48 hours in Athens can be an experience on its own, as there are plenty of things to see and do. It is a good thing that this city never sleeps because it means that you can get the most out of your stay, even if it's only for a few days.
Below you will find an indicative itinerary that will help you experience what Athens really is: a modern city built among history's most amazing landmarks.
DAY 1
8:00 - Acropolis
First stop for today: the magnificent Acropolis. We suggest you get up early in order to avoid long queues. During your visit, you will get the chance to admire some of the most important landmarks of the ancient Greek history such as the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. Before you climb downhill, make sure you pause and take in the amazing 360 views of the city.
Detail of caryatids statues on Acropolis Hill, Athens
10:00 - Coffee Break
Greeks love their coffee. If you do too, then now is a good time to have a short break. You can order your regular coffee or try the traditional Greek coffee for a change.
11:00 - The Acropolis Museum
This newly built Acropolis Museum is the pride and joy of the city as it showcases the masterpieces of the ancient Greek civilization and gives its visitors the chance to time-travel in history's most iconic times.
13:00 - Lunch in Plaka
After all this sightseeing you will definitely need to rest and eat. Souvlaki is always a good idea if you want to be on the go!
14:00 - Temple of Olympian Zeus
Another historical monument you won't want to miss!
17:00 - National Garden or Shopping
At this time you will probably be exhausted. So, you can visit the National Garden and rest in this green oasis in the center of Athens. If not, you can always do some shopping. Ermou Street, Stadiou Street and Panepistimiou Street are the most popular shopping streets and you can access them easily via Syntagma Square. If you are interested in high-end boutiques, then walk towards Voukourestiou Street and Kolonaki.
National Garden, Athens
20:00 - Dinner Time
The options are plenty! You can visit Plaka, Thision or Monastiraki if you want to enjoy your meal with amazing views to the Acropolis or head to Gazi, where the heart of the modern side of the city beats.
DAY 2
09:00 - Panathenaic Stadium
Start your day with a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium, one of the city's most popular attractions. It is the birthplace of the Modern Olympic Games and the point of departure for the Olympic flame.
11:00 - Ancient Agora
The well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus will take your breath away. You can also visit the Museum of Ancient Agora that is housed in the Stoa of Attalos.
12:30 - Monastiraki Flea Market & Psyrri
The Monastiraki Flea Market and the small shops of the surrounding area of Psyrri, are some local attractions you won't want to miss. Vintage clothes, records, old books, antique furniture, leather sandals and accessories, are amongst the souvenirs you can buy from Greece.
13:30 - Lunch at Monastiraki
After your shopping spree, you can enjoy your lunch in the Monastiraki area. A kebab will definitely satisfy your appetite!
16:00 - Anafiotika
The area of Anafiotika is only 16 minutes away by foot from the Monastiraki Square. The little alleys with the whitewashed houses and the blossomed yards will steal your heart.
18:00 - Time for Rest
You can either sit at a local cafe in the area or go back to your hotel and get some rest.
20:00 - Visit Piraeus
Piraeus hosts Attica's port, and is also the port of departure for the Minoan Lines itineraries to Crete. Near the port, in the Pasalimani area, you can enjoy a walk, take romantic pictures by the sea and taste some exquisite fish and seafood.
Source: destinationpiraeus.com
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