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

When thinking of a holiday in Greece, most people would picture either the Mediterranean coastline with its sun-kissed beaches or the postcard-perfect Greek islands like 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!

Getting to Athens

Athens is well connected internationally, with Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport (ATH) receiving flights from across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. We flew from Mumbai with a layover in Istanbul, which is a common and convenient routing from India, with Turkish Airlines being a popular choice for this journey. From Athens airport, the metro Line 3 connects directly to the city centre in about 40 minutes and is the easiest, most affordable option. Taxis are also available — see the transport tip below about avoiding scams.

Getting Around Athens

The public transport system in Athens is affordable, reliable, and covers most of the city and suburbs. Here are your main options:

• Metro: clean, efficient, and the easiest way to get between major neighbourhoods. A single ticket costs around €1.40 and a day pass around €4.

• Hop-on hop-off bus: ideal for first-time visitors who want to cover a lot of ground without planning each journey.

• Walking: the historic centre is very walkable. Plaka, Monastiraki, Psyri, and Thiseio are all within easy walking distance of each other.

• Taxis and Uber: both are available. Uber is particularly reliable at the airport.

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

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.  

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.

My visit to the Acropolis was the highlight of the entire trip. The Parthenon itself is more breathtaking in person than any photograph suggests, and the views of Athens from the hilltop are spectacular in every direction. Give yourself at least two hours here, more if you want to explore the full site at a relaxed pace.

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.

Wander through the oldest neighbourhood in Athens

After the Acropolis, make your way down into Plaka, the oldest neighbourhood in Athens and one of the most charming places I've wandered anywhere in Europe. Plaka's narrow cobblestone streets wind between neoclassical buildings, Byzantine churches, tiny jewellery shops, and cafés that spill onto the pavement. Glimpses of the Acropolis appear between the rooftops at almost every turn.

The best way to explore Plaka is simply to wander without a fixed plan. Duck into the small ceramics shops, browse the jewellery stalls, stop for a coffee at a shaded street-side café, and let yourself get pleasantly lost. This neighbourhood is also home to some excellent restaurants; a perfect spot for a long, leisurely lunch after the morning at the Acropolis.

Dinner in Monastiraki

End your first day with dinner in Monastiraki, one of Athens' liveliest neighbourhoods. The square itself is always buzzing, surrounded by street food vendors, tavernas, and rooftop bars. This is a great area to try your first proper Greek meal of the trip.

Day 2: City Tour and Lycabettus Hill

Neighbourhood Walking Tour

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.

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.

Sunset 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. There's a small café and restaurant at the top if you want to linger with a drink as the sun goes down.

Greek Food: What to Eat in Athens

Athens is one of Europe's great food cities and no itinerary is complete without dedicating real time to eating well. Here are the dishes you absolutely must try:

Moussaka is the definitive Greek comfort dish: layers of minced lamb or beef, sliced aubergine, and potato, topped with a thick, creamy béchamel sauce and baked until golden. It's rich, warming, and deeply satisfying. I tried it at a restaurant in Monastiraki and it was one of the best things I ate on the entire trip.

Yogurtlu Kebab is a dish that doesn't appear on most Athens food guides, which is a shame because it's extraordinary. Tender grilled meat, usually lamb or beef, is served over torn flatbread and generously smothered with thick, garlicky yogurt and a drizzle of warm paprika butter. The combination of warm meat, cool yogurt, and smoky butter is unlike anything else. If you see it on a menu, order it.

Gyros and souvlaki are the essential Athens street foods: grilled meat wrapped in warm pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. The best ones come from small, no-frills grill shops rather than tourist-facing restaurants. Follow your nose and look for the places with the longest queues of locals.

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!