Athens is one of the most popular capitals in the world. It’s not that big and important attractions are located in easy destinations, so even if you only have two days here, there’s enough time to discover the city’s world-renowned heritage, and get a taste for the vivid nightlife & seaside.
Day 1
Whether it’s a week, 2 days, or just 12 hours, a trip to Athens can’t be complete without visiting Acropolis —Athens’ sacred hill that dates back thousands of years, and its iconic temple, the Parthenon. Thus, giving the priority to the site is recommended. Avoid the crowds by starting off early. You should consider to buy a multi-site ticket that allows multiple entry to most major archaeological sites, such as the Ancient Agora and Keramikos Cemetery, both in the vicinity of Acropolis. Furthermore, exploring the items displayed on the Acropolis Museum will make your visit’s impact even stronger. The matchless gallery dedicated to Parthenon is just among many factors that make this museum one of the best in the world.
The Theatre of Dionysus and the still-active venue Odeon of Herodes Atticus will draw your attention for sure. Spare time for visiting them while you’re cricling around the Acropolis. Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds are all in the vicinity of Adrianou Street which strolls down from the Acropolis. While turning back, you should explore the Plaka neighbourhood and Anafiotika if you have time.
Amid the hustle of Monastiraki antiques and flea market, you can find tavernas to taste traditional Greek cuisine and uzo for lunch. Then, you may scout for everything from kitsch souvenirs to antique prints, second-hand-vinyl and vintage army surplus in Monastiraki flea market until the evening. Top up on culture and caffeine at TAF (The Art Foundation), an Ottoman dwelling re-booted as a fashionable gallery and courtyard café, with a brilliant Greek design emporium thrown into the mix. For sophisticated souvenirs o edible gifts, hit Adrianou Street once again. To close the day, you may choose to enjoy the sunset on the Lycabettus Hill.
For the night, you may drink in the city’s red-nightclub scenes at one of the rooftop bars hidden high above the narrow streets around Syntagma and Monastiraki. Keep in mind that Greeks love Siesta, so they don’t leave the clubs until very late at night. Alternatively, you may listen traditional folk music Bouzouki & perform Sirtaki in tavernas.
Day 2
Wake up to see the Changing of the Guard in front of the Greek Parliament at 11am. After admiring this popular tourist ceremony which dates back to 1868, you may pay a visit to the Benaki Museum and the nearby Museum of Cycladic Art to see unique collections. Both are on thr Vassilisis Sofias Avenue.
Head to Patision Street for visiting the magnificient National Archaeological Museum. After exploring the vast collection of items on display, take the metro to the Acropolis station, where the Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian’s Arch is located nearby. Then, continue downward until you get to the Panathenaic Stadium, the house of the first modern Olympic Games. A comprhensive audio tour is provided. You may pay a visit to Piraeus for lunch or dinner, where you can eat delicious sea food and explore the coastline.
For the evening, you may head to the National Garden, a great place to rest and switch off from the busy streets of Athens. Exit from the northeast side and you’ll find yourself in Syntagma Square. If your plane won’t leave until next morning, you can visit bars and wineries in Exarchia to enjoy your last night.
