2 perfect days in Athens

As the home of the Acropolis and the birthplace of democracy, you might think that a trip to Athens would be history, history, and more history. But this buzzing capital city also has a modern edge that’s worth exploring, from boundary-pushing restaurants to a dynamic art and design scene that just keeps growing. Best of all: You can experience the highlights in the span of two days.

To help you navigate this sprawling, chaotic metropolis, we’ve alternated visits to ancient landmarks with stops in cool neighborhoods where you can slow down and sip the ouzo. All along the way, we’ve included highly rated picks from the Tripadvisor community to make sure that your trip is as iconic as Athens itself.

Start your day at one of the most famous landmarks in Athens: the Acropolis, a citadel built to house the gods that sits high above the city on a rocky hill (the ancient Greeks considered this to be closer to heaven). But everyone else is going here, too. To dodge the crowds and midday heat, get there first thing when it opens at 8 a.m. and buy tickets in advance so you can skip the long lines at the entrance. A couple more tips: Use the southeast gate, which is a little less crowded than the main entrance, and avoid the free-admission days held on various Sundays throughout the year and holidays.

We recommend booking a tour that includes admission, but if you want to save money and explore on your own, you can get tickets directly through Tiqets. (Pro-tip: Bundle in tickets to the Acropolis Museum and other sites, so that you can skip lines all over town.) There’s a convenient Acropolis subway stop (Acropoli), but if you want to ditch some of the steep uphill walk, a taxi can take you closer to the entrance. The Acropolis is massive, so give yourself at least two hours to take in the major ruins like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Theater of Dionysus, and the dazzling views of Athens.

Round out the experience at the Acropolis Museum, just a seven-minute walk away. This modern masterpiece houses a huge collection of artifacts, including the Parthenon frieze, the Caryatids from the Erechtheion, and fascinating underground excavations that show what life was like in ancient times. Plan to spend a couple hours exploring the exhibits, then grab a bite at the excellent on-site restaurant, which overlooks the Acropolis and showcases food and wine from different regions of Greece. Or take a two-minute walk to a local spot like Guarantee (for one of the best sandwiches you will eat anywhere), the famed Takis Bakery, (where there’s always a line for treats like pistachio baklava), or the sophisticated GH Attikos Restaurant (where the rooftop tables have spectacular Acropolis views).

Before venturing into modern-day Athens, spend some more time in the past at the Ancient Agora, located in the shadow of the Acropolis. This was the heart of old Athens—home to a marketplace, government buildings, and religious sites—and the playground of famous philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

Plan to spend a couple hours wandering through the Agora’s ruins, including the amazingly well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, which dates back to the 5th century B.C. Covered with intricate carvings, the temple was dedicated to the god of metalworking and craftsmanship. Another highlight: the beautifully restored Stoa of Attalos. Once lined with shops, this covered walkway was the Fifth Avenue of ancient Athens. Duck into the museum and check out the sculptures and relics discovered here, from pottery to coins.

Got the shopping bug? Nearby is the Monastiraki Flea Market, a jumble of little shops selling the typical souvenirs (T-shirts, laurel leaf headbands, togas). But there are a few gems scattered throughout the Monastiraki neighborhood, like Martinos Antique and Fine Art Gallery (for museum-quality collectibles), Kilo Shop (for vintage clothes), and an outpost of Mon Coin Studio (for contemporary ceramics). If you’re here on a Sunday, locals turn up to hawk vintage pottery and old books, while artisans and jewelry designers also set up stalls.

There’s nothing like sipping a cocktail at a rooftop bar overlooking the Acropolis as the setting sun lights up the scene in a palette of pinks and purples. A prime spot hidden on a backstreet in the Monastiraki area is Couleur Locale Athens, which is set to a DJ beat and heats up as the night goes on. Looking for a more laid-back vibe? The retro Anglais is a glamorous flashback to 1960s Athens.

In Greece, nobody really eats out until 10 p.m., but here’s a pro-tip: If you haven’t made a reservation somewhere, show up early and you just might get in. For dinner, hop in a taxi and head to the Plaka district, a crowded, bustling area with cobblestoned streets and open-air tavernas lining a maze of pathways that snake up the hillside. Get into the Athens vibe at Geros Tou Moria Restaurant, a 90-year-old family-owned spot with live music, dancing, and a menu of Greek classics (lambchops, chicken souvlaki). Or for amazing home-cooked food, there’s Taverna Saita (don’t miss the grilled octopus), with tables spilling onto the street.

Get your second day started at the National Archaeological Museum. Founded in 1829, this awe-inspiring neoclassical space is one of the world’s most important museums, housing an impressive collection of artifacts from ancient Greece: pottery, jewelry, weapons, you name it. Two pieces not to miss include the Mask of Agamemnon (a gold funeral mask that’s been called the “Mona Lisa of prehistory”) and the Antikythera Mechanism (a mind-boggling astronomical device that was used to predict eclipses).

Athens is a city of neighborhoods, each waiting to be explored. Not far from the National Archaeological Museum is edgy Exarchia, a self-governed district that’s home to activists, artists, and writers. Lined with narrow streets, the area is known for its impressive graffiti and an increasingly cool food scene. Browse the English versions of the classics at the independent bookstore, Aiora Press, visit the farmers market if you’re here on a Saturday, and stop for lunch at La Cantina Street Food (with casual bites from around the globe) or Salero (a Mediterranean cafe in a 1930s Bauhaus building where the theater crowd hangs out).

For panoramic views of Athens, the Acropolis, and the sea beyond, make your way to Mount Lycabettus (also called “Lykavittos”). This is the highest point in the city, and while you can get here on foot, we recommend saving your energy and taking the Lycabettus Funicular to the peak.

At the summit, there are a handful of restaurants, cafes, and the highly Instagrammable Chapel of St. George. Built in the 19th century, this tiny chapel is a beautiful example of Greek Orthodox architecture that is straight out of Santorini, with its white-washed exteriors and colorful interior frescoes. Relax at the summit with a glass of Greek wine on the terrace of Orizontes Lycabettus and enjoy the stunning panorama.

Cap off a whirlwind day in the Kolonaki neighborhood, a stylish area known for its designer boutiques, sleek art galleries, and inventive restaurants. Depending on what time you get here, you might be able to stop at the Benaki Museum, which was founded in 1930 by an art collector who transformed his mansion into a cultural space for the rest of the world to enjoy. Or get your shopping fix along ritzy Voukourestiou Street at trailblazing stores like Zeus + Dione, which puts an updated spin on Greek artisanship in clothes and home goods.

Your last night is the night to splurge. The place: Papadakis Restaurant, run by celebrity chef Argiro Barbarigou. Her dishes, like white grouper with truffle and octopus stew with sun-dried tomatoes and thyme honey, draw a mix of A-listers from all over the globe as well as in-the-know locals. End the evening with a cocktail at a sultry music spot like Jazz in Jazz or Minnie the Moocher, a jazz bar that’s been an Athens institution since 1931.