How to spend two days in the ancient and vibrant city of Athens

15.11.2021.

Majestic capital of Greece and its dazzling influence of historical treasure offer more than it can appear on the first glance. Delightful touch of the seven hills stays in the hidden background full of wonder. Acropolis as one of them holds the secret of majestic Athens. Athens is a fantastic doorstep to the popular Greek islands like Santorini.

Living by the marvel of the charming bougenvilla, Athens like the whole Greece knows its spell.

I never saw the city crowded as Athens so I don’t know can we thank this due to the Covid situation or the southern and ancient charm.

So if you’re short in time, remember that Athens is worth some extra day. Your itinerary could look like this beside the fact that the first day is dedicated only to arrival:

First day in Athens:

Free walking tour

Within 3 hours there’s a plenty of time to learn about the Olympic tradition and history of Athens, about the place to breath the freshest air in the pure centre (National Gardens), to learn to take the main sights- and much more.

Divided into two groups it was a relaxing walk to catch the vibe of locals. Parlament like in the every story of the ancient city stays inevitable part of the visit. The cathedral joins the game.

The most delightful part of the tour gives the finishing touch just following the route above the Agora. The vibes of the Greek islands await at the hidden corners of Athens. It’s the Anafiotika quarter in Athens, the place where locals of Anafi island near Santorini have built this quarter in 19th century.

The most confusing part of the tour was the meeting point, I missed it the first day. The surprising fact made me feel like a fool as nobody knows about the church I was mentioning in my search. Have in mind this when travelling in Greece that locals just don’t know the nearby sights but are willing to check the map on their phone. Offline maps can be stored in the application called Maps.me.

The Free walking tour offers two opportunities to meet: at 10h or 14h. I did the morning one and so glad about it as I didn’t want to replace the sunset at Acropolis- which I did anyway the day before.

Checking the local restaurants

The splendid Monastiraki square hides the large market with plenty of stuff and specially alive in Sundays.

Monastiraki area is the place to get lost at its antique restaurants and try the traditional greek food.

If you opt for vegan like me, try Vegan Beat Athens, Not Just falafel, Winners Vegan, Avocado. There are plenty of choice.

Or go to Kameirakos where I found my cozy place at Treis Laloun with greek gyros plus other traditional stuff in the vegan edition.

Floral design becomes popular and very attractive, I was lucky to stroll upon the rich decor of Ellyz. This is the place to take a snack or mostly cake and spring vibes.

Second day in Athens:

Exploring Plaka

Plaka is the central area with souvenir shops where the blue colour will prevail and the typical blue eye. Shops, caffe bars, restaurants and many rooftop bars (with the splendid views of Acropolis) are situated here.

Psyri is the neighbouring quarter where many clubs and bars take place. It’s also the quarter with the most amazing street art of Athens.

Exploring the historical treasure of Athens, specially Acropolis

With Acropolis on the throne, the monuments of Athens can be explore with one single ticket at the discount price. This package ticket costs 30 Euro and includes Acropolis, Ancient Agora with Hadrian’s Library as a special delicacy, Museum of Ancient Agora and few others.

Only the single ticket of Acropolis costs 20 Euros in the period of 01.04. till 31.10. On certain days there’s a free entrance to the Acropolis, these are:

06.03.- Melina Mercouri Remembrance Day

18.04.- International Monuments Day

18.05.- The last weekend on September (European Heritage Day)

28.10. and

Every first Sunday from 01.11. till the 31.03.

It’s still worth to visit only the Acropolis, the lines will be huge but I loved my sunset visit. Three temples, Amphitheatre of Herodeion and fantastic views of the Athens definitely play the game. The main temple or Parthenon is momentally in reconstruction from inside during my visit. It’s dedicated to the Greek goddes Athena and dating from the 5th century BC.

The southern temple is the most fascinating as the role of columns are taken by Karyatids or six Korai statues in the female shape.

For even better views of the Acropolis and Athens at sunset go to the neighbouring hill- Areopagus hill.

Where to stay in Athens

Certainly the best would be near Monastiraki metro as it’s closest to the centre. You can imagine the view of Acropoli if there’s a rooftop.

For more tips where to stay in Athens, check it here.

Budget options:

Pella Inn– amazing views of the Acropolis, Free walking tours and much more..

Athens Quinta– lovely hostel with the vintage vibe and free breakfast;

Selina Athens Theatrou– for all the lovers of Selina concept for digital nomads, the views are unbeatable;

Athens Backpackers– very cozy place with two rooftops;

Midrange:

Zillers Boutique Hotel– cozy buiding with modern comfort at Monastiraki

Luxurious:

Electra Palace Athens– pool with the view of Acropolis, such an elegant place to stay;

Hotel Grande Bretagne– large and historical hotel near the House of Parliament;

Conclusion

Ancient Athens is the city that I’m pleasantly surprised about, I know that 2 days are not enough. The only thing that didn’t suit me well were the crowds.

Athens is the place to learn about history, that section that you never thought about it except the Greek Gods.

Relaxing atmosphere, amazing food, bougenvilla everywhere- creates that twist where creative spirit goes hand in hand with coziness.

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