48 hours in Athens

DAY 1 Ancient Wonders & Charming Quarters

7am – 11 am.  Begin with breakfast at Muse Bistro then head to The Acropolis at opening time 8:00 AM via the SE Gate near Acropoli metro station for shorter queues.

Prioritize the Parthenon and Erechtheion’s Caryatid Porch, then descend to the Theater of Dionysus and Odeon of Herodes Atticus—an ancient marble venue still hosting summer performances.

11am – 2pm. Cross to the Acropolis Museum (pre-book tickets):

• Explore the Parthenon Gallery (3rd floor), where marble friezes align with the temple’s silhouette outside.
• Descend to the ancient neighborhood excavation beneath the museum’s glass floors.

2pm – 4pm. Lunch at Psaras Taverna in Plaka—order moussaka or grilled octopus in its vine-covered courtyard. Post-meal, wander Anafiotika, a whitewashed Cycladic-style enclave, then stroll Adrianou Street in Plaka for jewelry shops and views of the Tower of the Winds in the Roman Agora.

4pm – 6pm. Coffee break at Yiasemi Café (stairs seating) or Melina Mercouri Café (bougainvillea-draped terrace).

8pm. Late
Dine at Kuzina (try lamb with honey-glazed figs) or The Dolli’s rooftop (Acropolis-lit views). Cap the night at The Clumsies (#1 World’s 50 Best Bars 2024) with an Aegean Negroni.

Day 2 Gardens, Markets & Modern Vibes

7am – 10am. Breakfast at Muse Bistro (Greek yogurt with thyme honey) or The Makers just a street away from us for specialty coffee and some really good kefir-based waffles topped with avocado.

10 am – 12pm. Walk the National Garden to see tropical plants and the Zappeion Hall.

At Syntagma Square, watch the Changing of the Guard, also known as evzones (hourly; full ceremony Sundays at 11:00 AM) at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

12 pm – 2pm. Explore Monastiraki Square:

• Hunt for antiques at the flea market (Sundays only).
• Browse Adrianou Street for leather sandals, olive-wood crafts or some really cool unique souvenirs (Forget Me Not, Thiki)

2pm – 4pm. Lunch at Cafe Avissinia—opt for pastitsio (baked pasta) on the terrace with live rebetiko music.

4pm – 6pm. Recharge at TAF Coffee (industrial-chic courtyard) or Minu Café (bohemian vibe + pistachio baklava), or one of our favorites, Vrissaki (artFix), a vibrant art café and gallery in Plaka near the Ancient Agora, blending creative exhibitions with Greek coffeehouse charm.

8 – 10pm. Final dinner: Barbounaki for seafood saganaki and their cherry tomato salad or Manari for slow-cooked lamb.

After Dark
Toast your trip at Baba au Rum (try the Mastiha Sour) or ascend Mount Lycabettus via cable car for midnight city views.

Pro Tips

• Tickets Pre-book Acropolis combo tickets (€30) for access to six sites, including the Ancient Agora.
• Crowds Visit the Panathenaic Stadium (€5) en route to the Temple of Olympian Zeus if time permits.

This curated blend of antiquity and modern energy ensures you experience Athens’ layered history and vibrant culture.