With so much of history and art at every corner of the streets, delicious food, amazing neighborhoods this city really offers something to all kind of travelers. Read through our Athens itinerary for 2 days to know about best things to do in Athens Greece.
Would you mind an interesting story first? Once upon a time in the age of gods, the beautiful city of Athens, then called Cecropia became the apple of discord between Poseidon and Athena. Back then the king of the city was Cecrops, a hybrid creature, half human and half snake who was considered to be very wise and loveable. The two Olympian gods (Poseidon and Athena) began to quarrel over the city’s protection and ascended to the sacred Rock of the Acropolis and other 10 Olympian gods who assisted as a witness, while they competed by offering gifts and promises.
First Athena put her spear on the ground and immediately an olive tree grew which is the symbol of peace and prosperity-that could feed the inhabitants with its fruits and oil and also keep them warm with its wood. Later Poseidon struck his legendary trident on the rock of the Acropolis and a fountain of salt water sprang forming a small pond and he promised the inhabitants to teach them how to build ships and become rulers of the seas. However Athena’s gift was considered more useful by the Olympian gods and Athena became the patron deity of the city and thus Athens was born…..
Athens is the birth place of democracy and there is so much to see and do in the capital city of Greece. We time lined two days to explore the epicenter of the golden age of ancient Greece, and Athens is one of the greatest European cities out there. It’s the perfect holiday destination that has a thriving contemporary vibe which makes it an interesting place to explore.
People often muse, how many days do they need in Athens? Well two days is the perfect amount of time one can spend in Athens to see all the essential highlights, landmarks and attractions. Today, we are excited to share exactly what we did and how you can plan yours too, because Athens is god-damn awe inspiring.
If possible add 2 more days in your itinerary to check out “Delphi” and “Meteora” where you can go for a full day trip from Athens. It would surely be a great experience if you can make it happen. Check out Get Your Guide for tour options.
Below are the list of things you need to know before you visit Athens : Things to do in Athens
1. How to reach Athens : Things to do in Athens
We boarded direct flight from Istanbul to Athens which took 1hr20min approximately. You can also arrive in Athens from Santorini (5-7 hours) or Mykonos (2-5 hours) by fast ferries, however transit hours largely depends on weather conditions and type of the vessel. Also there are many other ways to reach Athens depending on where you are based and search for flying or sailing route options available to you.
2.Greece Currency : Things to do in Athens
You can easily use Euro which is accepted everywhere. If possible, try to carry some hard cash as most of the local shops don’t accept plastic money apart from few big stores. You would even find ATMs at every corner so don’t have to worry much if you run short of cash.
3. Language in Athens : Things to do in Athens
As Athens is quite a touristic place, almost everyone speaks and understands English. However, Greek is by far the most spoken language in the city.
4. Best time to visit Athens : Things to do in Athens
The best time to visit Athens is from March-May and September-November. The weather is comfortable and even tourists are less. July -August are the summer months(hottest) and is the peak season when Athens is packed with tourists, and price for everything spikes up.
5. Is Athens safe : Things to do in Athens
Greece as a country is very safe to travel around, even if you are a solo traveller or travelling with friends & family. Still you must take good care of yourself and people around with you as safety should always be the first priority. We felt absolutely safe around every nook and corners.
6. Greece Mobile Networks : Things to do in Athens
We always prefer using a local SIM card wherever we travel, which makes it easier to remain connected and avoid international roaming rates. You can get a Greek SIM card for 5 EURO from Vodafone and other authorized stores which are mostly of similar rates. We collected our SIM cards from Athens International Airport (ATH).
7. How to apply for an E-visa for Greece : Things to do in Athens
You need to apply for Schengen visa to enter Greece. Find out whether you need to apply for a Greece Visa or not. However U.S. citizens may enter Greece without a visa for stays up to 90 days for tourism or business purposes. Visit your nearest Greece embassy for further information and application.
8. Transportation in Athens : Things to do in Athens
The best way to get around Athens is on foot or by bus which is very affordable and covers most of the city and its suburbs at 2-6 Euro each way. Try to catch the X95 bus that will drop you off at Syntagma Square which is the last stop departing from the airport. The X96 will take you to Piraeus Port. You can buy your tickets from a small kiosk, that you would notice after exiting the airport terminal. All the city’s major attractions are located within the walking distance or a short metro ride of one another, so its pretty convenient to go around without any hassle. Renting/ hiring a car can be a nightmare because the traffic is crazy here and you would hardly find parking space for yourself.
9. Self driving in Greece : Things to do in Athens
You may need an international licence to hire and self drive on Greek roads. One must apply and possess International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive legally and if you don’t have one you might be charged with additional penalties if caught by the police.
10. Best areas to stay in Athens : Things to do in Athens
We choose to stay close to Syntagma Square which is one of the most central location of Athens. Everyone has different expectations when it comes to hotels, so it’s always a tough question to answer where you can stay. Other areas where you can book your stays in Athens are Monastiraki, Kolonaki and Psirri. They’re all walkable neighborhoods filled with cafes and restaurants and close to the main historical sights.
Athens itinerary for 2 Days : Things to do in Athens
Things to do in day 1 in Athens
- Syntagma Square
- Athens Hellenic Parliament to watch the changing of guards
- Zappeion
- Panathenaic Stadium
- Hadrian’s Arch
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- War Museum
- Lunch and sunset at Lycabettus Hill
Table of contents for day 2 in Athens
- Acropolis and Parthenon
- Odeion of Herodes Atticus
- Acropolis Museum
- Ancient Agora
- Temple of Hephaistos
- Roman Agora
- Hadrian’s Library
- Tetraconch Church
- Lunch at Monastiraki Square
Below is the complete breakdown of days on how you can employ your 2 days in Athens.
Day1: Arrive in Athens and taste the contemporary side of the city
1. Visit the Syntagma Square, Athens Hellenic Parliament and watch the Evzones(changing of the guards)
Lanes and alleys in Athens are like maze, making you aware. So its advisable to trust your GPS wherever you go. Reach Syntagma Square which is the central square of Athens, also known as the Constitution square. From there just climb up the stairs and cross the road you will see the Parliament which is a Neoclassical building that was constructed in 1868.
Originally, it served as the Royal Palace for the Greek kings and was inhabited by King Otto and his queen Amalia and later by King George I and his family. In the year 1973,the government decided to move the Parliament House in this building and since then this magnificent building has been home to the Parliament of Greece.
Make sure you don’t miss to watch the changing of the guards that happens every hour in front of the Parliament. The Guards are called Evzones, who are the elite soldiers of the Hellenic army, guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Presidential mansion. Its free for visitors to watch from the premises.
2. Visit the Zappeion, Athens
Right opposite to the Parliament House, stands high the Zappeion which is a large palatial building with 25 distinct rooms. It is generally used for meetings and ceremonies and currently being used as a Conference and Exhibition center for both public and private purposes. The Zappeion was used during the 1896 Summer Olympics as the main fencing hall and a decade later it was used as the Olympic village. Entry is prohibited inside the Zappeion but you can take a stroll for free right outside the building.
3.Visit the Panathenaic Stadium, Athens
Simply turn on your GPS and start walking from the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it would take 10-15 minutes you’ll cross a busy road, and then see the stadium on your right. The Kallimarmaro or Panathenaic Stadium was built in 330BC which is a multi-purpose stadium in Athens and is one of the main historic attractions that hosted the first international 1896 Summer Olympics(6th -15th April) held in modern history. In Killimarmaro there is also the finish line of the 42km classic Marathon which takes place the second Sunday of November every year.
Admission charge to enter the stadium is 10Euro and free for children under 6 years of age. You can also manage to get decent photos from outside the gate if you don’t wish to pay and get in.
Stadium opening hours:
08:00-19:00 (March – October)
08:00-17:00 (November – February)
4. Visit the Hadrian’s Arch, Athens
The Arch of Hadrian is a triumphal arch which lies at a walking distance from Syntagma square, right between the rock of the Acropolis and the temple of Olympian Zeus.
The construction of this monument started in 131 AD to celebrate the arrival of the Roman Emperor Hadrian and thank him for his benefactions for the city. Its free for visitors and open 24 hours.
5. Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Athens
The Temple of Olympian Zeus also known as the Olympieion or Columns of the Olympian Zeus, was built over several centuries starting in 174 BCE and was finally completed by the Roman emperor Hadrian in 131 AD. The Temple of Olympian Zeus was an impressive temple with tall columns and ambitious layout that made the temple one of the largest ever built in the ancient world.
The temple was closed the day we went as it was Easter Monday so we could only gaze at it through the perimeter fence. Entry fee to the temple is 6 Euro.
6. War Museum, Athens
The Athens War Museum was inaugurated in the year 1975 to honour all those who fought for the Freedom of the country. This museum preserves Greek military relics and documents and promotion of the struggles of the Greek nation from antiquity until today.
The Athens War Museum exhibits various collection of unusual weapons from different era that came from all over the world. Inside the museum you will also find a collection dedicated to antiquity, Byzantine period, the Balkan Wars, the Greek War of Independence or World War I and also how the Greek troops fought against the Axis powers during World War II. Entry free is 5 Euro.
In the exterior of the museum you can see heavy artillery and military aircraft’s used by the Greek Air Force. You can even visit this part of the museum without entering inside which is absolutely free.
Museum opening hours:
November-March : 09:00-17:00
April-October : 09:00-19:00
7. Visit the Lycabettus Hill
After finishing with tours on the level, walk up to Lycabettus Hill which is the highest point in central Athens for some outstanding views. It is a prolonged and steep walk between the paths in the urban forest, so wear comfortable shoes and it can take anywhere from 50-90 minutes to reach the top, depending on your fitness.
We would suggest opting for a joyous cable car ride from Telferik Cable Car Station(buy tickets from the counter) to preserve time and energy. It would just take 10 min to reach the top of the hill. There’s a chapel which is certainly worth a visit, an open-air theatre, and restaurant at the top where you can have your lunch. Everything was going fine, until I ( Puja) lost my sunglasses in the cable car while coming back; Phew!! Cable car fee is 10Euro for round trip and 7Euro one way.
Day 2. Visit the Acropolis and other Archaeological sites.
Start your day at ease and post breakfast directly head to the Acropolis. We walked for almost half an hour from our hotel to get there. Would suggest to reach the Acropolis as early as possible because by the midday you would find flock of tourists squeezing in and you would hardly find space for yourself. Acropolis opens at 08:00-20:00 and the entry fee vary between seasons.
Note: Entry fee for Acropolis is 20 Euro, but if you’re planning on visiting more archaeological sites in Athens, including many of the places listed in this guide, then you may want to get your hands on Ticket Package which remains valid for 5 days and would cost 30 Euro. You can use this ticket to enter Acropolis and its slopes, Ancient Agora(and the museum of the Stoa and Attalos), Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos and Aristotle’s Lykeion.
You can buy your special ticket from Get Your Guide or from any of these entry counters. It also helps you to avoid long queues hence making it economical.
1. Acropolis and the Parthenon, Athens
You would reach the Acropolis Museum before the Acropolis,but we are sure you might prefer to visit the Acropolis first. The Acropolis is an ancient citadel that sits on top of a hill overlooking the city that contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a must-see in Athens.
It is comprised of multiple structures which was built in the 5th century BC. This ancient complex comprises of several temples, of which the most famous is the Parthenon, dedicated to the Goddess Athena. You would need couple of hours to explore whole of Acropolis while you can also avail for audio tour guides if you are interested in history and archaeology. We skipped this part and ventured on our own.
2. Odeion of Herodes Atticus, Athens
You would come across one of the legendary sites, the Odeion of Herodes Atticus that sits beneath the slopes of the Acropolis which is a open air theatre and used for musical events and philosophical lectures. We loved it, the view is incredible. This theatre was donated to the city of Athens by a famous orator Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Rhegilla.
3. Visit the Ancient Agora, Athens
Walk for another 15- 20 min under the Acropolis while crossing the Adrianou Street and you would reach the Ancient Agora where you can see pillars and temples and the Stoa which is very interesting. This was the heart of ancient Athenians, and a place where the members of democracy congregated affairs of the state, enjoyed social life, listen to famous philosophers and also it was the commercial hub which they used for trading. Entry fee is 10Euro and free with ticket package.
4. Visit the Temple of Hephaistos
This is a Doric peripteral temple and also the best preserved of its type in the Greek world constructed during 460-415BC. The temple was converted into the church of St George probably in the 7th century. In the early 19th century the church was used as a burial place for Protestants and for many European Philhellenes who died in the Greek war of Independence in 1821. Entry fee is 8Euro and free with ticket package.
5. Visit Hadrian’s Library
This building was erected in 132-134AD by emperor Hadrian that follows the ‘Roman Forum’ architectural style. This library was located on the eastern side of Acropolis where the books(rolls of papyrus) were kept. The library was seriously damaged by the Herulians invasion (AD267) and was repaired by the Roman Prefect Herculius(407-412AD). Entry fee is5 Euro and free with ticket package.
6. Visit the Ruins of the Tetraconch Church, Athens
This is a monumental teraconch church, which occupied the inner peristyled courtyard of Hadrian’s Library which was ruined towards the end of 6th century AD. You can still see some parts of mosaic floor decorated with floral patterns which are well preserved till date and it is believed to be the oldest Christian church in Athens. Entry fee is 5Euro and free with ticket package.
7. Take a stroll at Monastiraki Square, Athens
Head up to the Adrianou street and start walking towards Monastiraki square which is close to the Acropolis. This is a bustling street where you would find good restaurants, cafeterias, souvenirs shops and other random things that might interest you. Spend some quality time watching the locals, grab a classic Gyro and Spinach pie and enjoy the street musicians play. Estimated budget for Athens/Summary of expenses
Hotels:
Three-four star hotels starts from 60-150 Euro in peak season, although you can usually search for Airbnb’s which are cheaper starting at 20-70 Euro per night. Prices are comparatively low during the off-season.
Food:
You can choose your meals based on your budget and how you wish to spend. There are plenty of high-end restaurants and also local food joints all over the city.
However we tried to cut down our budget on food and survived just by eating Gyros and Spinach pies 4-6 Euro. It’s the best in town we had in a while. As breakfast was served in the hotel, for lunch and dinner we made it for 10-12 Euro per person.
Transfers:
Exploring Athens is pretty easy on foot as mostly the tourists destinations are close to each other. However travelling by bus would be cheaper where you can spend 2-6 Euro for one way.
Archaeological tours and sightings:
Entry fee for different archaeological sites might vary between 5-30 Euro depending upon seasons. If you are planning to explore other Greek Islands make sure to check out the detailed blogs linked below.
That’s all about it, things you can do in Athens in 2 days. So guys hope you find this blog helpful planning yours, and if you have any queries please write it down in the comment section below. We would try to help with the best of our knowledge.
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