Here you are in Athens, for two full days. How can you cram as much into your 48 hours, ensuring you don’t miss out on all aspects of the Greek capital? In this guide, we propose the very best, most unmissable things to do during different parts of the day in the heart of the city.
From dreamy strolls with fantastic views and sights and exciting cultural visits to museums and other impressive spaces to the best coffee, food, and drink stops and shopping, it’s all listed here.
Fortunately, getting around Athens is easy and enjoyable, whether you prefer circulating on foot, by public transport (Athens has one of the most impressive subway systems in Europe) or with a cab. There are also the Hop On – Hop Off Bus, which offer a fun and rewarding experience of seeing several different parts of the center or surrounding areas, especially when you have limited time.
Disclaimer: Travel.gr does not have any affiliations with the businesses listed. Our recommendations are based on independent editorial research aimed at enriching your visit to Greece.
There’s no better way to start your time in a city than to see it from above, from where you can enjoy a spanning perspective of the city and its form. When regarding Athens from a bird’s eye view, you’ll be surprised to discover how close each neighborhood is to the other, and how easy it is to navigate on foot. As stand-up comedian Steven Wright remarked, “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”
Meanwhile, the stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius attested that the only way to gain clarity of mind and true perspective of life was to climb to the acropolis (meaning highest point) of a city, and the ideal place to do this from is Lycabettus Hill. Not a mountain as it is sometimes described; the mountains around Athens are Parnitha, Pendeli and Hymettus, Lycabettus, rises to an altitude of 277 meters. It is the hill one can see from many parts of the city, and along with the Acropolis (150 meters high) these are the city’s highest points.
For the energetic and the brave, the top of Lycabettus can be reached by foot by following the steps that start on Aristippou street (corner with Loukianou street) or by taking the cable car. The cable car on Aristippou can be reached by hiking up the steps on Ploutarchou, Marasli or Loukianou streets or by cab. The ‘Teleferik’ as it’s called in Greek, zips you to the very top of Lycabettus, where the whitewashed Church of St George, with the Greek flag flapping above it, stands. From this verdant, pretty hill you can look out on numerous spanning vistas of the city as you head up or down, or traipse to its other sides. One of the most impressive views from up here is that of the Acropolis with the sea of Piraeus in its background, and on clear days you can see all the way to the Saronic islands. On Lycabettus, you’ll also find the cafe-restaurants Orizontes Lykavittou and Prasini Tenda, where you can stop for a refreshment or a bite at any hour of the day as you enjoy the astounding views.
The good news is that it’s all downhill from here on. Walk down to Kolonaki Square and its surrounding streets, especially Haritos, Patriarchou Ioakeim, Ploutarchou, Milioni, Irodotou, and Skoufa, to find a great variety of cafes and restaurants serving excellent coffee, breakfast, and brunch. Queen Bee, IT and Philos Athens are three of our favorite places in the area if you have a hearty appetite, but if you’d rather sip a cappuccino and people-watch (in true Kolonaki style), just sit at Da Capo right on the square (Tsakalof 1).
Next, head towards Syntagma Square, where the Greek Parliament Building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand, across a sunken square with a large fountain in it and large hotels like the Grande Bretagne and King George. If you like super glamorous brands, walk to Syntagma via Voukourestiou, a pedestrian street lined with glossy, top-end boutiques (as well as some great cafes).
If you prefer culture to window shopping, two of the capital’s most brilliant museums – the Benaki Museum and the Cycladic Arts Museum – are easily within reach on your way from Kolonaki to Syntagma. In the vicinity, you can also visit the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, the Theocharakis Foundation, and (a little further away) the Numismatic Museum. These museums formidably showcase Greek cultural history in an expansive, modern, and impactful way, housing impressive permanent as well as temporary world-class exhibitions. For a live cultural experience, upon reaching Syntagma, try to catch the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The experience of seeing the two Evzone (elite) soldiers moving in perfect synchronicity, like clockwork in their traditional fustanella skirts, tights, and pom-pom shoes is unparalleled.
The Syntagma area is the heart of the city center, from where you can easily walk (within 15-30 minutes) to several of Athens’ most unmissable and vibrant areas, like Monastiraki and Psirri, or Plaka and Makriyianni (Acropolis), or Pangrati and Mets, or down towards Thisseion and Gazi, or to Omonia. These very different but nearby areas can be reached from Syntagma Square on a 15–20-minute walk each. According to the plan we suggest here, you will visit the deeply historical Plaka, Makryianni, and Thisseion areas tomorrow, but it’s up to you how you mix and match our suggestions.
Today, we recommend you explore the Syntagma area and then head down Ermou street towards Monastiraki and Psirri. Ermou is known as the city’s central shopping street, where you’ll find a broad array of international chain stores, as well as Greek clothes, shoes, decor, and other shops. Forking out from Ermou in the direction of Monastiraki is a spider’s web of small side streets where you’ll find everything from ethnic clothes to sewing materials and semi-precious crystals, as well as a scattering of interesting cafes and food and drink stops along the way. Our advice is to let yourself get lost in these streets if you’d like to experience in the real Athens vibe. These are the very best routes for experiencing the real Athens in all its beauty and quirkiness alike – its truth, paradoxes, and all. Use your GPS but don’t plan too much, unless you find a particular place you’d like to visit along the way.
In Syntagma there is an exciting variety of places to visit for lunch. From ethnic food (especially Asian) on streets like Apollonos and Skoufou (we highly recommend East Pearl for Chinese food, Ekiben Kitchen and Birdman for Japanese fusion and Sushimou for traditional Japanese), to Greek classics like Kostas Souvlaki, Tzitzikas kai Mermigas and Athinaikon. Otherwise heading to Mitropoleos (parallel to Ermou) to the visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, where the remains of the city’s patron saint Aghia Filothei are housed. Across the metropolis, stop at Taratsa, The Ziller’s or, for something completely lavish, The Dolli Hotel’s rooftop, for a chic lunch with a view, or walk further down the street toward Monastiraki Square and settle at a sidewalk table at one of the city’s most popular souvlaki restaurants, like Thanassis or Savvas for an authentic layman’s meal.
Once at Monastiraki Square, admire the views of the Acropolis from the ground or head up to 360 Bar for a coffee and panoramic vistas. Visit the Monastiraki Flea Market to check out a mishmash of Greek handmade leather goods like sandals and bags, tasteful as well as tacky tourist souvenirs, and more. If you are a fan of souvenirs and antiques, walk down Ermou from the square to Avyssinias street, where daily everything from Parisian 18th Century plates to carved Greek wooden furniture and marble busts are sold. There are also a couple of cafes to sit at here amidst the hustle and bustle.
For an added rush, walk along Athinas street, which branches off Monastiraki Square. Here you’ll see an interesting selection of stores – selling everything from traditional sweets and Greek macaroons (Loni’s) and unique, freshly made ice cream (Kokkion) to DIY tools and horse accessories. You’re heading on to the Varvakeios Municipal Market for a loud, pungent and colorful view of the city’s central meat, fish and vegetable markets, where you can also shop some traditional herbs and spices to take home (the market closes at around five or six in the afternoon).
Just off Athinas is Evripidou street, famous for its spice shops like Elixir and Bahar, as well as the city’s famous charcuterie and cheese treasure trove, Arapian, and the deli restaurant Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani, where cured meats characteristically dangle from the ceiling. In the vicinity you’ll find plenty of other interesting stops – from little stores selling door handles to ethnic (mainly Pakistani and Indian) food stores and trendy wine bars like Wine is Fine. Talking of wine, this area is also where you can book yourself into the Athens Wine Tasting, to gain a highly palatable understanding of Greek varieties, or visit Cinque Wine & Deli for a more casual but equally rewarding wine experience.
Psyrri’s central area, above Athinas street, is another great place for leisurely strolls or a stop for coffee or shisha or raki and meze. There are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants. Most kids adore Little Kook, a themed dessert spot that transports them into a different reality, or Fairytale, with its evocative floral decor. You can also visit special stores like Remember Athens Fashion, which draws celebs from around the world for its singularly conceptual punk rock designs and Convert Art, which sells beautiful upcycled accessories. or for art lovers, there’s the AD Gallery and A. Antonopoulou Art space. The walls of Psyrri are a graffiti lover’s dream – there are tours organized on the topic in this neighborhood but you can also enjoy seeing the works of acclaimed as well as unknown artists independently. It’s also well worth going to Riga Palamidous & Sarri to see the tributary mural of Loukanikos the street protest dog, who spent his life on the front lines on the side of the people vs the police during all major socio-political demonstrations.
If you choose to remain in the area after a long day of multi-sensory explorations, we recommend dinner at one of Athens’ oldest tavernas, Diporto, a time-traveler’s dream 10 steps down from the road level, which has served delicious traditional Greek fare since 1887. There are many bars in the area to enjoy a cocktail at, but we recommend you don’t hit the sack before delighting in a concoction created at the 16th best bar in the world, Baba Au Rum (one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for 16 years running). If you’re still able to walk after such an active day, we suggest you return to Syntagma Square to see it in its evening attire, with the lit-up fountain and a nighttime experience of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A wonderful place to enjoy this glittering nighttime view of from above, in one of the city’s hottest rooftop bars, is Mona Athens. For more rooftop bar restaurant ideas around the city, read this.
Start this day by going to central Athens’ second highest point, the world-famous Acropolis. The term Acropolis refers to a settlement on the highest part, or the extremities, of a city. The most famous acropolis of all is that which dominates the Athens skyline and is home to the Parthenon. The complex of temples and shrines, and most of the ruins on the Acropolis, are associated with the ‘Golden Age of Pericles’ (5th century BC). Read our full guide to the Acropolis here. The dazzling ancient site opens at eight in the morning, and regardless of when you visit in the year, we suggest you visit it first thing when your batteries are fully charged.
Following your visit to the Acropolis, you can visit the New Acropolis Museum. Considered one of the world’s most comprehensive and modern museums, the Acropolis Museum offers a unique experience with its transparent floors, showcasing the excavation sites below. The three floors are thoughtfully curated: the first displays items from the Acropolis slopes, the second houses Archaic period artifacts, and the third features pieces from Acropolis excavations, including the Parthenon’s original architectural fragments and replicas of missing marbles. The museum cafe offers an Acropolis view, and guided tours are available.
Hang around the Makriyianni neighborhood, where there are several enticing stops for refueling (as well as doing a spot of shopping at Melissinos Art Sandals for premium handmade Greek footwear). For a delicious breakfast, we recommend Dupes & Drips, which has its own deli section and makes nutritious smoothies and juices in the morning hours before operating as one of the city’s best spritzerias later on. Another favorite near the museum is Little Tree Books & Coffee where bookish and work vibes fuse with laid back chats at pavement tables.
Right under the Makriyanni district is the old residential neighborhood of Koukaki, which is considered one of Athens’ hippest and most vibrant areas. You’ll find coffee and a buzzy vibe to match with your poison at Bel Ray, an all-day cafe bar, Lotte Cafe Bistrot, created by a theater set designer (you’ll understand when you see it) and hip Kinono. If you’re craving an exceptional, unforgettable sandwhich and don’t mind grabbing it on the hoof, queue up at Guarantee.
Before or after your breakfast or brunch, walk up to the Anafiotika area on the northeast side of the Acropolis, which is a cozy neighborhood built on a hill that’s reminiscent of a Cycladic island. The Instagrammably picturesque houses with pretty gardens, narrow alleys that snake between them and beautiful views of the city are well worth the effort.
From the area under the Acropolis, on the quaint pedestrian Dionissiou Aeropagitou street, you can head in several directions.
The first comes as you follow the street directly parallel to the museum, which will lead you to the opening a cobblestoned walkway lined with olive and pine trees, called the Pikionis Pathway. Walking further on, you’ll reach the historical hills of Pnyx and Philopappou, from where you can see fabulous views of the city (including seeing the Acropolis and Lycabettus hill practically standing side by side). Read more about Athens’ scenic hills here.
The second option is to follow Dionyssiou Aeropagitou as it curves downwards and turns into Apostolou Pavlou street. This lovely walk along the base of the Acropolis will take you to Thisseion, where you can visit several glorious ancient monuments, sites and contemporary spots like the Temple of Hephaestus. Read more about Thissio and its surrounding sights here.
The third route to take after visiting the Acropolis and its surrounding area is towards Plaka. As wonderful as both of the above options are, if you’re short on time, this is the option we most highly recommend. Plaka is a deeply historic and aesthetically pleasing neighborhood, where there are a far broader variety of things to see and do, and places to enjoy a drink or meal.
Walking from Makriyianni, you’ll soon reach Lysikrates Square, set amid charming neoclassical buildings and shaded by lush trees, offers an inviting blend of history and leisure. The centerpiece, the Lysikrates Monument, built in 334 BC, honors theatrical victories from ancient Athens. Cafes line the square, making it a popular spot to soak up the historical ambiance.
Lysikratous street branches out to many other small and large streets in Plaka that are all wonderful to explore. The busiest and most well-known of these is Adrianou, where you’ll find the greatest array of souvenirs, clothes, accessories and jewelry stores, and places to eat and drink. One of the city’s most unmissable sights along this road is the Benizelos Mansion, Athens’ oldest house and once home to Agia Filothei. With its sturdy stone walls and narrow windows, the 18th-century mansion reflects Byzantine and post-Byzantine influences, embracing an Ottoman-style courtyard with arched porticos. Inside, visitors see storerooms and presses, echoing the home’s functional design. If you follow Adrianou to the end you’ll reach the ancient Agora and the Roman Agora.
There are several great shops to visit along the way on Adrianou street. For contemporary Greek fashion design, stop at Kourbela. For handmade home decor items made out of Greek olive wood visit Oliveland. For trendy and witty souvenirs that playfully dip into Greek fashion design, history and philosophy, go to Forget Me Not. And for hand-woven Greek carpets and textiles make sure to stop at The Loom Carpets. These are only a very few of many other stores worth checking out here.
Practically at every turn in Plaka, you’ll find somewhere beckoning you (often literally, via a waiter standing outside) to sit down for a meal. Being one of the city’s most touristy areas, it inevitably comes with kits of tourist traps. The simple and always successful rule is to avoid places where there are many more tourists than locals, as these often serve food that’s below par both in flavor and quality and sometimes at higher prices. You’re likely to be very satisfied with any of these traditional tavernas, unmissable in terms of authentic ambiance, selection of dishes and tastes: Melina Cafe, a tribute to the late actress and Culture Minister Melina Mercouri, Klepsidra Cafe, Iasemi, Scholarhio, Ta Bakaliarakia tou Damigou and O Glykis.
In Plaka you’ll find a handful of lovely little museums to visit. Our top recommendations are The Athens City Museum, the Maria Callas Museum and the Museum of Greek Folk Music Instruments. Each of these is very special in its own (niche) way. Read more about Athens’ Museums here.
End your day like a true Athenian – relaxing, ideally al fresco, over hours of eating and drinking in good company. If you’d like to stay in Plaka, go to one of the wonderful places we mentioned in the lunch suggestions, but there are many other options for nearby areas you can walk or cab it to for dinner instead, to see more of the city. Exarcheia, next to Kolonaki, has a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, as does Syntagma.
Pangrati, the neighborhood behind the Panathenaic marble stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games took place, is also anj excellent choice if you prefer a change of scene. Restaurants like Soil for gourmet Greek cuisine, Lost Athens for the contemporary palate, Vyrinis for traditional fare and a family ambiance or Mavros Gatos for a cheerful meal of Greek classics are all favorites of ours. To make sure you don’t miss out on Athens’ best gastro tavernas right now, read this.
As for the city’s red hot cocktail scene, there are world class bars in almost every area. In Petralona, don’t miss Line Athens, which ranked fourth in the World’s 50 Best Bars List, and in Syntagma the above-mentioned Baba Au Rum (16th) and The Bar in Front of the Bar (51st). These are just three of many incredible bars in the city – discover them here in our complete list. And make sure that as your 48 hours in the city come to a close, you go to bed later than you should have and feeling extremely full. 🌳
