What to do in Athens for 2 days
As one of the world’s oldest cities and established civilisations, Athens is a history enthusiast’s paradise. There is an abundance of unique attractions and sites to offer its tourists and visitors. You’re probably wondering where to begin and which places to visit first, which is why we’ve compiled this itinerary of what to do during 48 hours in Athens. From its ancient ruins and sites to its lively nightlife districts and culinary scene, Athens is a city that will excite all types of travellers. With Athens being a very walkable city, you can give yourself a tour of the city without overspending on public transportation and can truly take in and appreciate the sights.
Where to stay
Of course, the first thing you’ll want to do is find somewhere to stay. Athens hosts a variety of accommodation options, from luxury hotels and villas to more affordable and mid-range hotels. Here are some of the best places to stay in Athens.
Luxury: If you’ve got the cash to splash on an upscale hotel or accommodation, why not try the Mansion Luxury Suites?
Mid-Range: Mid-range hotels are usually popular with tourists, as they offer high-quality amenities but at a more affordable price. Check out the Arcade Hotel for a great mid-range hotel option.
Budget: If you want to experience Athens without spending too much money on accommodation, budget hotels are the best choice. Economy Hotel is a good quality and conveniently located budget hotel in Athens.
Boutique: Boutique hotels are often unique and have a much smaller capacity than generic hotels. Try the Boutique Elizabeth Hotel.
Where to eat
Athens is a culinary gem, featuring the best of traditional Greek, Mediterranean and international cuisines often with a signature twist from chefs. Here we will break down some of the best places to eat in Athens for breakfast, lunch and dinner:
Breakfast/Brunch: Athens knows a thing or two about great breakfast, which you can enjoy at Wanna Flirt, which serves everything from sweet and savoury breakfast to fresh smoothies and coffee in a creative and aesthetic way. You can also start the day at High Five brunch for a plethora of options to suit every taste.
Lunch/Dinner: One of the most aesthetically pleasing and uniquely decorated restaurants in Athens is the Tazza Bistro, characterised by its medieval and royal-style artwork and furniture. The menu here is varied and delicious, and the prices are good, too. Be sure to try the Oroscopo restaurant for a true taste of Greek culture and gastronomy.
For something sweet or your daily caffeine hit, try Melina Mercouri or Laluk Cafe Bar.
Where to get your culture fix
With thousands of years of culture and society, you’re definitely in the right place for a history tour. Head to the Acropolis or the Parthenon to learn more about Ancient Greece, or the Temple of Olympian Zeus for an incredible insight into ancient Greek architecture and Greek mythology.
As there is so much to see and learn about in Athens, as well as a plethora of sightseeing spots that are guaranteed to fill up your camera’s memory card, why not take a walking tour around the city? Take a self-guided or private tour where you can learn about the very essence of Greek culture.
Where to drink
Athens has one of the best nightlife scenes in Greece, with an extensive array of bars, clubs and entertainment venues. Some of the best bars in Athens include the vintage-style Draxmi, where you can enjoy coffee during the day and cocktails at night. Other options include the lively rooftop bar Deos, where you can watch the Athenian sunset as you enjoy your favourite tipple, and By the Glass, which has an extensive wine list.
As for more lively spots where you can dance the night away, check out the Shamone Club, and the Half Note Jazz Club for some regular live music performances. If you simply want somewhere to sit and drink coffee, you won’t find better than Taf Coffee, which is renowned among both locals and tourists for its superb speciality coffee.
Where to shop
Athens is so much more than its historical and mythological significance and association, it’s also one of the best places to shop in Greece. Fashion, food, antiques, jewellery, souvenirs, you name it. If you want to shop, head to Ermou Street – it’s Athens’ top shopping destination. Ermou Street features both international brands and independent boutique stores.
If you want a more unique shopping experience, visit Monastiraki Market, where you’ll find everything from jewellery and food to antiques, clothing and furniture items. If you really want a full-on shopping spree, The Mall Athens will provide you with some of the best shopping and dining outlets in the city.
Best day trips from Athens
You might as well make the most of your trip to Greece and venture a little further out of Athens. Athens will provide you with a fulfilling and memorable experience, but sometimes people may want to see and do more. Here are some of the closest towns and cities to Athens, some of which can be reached in under an hour, either by public transportation or by car.
Aegina
This island is a short ferry ride away from Athens (we’re talking around 40 minutes minimum), and hosts an abundance of fun things to do. Aegina is great for arts and crafts, group activities and beach days, as well as history and culture tours. If you want to travel out of Athens, Aegina is one of the closest places to visit.
Chalkida/Chalcis
Chalkida can be reached in just under an hour. The town features a range of historic buildings like castles and is known for its nightlife and beach in particular.
Hydra
Hydra is another island located around a 1-hour ferry ride from Athens and features an abundance of shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment hubs. There are also several beautiful beaches.
48 Hours in Athens – Daily Itinerary
You may initially be overwhelmed with the choice of attractions and tourist hubs in Athens, but with a little planning, you can experience most of what Athens has to offer within 48 hours. You can choose to stay in Athens, or you can really make the most of your trip and visit a nearby city as well. We’ve created this itinerary to give you an idea of how best to spend your 48 hours in Athens. Whether you want a historic and cultural trip, or you simply want to party all night while drinking Greek ouzo, take a look at some suggestions on how to spend your time.
Day One: Historic Ruins, Museums and Culture
- After breakfast or brunch, you won’t want to waste any time, especially as some tourist hotspots can get quite crowded. Head up to the Acropolis and the Parthenon for a look into a world gone by. Spend time looking around the Acropolis Museum.
- Walk around Monastiraki Square, visit the Ancient Agora and Hadrian’s Library, and have lunch in one of the traditional tavernas.
- Check out the Monastiraki Flea Market or the Central Market.
- Head to the National Archaeological Museum for more insight into Greek architecture and culture.
- End the day at a rooftop bar or restaurant and enjoy views over the city and the Athenian horizon. Those who love a party are in luck – Athens is known for its nightlife!
Day Two: Gardens, Local Neighbourhoods, and More History
- Start your day with a visit to the National Gallery of Greece for a modern change of pace.
- Take a stroll through the National Gardens – you can also visit the Arch of Hadrian and the Temple of Olympian Zeus here.
- Explore the pretty neighbourhood of Plaka. This is a good place to have lunch.
- Walk to Ermou Street for a spot of shopping, passing the Roman Agora on the way.
- End your 48 hours in Athens with a beautiful sunset from Mount Lycabettus, in the heart of the city. It’s a short but steep walk to the top, but you can also hop in a cable bar.
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