To walk through Athens is to walk to the sources of our world. Here democracy, philosophy and theatre were born; here, 2,500 years ago, Pericles had the Parthenon built. But Athens isn't just an open-air museum: it's also a vibrant Mediterranean capital, with its markets, tavernas and incomparable light.
Two days are enough to see the essentials before, why not, dashing off to the islands. Here's our itinerary — find the visits on our what to do in Athens page.
Day 1 — Antiquity: Acropolis & Parthenon
Climb up to the Acropolis early in the morning, before the heat and the crowds. Atop the sacred rock, the Parthenon has raised its marble columns since the 5th century BC, a monument to the goddess Athena and a summit of Greek architecture. Take time to admire the Erechtheion and its caryatids too, then take in the whole city spread at your feet.
Then head down to the Acropolis Museum, a modern, light-filled setting that houses the site's original sculptures. The top floor, aligned with the Parthenon glimpsed through the windows, is a highlight.
Acropolis & ancient sites
Skip-the-line tickets and guided tours of the Acropolis and the museum.
Day 2 — Plaka, markets and Greek spirit
Spend your morning in Plaka, the oldest district of Athens, a maze of cobbled lanes and neoclassical houses clinging to the slopes of the Acropolis. Continue to Monastiraki and its lively flea market, then pause in a taverna to taste souvlaki, mezze and a glass of ouzo.
In the afternoon, rise above it all on Lycabettus Hill, the city's highest point, for a memorable sunset over the Acropolis and the sea in the distance. And if time allows, a ferry takes you in an hour to the first islands of the Saronic Gulf.
Trips & cruises from Athens
Cruises to the Saronic islands and day trips to book.
