walk along Dionysiou Aeropagitou, the pedestrian walkway beneath the sacred rock of the Acropolis and enjoy the views all around, and you might even bump into a street musician who will add a lovely touch to your walk. Afterwards, you can pay a visit to the Acropolis Museum (see the opening hours here) to admire the exhibits and historical richness of Greece.
At noon, head to Anafiotika and explore the picturesque alleys of the area. There you can sit in a tavern for lunch and sample the delicacies of Greek cuisine (Platanos is a very nice place) or you can try the famous souvlaki (You need to visit “Kostas” at Pentelis 5 Str). The stairs of Mnisikleous Street are also a very nice spot, so make sure to stop by to capture them with your camera. If you have room for dessert, sit down at Yasemi for delicious orange pie.
A visit to the National Gallery (see the opening hours here) is also on your must-do list. The afternoon is an ideal time to visit and explore the works on display there, as well as its unique architecture. Afterwards, you can climb up to Lycabettus and watch the sunset from there with a beautiful view of the city.
In the evening you can try some of the many street food places in the centre (around Ermou Street) and believe us you will find whatever you crave. We highly recommend Amandine for bagels, Granello for pizza and Holy Llama for delicious vegan croissants and other snacks. Then, you can head to Syntagma where you will watch the famous “changing of the guard” in front of the monument of the Unknown Soldier. The change of the guards takes place every hour by the military unit whose members stand proudly in perfect stillness in front of the Parliament. But every Sunday morning at 11 am, you can watch the official ceremony of the changing of the guards with the official dresses.
If you can also bear to go out for a drink, we’d recommend Pagrati, an area next to the city centre, with lots of interesting options for going out. Good and relatively new arrivals in the area are Abstract and Frater & Soror.
Day 2
On the second day it would be good to wake up early again and start your walk from the Panathenaic Stadium and the Temple of Zeus. Nearby is the National Garden, where you can wander under the tall trees, stare at the lake and – why not – have a mini picnic with your friends.
Then we would suggest you walk unplanned to Exarchia, an alternative district of the centre of Athens or Monastiraki to discover its flea markets and the many roads leading to different directions, such as Psyri. Also, even if you might get quite a bit out of the centre, it’s really worth it if you visit the south side of town and sit down for lunch at a fish tavern by the sea.
Heading back to the city centre, it’s worth making a stop at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Centre, walking along the canal, sitting on the grass at Xefoto and enjoying the vibes of the spot. Its architecture will also win you over from the first moment. Very close by you will also find the Flisvos Marina, which you can walk while gazing at the luxury boats and enjoying a cool ice cream.
In the evening you can go out to Piraeus, where you will find many nice places to eat (we strongly recommend Jimmy’s Fish and Yperokeanio), and later you can have a cocktail with a view at Istioploikos. Otherwise you can visit Belle Amie for its beautiful indoor space or Che Cocina y Barra Sudamericana for a margarita.