48 Hours in Athens: My Perfect Two-Day Athens Itinerary

For some, planning the perfect 48-hour trip can feel daunting.

Thankfully, for me, after years of traveling the globe, I know exactly where I would go and what I would do to spend an extraordinary 48 hours in Athens, Greece.

Where to Stay in Athens: Electra Palace

I would start with the perfect hotel: the Electra Palace, with a great room, a junior suite with an Acropolis View. I’ve been visiting this hotel for years (and years!), and the incredible service, rooftop pool, spa, and bar make it the ideal base for my two-day journey.

Plus, the location in the heart of Plaka means one can walk almost everywhere, including the Acropolis, Acropolis Museums, Syntagma Square, the luxury shops of Kolonaki, the ancient Agora, and one of my favorite flea markets in Europe, Monastiraki.

Monastiraki’s winding streets feel like an ancient bazaar, and you can find just about everything here from souvenirs to antiques, furniture to vinyl records. It’s a place that Athenians visit and offers an authentic glimpse into life in Athens.

Day One: Ancient Athens, Plaka and Great Food

My first day would begin with an exceptional breakfast at the hotel, followed by a walk through Plaka. There’s something quite wonderful about an early morning stroll in any city, and here in Athens, as the shopkeepers prepare for their day, it’s as charming as London or Paris.

I’d make my way past the Parliament Building, a few blocks into fashionable Kolonaki, grab my favorite apple koulouri (ring-shaped bread covered with sesame), pick up a café, and walk back to the hotel for a delicious breakfast.

I know, missing the luxury shops of Kolonaki (Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, etc.) might upset some, but for my perfect 48 hours, shopping has to wait.

From there, I’d head to the ancient Agora, which is like a great open-air museum. It’s one of the few places you can get up close and personal with the ancient city, walking its streets in a park-like setting.

And there’s a great surprise for those who visit. While everyone knows the Parthenon, the best-preserved Greek temple, the Temple of Hephaestus is hiding in plain sight. I’d also make my way to Hadrian’s Library, one of the least visited and most important ancient sites in the city.

Having enough culture for the day, it’s time for a break. And for me, that means a Freddo Cappuccino at Roosters Bar. A local spot, especially popular with the LGBTQ+ community, everyone seems to make their way here to sit outside, under the trees, sip a coffee or cocktail, and watch Athenian life unfold before you.

Refreshed, I’d stroll Plaka with no plan – except to visit the Anfafiotika neighborhood of Plaka, which feels more like a Greek island than the city. Its winding streets and narrow alleyways are a maze of houses, gardens and surprises. One of my must-visit stops on every trip.

Back to the hotel, I’d head up to the rooftop for a swim, a drink, and rest before heading out for dinner.

Athens has become one of the great food cities of the world, with everything from haute cuisine to street food. My go-to is the family-run O Platinos. Set among plane trees in a tiny neighborhood square, the food is always fresh, cooked to order, and delicious.

And before returning to the hotel, an after-dinner walk is a must (especially when some of the best gelato awaits at Le Greche!)

Day Two: Museums, Gardens and Classic Athens

Highlights of the next day would start with two museums that many travelers may not be aware of but are worth a visit: the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture and the Maria Callas Museum, a three-story museum dedicated to the life of “La Divina”.

I would make sure to grab one of the best gyros and a cold beer at Tylixto, followed by (and located next door) hot loukoumades (fried dough balls dripping in honey and nuts).

I’d then head for a walk through the National Garden, which, in addition to being a beautiful space in the middle of the city, is also steps from Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. So, history and gardens all in one visit.

One of my favorite buildings is also located here, the Zappeion. Built in a traditional style in the 1800’s, it’s a stunning piece of architecture well worth a visit, and of course, the Panathenaic Olympic Stadium.

Always wanting to end my trip with something memorable, I would head to the Hotel Grande Bretagne and its Bar 8 for a glass of Metaxa (seven stars of course!). The hotel has a storied past, and if you want to feel as if you traveled back in time to an age of traditional elegance, you’ll enjoy it here.

I’d take a stroll back towards the hotel and end my night with dinner at Zohos (at the hotel), where the chef has created an ambiance and menu that is truly creative.

My 48 hours might be coming to an end, but that just means it’s time to plan my next trip!

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Richard Krieger( Director of Sky Vacations )

Richard brings a wealth of experience as an executive in the tourism industry, specializing in luxury travel. His work takes him across the globe, where he explores both iconic and hidden gems—from renowned hotels and airlines to restaurants, shops, boutiques, and cultural institutions. Through these firsthand experiences, he offers valuable insights to the global travel community.