2 Days in Athens: The Best 2 Day Athens Itinerary
Planning on spending 2 days in Athens and wondering if it’s worth it? You can still see so much of the city in just 48 hours, so here’s the perfect itinerary.
Whether you are a history buff or an island hopper, any trip to Greece needs a stop in Athens. Named after the goddess of wisdom and warfare (Athena), Athens was the birthplace of democracy and holds more history than you could see in a week.
Unfortunately, not all of us have an entire week to spend here, so we will take a look at spending just 2 days in Athens.
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✅ This is the hotel we stayed at during our time there
✅ Don’t miss the Acropolis Combo ticket
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Is 2 days in Athens enough?
The answer here is “yes and no”. If you will be using this as your entry or exit to Greece, this will not be a true 2 full days. To be realistic, it will most likely be only one full day in Athens.
Even if you are planning to visit Athens for a European weekend break, you may not get 2 full days in the city – it depends on how early your flight lands.
For history buffs who desire to be fully immersed in all of the history of the city, the answer is no. BUT if you simply want to see a few iconic locations to start your Greek island hop, then the answer is definitely a yes.
2 days in Athens is plenty of time to see the main highlights of the metropolis and have your first Greek salad and gyros of the week.
Where to stay for 2 days in Athens
If you are only spending 2 days in the city, you will need to stay a walkable distance from the main attractions. The Plaka or Syntagma neighbourhoods will be your best bet for walkability and safety.
The Plaka is the oldest area with pedestrian paths and shopping. Located directly to the east and north of the Acropolis, it will also have some of your best nighttime views of the Parthenon.
Syntagma is home to Syntagma Square, one of the most popular public squares in the city. It also has great transportation links and is ideal for first-time visitors.
- £££ – Hotel Grande Bretagne – A luxury hotel with incredible view of the Acropolis
- ££ – Ava Hotel – We stayed at this boutique hotel in Plaka and thoroughly enjoyed it
- £ – Hera Hotel – A highly rated budget hotel at a great location.
2 Days in Athens Itinerary
So, without further ado, here is the ideal itinerary for your 2 days in Athens. As I noted before, if you’re island hopping in Athens, then the city will likely either be at the beginning or end of your Greek adventures.
If this is the case, then spending 2 nights here will realistically look like one half-day, one full day, and another half-day. Alternatively, Athens is one of the best cities to visit in Europe, so you can easily take a trip at the weekend.
Day 1: Half day
Welcome to the birthplace of democracy! Whether this is the beginning or the end of your journey, I hope you are excited to explore this incredible city. Assuming you will get there around noon, check into your room (or leave your bags at the front desk) and get exploring.
Top Tip: Before you arrive in Athens, I highly recommend purchasing an Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket in advance. You can purchase a ticket for around €40. They are valid for 5 days after first use and include entry to 7 major historical sites in the city.
14:00 – Temple of Zeus & Hadrian’s Arch
Cost: €8 (in the summer months)
Just to the southeast of the Acropolis is the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch. Take a stroll towards the temple via Lisikratous Street and you will have a fantastic view of the Hadrian’s Arch as it sits at the end of the street.
After taking in the arch, spend some time exploring the Temple of Zeus (the largest ever to be built in Greece).
These grounds include the Temple of Zeus, the Roman Baths, the Basilica of Olympieion, the Temple of Apollo Delphinios, the Temple of Kronos and Rhea, and the Gates of Themistoclean Wall.
Fun fact: Only 16 of the 104 columns of the Temple of Zeus remain.
16:00 – Acropolis Museum
Cost: €15 (in the summer months)
The Acropolis Museum will be about a 5-minute walk west of the Temple of Zeus. Built on top of a real excavation site, the museum holds many archaeological treasures found on the Acropolis.
This is a great place to visit before you visit the Acropolis. You will get a historic baseline of the area and will help you to truly appreciate the magnitude of Acropolis Hill.
18:00 – Dinner
After the museum, find yourself a great dinner location. Make sure you consider the Acropolis Museum Restaurant as they have an excellent view of the Parthenon.
Day 2: Full Day
For your full day of this 2 days in Athens itinerary, we are waking up bright and early to see the most popular site in the city as well as other Athens must-sees.
I avoided including this on the first day because, if you are arriving at midday (or later), you’ll likely end up stuck in a queue and won’t be able to experience the Acropolis at its best.
Today, you’ll be able to start your day bright and early with one of the best things to do in Athens.
7:45 – Acropolis
Cost: €25 (general entry)
While the Acropolis of Athens does not open until 8, I would highly recommend getting to the south entrance of the site a bit early.
The morning is the best time to visit the Acropolis as the crowds are much smaller compared to mid-day. It is much cooler if you are planning to visit in the summer months.
If possible, purchase a guided tour of the site. While there are many audio tours available, we found them unreliable during our visit. A physical guide will help you really soak in the history of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Must-sees at the Acropolis include the Parthenon, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus.
The best way to visit the Acropolis of Athens
I am sure you will want to run directly to the Parthenon to see the beautiful structure that you have seen in so many pictures but make sure you take in all of the incredible history on your way up the hill.
I recommend starting on the south side of the hill. Here, you will pass by the Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus, the world’s oldest theatre, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
If you think the Dionysus Eleuthereus remains are impressive, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus will blow you away. The Greco-Roman theatre can seat 5,000 people and is even used for events today.
As you head through the Propylaia you will see the incredibly well-preserved Temple of Athena Nike on your right and then you will immediately see the Parthenon. Whatever you imagined seeing the Parthenon would be like, go ahead and amplify that by five.
The magnitude of the Parthenon and the entire Acropolis of Athens is beyond what you can put into words. As soon as you walk through the main entrance you will be blown away.
The Parthenon was built in the 5th century as a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena and the massive columns are jaw-dropping.
In addition to the incredible view of the Parthenon, make sure you take in the amazing views of the city at the bottom of the hill. On the eastern edge of the Acropolis, there will be a large Greek flag flying proudly. In this area, you will be able to see for miles to the north, east, and south.
How to photograph the Acropolis of Athens
For the best photography spot, you’ll actually want to head outside the Acropolis. Just to the northwest of the north entrance, you will find Areopagus Hill.
Just a short hike up the hill and you will be treated to an incredible view of the Acropolis to the southeast, and the Ancient Agora and the Plaka to the north.
Top Tip: Even if you choose to make some changes to this 2 day Athens itinerary, I highly advise you to keep your tour of the Acropolis at the beginning of your day. At around 10:00 am the cruise ship tours start flooding the area and the entire area will become extremely busy. If you arrive before the crowds, you will be able to take your time, enjoy the views, and take in the history in a much more enjoyable fashion.
11:00 – Roman Agora
Cost: €8 (summer months)
Next, head to the Roman Agora. This was a lively marketplace of ancient Greece. These grounds include the Gate of Athena Archegetis, the Fethiye Mosque, the Tower of the Winds, and the Ruins of a Marble Colonnade.
12:30 – Lunch
I would recommend one of the many restaurants that line the Ancient Agora.
2:00 – Ancient Agora
Cost: €10 (summer months)
Once the hub of ancient Greece, the Agora grounds located to the northwest of Acropolis Hill are not to be missed. The Ancient Agora was formerly used as a meeting place for social and political gatherings and holds one of the most well-preserved temples in Athens.
When it comes to ranking historical sites in Athens, the Ancient Agora comes second, right after the Acropolis. Frequently referred to as the Birthplace of Athenian Democracy, the agora needs to be on your Athens itinerary.
While here you will see the Temple of Hephaestus, the Byzantine Church of Agioi Apostoloi, the Temple of Ares and the Stoa of Attalos.
Make sure you spend some time exploring the Temple of Hephaestus as it is the best preserved in Greece. The Stoa of Attalos also sits proudly in the Ancient Agora. It was renovated into a museum and is home to artefacts that are over 5,000 years old.
Ancient Agora Fact: This is where Socrates was sentenced to death in 399 BC.
16:00 – Kerameikos Archaeological Site
Cost: €8 (summer months)
While not frequently talked about, the ancient cemetery of Athens is home to a handful of marble statues, and incredible remains that are worth seeing while you are on the north side of the Acropolis.
Named after the potters who lived in the area, this cemetery is considered the largest and most important in the city. It offers a peaceful atmosphere to spend some time while on your way to the National Archaeological Museum.
17:00 – National Archaeological Museum
Cost: €15 (summer months)
For more history of ancient Greece, be sure to visit the National Archaeological Museum. The museum is home to an extensive collection of Greek antiques. This is a fantastic way to end your full day in Athens and be amongst history that dates back to 700 BC.
19:00 – Dinner
For dinner, head to the north side of the Acropolis. Here, you’ll find a handful of fantastic restaurants. Check out the Metropolis Roof Garden Restaurant or Thea Terrace Bar & Restaurant for incredible views of the Acropolis.
Day 3: Half Day
For your last morning in Athens, spend some time exploring Athens’ best neighbourhood, buying souvenirs, and munching on Greek treats.
9:00 – Explore Plaka
No 2 days in Athens are complete without scheduling some time to wander the streets of Plaka. With the unique sights of the Acropolis, wonderful restaurants to stop for coffee, and unique stores and souvenir shops, you need a few hours to explore Plaka.
Don’t forget to grab some lunch from one of the great restaurants or cafes in the little part of the city.
13:00 – Wave Goodbye to Athens!
With your pockets full of baklava and your mind full of Athens’ historic stories, make your way to the airport to head home or Piraeus to catch your ferry to the islands. Athens is the perfect start to any Greek adventure and a European city that you will remember for years to come.
If you’re planning a trip to Athens and want to do a few days trips, I recommend Delphi or Corinth. Both are stunning historical sites and well worth a visit.
When is the best time of year to spend 2 days in Athens?
Experts say that the shoulder seasons are the best times to go to Athens. March through May and September to November provide ideal weather and fewer crowds than the busy summer months.
BUT I say that the best time to go is WHENEVER YOU CAN and for however long you can (even if you can only have one night in Athens). It is an incredible city full of history and culture that should not be missed on your trip to Greece.
👉 Haven’t chosen a place to stay yet? Here are all of my favourite places to stay in Athens for both luxury and budget travellers.
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