Things to do in Athens, Greece:
2 Day Itinerary
Introduction
A city of history and ancient ruins provides ample opportunity to learn and explore. If you are searching for things to do in Athens, you’ve come to the right place! Learn about attractions, restaurants, and activities to help make your travel planning easier. Keep reading to see my action-packed two-day travel itinerary for Athens, Greece.
Things to do In Athens: The Athens Pass
The individual cost to get into each historical sight and the challenge of navigating which sight you have tickets for can be daunting. If you are interested in seeing several different archeological sights while in Athens, I highly recommend purchasing an Athens Pass.
These passes are affordable for the number of attractions and perks offered. This pass gives you access to over thirty sights across Athens, the Acropolis with the Parthenon included, the Ancient Agora, and a hop-on and hop-off bus ticket valid for forty-eight hours. There are different options for how long the pass is valid so make sure to research the best pass for your travel needs! We purchased our passes when we arrived in Athens, but they can be purchased ahead of time online from several different tour providers.
Things to do in Athens: Day One
Explore the neighbourhoods of Plaka & Monastiraki
The streets in the Plaka and Monastiraki neighbourhoods are vibrant with shops, cafes, and restaurants. Nestled in between archaeological excavation sights, these neighbourhoods provide a charming and unique feel. Plaka is the oldest area of the city and has lots of walking paths. Monastiraki is filled with historical landmarks along with many local shops and a popular flea market. These neighbourhoods are perfect for a morning coffee and some souvenir shopping.
Visit the neighbourhood of Syntagma.
Next, I recommend wandering through the neighbourhood of Syntagma. From public squares to the Hellenic Parliament there is lots to do and see. Visit Syntagma Square which is considered one of the most important squares in modern Greece. Next, wander around the parliament building to a beautiful park called The National Garden. Once you are done enjoying the beauty of the park, make your way back to the parliament building to view the changing of the guard. At the front of the parliament is the tomb of the unknown soldier which is guarded by two Presidential Guards. Every hour on the hour the guards change their post in a small ceremony. This is a neat experience to watch as the guards are dressed in traditional uniforms and witnessing this ceremony gives you a better understating of Greek culture.
Restaurant: Karamanlidika
After a busy day of exploring, I highly recommend visiting Karamanlidika. This restaurant was suggested to us by a local and it was truly the best Greek cuisine we had our entire trip. The food is fresh, rich, flavourful, and reasonably priced. Their Baklava is amazing, and we were even given a complimentary dessert that was equally as delicious. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time if you are able as the restaurant is very busy and seemed to be a go-to spot for locals.
Things to do in Athens: Day Two
Acropolis Hill
The most notable stop in Athens is Acropolis Hill. The stunning buildings of ancient Greece that overlook the city of Athens must be added to your itinerary. However, the hill is always packed with tourists and visitors. While the journey up and down the hill is daunting, the ability to view such historically rich monuments is worth it. I recommend arriving first thing in the morning as the line moves more quickly and the sun isn’t as hot. But the hill is still extremely busy when it first opens.
Ancient Agora: Temple of Hephaestus
My favorite historical site to visit in Athens is the Temple of Hephaestus. It is one of the most well-preserved monuments in the city center of Athens and it has a gorgeous view of the city. After visiting the temple, I recommend wandering through the other excavations. Then, visit the Agora of Athens Museum that is filled with sculptures and tilework from Ancient Greece amongst other fascinating discoveries.
Roman Agora & Hadrian’s Library
The Roman Agora is also interesting to explore. We found it less popular than the above-mentioned locations depending on what time of day you visit. While this area is not as put together as other monuments across the city, it is still fascinating to visit and learn about. Near the Roman Agora is a separate entrance to Hadrian’s Library which is a popular and well-known archeological sight with beautiful pillars and carvings. The Roman Agora and Hadrian’s Library are extremely accessible as they are a short walk from Acropolis Hill and the Ancient Agora.
Conclusion
From bustling streets to historical sites there’s plenty of fun to be had in Athens, Greece. Above are just a few of my favorites that would make great additions to your travel plans! Please comment below if you want to share your experience visiting Athens or if you have any questions. Until next time, stay adventurous!
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Disclaimer: I can only attest to my personal experiences and I am therefore not liable for any negative experiences you may encounter.