It may be an unavoidable layover on the way to the idyllic Greek islands, but if you curate your 2 day itinerary of Athens properly it is guaranteed to be the highlight of your entire trip. I speak from personal experience because Athens ended up being a sleeper hit for me.

Everyone goes wild for the clear turquoise water of the Aegean Sea and the white cubist buildings of Mykonos, but praise for this ancient city was few and far between on the internet. I’m here to tell you that from the awe-inspiring Acropolis of Athens to the mouth-watering Greek food, this ancient city will leave an indelible impression on your soul.

That’s why I believe that the true key to happiness is not a huge plate of pasta (blasphemy) but in having low expectations. If I’m dreading going out because I think it’s going to be lame or I’m in a bad mood, I end up having an amazing time!

View from the plateau of the Acropolis

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In a gorgeous place like Greece that is lauded for the breath-taking beauty of the islands – from the cerulean blue domes of Santorini to the clear turquoise waters of Milos – cities like Athens are often swept to the sidelines. Bloggers are too busy fawning over the many charms of the Cyclades – a group of islands in the southeast of Greece – that the info I could find on the ancient city was limited and underwhelming.

I was completely unprepared for how much I actually LOVED Athens!

Take a gander at the view of Kotzia Square from the window of our AirBnB in Monastiraki

2 Day Itinerary of Athens

Whether you’re staying in the ancient capitol of Greece for a couple of days or a quick layover, here is what to do, what to see, where to eat so you can plan an epic a 2 day itinerary of Athens:

My feet getting the royal treatment from Melissinos. By “royal” I mean fashion royalty (Sarah Jessica Parker)

Get custom-made sandals

Looking for the perfect Greek souvenir? Then these John Lennon-approved sandals from Melissino’s are all you need. Treat your feet to custom crafted sandals from The Poet Sandalmaker, the tiny, pocket-sized shop being patronized by the likes of Jackie O, Sofia Loren, and Barbara Streisand. Pick from 30 classic sandal designs and have them adjusted to your feet in minutes. Adjacent to the ancient agora of Athens

Explore the Monastiraki and Plaka neighbourhood

Sometimes the best way to experience a new city and find hidden treasures is through aimless wandering. Meander through the bustling alleys and examine knickknacks at the Monastiraki flea market (nothing special but Sundays are  more a spectacle as people set up stalls with vintage items) or grab a tasty yogurt-smothered kebab at O Thanasis.

The charming district of Plaka in Athens is ideal to relax with a frappé coffee amid quaint shops and crumbling ancient ruins at the foot of the Acropolis.

Garlic yogurty kebab from O Thanasis

Mythological Day tour of athens

Are you a Greek mythology geek? A history buff? An architecture aficionado? All of the above? Discover Athens by foot on a The Mythology Highlights Tour with Alternative Athens, a tour company that focuses on genuine travel experiences. A knowledgable guide will lead you through legendary sites — the Temple of Athena, the Temple Olympian Zeus, the Acropolis, the Temple of Poseidon, the Ancient Agora, the Parthenon, etc… — where you’ll be regaled with fantastical tales of the Greek Gods, the mythical equivalent of soap operas.

Authentic Greek dishes from the hidden Diporto Tavern

Dine at a hidden TAVERNA

Inconspicuous to the point of being considered hidden, you’ll have a hard time finding the unmarked Diporto Taverna, located in the rustic cellar of a 150-year old building. The absence of signage and menu creates a compelling yet comforting speakeasy vibe of being in a relative’s home for a meal. It’s the most authentic food in Athens, or at the very least the most difficult to find.

Surrounded by gigantic 600kg barrels, an array of house specialities are delivered immediately to your table without a word (of English) along with a carafe of wine. Tuck into hearty Greek dishes like chickpea stew, grilled whole sardines, and flavourful potatoes swimming in tomato sauce.

Relax at a hammam in athens

Make some time during your 2 day itinerary in Athens to recharge. With roots in Ancient Greek and Roman times, the ideal way to rejuvenate after a long flight and a day of exploring the dusty Parthenon in Athens is relaxing at a peaceful hammam. Navigate your way through the twisty streets of Monastiraki down a narrow alley to Polis Hammam.

Treat yourself to the full experience – lie on a warm slab of marble while your entire body is scrubbed with an exfoliating kesa glove, a soap massage with pure olive oil soap, followed by sipping an aromatic tea in their leafy courtyard. Throw in a 30-minute massage at the end that will have your muscles feeling like jelly – you won’t regret it!

Eat real AF Greek yogurt

When in Greece partake in Greek yogurt, or I guess as the Greeks call it – “yogurt.” You’re pretty much guaranteed killer Greek yogurt anywhere you go in its country of origin BUT if you want to do it right, go to Stani – the last traditional dairy bar for Greek yogurt in Athens.

Relax on the patio as you eagerly devour indulgent, creamy  spoonfuls of yogurt thickly covered in gooey honey with a generous smattering of walnuts that add a satisfying crunch. No 2 day itinerary in Athens is complete without this tart treat.

They also serve killer lukumades (Greek donuts) fresh, hot and sticky with honey and dusted with cinnamon. When in Rome, am I right?

The most indulgent Greek yogurt I ever tried! Also a plate of “lukumades” a fried dough dessert

indulge in seafood feasts in athens

Despite not being one of the many islands that populate the Aegean Sea, Athens was a seafood lover’s dream. From fried mussels washed down with a mug of Alpha beer at Atlantikos, a local haunt (conveniently beside the Polis Hammam), to the umami-bomb prawn linguini at the Pinterest-worthy Aiolou 68.

If you want seafood so fresh you can practically taste the salty ocean, head to Epirus Tavern in the Athens Central Market and you can pick a fish, any fish from their just-caught selection to have cooked on the spot.

The BEST view of the Acropolis is at sunset from MS Rooftop Bar

Sunset drinks on a rooftop

Don’t forget to include a gorgeous sunset in your 2 day itinerary of Athens!

Ascend to the higher levels of MS Roof Gardens, grab a spot at the foliage-lined edge and cheers at golden hour with the historic Acropolis looming impressively in the background. Gaze in wonder at the city below, basking in a rosy glow as the sun sinks beyond view, while snacking on the almond crusted, honey drizzled saganaki (fried cheese!!).

MOONLIGHT FOOD TOUR

Do you often have late night snack attacks? Then this AirBnB experience – Athens Moonlight Bites & Wines – was made for your nocturnal belly. Led by a local Athenian, this food tour explores the secret gastronomic delights of the city – through authentic tavernas and sophisticated meze restaurants – while along the way you admire the Acropolis in the glow of the moon.

Unfortunately I didn’t have time to go myself but my travel mates RAVED about handmade cheese pies and fava beans with caramelized onions and smoked ham that made me want to cry out of FOMO.

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, you are most likely going to be dropping by this ancient city at some point — lucky you! Follow this 2 Day Itinerary of Athens to ensure that you experience an epic 48-hours.

If you’re in the process of planning a trip to Greece, here are some tips for doing it right!

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