48 Hours in Athens, Greece
Ancient monuments amid a modern metropolis make Athens a must for any visit to Greece—even if you have only two days to explore this timeless capital city
In the heart of the Attika region, Athens, Greece, is a unique blend of ancient history and modern convenience. Any traveler could spend weeks in this storied city without uncovering all its secrets. But if you’ve only got 48 hours to spare, likely before or after a trip to Greece’s famous islands, you can still have an epic experience discovering some of the best things this capital city has to offer.
Getting Around
Renting a car in Athens is easy with a US driver’s license, but there’s no need to get behind the wheel thanks to a great public transportation system with Metro stations conveniently located throughout the city. Not only is the Metro affordable and easy to navigate, but some of the newer stations, like the Acropolis and Syntagma Square, have ancient artifacts on display—making them more like free mini museums than train stations.
Additionally, Athens is a city ruled by ubiquitous yellow cabs—with a modern twist. These days you can use your Uber app to order a taxi anywhere, anytime.
Day 1
Begin your first day with an early morning trip to the Acropolis, the ancient citadel standing sentinel above the center of Athens. You’ll want to give yourself at least a couple of hours to explore the grounds. (Be sure to wear comfortable shoes to navigate the uneven, rocky terrain.)
The main attraction is the 2,500-year-old Parthenon, a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is rarely without scaffolding as preservation of the ancient marble is a never-ending job, but that hardly detracts from the impact of the massive structure.
Your next stop: the Acropolis Museum, which houses countless artifacts. The top floor is home to a quirky model made from Lego as well as a rooftop café where you can view the Acropolis from a different angle.
Not far from the museum is Plaka, a neighborhood of ancient cobblestone streets lined with gift shops, cafes, and restaurants. Once home to philosophers like Plato and Socrates, the neighborhood is worth wandering—if not for souvenir shopping, then for grabbing lunch at a traditional taverna such as Thespis, where you can nosh in the shadow of the Acropolis.
Next, head to Syntagma Square, which is considered the heart of the city. This site is a popular meeting place for Athenians and visitors alike and sits in front of the Hellenic Parliament Building. The Neoclassical architecture is reason enough to pay a visit here, but the real attraction is the changing of the guards. Two members of the Evzones, the elite Royal Guards of the Greek Army, stand at attention at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every hour, they are replaced with new guards in a high-stepping ceremony deeply rooted in tradition.
As the day winds down, meander to the nearby neighborhood of Psirri. By day, the area is a maze of streets decorated with murals, but at night, the bars and clubs turn up the heat and welcome revelers well into the early morning hours. Enjoy dinner at Krasopoulio tou Kokkora, a charming restaurant offering home cooking in a former museum building, before strolling the streets to enjoy the music in the night air.
Finally, opt for restful night’s sleep in an Athenian landmark since 1874: the Hotel Grande Bretagne. Sitting at the entrance to Syntagma Square, this five-star property has witnessed 150 years of history and has welcomed such notable guests as Winston Churchill.
Day 2
As you begin your second day, head to the National Archaeological Museum to see one of the world’s most significant collections of antiquities. Once you’ve explored artifacts like the Mask of Agamemnon, the Boxer Fresco, and the Artemision Bronze, make your way to the nearby Black Duck. This stylish bistro is tucked away in a peaceful garden behind the Athens City Museum and offers a great selection of Greek and international dishes, such as oven-roasted lamb, ravioli stuffed with shrimp and pistachios, and Black Angus tagliata.
By now, you’ll be due for a little beach time along the Athenian Riviera. Great swimming spots dot the coast, including Varkiza Beach, where you’ll also find public restrooms and beach chairs and umbrellas for rent.
After a nice swim, take a trip out to Cape Sounion. Here, the ruins of the ancient Temple of Poseidon overlook the Aegean Sea. You don’t need a lot of time to explore (30 to 45 minutes for sightseeing and snapping photos will do), but you’ll want to stick around for the sunset. Find a comfortable spot on the hillside, and wait for the show. It will get crowded since this is one of the best places for viewing the sunset, and everyone in town knows it.
Finally, as you head back toward the city, stop in the coastal suburb of Kavouri for a fresh seafood dinner at Panorama on the waterfront. This quiet neighborhood restaurant is shrouded in trees and offers a quiet, romantic setting with soft waves crashing along the shore. It is a memorable spot for wrapping up your whirlwind tour of Athens.