48 Hours in Athens: A Perfect Weekend Itinerary

Arrival in Athens

Start your weekend in Athens by arriving early on Saturday morning. The city is well connected, so getting from the airport to the city center is easy. You can take a taxi, bus, or metro.

Check into your hotel and drop off your luggage. If you are staying in the city center, you will be close to many attractions.

Once settled, head out to explore the ancient city. Begin with a visit to the Acropolis, one of the most important historical sites in the world.

Exploring the Acropolis

The Acropolis is home to several ancient buildings, including the Parthenon. Spend the morning walking around and taking in the history.

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking and some uneven terrain.

After exploring the Acropolis, head to the Acropolis Museum. This museum houses many artifacts found on the site.

Lunch in Plaka

By now, you'll be ready for lunch. Head to the Plaka neighborhood, known for its narrow streets and traditional Greek restaurants.

Enjoy a meal of souvlaki or moussaka at one of the many tavernas. Don't forget to try some Greek salad and tzatziki.

Afternoon at the Ancient Agora

After lunch, take a short walk to the Ancient Agora. This was the center of public life in ancient Athens.

Stroll through the ruins and imagine what life was like thousands of years ago. The Temple of Hephaestus is particularly well-preserved.

Next, visit the Stoa of Attalos, which has been reconstructed and now houses a museum.

Evening in Monastiraki

As evening approaches, head to the Monastiraki neighborhood. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and bustling markets.

Browse the shops for souvenirs and enjoy the street performers. You can also find some great places to eat here.

Day Two: National Archaeological Museum

Start your second day with a visit to the National Archaeological Museum. This museum has one of the best collections of ancient Greek artifacts in the world.

Spend a few hours exploring the exhibits. Highlights include the Mask of Agamemnon and the Antikythera mechanism.

Afterwards, take a break at a nearby café and enjoy a traditional Greek coffee.

Afternoon at Syntagma Square

In the afternoon, head to Syntagma Square. This is the main square of Athens and a great place to people-watch.

Watch the changing of the guard at the Hellenic Parliament building. The ceremony takes place every hour and is a unique experience.

From Syntagma Square, you can easily walk to the National Garden. This is a peaceful oasis in the middle of the city.

Evening at Lycabettus Hill

End your weekend with a visit to Lycabettus Hill. This is the highest point in Athens and offers stunning views of the city.

You can take a funicular to the top or hike if you prefer. At the top, there is a café where you can enjoy a drink while watching the sunset.

This is a perfect way to end your 48 hours in Athens. The city has so much to offer, and you will leave with many wonderful memories.