{"id":11525,"date":"2023-03-28T11:58:32","date_gmt":"2023-03-28T15:58:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cf-staging.takewalks.com\/blog2\/?p=11525"},"modified":"2025-10-16T12:54:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T10:54:35","slug":"2-days-in-athens","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens","title":{"rendered":"2 Days In Athens: Ideal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-7df1a4d1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-7df1a4d1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_02.jpg\" alt=\"Woman looks at a guidebook in front of the Parthenon's columns in Athens, Greece\" title=\"walks_athens_day_02\"\/>\n<figcaption class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-b581d295 gb-headline-text\">&nbsp;Make the most of your time in the Greek capital with this guide on how to spend 2 days in Athens.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_63 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #443d47;color:#443d47\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Day_1\" title=\"Day 1\">Day 1<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Climb_up_the_Sacred_Rock\" title=\"Climb up the Sacred Rock\">Climb up the Sacred Rock<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#See_how_history_is_preserved\" title=\"See how history is preserved\">See how history is preserved<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Wander_Athens_historical_center\" title=\"Wander Athens\u2019 historical center\">Wander Athens\u2019 historical center<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Try_traditional_taverna_fare\" title=\"Try traditional taverna fare\">Try traditional taverna fare<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Check_out_monumental_ruins\" title=\"Check out monumental ruins\">Check out monumental ruins<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Finish_with_a_local_night-cap\" title=\"Finish with a local night-cap\">Finish with a local night-cap<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Day_2\" title=\"Day 2\">Day 2<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#See_how_the_ancients_lived\" title=\"See how the ancients lived\">See how the ancients lived<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Enjoy_lunch_with_a_view\" title=\"Enjoy lunch with a view\">Enjoy lunch with a view<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Find_hand-made_gifts_galore\" title=\"Find hand-made gifts galore\">Find hand-made gifts galore<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Catch_the_sunset_over_the_sea\" title=\"Catch the sunset over the sea\">Catch the sunset over the sea<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/2-days-in-athens\/#Spend_an_evening_at_the_cinema\" title=\"Spend an evening at the cinema\">Spend an evening at the cinema<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-306c5a56 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_1\"><\/span><strong>Day 1<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-8c502cea gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Climb_up_the_Sacred_Rock\"><\/span><strong><strong>Climb up the Sacred Rock<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Start your time in Athens at its most famous historical monument\u2013 the Acropolis<\/strong>. A hub of ancient temples and theaters, the sacred rock of Athens has been the epicenter of the city from ancient times to today. The heart of the Acropolis is the impressive Parthenon temple dedicated to the city\u2019s patron goddess Athena, but there are also remains of many other structures that served religious and ceremonial functions from the ancient times through the Ottoman period. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We recommend hitting the <strong>Acropolis early in the morning<\/strong>, and allow plenty of time to explore each monument at this spectacular site. Check out our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/visiting-the-acropolis-tips\">Tips for Visiting the Acropolis<\/a> to make sure you see everything at this incredible monument. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-20f1eeb1\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-20f1eeb1\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_03.jpg\" alt=\"Man with a backpack and sunglasses looks out at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece\" title=\"walks_athens_day_03\"\/>\n<figcaption class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-0c867fff gb-headline-text\">Seeing the Acropolis is a highlight of any trip to Athens.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-43b61822 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"See_how_history_is_preserved\"><\/span><strong>See how history is preserved<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Right at the base of the Acropolis is the new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/acropolis-museum-athens\">Acropolis Museum<\/a>. <strong>Opened in 2009, this museum hosts the ancient wonders of the Acropolis<\/strong> in state-of-the-art exhibitions that explain the historical providence and significance of each piece, along with insight into the history of excavations and preservation of the artifacts. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The museum&#8217;s bottom floors lead you through the artifacts arranged in chronological order. <strong>The top floor is a to-scale recreation of the Parthenon itself, which allows you to walk amongst the friezes much as the ancients would have. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Insider&#8217;s Tip:<\/strong> <strong>Make sure you don\u2019t miss the exhibition on the Caryatid sculptures <\/strong>\u2013 these unique columns are marvels of architecture and art, and the exhibition has videos showing exactly how conservationists have kept them looking their best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-52e9a126\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-52e9a126\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_05.jpg\" alt=\"Statues of women in the New Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece.\" title=\"walks_athens_day_05\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_05.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_05-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_05-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_05-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/walks_athens_day_05-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/>\n<figcaption class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-725683e4 gb-headline-text\">Caryatid sculptures at the New Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece.<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-6c3a1b03 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Wander_Athens_historical_center\"><\/span><strong>Wander Athens\u2019 historical center<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The neighborhood of <strong>Plaka is a great area for shopping, eating, and strolling around<\/strong>. One of the most historical neighborhoods of Athens, Plaka is made up of tiny winding streets lined with shops, ancient ruins, and neoclassical houses from the 1800s. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you walk around you may stumble upon the Roman Monument of Lysicrates, the Venizelou Mansion, the Museum of Greek Folk Art, and the Kanellopoulos Museum. <strong>Plaka is also a perfect place to pick up souvenirs like hand-made leather bags<\/strong> and some Greek evil eyes to ward away bad luck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-21dbc2e0\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-21dbc2e0\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/matt-cramblett-sukW98lrXy4-unsplash-plaka-athens.jpg\" alt=\"Quiet, colorful street with plants in Plaka, Athens.\" title=\"matt-cramblett-sukW98lrXy4-unsplash-plaka-athens\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/matt-cramblett-sukW98lrXy4-unsplash-plaka-athens.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/matt-cramblett-sukW98lrXy4-unsplash-plaka-athens-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/matt-cramblett-sukW98lrXy4-unsplash-plaka-athens-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/matt-cramblett-sukW98lrXy4-unsplash-plaka-athens-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n<figcaption class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-2d2fa0e0 gb-headline-text\">A quiet, colorful street with plants in Plaka, Athens. Photo credit: Matt Cramblett<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-1e36db79 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Try_traditional_taverna_fare\"><\/span><strong>Try traditional <em>taverna <\/em>fare<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stop for lunch at Platanos Taverna (&nbsp;<em>Diogenous 4)<\/em>, for a traditional Greek meal. <em><strong>Pl<\/strong><\/em><strong><em>atanos<\/em> means Sycamore tree in Greek, and this restaurant is surrounded by the stately spottled trees<\/strong>.&nbsp; This taverna has been operating since 1932, serving up savory stuffed peppers and hand-made tzatziki to generations of Athenians. They are especially known for their house retsina wine, a Greek white wine made with small amounts of Aleppo pine resin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-2-feta-olive-beer-web-size-1200px-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Greek table with feta cheese, a plate of olives, and a frosty beer\" class=\"wp-image-12398\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-2-feta-olive-beer-web-size-1200px-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-2-feta-olive-beer-web-size-1200px-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-2-feta-olive-beer-web-size-1200px-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-2-feta-olive-beer-web-size-1200px.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Feta cheese and olives are common menu items in Athens.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-d32d9c8a gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Check_out_monumental_ruins\"><\/span><strong>Check out monumental ruins<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After lunch make sure you check out the <strong>arch of Hadrian and the temple of Zeus<\/strong>. These two monuments are some of the great accomplishments of the Roman empire\u2019s time in Athens. The temple of Zeus particularly took decades to complete construction, and you can see some of the colossal columns still towering in situ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-01b36475 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Finish_with_a_local_night-cap\"><\/span><strong><strong>Finish with a local night-cap<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>After a long day we suggest <strong>grabbing a drink at Brettos bar, a long-time favorite of in-the-know Athenians<\/strong>. People come here at least partially for the ambiance\u2013 the tables are wooden distilling barrels and the bar has an iconic back-splash shelf lined with jewel-toned liquor bottles. But Brettos also has the goods to back up their renown\u2013 they boast an extensive list of excellent home-made ouzo, liqueurs, brandy, <em>tsipouro<\/em>, and <em>rakomelo\u2013 <\/em>a stiff Greek drink made with honey and raki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-f4fa96d8 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Day_2\"><\/span><strong>Day 2<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-27dfe3d0 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"See_how_the_ancients_lived\"><\/span><strong><strong>See how the ancients lived<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Start your second day in Athens in the area of Monastiraki <\/strong>and make sure you hit two sites that will give you a look into the more day-to-day life of the ancient Athenians: Hadrian\u2019s Library and the Athenian Agora. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We recommend you start at Hadrian\u2019s library, right next to the metro stop<\/strong>. Today only the facade of the building remains, but during the time of the Romans this library hosted lectures and seminars, eminent researchers, and a massive collection of scrolls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-5562eecd\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-5562eecd\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/52527249676_d8376b6503_k-hadrians-library-bex-walton.jpg\" alt=\"VIsitors walk through Hadrian's Library in Athens, Greece\" title=\"52527249676_d8376b6503_k-hadrians-library-bex-walton\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/52527249676_d8376b6503_k-hadrians-library-bex-walton.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/52527249676_d8376b6503_k-hadrians-library-bex-walton-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/52527249676_d8376b6503_k-hadrians-library-bex-walton-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/52527249676_d8376b6503_k-hadrians-library-bex-walton-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n<figcaption class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-cc599d43 gb-headline-text\">Hadrian&#8217;s Library is a great stop during your 2 days in Athens! The site is particularly beautiful when the flowers are blooming. Photo credit: Bex Walton<\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next hit the <strong>Athenian Agora, a sprawling archaeological site<\/strong> with a museum inside. In ancient times the Agora was a shopping center, as well as a series of courthouses and legislative buildings. Inside the museum are an impressive collection of pot shards that were used in ancient voting processes, with the names of the voters scratched onto them still visible today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-409d162c gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Enjoy_lunch_with_a_view\"><\/span><strong>Enjoy lunch with a view<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For lunch, or a late brunch, one of our favorites is A for Athens<\/strong>. This hotel has a rooftop bar with a jaw-dropping view of Monastiraki, the Acropolis, and in fact most of the center of Athens! On the brunch menu we can\u2019t get enough of the <em>kayiana<\/em> eggs\u2013 a traditional dish with eggs scrambled in freshly sliced tomatoes and topped with feta cheese.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"gb-block-image gb-block-image-6362236e\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1200\" height=\"800\" class=\"gb-image gb-image-6362236e\" src=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-7-athens-market-web-size-1200px.jpg\" alt=\"Monastiraki Square in Athens, Greece with the Monastiraki Flea Market in foreground.\" title=\"Athens,athens\/greece-03\/19\/2019,View,From,The,Monastiraki,Square,In,Athens,greece.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-7-athens-market-web-size-1200px.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-7-athens-market-web-size-1200px-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-7-athens-market-web-size-1200px-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Athens-Stock-Photo-7-athens-market-web-size-1200px-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/>\n<figcaption class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-ae523983 gb-headline-text\">You&#8217;ll have an amazing view of many central Athenian sites &#8211; including Monastiraki Square &#8211; when you grab a bite at A for Athens.  <\/figcaption>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Traveler\u2019s tip<\/strong>: Athens is filled with wonderful cafes, taverns, and restaurants that serve all types of local dishes. While you&#8217;re planning your trip, make sure to check out our list of the&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/best-restaurants-in-athens\">Best Restaurants in Athens<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-de114a6f gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Find_hand-made_gifts_galore\"><\/span><strong><strong>Find hand-made gifts galore<\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>After lunch take a bit of a walk towards the Thissio flea-market<\/strong>. Here individual vendors set up stalls with <strong>all sorts of handcrafts and vintage finds<\/strong>\u2013 you can pick up <strong>hand-hammered jewelry<\/strong>, <strong>vintage books, knitted scarves, olive-wood furniture, and handmade leather purses<\/strong>. Set right under the rock of the Acropolis, with tons of options for one-of-a-kind souvenirs, Thissio flea market is that classic Athens combo of old and new all mixed together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-c95701fb gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Catch_the_sunset_over_the_sea\"><\/span><strong><strong><strong>Catch the sunset over the sea<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Right beside the Thisseo flea market is Filopappos Hill<\/strong>. The hill and the surrounding valley have been fenced off into a large city park. As you wander the pathways you will come across churches hosting evening services, ancient marble ruins, and normal Athenians enjoying a walk amongst the trees. We like to time the walk so that we reach the top of the hill right as the sun is setting, casting bright pinks and yellows over the city and the sea. <strong>On a clear day you can even see some of the nearby islands on the horizon!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"gb-headline gb-headline-04cf7165 gb-headline-text\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Spend_an_evening_at_the_cinema\"><\/span><strong><strong><strong><strong>Spend an evening at the cinema<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To close your second day in this amazing city there\u2019s nothing better than catching a flick at one of the many <a href=\"https:\/\/www.takewalks.com\/blog\/outdoor-cinema-athens\">outdoor cinemas in Athens<\/a>. Our favorite is the Thissio Outdoor Cinema. Though the cinema is only open in the warmer months, if you catch it at the right time, it\u2019s a one-of-a-kind experience. <strong>Built in 1935, the Thissio Cinema is the oldest in all of Athens<\/strong>. They play old classic movies as well as new releases; serve beer, cheese pies, and popcorn; all with a nighttime view of the Acropolis nearby. Tickets are only sold at the box office, so we recommend grabbing them earlier in the day (maybe right before you hit Filopappos) to make sure you have a seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wondering how to make the most of your time if you only have 2 days in Athens? From historical sites to modern stops, we&#8217;ve got a full guide.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":12393,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[678],"tags":[706,674,704],"ppma_author":[1338],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>2 Days In Athens: Ideal Itinerary for First-Time Visitors<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Wondering how to make the most of your time if you only have 2 days in Athens? 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