Summer In Greece: 2-Day Athens Itinerary

You don’t have to be a history geek to enjoy a summer trip to Greece. Greece has 6,000 islands and islets with a rich ancient history, mouthwatering foods, dreamy beaches and friendly people. If you’re planning a weekend getaway or a full summer chasing all Greece has to offer, Athens should be your first stop. Athens is home to some of the oldest ruins in the world, including 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Each archaeological treasure allows you to step back into time and experience the lives of the ancient people and their gods. You only need 2 days to experience the best of Athens.

What To Wear In Athens

Summer in Greece is hot. Summer day temperatures range from 94F/34C – 118F/47C. Be prepared to sweat as you walk up and down the streets of Athens. 

Here are 4 ways to stay cool:

  1. Loose shirts and dresses – Summer is not the time to wear tight clothes, the looser the clothing the better. Go for oversized shirts and flowy dresses as they allow air to easily flow over the body. 
  2. Shorts – You should opt for shorts instead of long pants. White or light colored shorts will reflect heat and keep your skin cool.
  1. Walking Shoes – a sneaker that will keep you walking all day is New Balance Arishi v4. If your feet easily get hot I’d opt for open-toe sandals such as FitFlop Gracie Leather Sandals and Teva Flatform Universal. Both are fashionable while cushioning your feet on the stone streets of Athens. 
  2. Portable Fan – an electric fan is a must-have. They are tiny, but powerful as they quickly blast your skin with cool air.

Tip: If you wear the trendy white and blue colors in Greece, you should opt for materials made of cotton and linen as they are breathable and keep you cool. Synthetic fibers retain heat, odor and absorb sweat which will make you uncomfortably damp and hot.

Woman white and blue outfit in Greece with natural fibers and FitFlop Gracie Sandals.

Where To Stay In Athens

One of the best parts of traveling in Europe is the balcony hotels with amazing views. Balcony hotels are so common you can definitely find one that fits your budget. The majority of the hotels in Athens have a balcony to provide a clear view of The Acropolis.

Here are the top 3 Athens Hotels With Acropolis Views:

  1. The Residence Aiolou Suites & Spa
  2. Emporikon Athens Hotel
  3. Electra Metropolis Athens
Woman on a balcony in Athens with a view of The Acropolis.

Here’s A 2-Day Athens Itinerary

Day 1 – City Center

1. The Acropolis

The #1 attraction in Athens and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Acropolis is a collection of monuments that sits at the top of the city. At the Acropolis you will find:

The Parthenon – A temple dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and war, Athena. In Greek Mythology, Athena is the daughter of Zeus and with no mother, she was born whole from Zeus’ forehead.

Woman on a city break to Athens and standing in front of The Parthenon.
The Parthenon

Temple of Athena Nike – Dedicated to Athena and the goddess of victory, Nike, older Greek civilizations worshipped Athena and Nike before going into battle, in hopes that the goddesses would grant them victory.

The Erechtheion – Named after the Athenian king and demi-god Erechtheus, this structure was built to hold the statue of Athena and other gods like Poseidon.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus – Carved into the southern face of Acropolis Hill, is a magnificent open-aired theater. The theater was commissioned by Herodes Atticus as a memorial to his wife in 160 CE. Today, the theater is used for concerts and the annual Epidaurus Festival in Athens.

The Erechtheion In Athens with the Statue of Athena and Poseidon.
The Erechtheion
Odeon of Herodes Atticus In Athens - Open Air Theater Carved on The Side of The Acropolis.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Theater of Dionysus – Considered one of the oldest theaters in the world, this structure is dedicated to the god of winemaking, Dionysus. The theater was built to commemorate the great festivals and performances hosted in Greek myth by Dionysus.

Tip: Wear slip-resistant shoes at The Acropolis as the site is mainly uphill and filled with slippery stone. 

It costs €20 to visit The Acropolis, but visits are free on Sundays.

2. The Acropolis Museum

Located at the bottom of the Acropolis is the Acropolis Museum, which holds all treasures collected from the Acropolis and its surrounding slopes. The museum is worth a visit as it brings the Acropolis alive with the hundreds of artifacts that filled The Parthenon.

3. The Temple of Olympian Zeus

Hidden behind the Acropolis Museum is the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This massive 104-column temple was built to honor the Greek god of thunder, Zeus. Construction started on the temple in the 6th century BC and was completed by Roman Emperor Hadrian 638 years later. After invasion and pillaging, the temple was destroyed and can still be found in ruins today.

4. Church of Panagia Kapnikarea

14-minutes walk from The Temple of Olympian Zeus, your next stop should be the Church of Panagia Kapnikarea. At the edge of Plaka, on Ermou Street, you can find one of the oldest Greek Orthodox churches in Athens. The Church of Panagia Kapnikarea was built in the 11th century and still stands today, open to tourists. The church actively hosts services on Sundays and during Greek holidays.

Street Performers in Front Church of Panagia Kapnikarea in Plaka Athens
Church of Panagia Kapnikarea

5. Hadrian’s Library

Another 5-minute walk will take you straight to Hadrian’s Library. Constructed by Roman Emperor Hadrian, this monument was more than just a library. Although only ruins remain, you can see the layout of a courtyard pool, garden, lecture halls, and so much more. Hadrian’s Library is one of the more affordable ruins to view, as the ticket is €3.

6. Changing of the Guard

This practice can be found throughout the world, but in Athens, this routine takes place in front of the Hellenic Parliament.  Every hour, the soldiers march to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with a traditional routine that is a must-see! On Sundays at 11 am, the Evzones and a military band march from their barracks to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, where a more elaborate routine takes place. Watching the show is the perfect way to end your first day in Athens.

Day 2 – Outskirts of Athens

The second day will start with you heading outside of the city center. I recommend taking a taxi, public transportation or better yet, using a hop-on/off tourist bus to take you to the outskirts of Athens.

1. The Monastery of Daphni

 A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery was built in the 6th century A.D. on the edge of the city. Daphni is a Greek nature or tree spirit that was tangled in a futile love journey. Apollo, the god of music and poetry, offended the god of love Eros. Eros struck Apollo with an insatiable love for Daphni and struck Daphni with a hate for love. Apollo endlessly pursued Daphni until her father mercifully turned her into a laurel tree. The Monastery was nearly destroyed in the 1999 Earthquake that impacted Athens. Today, the Monastery is under construction, restricting tourist visits to Tuesdays and Fridays from 9am – 2pm.

2. Cemetery of Kerameikos

A hidden gem among the long list of ruins in Athens, Kerameikos (Greek word for pottery) was once a settlement for potters and vase painters. The site is said to be named after Keramos, the son of Dionysus, who became the god of potters. Kerameikos was destroyed by the overflow of the nearby riverbank, causing it to be converted into a cemetery. From here, you can see the ruins of the city wall, the Sacred Gate, and the Dipylon Gate.

3. National Archaeological Museum

Larger than the Acropolis Museum, the National Archaeological Museum is home to artifacts found all over Greece. Founded in 1866, the collection has grown to 11,000 exhibits, giving us an insight into ancient Greek civilization.

4. Mount Lycabettus

At 277 meters above sea level, Lycabettus Hill is perfect for those looking for a hiking adventure in Athens. If you’re only interested in the 360 view of Athens, there is the option to ride the Lycabettus Cable Car to the peak of the mountain. The hill is located 20 minutes by car outside the city center so I recommend taking a taxi to the cable car station.

View of Mount Lycabettus In Athens
View of Greek Restaurant in Athens With Chairs On A Hill

5. Plaka

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Athens, Plaka stretches from The Acropolis to Syntagma Square. The area is filled with quaint restaurants and shops for tourists to buy their favorite souvenirs.

Tip: There is a beautiful walk through Plaka that will lead you to The Acropolis, but if you’re not physically fit, I recommend you take a taxi or a different route to The Acropolis, as the walk is mostly uphill with many stairs to climb.

6. Gelato

A must-do while in Athens is to experience Greek Gelato. The delicious flavor combinations await you. Nestled in Plaka is my favorite sweet-treat bar, DaVinci Gelato.

Gelato Ice Cream With View Of Athens In Background

Tip – To save on tourist attractions ticket prices, I recommend getting this ticket combo that will allow you to see over 6 attractions including the Acropolis!

How To Get Around Athens

I don’t recommend renting a car in Athens as the majority of tourist attractions are in the city center. Athens is easily walkable, but here is a list of other forms of transportation:

  • Taxi – You can find a yellow taxi all over Athens, especially in the city center. You can order a taxi through the Free Now app, but the easiest and quickest way to get a cab is to simply hail one down on the street.
  • Uber – The Uber app works in Athens, but the licensed drivers are the same as taxi drivers. I recommend checking prices on both Uber and Free Now apps before booking a ride.
  • Hop on/off bus – My best tip for weekend getaways is tourist buses. They allow you to go directly to tourist attractions without hurting your feet walking or spending hours in the sun. The company I recommend for Athens can be found here. 
  • Airport Transfer – Most European hotels provide an airport transfer at a cost which minimizes the need for you to organize with an unknown company. Alternatives would be a taxi cab at the airport or order a private car from Welcome Pickups.
Jewelry On The Streets Of Athens

What To Buy From Athens

One of the best things about traveling is the souvenirs you bring back to your home country. I always recommend souvenirs that you can use at home, not ones that will just sit on a shelf or a fridge.

Here is a list of the Best Greek Souvenirs:

  • Olive oil – Can you really go to Greece and not take home a bottle of olive oil? No. In the Plaka area, you will find stores selling different infusions of olive oil and food seasonings to slip into your carry-on. 
  • Jewelry – In Plaka, you can find a street vendor selling custom-made necklaces and bracelets with your name crafted in Greek letters. The best part is the options for waterproof chains to ensure the longevity of your jewelry. 
  • Scarf – Buying a scarf from Greece is the perfect way to elevate your outfits. Scarves from Greece make the perfect statement piece as most are vibrant in color with unique patterns.
  • Leather Handbag – Handbag vendors line the streets of Plaka. The best vendors sell leather bags for a heavily discounted price. Imagine opening your closet and seeing the bag you purchased from Greece 7 years ago! Accessories are really the best gifts you can give to yourself.
  • Custom Leather Sandals – Have you ever had custom leather sandals made right in front of you? You can in Athens! Melissinos: The Poet Sandal Market is a family-run business handcrafting leather sandals since 1920. Prices range from €150-200.
Street Vendor In Athens Making Jewelry With Your Name In Greek Letters.
Leather Handbags For Sale In Athens

Tip: Most vendors accept credit/debit cards, but it’s helpful to have a few Euros in cash when shopping.