2 days in Athens
It wasn’t my first time in Greece but I’ve never made it to Athens before. The Greek capital is an amazing city full with old history: from the Acropolis with its Erechtheion up to the Lycabettus Mountain. But Athens is not just one boring city with lots of old ruins. You’ll also get to experience the new Greece – a strong contrast and rebellion of the youth in certain neighbourhoods. This is mostly reflected in street art, which you’ll find all over the city. Moreover, one of the most important art exhibitions took place in Athens this year, the Documenta 14. The city got a lot of attention thanks to the exhibitions. The Documenta 14 took place during our visit and was of course, a must-do for us. Speaking of museums, Athens has definitely an interesting offer of all kinds. Overall, Athens has left a positive impression on me but also a feeling of strength, new beginnings and I could feel the ongoing motivation within the society.
In this article you’ll find recommendations for 2 days in Athens!
- Get great restaurant recommendations here!
- An overview of beautiful hotels for everyone’s pocket is online here!
- Moreover, you’ll find my Athens Google Map here!
2 days in Athens
ACROPOLIS, first!
An acquaintance described her visit of the Acropolis as one of the most beautiful things she’s ever seen. Ok, let’s head there first. The best time is in the late afternoon, when most of the tourist groups have left. We couldn’t wait and visited around lunch time. It was quite quiet during our visit. I imagine the Acropolis also very magical during sunset. Unfortunately, the sun sets way too late in summer time. But in case you visit in autumn for example, you can get a beautiful view onto Athens in the evening dawn.
- entrance fee is 20€ (reduced 10€). In my opinion a combi ticket for 30€ for 6 sights valid for 5 days is worth it!
Amandine and me
view onto the Temple of Hephaistos
Stroll through MONASTIRAKI
Monastiraki is a vivid neighbourhood in the north of the Acropolis. When you’re 2 days in Athens, you can’t miss a stroll through it. The Monastiraki square was once one of the most important trading hubs. From there, you can get lost in the touristy streets with lots of souvenir shops. I highly recommend having a drink on the rooftop terrace of A for Athens Hotel. But you’ll see more in my Athens food guide!
view onto the Acropolis and Monastiraki sq with the Tsisdarakis Mosque from A for Athens
Sightseeing in Monastiraki
- Tzistarakis mosque
- Hadrian’s library
- Tower of the wind
Hotel Tips
- Boutique hotel: Hotel Adronis Athens
- Boutique hotel with rooftop: 360 Degrees Hotel Athens
- Rooftop-tip! A for Athens
view onto the Roman Agora
Stroll through PLAKA
Plaka was one of my favorite neighborhoods. You’ll walk past neoclassical villas and houses, small orthodox churches and beautiful bougainvillea hanging from the balcony. Plaka was once called the neighborhood of the gods for a reason! I highly recommend taking a cappuccino freddo on a café’s terrace and do some people-watching.
Sightseeing in Plaka
- Kapnikaréa church
- Adrianou street
- Kanellopoulos museum
Hotel Tips
- TOP! Boutique hotel with rooftop: The Zillers Boutique Hotel
- Boutique hotel with rooftop: Ava Hotel and Suites
- Central Hotel
- Cute! Alice Inn Hotel
- Plaka Hotel
- Bed & Breakfast: Sweet Home Hotel
Church of St. Nicholas Rangavas
Syntagma
Mount of the guard & THe national Gardens
Accidentally, we came past the mount of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament and stopped. The spectacle is quite amusing to see, but you shouldn’t go there on purpose. When walking on, you’ll get a beautiful view on the Arch of Hadrian.
- For only 3€ you can visit the Olympieion, also called Tempel of Olympic Zeus! The area is huge and you won’t notice the large groups of visitors.
View onto the Hadrian Arch
mount of guards in front of the Greek Parliament
Sightseeing in Syntagma
- mount of guards on Platia Syntagmatos
- Greek Parliament
- Olympieion (also called Temple of Olympic Zeus)
- Arch of Hadrian
Hotel Tips
- TOP! An oasis in the middle of the city: InnAthens
- Hotel with classy apartments: MET34 Athens Hotel
Kolonaki
The gathering of AthenS’ “Glitterati”
As much as I love run-down, authentic neighborhoods I also love the more spiffy ones. Kolonaki was one of my favorite neighborhoods. The quarter is located at the bottom of the Lycabettus mountain and reminds me a lot of strolls through Paris with mounting streets. We were in search of a brunch restaurant and Kolonaki has lots to offer there. As I said, you can get up to the Lycabettus mountain from there, which we saved up for the next time.
- You’ll find more restaurant recommendations in a seperate post!
Sightseeing in Kolonaki
- Lykabettus Mountain
- Chapel of St. George
- Church of Saint Isidore
- Benaki Museum
Hotel Tips
- TOP! Boutique Hotel with rooftop: Coco-mat
- Periscope
- Kolonaki ArtGallery Suites
view onto the Lycabettus mountain
Psyrri
Vintage-Shopping on a sunday morning
Psyrri is also named as the “Soho of Greece”. We visited the lively quarter on a Sunday morning, where it was still quite calm. Here you can dive into the vintage shops and try to find some great items. Psyrri is also great for a drink in the evening!
Sightseeing in Psyrri
- Iroon square
- just walk around the quarter and take in the moments!
Hotel Tips
- TOP! Boutique hotel with rooftop terrace: O&B Athens Boutique Hotel
Koukaki
The new cool Quarter of AThens?
Last but not least, we’re in Koukaki, which is located in the South of the Acropolis. As I said, we were lucky that the Documenta 14 took place while we visited. The EMST, Museum of Contemporary Art, which was founded in 2014, was the main place of issue. I highly recommend a visit. I fell in love with its architecture. Koukaki is a neighborhood, which is slowly becoming more popular. Here you’ll find a great choice of cool restaurants, which are far away from the mass tourism.
Sightseeing in Koukaki
- Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)
- Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
- Acropolis Museum
Hotel Tips
- Electra Metropolis hotel
- NLH FIX | Neighborhood Lifestyle Hotels
Hopefully, you’ve loved this article and further information. I think, this is enough recommendation for 2 days in Athens. We didn’t get to see everything but we’ll definitely be back soon!
Here you’ll find all addresses in my Athens Google Map!
