Ultimate 48-Hour Guide to Exploring Athens

Only have two days in Athens? 🏛

Make the most of your adventure with this ultimate stopover guide.

You've studied Athens in history class, but now it's time to turn your dream destination into reality. From exploring iconic historical landmarks to savouring delicious local cuisine, Athens is a must-visit destination that deserves a spot on your bucket list.

Experience the best of Athens with this 48-hour itinerary! 💙 Spoiler alert: We've planned this itinerary so you can easily walk from one spot to the next.

48-Hour Athens Itinerary

Day 1

• Acropolis
• Acropolis Museum
• Prison of Socrates
• Areopagus Hill

Day 2

• Plaka District and Anafiotika
• Athens National Garden
• Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard
• Roman Agora and Hadrian's Library
• Visit Monastiraki Flea Market and enjoy local dining

Day 1

Acropolis

Start your journey by visiting the Acropolis of Athens, one of the most important historical attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This ancient citadel functioned as a religious centre and a symbol of Athenian dominance. Most temples and buildings within the Acropolis were constructed in the 5th century BCE.

Notable Monuments include:

• The Parthenon
• The Temple of Athena Nike
• The Erechtheion

Did you know?

📝 Good tips to remember when visiting the Acropolis

Ticket Prices:

• 🎟️ Entrance Ticket: €20 (Winter: €10)

• 🔥 Avoid the Summer Heat: To escape Athens' intense summer heat, visit the Acropolis either in the morning or late afternoon. Summer temperatures can soar up to 35-40°C!

Acropolis Museum

After exploring the Acropolis, make your way to the Acropolis Museum, located in the historic Makriyianni area. This world-renowned museum showcases over 3,000 artifacts from the Athenian Acropolis and offers stunning views of both the ancient site and modern Athens through its large glass windows.

Key Features of the Acropolis Museum

• Live Conservator Demonstrations: Watch experts preserve ancient artifacts.
• 3D Projections: Experience the Acropolis' history with immersive technology.
• Educational Programs: Dive deeper into the history and archaeology of the Acropolis.

Opened in June 2009, the museum spans 25,000 square metres and is a must-visit for anyone interested in Athens' rich history.

Enjoy a Coffee with a View

After exploring the Acropolis Museum, make sure to visit the museum café. Here, you can savor a delicious coffee while taking in breathtaking views of the Acropolis. The café offers a perfect spot to relax and reflect on your visit to this iconic Athens attraction.

How to get to the Acropolis Museum

Walking Directions: From the Acropolis it’s just a 9-minute walk to the Acropolis Museum.

Prison of Socrates

Visit the Prison of Socrates in Philopappos Park, an intriguing historical site in Athens. This ancient location is believed to be where the famous philosopher Socrates was imprisoned before his trial in 399 BC.

Don't miss these key features:

• Caves Carved into Rock: The prison consists of several caves intricately carved into solid rock.
• Historical Murals: Some of the caves feature ancient murals, adding to the historical ambiance of the site.

Did you know?

📝 Good tips to remember when visiting the Prison of Socrates

Ticket Prices:

• 🎟️ Entrance Ticket: Free of charge

• 🕧 Hours: Open 24 hours

How to Get to the Prison of Socrates

Walking Directions: From the Acropolis Museum, it's a 10-minute walk to the Prison of Socrates. Exit the museum and head towards Philopappos Park. Follow the paths leading into the park, and you’ll find the prison caves.

Areopagus Hill

Areopagus Hill, also known as Mars Hill, is a site of great historical and mythological significance in Athens. It served as the meeting place for the ancient Areopagus Council, an important governing body in classical Athens. Additionally, the hill is associated with the god Ares, the Greek god of war, from whom it derives its alternate name.

Today, Areopagus Hill is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of Athens. From this vantage point, you can see:

• The Acropolis
• The Parthenon
• The vibrant cityscape of Athens

Best Time to Visit:

Sunset Views: Climb Areopagus Hill during sunset to experience stunning views and capture the best photographs. The changing light enhances the beauty of Athens and provides a memorable experience.

Visitor Tips:

👟 Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes as the climb involves uneven terrain.
📸 Camera: Don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the spectacular views.

How to Get to Areopagus Hill

Walking Directions: From the Prison of Socrates, it's a 5-minute walk to the Areopagus Hill.

Day 2

Plaka District and Anafiotika

Start your morning by visiting the beautiful Plaka District.

Things to do in Plaka

• 📸 Capture the best pictures: You will see lots of colourful and vibrant streets. Don't forget to nice outfit for cute pics for your Insta!
• ☕ Taste your delicious morning coffee: Plaka has several cafes, restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy a traditional Greek breakfast or taste other options.

After visiting Plaka, walk 4 minutes to Anafiotika, a tiny neighborhood that offers a quieter atmosphere with less tourists than Plaka.

Key Features of Anafiotika

• 🌴 Beautiful Landscapes: Its white houses, narrow streets, and stairs will remind you of the stunning Greek islands.
• 🐱 Anafiotika for Cat Lovers: If you are a pet lover, you will defintely love this hidden gem - you will find many cats there!

Visitor Tips:

• In Plaka, you can purchase the prettiest handmade jewelry and local art.

Athens National Garden

Explore the beautiful National Garden to escape from the loud city centre. Walk around its stunning garden and enjoy pleasant views of nature.

Visitor Tips

• 🧺 Enjoy a Picnic: Pack some delicious snacks and savour a delightful picnic under the lush trees. The natural shade provides a cool retreat from the summer heat.
• Children's Playground: Traveling with kids? The garden includes a charming playground where children can play and explore.

How to Get to Athens National Garden

Walking Directions: From the Plaka District, it's a 6-minute walk to the National Garden.

Syntagma Square and the Changing of the Guard

After relaxing at the National Garden, walk to the Syntagma Square, where you can watch the Changing of the Guard right in front of the Hellenic Parliament. The Changing of Guard features the Evzones in traditional uniforms. This unit, known for their strict discipline and iconic attire, honors Greek soldiers and symbolizes the nation's fight for independence.

Visitor Tips

• The Changing of the Guard in Athens happens every hour.
• There is a special Changing of Guard ceremony every Sunday at 11 AM.

How to Get to the Syntagma Square

Walking Directions: From the National Garden, it's a 6-minute walk to the Syntagma Square.

Roman Agora and Hadrian's Library

The Roman Agora, an old marketplace that existed throughout the Roman Empire, is a great spot to continue your second day in Athens.

Key Features of the Roman Agora

• You'll come across the ruins of busy stores and buildings as you go around the area.
• Impressive in its octagonal form, the Tower of the Winds was formerly a weather station and clock tower.
• Then, go for a walk around the historic fountains of the agora, like the Fountain of the Winds, which provided water to the public and was a spot for social interaction.

Then, take a 3-minute walk to the Hadrian's Library, which was constructed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in in AD 132.

How to Get to the Roman Agora

Walking Directions: From the Syntagma Sqaure, walk 14 minutes to the Roman Agora.

Visit Monastiraki Flea Market and enjoy local dining

Monastiraki Flea Market is a great place to shop, eat, and experience Athenian culture. Explore antiques, vintage goods and handmade crafts. Also, experience the lively environment and relax at the cafes and restaurants.

Visitor Recommendations

• 😋 Taste homestyle local food at the Maiandros Restaurant an open-air restaurant serving plates of typical Mediterranean food.

How to Get to the Monastiraki Flea Market

Walking Directions: From the Roman Agora, walk 4 minutes to the Monastiraki Flea Market.

Explore the Map of Athens Closely

🏛️ You deserve a captivating cultural escape in Athens. Let the city's rich history, vibrant neighborhoods, and stunning landmarks inspire your next unforgettable adventure. What are you waiting for? Compare our awesome flight deals to Athens and book your next city getaway on BudgetAir.co.uk!

Go back to top

Want to read more travel tips?