Athens in 2 days: a complete hour-by-hour itinerary
Quick answer
With 2 days in Athens, spend the first on the Acropolis, its museum, Plaka, the Agora and sunset on Filopappou Hill. On the second, see the National Archaeological Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium, then end with sunset at the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, about 70 km away.
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Day 1: classical Athens
- 1
08:00 · Acropolis
The Acropolis at opening
Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylaea before the tour groups arrive.
- 2
10:15 · Makrygianni
Acropolis Museum
The original sculptures and the Parthenon Gallery overlooking the temple.
- 3
12:45 · Plaka
Lunch and a stroll through Anafiotika
Quiet tavernas in the back streets and whitewashed lanes.
- 4
15:00 · Monastiraki
Ancient Agora and Stoa of Attalos
The centre of Athenian public life and the Temple of Hephaestus.
- 5
19:00 · Filopappou Hill
Sunset facing the Parthenon
The city's most famous free viewpoint.
Day 2: museums, the stadium and Cape Sounion
- 1
09:00 · Exarchia
National Archaeological Museum
Two and a half hours for the Mask of Agamemnon, the Artemision Bronze, the Jockey of Artemision and the Antikythera Mechanism.
- 2
12:00 · Kolonaki
Lunch in Kolonaki
Athens' smartest neighbourhood, with cafés and shops below Mount Lycabettus.
- 3
13:30 · Syntagma
Parliament and the National Garden
Changing of the guard on the hour and a shady walk.
- 4
14:15 · Olympieion
Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch
The Corinthian columns of what was the largest temple in Greece in its day.
- 5
15:00 · Pangrati
Panathenaic Stadium
The all-marble stadium that hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
- 6
16:30 · Attica coast
Head to Cape Sounion
A coastal drive along the Aegean; arrive before sunset.
- 7
18:30 · Cape Sounion
Sunset at the Temple of Poseidon
The white temple on the cliff is one of Greece's most famous sunsets. Look for Lord Byron's name carved into a column.
Tips for both days
- Book the Acropolis, the museum and your Sounion transport before the trip in high season.
- Check hhticket.gr for any combined archaeological-site ticket valid for your dates.
- AnyArt recognises statues and reliefs at the National Archaeological Museum and tells their story in your language.
Frequently asked questions
Are 2 days enough for Athens?
Yes, for classical Athens, its two great museums and a trip to Cape Sounion.
How do you get to Cape Sounion from Athens?
KTEL buses run from the centre, or rent a car or join an afternoon tour. The trip takes around 1 h 30 min.
Acropolis Museum or National Archaeological Museum?
They complement each other: the first focuses on the Acropolis; the second covers Greek art from every period and region.
Is Lycabettus Hill worth it?
Yes, if you have spare time: it's the highest hill in the centre and has a funicular.