48 hours in Athens – A 2 day Itinerary
Athens is a city that has been inhabited since the dawn of civilization. It has been the capital of Greece since 1834 and it is filled with history and culture.
Athens offers plenty for all types of travellers, no matter if you are looking for some R&R or want to be active during your stay, there is something for everyone!
Athens is a great city to visit, but it can certainly be overwhelming. There is so much to do and see that it can be difficult to know where to begin or what is worth your time.
Above all else, Athens is a city of history. There are countless ruins and archaeological sites throughout the city that are well worth exploring. There are also a number of museums to visit and beautiful gardens. The Acropolis is Athens’ most famous attraction, but there are many other sites to see as well.
How to spend a weekend in Athens? You can spend a day or two exploring ruins or taking in some culture at one of the many museums around town. If you are a first time visitor to Athens, there are some must see destinations that you should not miss.
If you are wondering what to do in Athens in 2 days, here is a 2 days in Athens itinerary for you to get started on your trip!
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Where to stay for your 48 hours in Athens itinerary
To start your two days in Athens Greece, you will need to find somewhere to stay. If you are going to be in Athens for 48 hours, the best places to stay in Athens are:
lace to stay is a centrally located hotel. There are plenty of options to choose from and most hotels offer free WiFi and breakfast so you do not have to worry about finding these amenities. Depending on your budget, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you are on a luxury budget, a great hotel is the Royal Olympic Hotel. It is in an excellent location, near transport and attractions. Being 5 star rated it is very high end and has the amenities and facilities to match.
The rooms are extremely stylish, some include temple views and balconies. The hotel includes a rooftop bar and restaurant with city views, an outdoor pool and a spa. It has everything you will need for your stay.
If you are on a tighter budget, there are many cheaper options such as the Crafoord Place Hostel Athens. This hostel features 8 bed mixed gender dorms with bunk beds and lockers.
A great place if you are only after somewhere to rest your head for the night. Amenities include a communal lounge, kitchen and laundry area.
Day 1 in Athens
Once you have settled into your accommodation, it is time to start exploring the city. The best way to get around is by foot or public transport.
If walking is not your thing, then hop on a tram or metro and explore the city at your own pace. The day will consist of visiting very important sites of Athens such as the Acropolis and Syntagma Square.
Acropolis of Athens
To start your first day for your 48 hours in Athens Greece head over to the Acropolis of Athens. The Acropolis is the most important archaeological site in Athens. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Greece.
It offers incredible views over the city, it is steeped in history and has some of the most impressive buildings on earth. The Acropolis is located on a rocky cliff that rises above the city centre, which offers breathtaking views over Athens. It consists of several buildings set upon the rock, including the Parthenon and Erechtheion.
It will take you around 2-3 hours to visit all the buildings on the site, but there are many things to see as you ascend its slopes too.
The Parthenon is undoubtedly one of the most impressive ancient buildings in the world and is arguably one of the most famous buildings ever constructed, being featured on numerous banknotes and even appearing in Hollywood films.
There are many entry options for the Acropolis of Athens, but a basic entry ticket with an audio guide is 13 euros per person. There are also options to add on a guided tour or skip the line tickets.
If you are planning on visiting the Acropolis, it is worth buying your ticket in advance. You will find several ticket booths around Athens, but they sell out fast during peak seasons.
Acropolis Museum
At the bottom of Acropolis Hill, you will find the Acropolis Museum. Make sure you head in here after checking out the buildings above you. The Acropolis Museum is a must-see in Athens. It is not just about the Acropolis, there are many other things to see too.
It is a great way to learn about the history of Athens and Greece as a whole. The museum has many artifacts from all different eras throughout Greek history including sculptures, vases, jewellery and more!
After an exciting morning exploring all that Acroplis has to offer, grab yourself some lunch at one of the restaurants near by such as Elléboro or Liondi. Each selling traditional Greek food including Gyros!
Syntagma Square
To start your afternoon head on over to Syntagma Square. This is one of the most important squares in Athens and the political center of the city.
It is situated in front of the current parliament building and is surrounded by many shops and restaurants.
This is a great place to visit if you want to see the true culture of Athens and learn more about its history. The square is also full of people who love to hang out there, especially in the summer time.
National Garden
Nearby Syntagma Square you will find the National Garden (Ethnikos Kipos). This is a wonderful place to take a stroll and gaze up at the many statues and monuments that live here.
The National Garden is full of beautiful trees and flowers, which helps to create a peaceful atmosphere.
It is also the perfect place to go if you want to enjoy some time in nature. It is a wonderful place to take your kids, as well as friends and family.
The garden has plenty of places where you can sit down, relax and enjoy the beauty around you. If you are looking for more than just an ordinary stroll through a park then this is definitely the place to go!
Monastiraki Square & Flea Market
The Monastiraki Square is a must-see in Athens, as it is one of the most popular tourist destinations. This square is located in the heart of the old town and features many ancient buildings. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants here that you can visit.
The best part about this area is that it has an open flea market where people sell everything from antiques to handmade jewellery.
You will find so much to see here and you will probably want to spend all day exploring every nook and cranny! If you are looking for an authentic Greek experience, then this is the place to go. Spend a couple of hours here exploring before beginning your evening activities.
Nightlife in Athens
During your 2 days in Athens you are going to want to enjoy some evening entertainment, drink and dine. There are a lot of great places to go in Athens that are fun and exciting.
You can find restaurants with live music or dance clubs, as well as bars where you can enjoy some drinks and food.
There are also plenty of places to go for a romantic evening out with your partner. You will find so many different options to choose from in Athens and you will have a great time exploring them all!
Some recommendations include Trattoria and Efcharis restaurant. Both of these serve traditional Greek dishes such as moussaka and baklava. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, and the food is delicious. You will not be disappointed.
Day 2 in Athens
For your second day for your two days in Athens you will further explore and learn about Greek history at the National Archaeological Museum.
You will also get to visit many other ancient ruins and sites that are associated with Greek mythology including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Temple of Hephaestus.
You will have an opportunity to get lost in the ancient ruins and imagine what life used to be like thousands of years ago.
National Archaeological Museum
Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, the museum is definitely one of the most popular attractions in Athens. The National Archaeological Museum houses an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts stretching back thousands of years ago. It is a must-see for anyone who is interested in the history of Greece.
The museum has a large collection of ancient pottery and sculptures, as well as many of the famous statues that have come to represent Greek culture.
It is also home to various mosaics, frescoes and other artifacts from the Minoan, Mycenaean and Roman periods. It is said to be one of the best museums in the world and is filled with history and culture like no other.
The entry fee is 6 or 12 euros depending on what time of year you go. The off season is the cheaper alternative. There are many exhibitions at the museum, some permanent, some temporary.
You will be free to walk around all of these at your own pace. There is a cafe and shop on site should you need refreshments or you wish to buy a souvenir to remember your trip.
Temple of Olympian Zeus
For your afternoon, explore more of the ruins and temples of gods that Athens has to offer, Start by exploring the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The temple is now an ancient ruin in Athens, Greece.
This was built in the sixth century BC by the Athenians for their god Zeus, the father of all gods. It is an outdoor sanctuary that is a popular tourist attraction.
Also on this site you will find Temple of Apollo Delphinium, the Temple of Kronos and Rhea and Hadrian’s Arch.
Temple of Hephaestus
Another ancient landmark in Athens is the Temple of Hephaestus. It was opened in 415 BC and is still intact and standing beautifully today gaining it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list. It is located in the Agora of Athens and has been used as a place of worship for centuries.
It was dedicated to the god Hephaestus, who was the god of fire, metalworking and craftsmen.
Also in this location, you will find many other Greek ruins that you can explore, including the Temple of Ares, Altar of Aphrodite Urania, the Monument of the Eponymous Heroes, Odeon of Agrippa and Middle Stoa. All hold fascinating stories and history behind them.
Athens Food Walk
To finish off your Athens 2 day itinerary, join the Athens Food Walk. This is a great way to see the city, meet new people and sample delicious Greek food.
The evening food walk takes approx 4 hours and costs £42 per person. This includes your personal tour guide who will take you through the streets of four neighbourhoods.
You will stop at many different eateries including a street food stand, a local deli and hip bars. Expect to try peinirli and traditional souvlaki.
Athens is one of the most popular cities in Europe, and rightfully so! The city has a lot to offer from landmarks to food to history.
It can be overwhelming to plan a trip, especially if you are short on time. A two day itinerary to Athens will allow you to see some of the main sights but still get a true feel for this amazing city.
If you are a lover of history, architecture and especially Greek mythology, you will fall in love with the city of Athens. As one of the oldest cities in the world, Athens has a lot to offer.
There are many ancient sites that you can visit during your time here, as well as a number of museums and galleries.
If you are looking for more than just historical sites, then Athens also has some great shopping options and delicious restaurants where you can try local Greek cuisine.
Recommended tours in Athens
- Acropolis Walking Tour, Including Syntagma Square and Historical City Center
- Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens
- Athens Full Day Private Tour
- Skip the Line Acropolis of Athens Tour
- Skip the Line Acropolis of Athens and Acropolis Museum Tour
- Small-Group Greek Traditional Food Tour around Athens with Tastings
- Acropolis monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum
- Athens airport to Athens hotels Private arrival transfer
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