2 Days in Athens: Ancient & Modern Delights

Experience the birthplace of Western civilization in Athens, Greece.

03 May 2023

A trip to Athens, Greece as a tourist is a perfect blend of ancient history and modern culture. You can explore famous landmarks such as the Acropolis Museum, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora. The city is also home to vibrant neighborhoods, delicious cuisine, and stunning beaches.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Ancient Athens

  • Stay: Hotel Grande Bretagne This historic hotel offers luxurious rooms and a rooftop bar with incredible views of the Acropolis.
  • Start the day with a visit to the Acropolis to see the Parthenon and other ancient temples.
  • Explore the Ancient Agora, the heart of ancient Athens' social and political life.
  • Visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the largest temple in ancient Greece.
  • Head to the National Archaeological Museum to see an impressive collection of ancient Greek artifacts.
  • Have lunch at the charming Plaka neighborhood, where traditional Greek tavernas line the streets.
  • End the day with a stroll through Monastiraki Flea Market, a bustling bazaar with vendors selling everything from vintage clothing to jewelry.
Day 2

Modern Athens & Sunset Views

  • Stay: St. George Lycabettus This trendy boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and stunning views of the city from its rooftop restaurant.
  • Start the day with a visit to the Benaki Museum, which showcases Greek art and culture from ancient times to the present day.
  • Take a walk along Ermou Street, Athens' main shopping avenue, lined with high-end fashion brands and local shops.
  • Enjoy a delicious lunch at Karamanlidika tou Fani, a unique deli and restaurant that specializes in Greek charcuterie and wine.
  • Visit the trendy Koukaki neighborhood for a glimpse of modern Athens' thriving arts scene, with galleries and street art lining the streets.
  • Head up Mount Lycabettus to watch the sunset and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from above.
  • For dinner, head to Kuzina, a chic restaurant with contemporary Greek cuisine and a stunning Acropolis view.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Athens, Greece by plane is to fly into Athens International Airport, also known as Eleftherios Venizelos International Airport. It is the largest airport in Greece and is served by multiple airlines from around the world.

Car

The best way to get to Athens by car is to take the Egnatia Odos highway if you are coming from the north of Greece. From the south of Greece, take the A7 highway. There are also several toll stations along the highways.

Train

There is no direct train to Athens from outside Greece. However, you can take a train to Thessaloniki, and then take a connecting train to Athens. The journey takes about 5 hours and the main station in Athens is the Larissa railway station.

Boat

The best way to get to Athens by boat is to take a ferry from some of the Greek islands. The main ports in Athens are Piraeus and Rafina ports. Ferries travel regularly from popular islands like Santorini, Mykonos, and Crete.

Bus

The best way to get to Athens by bus is to take a long-distance bus from major cities in Europe. The main bus station in Athens is Kifissos Bus Terminal. There are also domestic buses that connect Athens with other parts of Greece.

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