2-Day Athens Travel Guide

Explore the City to the Fullest Located at the southern tip of the Balkan Peninsula, Athens is an ancient city surrounded by mountains on three sides and the sea on the other. Known as the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, Athens boasts over 3,000 years of history, with every corner exuding a rich historical atmosphere. Spend two days in Athens, strolling through millennia-old ruins, savoring authentic cuisine, and experiencing the unique charm of this city. Itinerary The best time to visit Athens is during spring or autumn when the weather is pleasant and ideal for travel. Two days are enough to deeply explore the essence of Athens. Day 1: In the morning, visit Athens' iconic landmark—the Acropolis. Explore ancient structures like the Parthenon and the Erechtheion Temple, marveling at the pinnacle of ancient Greek architectural artistry. In the afternoon, head to the Acropolis Museum, where its extensive collection will provide deeper insights into the history of the Acropolis. Day 2: In the morning, tour the Ancient Agora of Athens, where Socrates once delivered speeches. You can also visit the Temple of Hephaestus. In the afternoon, head to Syntagma Square to witness the changing of the guard ceremony, followed by a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, the venue of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Must-Visit Attractions Acropolis: Perched on a hill in the city center, the Acropolis is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization. Initially built as a fortress, it later became a religious sanctuary and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Here, you can admire the grand entrance gates, the Doric-style Parthenon, and the Erechtheion Temple with its iconic Caryatid Porch, showcasing the highest level of ancient Greek architecture, temples, columns, and sculptures. Acropolis Museum: Supported by over 100 concrete pillars, this museum houses numerous artifacts related to the Acropolis, ranging from sculptures to pottery. It offers a comprehensive understanding of the Acropolis' historical evolution. The top-floor café provides a stunning view of the Acropolis, allowing you to enjoy coffee while soaking in the scenery. Ancient Agora of Athens: Once the commercial and political hub of ancient Greece, the Agora now remains as ruins but still evokes the vibrancy of its past. Philosophers like Socrates and Plato once lectured here. The Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved ancient Greek temples, is also located here. Syntagma Square: The central hub of Athens and its main square. Here, you can witness the solemn changing of the guard ceremony held every hour. Surrounding the square are landmarks like the Parliament Building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Panathenaic Stadium: The world's only stadium entirely made of marble, it hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. Standing within the stadium, you can almost feel the passion and determination of the athletes from that era. Must-Try Foods Moussaka: A masterpiece of Greek cuisine, featuring a base of grilled eggplant slices with a unique aroma, a middle layer of flavorful minced beef mixed with spices, and a top layer of rich béchamel sauce and cheese. Baked to perfection, the melted cheese forms a golden crust, offering a harmonious blend of flavors in every bite. Souvlaki: A popular street food in Athens, consisting of marinated pork, chicken, or lamb chunks skewered and grilled to perfection. Crispy on the outside and tender inside, the meat is paired with fresh onions, tomatoes, crispy fries, and wrapped in warm pita bread for a rich and satisfying taste. Tzatziki: A refreshing appetizer or side dish made from cucumber, yogurt, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The crispness of cucumber combined with the creaminess of yogurt, enhanced by garlic and herbs, creates a balanced flavor. It can be paired with bread or used as a dip for grilled meats. Baklava: A famous Greek dessert made of multiple layers of thin pastry and chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds), soaked in sweet honey syrup. Crispy and rich, the syrup's sweetness blends perfectly with the nutty aroma, making every bite delightful. Accommodation Guide Luxury Options: Consider staying at the Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens, which offers stunning sea views and well-equipped rooms, or the Hotel Grande Bretagne, a Luxury Collection Hotel, located at Syntagma Square with a prime location. Budget-Friendly Options: Acropolian Spirit Boutique Hotel is a great choice, offering 4-star accommodations with breakfast included. Prices start at around €100 per night, and some rooms provide direct views of the Acropolis. Transportation Guide Flights: Athens International Airport is the largest airport in Greece, located about 30 km southeast of Athens. Air China operates flights from Beijing to Athens via Munich, and airlines like Aeroflot and Emirates also offer regular flights between China and Athens. From the airport to the city center, you can choose airport buses (operating 24/7, such as X95 to Syntagma Square, taking 60 minutes, costing €5), the metro (about 40 minutes to Syntagma Square station, costing €8), or taxis (€35 from 5:00 AM to midnight, €50 from midnight to 5:00 AM). City Transportation: Most attractions in Athens are concentrated in the city center and can be reached on foot. Alternatively, you can use the metro, which has three main lines covering major attractions, with a standard ticket price of €1.2 and free transfers within 70 minutes. Sightseeing buses offer red and green lines with audio guides in 11 languages, including Chinese. Taxis are reasonably priced and convenient. Tips The Acropolis is situated on elevated terrain with some uneven paths, so wear comfortable walking shoes. As an open-air site, bring sunscreen and drinking water. Visit the Acropolis in the morning or late afternoon for softer lighting, better photos, and to avoid midday heat and crowds. Some restaurants in Athens may charge seating or service fees; check your bill carefully before paying. When watching the changing of the guard ceremony at Syntagma Square, maintain order and avoid loud noises.