Athens is a city of contrasts, juxtaposing ancient ruins alongside modern edifices, eastern and western tendencies, not to mention the combination of sea and mountains. What to expect from this Athens itinerary for 2 days? Some art and culture, lots of delicious flavours, disarming views, thrills and relaxation. Whether you’re visiting with family, your significant other, or in the city on business, staying in one of the three centrally located Electra Hotels affords you a unique opportunity to experience everything your hearts desire. Here are some recommendations we have for some off-the-grid ideas for a concise Athens itinerary for 2 days to help you navigate this city and all it offers.
Athens itinerary for 2 days
Day 1
Morning: Athens City Explorations
Couples: After a light breakfast, begin your city adventure with a morning walk, browsing shops, cafes, eateries that represent the local side of Athens. Peruse the open air markets of Monastiraki and Thiseio filled with trinkets and antique treasures while you grab the customary “freddo” or “frappe” coffee on the go.
Families: Begin exploring the vibrant world of Athens street art on an exciting tour. This will tickle children’s imagination as you explore the city following one impressive wall mural after another, also singling out spots you would like to come back to along the way.
Business Travellers: If your meetings don’t start until later in the day, take the opportunity to either watch the Evzones march outside of Parliament, just a stone’s throw from Electra Hotel Athens on Ermou street or go on a morning loop around the Acropolis rock. It is only 1.6 miles or 2.5 km, and an easy walk at that.
Afternoon: Wellness & Relaxation
Couples: Indulge in a luxurious couples massage and rejuvenate together with soothing treatments in a serene spa setting. Massages and treatments at Electra Palace Athens, an iconic luxury spa hotel in Plaka, Athens city are the perfect way to set your mood and replenish your energy.
Families: Take advantage of the great weather and Electra Metropolis Athens, a luxury hotel with rooftop pool in Athens city. Both adults and well-behaved children can enjoy dipping in the pool, while soaking up some incredible landmark views.
Business Travellers: Take a break from your day and unwind before your next meeting with a massage, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or a rooftop pool swim at any of Electra Metropolis or Electra Palace Athens hotels.
Evening: Delectable Dinner at Electra Hotels Restaurants
Couples: Romance blooms in immaculate surroundings, such as those at Electra Palace Athens. For astonishing views, Electra Roof Garden, an Acropolis view rooftop restaurant in Athens is the place while at Zohós, you can share an intimate dining experience based on meze culture, in a fairytale garden setting on the ground floor.
Families: Kids will appreciate dinner accompanied by stunning landmark views but if they are fussy, and of course there is also room-service if they get fussy. Enjoy a sensational dinner at Metropolis Roof Garden restaurant with Acropolis view.
Business Travellers: Network over dinner in a stylish setting at the rooftop terraces of the three Electra Hotels, perfect for an inspiring dinner with a view. Pair cocktails or wine with exquisite flavours in an iconic setting and indulge in moments when business chats take the back seat.
Day 2
Morning: Explore the island district of Anafiotika
Couples: Wake up refreshed and ready to explore, before wandering through the romantic neighbourhood of Anafiotika with its Cycladic island aesthetic, narrow streets, and picturesque nooks. It is one of the most instagrammable spots in the city.
Families: This location has an unexpected charm that children will immediately pick up on and be excited to explore. Built on the slope of the Acropolis, Anafiotika is like a maze of colourful houses, full of steps, island-style decor and quaint alleyways leading all the way up to the citadel.
Business Travellers: A quick detour to Anafiotika offers a wonderful way to kick-start your day. Enjoy a stroll in an island-like setting, observe the people, or simply hike up to its highest point for an inspiring view of the city below.
Afternoon: Discover more about local Athens
Couples: Go shopping on the local highstreet on Ermou, or the haute-couture street of Voukourestiou for high-fashion brands. Midday is the quietest time to go shopping during the week, it has the least crowds in the shops.
Families: Check out the sea views of the SNFCC (Stavros Niarchos Cultural Foundation) grounds and gardens. There are various interesting events happening on a daily basis which children are sure to find engaging. Alternatively, go to a museum or exhibition – the Museum of Illusions is always a big hit. The Emotions Museum is a great choice for children who love a bit of interaction. Finally, there is the Benaki Toy Museum as well, close to the SNFCC too.
Business Travellers: Take advantage of Athens’ proximity to the sea for a stroll to Flisvos Marina for a chilled afternoon, or head to the SNFCC — a marvel of architectural genius with the Opera House, National Library, and incredibly manicured grounds.
Evening: Experience Open-Air Entertainment
Couples: Choose one of the open-air cinemas within the historical district which you can easily walk to – you will find one located at the foot of the Acropolis, offering a film with the imposing citadel in the background — a truly romantic spot. The Athens Epidaurus Festival is on during the summer, so be sure to check out the various performances happening in the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Families: Gather your kin and go see a movie at one of Athens’ open-air cinemas, which show child-friendly features, art house films, classics, and recent releases. Check the one in Thissio which is easy to get to from Plaka. Tip: Always wear mosquito repellent!
Business Travellers: If time allows, unwind by watching a film at an open-air cinema or performance. Alternatively, enjoy a drink at a local bar or at one of Electra Hotels rooftop bars for that epic Acropolis view on your last evening in this incredible city.
Additional tip:
Day Trip to Hydra & Saronic Islands:
Not many cities can boast having the coastal advantages of Athens. Depending on your schedule and desires, you could consider a day trip to the nearby islands of Hydra, Aegina, Agistri, and Poros. Accessible by ferry or on by joining a sailing tour, these islands offer a beautiful escape from the city and are suitable for all types of travellers. Find yourselves a slice of island heaven, just under 2 hours from Athens city.
In this Athens itinerary for 2 days, you’ll be treated to a carousel of experiences that dive straight into the essence of the destination. By choosing one of our three centrally-located Athens-based Electra Hotels for your stay, you’ll be able to soak up the city vibes at will, with easy access to the inner and outer city’s treasures. Contact us for more information, about curating a more personalised Athens itinerary for 2 days or for longer, as of course for booking various tours and activities. Whatever your preference or interest, traveller type and duration of stay, our Concierge is eager to assist in crafting the perfect Athens escape for you.
