Forty-eight hours in Athens: a concentrated dose of Dionysian energy wrapped in marble and late-night espresso foam. The goal is not mere sightseeing but immersion, an edited itinerary that skims nothing yet feels refreshingly unhurried.
In the sections that follow, we map the city by moments: sun-splashed promenades that frame the Acropolis like a runway accessory; museum interludes where Cycladic curves flirt with contemporary installation; cafés that treat a freddo cappuccino as high design; tavernas whose octopus and ouzo lean toward midnight; boutiques where linen, leather, and attitude share equal shelf space.
Logistics are forgiving. Athens’s metro, sleek, air-conditioned, unexpectedly art-filled, whisks you between eras in minutes. Pavements are made for wandering, and yellow taxis glide through the chaos on command. Even the touristy Hop-On Hop-Off bus earns a cameo, a breezy big-windowed primer for first-time flâneurs. Pack curiosity, comfortable shoes, and an appetite. The rest – history, hedonism, horizon-line blues—awaits.
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There’s no better way to start your time in a city than to see it from above, from where you can enjoy a spanning perspective of the city and its form. When regarding Athens from a bird’s eye view, you’ll be surprised to discover how close each neighborhood is to the other, and how easy it is to navigate on foot. As stand-up comedian Steven Wright remarked, “Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.”
Meanwhile, the stoic philosopher Marcus Aurelius attested that the only way to gain clarity of mind and true perspective of life was to climb to the acropolis (meaning highest point) of a city, and the ideal place to do this in Athens is, well, at the Acropolis obviously, or, if you prefer a free experience, from Lycabettus Hill. Lycabettus, which rises to an altitude of 277 meters, is not a mountain as it is sometimes described; the mountains around Athens are Parnitha, Pendeli and Hymettus. It is the hill one can see from many parts of the city, and along with the Acropolis (150 meters high) these are the city’s highest points.
For the energetic and the brave, the top of Lycabettus can be reached by foot by following the steps that start on Aristippou street (corner with Loukianou street) or by taking the cable car. The cable car on Aristippou can be reached by hiking up the steps on Ploutarchou, Marasli or Loukianou streets or by cab.
The ‘Teleferik‘ as it’s called in Greek, zips you to the very top of Lycabettus, where the whitewashed Church of St George, with the Greek flag flapping above it, stands. From this verdant, pretty hill you can look out on numerous spanning vistas of the city as you head up or down, or traipse to its other sides. One of the most impressive views from up here is that of the Acropolis with the sea of Piraeus in its background, and on clear days you can see all the way to the Saronic islands. On Lycabettus, you’ll also find the cafe-restaurants Orizontes Lykavittou and Prasini Tenda, where you can stop for a refreshment or a bite at any hour of the day as you enjoy the astounding views.
Stopover: Kolonaki
If the trek up felt like a bit of a workout, the good news is that it’s all downhill from here on. Walk down to Kolonaki Square and its surrounding streets, especially Haritos, Patriarchou Ioakeim, Ploutarchou, Milioni, Irodotou, Sekeri and Skoufa, to find a great variety of cafes and restaurants serving excellent coffee, breakfast, and brunch.
Queen Bee serves generous brunch plates, layered sandwiches, and proper pastries in a busy, all-day setting. Wild Souls focuses on house-made nut butters, sourdough, specialty coffee, and a tight, ingredient-driven brunch menu. Chez Michel brings classic French brasserie fare, from croissants and omelets to steak frites, in a marble-lined dining room. Da Capo anchors Kolonaki Square at Tsakalof 1, pouring steady espresso and offering front-row seating for uninterrupted people-watching.
👉🏻 Discover where to eat in Kolonaki.
After refueling, walk down from Kolonaki to Syntagma Square, where the Greek Parliament Building and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stand, across a sunken square with a large fountain in it, framed by grandiose hotels – Grande Bretagne and the King George. Join a crowd of tourists and observe the Changing of the Guard ceremony, during which the elite Evzones soldiers wearing the traditional uniform of traditional pom-pom-topped clogs, hat with a tassel and the ‘foustanella’ skirt, carry out an age-old ritual like clockwork in front of the tomb.
If you’re a fan of glamorous, top-end brands, descend to Syntagma from Kolonaki via Voukourestiou, a pedestrian street lined with glossy, top-end clothes, jewelry and accessories boutiques such as Prada, Bulgari and Chanel, Zolotas, Sambanis and Petranova, as well as some glossy cafes like Clemente VIII. And Athénée is where chic Athens lingers over its first meal of the day.
If you prefer culture to window shopping, two of the capital’s most impressive museums – the Benaki Museum and the Cycladic Arts Museum – are easily within reach on your way from Kolonaki to Syntagma, in around 10 minutes’ walk. In the vicinity (all within 5-15 minutes’ walking distance), you can also visit the Kotsanas Museum of Ancient Greek Technology, the Theocharakis Foundation, and (a little further away) the Numismatic Museum, with its famously pretty garden.
These museums formidably showcase Greek cultural history in an expansive, modern, and impactful way, housing impressive permanent as well as temporary world-class exhibitions. Apart from presenting enriching exhibitions – both temporary and permanent – all of these places also have great shops selling jewelry and decor items by Greek and international artists.
👉🏻 Discover the top museums of Athens.
The Syntagma area is the heart of the city center, from where you can easily walk (within 15-30 minutes) to several of Athens’ most unmissable and vibrant areas, like Monastiraki and Psirri, or Plaka and Makriyianni and Koukaki (Acropolis), or Pangrati and Mets, or down towards Thisseion and Gazi, or to Omonia square. In the plan we suggest here, you’ll explore the deeply historical Plaka, Makryianni, and Thisseion areas tomorrow, but it’s up to you how you mix and match suggestions.
Shopping in Syntagma
Today, we recommend you explore the Syntagma area and then head down Ermou street towards Monastiraki and Psirri. Ermou is known as the city’s central shopping street, where you’ll find a broad array of international chain stores, as well as Greek clothes, shoes, decor, and other shops. Forking out from Ermou in the direction of Monastiraki, is a spider’s web of small streets where you’ll find everything from ethnic clothes and artisanal furnishings to sewing materials and semi-precious crystals, as well as a scattering of interesting cafes and food and drink stops along the way.
Our advice is to let yourself get lost in these streets if you’d like to truly experience the authentic Athens vibe. These are the very best routes for experiencing Athens in all its beauty and quirkiness alike – its truth, paradoxes, and all. Use your GPS but don’t over-plan, unless you find a particular place you’d like to visit along the way.
Lunch in the Syntagma Area
In Syntagma there is an exciting variety of places to visit for lunch. From ethnic food (especially Asian) on streets like Apollonos and Skoufou (we highly recommend East Pearl for Chinese food, Ekiben Kitchen and Birdman for Japanese fusion and Sushimou for traditional Japanese). Otherwise heading to Mitropoleos (parallel to Ermou) to the visit the impressive Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens, where the remains of the city’s patron saint Aghia Filothei are housed.
For Greek standards, Manari Taverna focuses on meat-led Greek dishes and dairy-based specialties in a contemporary taverna setting; Taverna Ermou serves traditional cooked dishes, grilled meats, and classic meze in a restored historic interior. Nearby Koutsou & Co sets out Greek small plates and wine on a compact rooftop terrace; The Zillers presents contemporary Greek plates across the Metropolitan Cathedral; The Dolli serves a hotel rooftop lunch menu in a marble-lined setting overlooking the city.
Authentic Souvlaki lovers should walk further down the street toward Monastiraki Square and settle at a sidewalk table at one of the city’s most popular souvlaki restaurants, like Thanassis or Savvas for an authentic layman’s meal. For the oldest and best souvlaki in town, join the queue outside O Kostas.
Once in Monastiraki Square, admire the views of the Acropolis from the ground or head up to 360 Bar for a coffee and panoramic vistas. Visit the Monastiraki Flea Market to check out a mishmash of Greek handmade leather goods like sandals and bags, tasteful as well as tacky tourist souvenirs, and more. If you are a fan of souvenirs and antiques, walk down Ermou from the square to Avyssinias square, where daily everything from Parisian 18th Century plates to carved Greek wooden furniture and marble busts are sold. There are also a couple of cafes to sit at here amidst the hustle and bustle.
For an added rush, walk along Athinas street, which branches off Monastiraki Square. Here you’ll see an interesting selection of stores – selling everything from traditional sweets, olives, bee products and Greek macaroons (Loni’s) – as well as unique, freshly made ice cream (Kokkion) – to DIY tools, household asccessories, gardening equipment and horse-riding accessories. You’re heading on to the Varvakeios Municipal Market for a loud, pungent and colorful view of the city’s central meat, fish and vegetable markets, where you can also shop some traditional herbs and spices to take home (the market closes at around five or six in the afternoon).
There are also some restaurants within the market. Two very different ones to definitely try are Epirus for traditional Greek cuisine, including hearty ‘patsa’ intestine soup, and Hasapika Asian Agora for fresh sushi.
Psirri Shopping, Wine & Art
Just off Athinas is Evripidou street, famous for its spice shops like Elixir and Bahar, as well as the city’s famous charcuterie and cheese treasure trove, Arapian, and the deli restaurant Ta Karamanlidika tou Fani, where cured meats characteristically dangle from the ceiling.
In the vicinity you’ll find plenty of other interesting stops – from little stores selling door handles to ethnic (mainly Pakistani and Indian) grocery stores and trendy wine bars like popular Wine is Fine. Talking of wine, this area is also where you can book yourself into the Athens Wine Tasting, to gain a highly palatable understanding of Greek varieties, or visit Cinque Wine & Deli for a casual, warm and equally rewarding wine experience.
Psirri’s central area, above Athinas street, is another great place for leisurely strolls or a stop for coffee or shisha or raki and meze. There are numerous cafes, bars, and restaurants. “New Age taverna” Linou, Soumpasis & Sia serves seasonal Greek dishes anchored in Psyrri’s creative lanes. Most kids adore Little Kook, a themed dessert spot that transports them into a different reality, or Fairytale, with its evocative floral decor.
You can also visit special stores like Convert Art, which sells beautiful upcycled accessories. or for art lovers, there’s the AD Gallery and A. Antonopoulou Art space.
The walls of Psirri are a graffiti lover’s dream – there are tours organized on the topic in this neighborhood but you can also enjoy seeing the works of acclaimed as well as unknown artists independently. It’s also well worth going to Riga Palamidous & Sarri street to see the tributary mural of Loukanikos the street protest dog, who spent his life on the front lines on the side of the people vs the police during all major socio-political demonstrations.
Ah, This is the (Night)Life!
If you choose to remain in Psyrri after a long day of multi-sensory explorations, we recommend dinner at one of Athens’ oldest tavernas, Diporto (Sokratous 9), a time-traveler’s dream 10 steps down from the road level, which has served delicious traditional Greek fare since 1887. If you’re in the mood more for a bar than a restaurant, but still want to eat more than wasabi nuts, learn about the best Athens spots where the cocktails are excellent and the food is just as interesting.
There’s a multitude of bars in the area to enjoy a cocktail, but don’t hit the sack before trying a concoction or three created at one of the World’s 50 Best Bars for 16 years running, Baba Au Rum, or, the also multi-awarded world-class bar The Clumsies, and The Bar in Front of the Bar.
👉🏻 Find out more about Athens’ best cocktail bars here.
If you can still walk after such an active day, we suggest you return to Syntagma Square to see it in its evening attire, with the lit-up fountain and a nighttime experience of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier if you didn’t stop by in the morning. One of the most wonderful places to enjoy an elegant drink is GB Roof Garden in Syntagma, with an open view of the square below and the Acropolis glittering above.
👉🏻 Discover more suggestions of rooftop bar/restaurants around the city with dazzling views.
Start this day by going to central Athens’ second highest point, the world-famous Acropolis. The term Acropolis refers to a settlement on the highest part, or the extremities, of a city. The most famous acropolis of all is that which dominates the Athens skyline and is home to the Parthenon. The complex of temples and shrines, and most of the ruins on the Acropolis, are associated with the ‘Golden Age of Pericles’ (5th century BC). Read our full guide to the Acropolis here. The dazzling ancient site opens at eight in the morning, and regardless of when you visit in the year, we suggest you visit it first thing when your batteries are fully charged. To book your tickets to the site online, click here.
Following your visit to the Acropolis, you can visit the New Acropolis Museum. Considered one of the world’s most comprehensive and modern museums, the Acropolis Museum offers a unique experience with its transparent floors, showcasing the excavation sites below, and the more recently unveiled City Beneath the Museum exhibition. The three floors are expertly curated: the first displays items from the Acropolis slopes, the second houses Archaic period artifacts, and the third features pieces from Acropolis excavations, including the Parthenon’s original architectural fragments and replicas of missing marbles. The museum cafe has an outstanding view of the Acropolis, and guided tours are available.
Hang around the surrounding Makriyianni and Koukaki neighborhoods (it’s only 10 minutes’ walk from one to the other), where there are several enticing stops for refueling (as well as doing a spot of shopping at Melissinos Art Sandals for premium handmade Greek footwear and visiting the Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum). For a delicious breakfast in Makryianni, stop at Pancake & Cake for American-style cakes like Red Devil’s Food, brownies and cheessecake, Lotte Bistro for a theatrical, doll-house vibe and hiomemade pies and sweets, or Little Tree Books & Coffee where bookish and work vibes fuse with laid back chats at pavement tables.
We recommend the brand new Feelings for excellent pastries and cakes as well as creative savory plates like spicy fried chicken with waffles, Morning Bar for fresh juices, eggs and sweets, or This is Loco for Mexican-inspired dishes like Huevos Ranchero and Breakfast Tacos as well as acai bowls in Koukaki. If you’re craving an exceptional, unforgettable sandwich and don’t mind grabbing it on the hoof, queue up at Guarantee.
Before or after your breakfast or brunch, walk up to the ultra-charming Anafiotika area on the northeast side of the Acropolis, a cozy neighborhood built on a hill that’s reminiscent of a Cycladic island. The Instagrammably picturesque houses with pretty gardens, narrow alleys that snake between them and beautiful views of the city are well worth the effort.
From the area under the Acropolis, on the quaint (and very premium) pedestrian Dionissiou Aeropagitou street, you can head in several directions.
The first comes as you follow the street directly parallel to the museum, which will lead you to the opening a cobblestoned walkway lined with olive and pine trees, called the Pikionis Pathway. Walking further on, you’ll reach the historical hills of Pnyx and Philopappou, from where you can see fabulous views of the city (including seeing the Acropolis and Lycabettus hill practically standing side by side).
👉🏻 Read more about visiting all of Athens’ scenic hills here.
The second option is to follow Dionyssiou Aeropagitou as it curves downwards and turns into Apostolou Pavlou street. This lovely walk along the base of the Acropolis will lead you to Thisseio, where you can visit several glorious ancient monuments, sites and contemporary spots like the Temple of Hephaestus.
👉🏻 Read more about Thisseio and its surrounding sights here.
The third route to take after visiting the Acropolis and its surrounding area is towards Plaka. As wonderful as both of the above options are, if you’re short on time, this is the option we most highly recommend. Plaka is a deeply historic and picturesque neighborhood, where there are a broad variety of things to see and do, and places to enjoy a drink or meal.
Walking from Makriyianni, you’ll soon reach Lysikrates Square, set amid charming neoclassical buildings and shaded by lush trees, offers an inviting blend of history and leisure. The centerpiece, the Lysikratous Monument, built in 334 BC, honors theatrical victories from ancient Athens. Cafes line the square, making it a popular spot to soak up the historical ambiance. If you’d like to linger here, stop for a coffee or a glass of wine and a bite at Daphne’s or at Diogenes.
Lysikratous street branches out to many other small and large streets in Plaka that are all wonderful to explore. The busiest and most well-known of these is Adrianou street, where you’ll find the boldest and widest array of souvenirs, clothes, accessories and jewelry, and places to eat and drink. One of the city’s most unmissable sights along this road is the Benizelos Mansion, also known as ‘Athens’ oldest house’, and once home to Agia Filothei, the city’s patron saint. With its sturdy stone walls and narrow windows, the 18th-century mansion reflects Byzantine and post-Byzantine influences, embracing an Ottoman-style courtyard with arched porticos. Inside, visitors see storerooms and presses, echoing the home’s functional design. If you follow Adrianou to the end you’ll reach the Ancient Agora and the Roman Agora.
There are several great shops to visit along the way on Adrianou street. For contemporary Greek fashion design, stop at Kourbela. For handmade home decor items made out of Greek olive wood visit Oliveland. For trendy and witty souvenirs that playfully dip into Greek fashion design, history and philosophy, go to Forget Me Not. And for hand-woven Greek carpets and textiles make sure to stop at The Loom Carpets. These are only a very few of many other stores worth checking out here.
Practically at every turn in Plaka, you’ll find somewhere beckoning you (often literally, via a waiter standing outside) to sit down for a meal. Being one of the city’s most touristy areas, it inevitably comes with kits of tourist traps. The simple and always successful rule is to avoid places where there are many more tourists than locals, as these often serve food that’s below par both in flavor and quality and sometimes at higher prices. You’re likely to be very satisfied with any of these traditional tavernas, unmissable in terms of authentic ambiance, selection of dishes and tastes: Melina Cafe, a tribute to the late actress and Culture Minister Melina Mercouri, Klepsidra Cafe, Iasemi, Scholarhio, Ta Bakaliarakia tou Damigou and O Glykis.
In Plaka you’ll find a handful of lovely little museums to visit. Our top recommendations are The Athens City Museum, the Maria Callas Museum and the Museum of Greek Folk Music Instruments. Each of these is very special in its own (niche) way. Read more about Athens’ Museums here.
End your day like a true Athenian – relaxing, ideally al fresco, over hours of eating and drinking in good company. If you’d like to stay in Plaka, go to one of the wonderful places we mentioned in the lunch suggestions, but there are many other options for nearby areas you can walk or cab it to for dinner instead, to see more of the city. Exarcheia, next to Kolonaki, has a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, as does Syntagma.
Pangrati, the neighborhood behind the Panathenaic marble stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games took place, is also an excellent choice if you prefer a change of scene. Restaurants like Soil for gourmet Greek cuisine based on organic home-grown produce, Akra for a menu that changes daily, modern dishes and exquisite sourdough, or Simul for French culinary technique enhanced by locally sourced seasonal Greek ingredients. For more traditional and classic Greek cuisine, visit Vyrinis for a family ambiance and fresh tastes or Mavros Gatos for Greek classics like stewed and grilled meat dishes.
👉🏻 Read more about the dining scene in Pangrati here.
If you decide to visit Pangrati a little earlier, don’t miss out on the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation Museum, which closes at 8 pm. Developed over 30 years, the museum’s collection is presented on floors dedicated to Western art from the 19th and 20th centuries and Greek art from the last century.
As for the city’s red-hot cocktail scene, strong bars now define neighborhoods well beyond the center. In Petralona, just below Thissio, Line Athens ranked No. 4 on The World’s 50 Best Bars list and focuses on fermentation, draft cocktails, and in-house production, while nearby To Koperti operates as a dedicated wine bar, pouring Greek labels by the glass with a short list of small plates. In Kypseli, Teleion builds its drinks around seasonal Greek ingredients and classic structure, and Topa works extensively with agave spirits and natural wines. In Exarcheia, Bar Ideal maintains late hours and a steady flow of classic cocktails, while Gamay centers on low-intervention wines and a concise food menu. In Neos Kosmos, Epta Martyres prepares creative cocktails alongside small dishes in a compact space. In Mets, Au Revoir, open since 1958, remains one of the area’s most frequented bars.
In Psyrri, Ichigo Ichie serves Japanese-inspired cocktails at a quiet counter with a focused, technique-driven approach, while Juan Rodriguez mixes rum-based drinks in a narrow, high-energy room. In Monastiraki, Iouda Athens functions as a rooftop bar with direct Acropolis views, offering cocktails and wine above the square. Back in Syntagma, Dr.8 operates as a small bar with a rotating cocktail list and bar snacks, and Lou combines wine, coffee, and mixed drinks in a modern all-day space just off the main avenues. In Kolonaki, Deka serves cocktails and a full food menu in a contemporary setting, Jazz n Jazz plays classic jazz in a basement bar known for whisky and long drinks, and 42 Bar focuses on classic cocktails in a sleek, late-night environment. These addresses form only part of the city’s wider bar circuit, which now spans nearly every district.
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