2 Days in Athens: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

When thinking of a holiday in Greece, most people would either picture the Mediterranean coastline with its sun-kissed beaches or the postcard-perfect Greek islands – especially Santorini, with its iconic blue domes. And when they start mapping out their itineraries, Athens probably wouldn’t make the cut. To many, Athens is synonymous with ancient civilization, Greek mythology, and the Acropolis. Most travellers skip the city entirely and fly directly to the islands. But did you know Athens has so much more to offer beyond its rich history and culture? I travelled to Athens last year, and had an amazing time exploring this city. From graffiti-covered buildings to quirky, unconventional souvenirs, let me introduce you to Athens – beyond the Acropolis.

Home to 5th-century BC landmarks, and the birthplace of famous philosophers, Athens is one of the world’s oldest cities. The city’s contemporary urban landscape reflects its rich history, offering a perfect blend of modern vibrancy and old-world charm. From history and culture to natural beauty, art, nightlife, and food, Athens is the perfect travel destination. If you are planning a Greek holiday soon, this itinerary will convince you to spend at least 2 days in Athens!

Where to stay in Athens?

When travelling, I prefer staying in locations that are closer to the city or town center. Being closer to the center provides better access to restaurants, cafes, pharmacies, and convenient transport connections. When picking an area to stay when travelling, it is important to do some research so that you avoid any sketchy neighbourhoods.

When I was planning my trip, I found that Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, Psyri, and Thiseio were the most recommended neighbourhoods for tourists. Plaka and Monastiraki are adjacent neighbourhoods located in the heart of Athens, and are more popular. After hours of scrolling on Booking.com, I finally found Jason Inn, a 3-star hotel in Monastiraki. This hotel is just a 10-minute walk away from Monastiraki Square, the liveliest part of the neighbourhood. While slightly on the pricier side, the location, comfort, and complimentary breakfast made it well-worth the price.  

How to get around in Athens?

The public transport system in Athens is affordable and reliable, and covers most of the city and suburbs. One of the most convenient ways for tourists to explore is the hop-on, hop-off bus, which makes it easy to check off all the main attractions. Athens also has a reliable metro system and you can get a multi-day travel pass to explore the city. For areas not connected by the metro, buses, trams, and taxis are available.

Pro tip: To avoid taxi scams, either pre-book a taxi online, or book an Uber at the airport.  

Here is the perfect 2-day itinerary if you are planning to visit Athens for the first time.

Day 1: Acropolis and Plaka

Explore ancient ruins at the Acropolis of Athens

A trip to Athens would be incomplete without a visit to the Acropolis. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel perched atop the city of Athens. Home to the iconic Parthenon, this archaeological site is considered the birthplace of democracy and a cornerstone of ancient Greek civilization. Due to its immense historical, cultural, and artistic significance, the Acropolis of Athens was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

It is advisable to book your tickets online, in advance, so you can book your desired time slot. I booked mine online through Headout, where you can find Acropolis tickets for skip-the-line entry, guided tours, early access tours, and combo experiences.

The ideal times to visit the Acropolis are:

• Early morning (8 AM – 10 AM) – Cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.

• Late afternoon (5 PM – 7 PM, depending on closing hours) – Avoid peak crowds and enjoy the golden hour, perfect for photography.

Opening hours:

• Summer (April – September): Open from 8 AM – 8 PM, with closing times adjusted every 15 days as daylight hours shorten.

• Winter (November – March): Open from 8 AM – 5 PM.

Explore the oldest neighbourhood in Athens

Another must-visit place in Athens is Plaka, the old historical neighbourhood famous for its narrow cobblestone streets lined with tiny shops selling jewellery, clothes and local ceramics. The best way to explore Plaka is to simply wander its lanes, chasing glimpses of the Acropolis between the neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops. With its postcard-perfect charm, every corner of this neighbourhood is Instagram-worthy!

Day 2: City Tour and Lycabettus Hill

Explore the neighbourhood on foot

Start your morning with a delicious Greek breakfast, then get ready to explore the city! Depending on the area you will be staying in, you can start with a self-guided walking tour to explore the neighbourhood. I highly recommend this so you get a taste of the local life in Athens. From petting friendly stray cats to sipping coffee at a charming street-side café, from admiring graffiti-covered buildings to shopping for quirky souvenirs, this city offers something for everyone. Walking tours also let you discover hidden gems that you might otherwise miss.

Go on a hop-on hop-off bus tour

The best way to tour Athens is the hop-on hop-off bus, which allows you to explore all the cultural landmarks and main attractions in and around the city. The hop-on hop-off bus operates across three different routes with 24-, 48-, and 72-hour ticket options, which offer the flexibility to explore the city at your own pace.

Here's a breakdown of Athens hop-on hop-off bus routes:

• The Athens Route (Grey Line) covers the best of the city’s rich historical heritage and cultural landmarks and attractions, including the Acropolis.

• The Piraeus Route (Purple Line) covers the port city of Piraeus which allows you discover maritime history, Greek culture and waterfront.

• The Riviera or Beach Route (Green Line) takes you along the Argosaronic Gulf coast road to three beaches. 

If you have enough time, I highly recommend getting the 48-hour combo ticket, which includes all three routes. You can book tickets online in advance or purchase them directly at any hop-on hop-off bus stop.

Enjoy panoramic views of Athens at Lycabettus Hill

Rising at 277 meters above sea level, Mount Lycabettus is the highest point in Central Athens. Legend has it that the hill once used to be inhabited by wolves – “lycos” in Greek – which is possibly how the hill got its name. To reach the top, you can either take the funicular railway or hike up, which takes about 30 minutes. Once you get to the top, you can take a leisurely stroll around the peak of the hill and enjoy breathtaking views of the city. The view from Lycabettus Hill is best enjoyed at sunset and it is the perfect way to unwind and spend your last night in this city.

Final Thoughts

By now, I’m sure you’re convinced that Athens deserves a spot on your Greece itinerary! From exploring ancient ruins and charming neighbourhoods to indulging in delicious Greek cuisine, this city offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and local charm. Whether you're wandering through Plaka’s cobblestone streets, watching the sunset from Lycabettus Hill, or marvelling at the Acropolis, Athens promises an unforgettable experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this vibrant and historic city!