2 Days in Athens: An Hour-by-Hour Itinerary With the Acropolis and Plaka
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Short answer: two days are enough for a first visit to Athens. Spend day 1 walking from Syntagma Square down Ermou Street to Monastiraki and the Psyrri neighborhood, and day 2 on the Acropolis, Areopagus Hill, Plaka, and sunset from Lycabettus Hill. Every stop is within walking distance, and the only ticket to book ahead is the Acropolis, with a timed entry slot.
Planning two days in Athens? This itinerary splits the city into two clear days: one day of shopping, coffee and lively central neighborhoods, and a second day of historic sites and viewpoints. All the stops are within walking distance of each other, so you can see Athens in 48 hours without taxis and without wasting time.
Before you set off: make sure you have internet on your phone from the moment you land. Navigating with Google Maps, booking Acropolis tickets and checking opening hours all need a stable connection throughout the day, and a FlySim eSIM for Greece connects before you even leave the airport.
Day 1 in Athens: Syntagma Square, Ermou Street and Psyrri
The first day is all on foot, about 2 km from Syntagma Square to Psyrri. The order of stops follows the walking direction: start at the Parliament building at the top of Ermou Street and walk west along it.
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 09:30 | Morning at Syntagma Square: coffee and a pastry before the shops open. |
| 10:00 | The Parliament building: the changing of the Evzones guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, every hour on the hour. |
| 10:30 | Ermou pedestrian street: Athens' main shopping street, from Syntagma to Monastiraki. |
| 11:30 | A toy shop: a stop along Ermou, especially good for families with kids. |
| 12:30 | Sephora: cosmetics and perfume on Ermou Street. |
| 13:30 | Lunch: around Monastiraki, at the end of Ermou. |
| 15:30 | Little Kook: the fairy-tale themed café at Karaiskaki 17 in Psyrri. Open daily from 09:00 to midnight. |
| 17:00 | Psyrri neighborhood: alleys, graffiti, vintage shops and nearby Pittaki Street. |
| 20:00 | Dinner in Psyrri: tavernas and bars; the neighborhood comes alive in the evening. |
Tip: queues tend to form at Little Kook, especially on weekends. The decor changes several times a year, so even if you've been before you'll find something new.
Day 2 in Athens: the Acropolis, Plaka and sunset on Lycabettus Hill
The second day is dedicated to historic Athens and ends at the highest viewpoint in the city. Buy your Acropolis ticket in advance with an entry time, and choose an early slot.
| Time | Stop |
|---|---|
| 08:30 | The National Garden: a shady morning walk in the park next to the Parliament. |
| 10:00 | The Acropolis: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Allow about two hours. |
| 12:15 | Areopagus Hill: a rock next to the Acropolis exit, with a free view of the Parthenon and the Agora. |
| 13:00 | Plaka: lunch and alleys below the Acropolis, in the city's oldest neighborhood. |
| 16:00 | Rest at the hotel: before the evening. |
| An hour before sunset | Lycabettus funicular: leaves from Aristippou Street in Kolonaki, a ride of about 3 minutes inside a tunnel. |
| Sunset | The top of Lycabettus: a 360-degree view of the city, the chapel of Agios Georgios and a café at the summit. |
Tickets and opening hours (check before you travel)
- Acropolis: a standard ticket costs €30, and a timed entry slot is mandatory. The site opens at 08:00, and closes earlier in the winter months.
- Lycabettus funicular: about €10 one way and about €13 return, running daily from 09:00 until late at night. According to travelers' reports, the ticket office takes cash only.
Tip: the rocks on Areopagus Hill are very slippery, so wear sneakers.
Tips for Athens: transport, tickets and internet
- Transport: most of the route is on foot. For Little Kook and Psyrri, use Monastiraki metro station (line 3), and for the Acropolis, Akropoli station (line 2). You can tap a contactless card or phone to pay; more in our guide to must-have apps for Greece.
- Tickets in advance: buy your Acropolis ticket on the official site, hhticket.gr, and choose an entry time.
- Cash: keep a few euros in cash for the funicular and kiosks.
- Internet on your phone: the whole route relies on real-time navigation, buying tickets online and checking queues. Instead of hunting for Wi-Fi or paying for a roaming plan, install a FlySim eSIM for Athens and Greece before you leave and be connected from the moment the plane lands.
Visiting in autumn? See Greece in October and November for weather, opening hours and free entry days.
Frequently asked questions
Are two days enough for Athens?
Yes, for a first visit. Two days are enough for the Acropolis, Plaka, Psyrri, Ermou Street and the view from Lycabettus, with every stop within walking distance or a short ride.
How much does it cost to enter the Acropolis?
A standard ticket costs €30, and entry is at the time slot you chose in advance.
When is the best time to go up Lycabettus?
About an hour before sunset, so you see the city in daylight, at sunset and with the night lights.
Where is Little Kook?
At Karaiskaki 17 in the Psyrri neighborhood, a few minutes' walk from Monastiraki Square.
How do I get internet in Athens?
The easiest way is an eSIM for Greece: install it before your trip, switch it on when you land, and avoid your carrier's roaming charges.