Athens will surprise you whether it’s your first visit or a stylish return. The Acropolis is a must, but there’s much more: contemporary art, vibrant neighbourhoods, intimate dinners, and hidden-gem brunch spots. Here’s how to make the most of 48 hours in the Greek capital. Thank us later.
DAY 1: Museums & Modern Greek Dining
9:00 — Wake Up in Style at Academias Hotel
Welcome to Academias Hotel, a refined retreat in the heart of Athens just a few steps from Kolonaki, Panepistimio Station, Syntagma Square, and the city’s most iconic avenues. Whatever you choose to do around the city, this location positions you perfectly to explore Athens with ease and style.
Inspired by the spirit of Plato’s Academy, the hotel blends neoclassical grace with sleek, contemporary design. Expect plush beds, Diptyque bath products, and a room packed with great amenities.
Start your day right:
Breakfast at Academias is a feast; choose eggs any style (scrambled, poached, sunny-side-up), fresh Greek yogurt with toppings, homemade Greek pies, and more. Pair it all with a strong Greek coffee, a classic espresso, or a Freddo cappuccino to power up your morning.
10:00 — Alekos Fassianos Museum
Opened in 2023, the Alekos Fassianos Museum is not your typical gallery. It’s a beautifully designed space dedicated to one of Greece’s most iconic modern artists: Alekos Fassianos. The building was designed by architect Kyriakos Krokos in collaboration with the artist himself. The museum is an ode to Fassianos‘ mythical, whimsical world.
What makes it special:
- Works from 1956 to his final years, including paintings, set designs, furniture, and illustrations.
- A unique architectural space where the artist-curated every detail.
- A variety of guided tours (including interactive and sign language options).
Visitor Highlights:
- Multiple types of tours available: private, group, and even ones led by his wife.
- Accessible experiences, including sign language and interactive tours.
- Upcoming installation-based exhibits featuring award-winning new Greek talent.
- The gift shop with Fassiano’s designs, books, posters, and cards.
Coming Soon:
The Contemporary Intervention Series launches in May 2025. Twice a year, emerging artists will exhibit works that engage in a creative dialogue with Fassianos’ legacy.
- May 2025: Panos Prophetis, Art Athina 2024 award-winner.
- October 2025: Eugenia Vereli, ceramic artist.
Click here for visiting info and upcoming shows.
How to get there: Take the metro to Stathmos Larissis (Red Line), and then a 5-minute walk.
13:30 — Lunch with a View: Strofi Restaurant
Few places pair grilled lamb and sweeping Acropolis views with such timeless elegance. Strofi is a true Athenian classic—warm service, traditional recipes with finesse, and that unbeatable rooftop setting.
We recommend trying the Grilled Halloumi with fresh tomato, pine nuts in a bright olive oil–lemon dressing. We also like the Seasonal salad featuring a variety of vegetables, cherry tomatoes, iceberg, and escarole with vinaigrette and honey sauce. Light, crisp, and perfectly balanced. Their Lamb is quite iconic too; wrapped in vine leaves and stuffed with feta and gruyère, with oven-roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, it is a bold, comforting dish that reinvents tradition.
If you want a lighter option, try the Grilled Gilt-Head Bream that is served with soft-boiled potatoes and fresh greens. Finish with Chocolate Pie with Ice Cream; dense, warm, and decadent – the perfect sweet ending to your long lunch.
Want something more casual? Take the train to Evangelismos Station and walk to Pangrati to explore more options. Our go-to is Coterie and Bro for lunch and coffee.
15:00 – Benaki Museum at Kolonaki
Step into one of Athens’ most refined cultural experiences. The Benaki Museum on Koumpari Street in Kolonaki is housed in a beautiful neoclassical mansion, just steps from the National Garden. It offers a deep and graceful dive into Greek history, art, and culture, from antiquity to the early 20th century.
Inside, you’ll find:
- Ancient artifacts, Byzantine icons, and Ottoman textiles.
- Traditional costumes, religious art, and historical manuscripts.
- Rooms styled to reflect different eras of Greek domestic life.
What Makes It Special:
A Journey Through Greek Civilization: From Cycladic figurines to post-independence portraits, each room flows into the next with a seamless sense of storytelling.
A House Full of History: The museum itself was once the family home of Antonis Benakis, and you can feel that lived-in elegance. Think carved wood staircases, vintage floor tiles, and galleries that feel intimate rather than imposing.
Elegantly Curated: Unlike bigger, more sprawling institutions, the Benaki in Kolonaki is carefully edited and human in scale. You’ll never feel rushed or overwhelmed.
Do not miss:
- Top-floor café with a shaded terrace and quiet views over Athens, perfect for a late afternoon coffee or light bites.
- Gift shop with high-quality Greek designs, jewellery, ceramics, and books.
- Frequent rotating exhibits on the ground floor, often spotlighting specific periods or themes in Greek art and heritage.
Learn more about the museum here. Book your tickets here.
17:30 — Coffee or Aperitivo Time
Downtown Athens starts to shimmer around this hour. The streets hum, the light turns honey-gold, and Athenians begin their sacred ritual: the slow glide from coffee to cocktail. Whether you’re craving an espresso or a spritz with skyline views, downtown has you covered.
Here are a few options:
- ERGON House Roof Garden (Mitropoleos): Inside the upscale food concept hotel, this rooftop has it all—creative meze, coffee, cocktails, and an epic view of the Acropolis.
- 360 Cocktail Bar (Monastiraki) – Casual but iconic, with a front-row seat to the Parthenon and a great cocktail list.
- TAF (The Art Foundation) (Monastiraki): A secret courtyard café and contemporary art gallery in one. Espresso, cocktails, and quiet creative energy.
- GB Roof Garden (Hotel Grande Bretagne) – A luxe, old-world rooftop with a panoramic view of the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, and the Parliament building. Perfect for sunset spritzes or a glass of chilled rosé.
- Electra Metropolis Roof Garden – Trendy, open-air, and buzzing with energy. Ideal for an early evening cocktail with dramatic views of the city skyline and the Parthenon.
20:00 – Destination Dinner: To Yiasemi Food & Wine Experience at Haidari
This is not just dinner, this is where meat meets mastery. For the past three years, To Yiasemi Food & Wine Experience has been redefining the culinary scene in Haidari with bold cuts, powerful flavours, and a menu curated by young chef Panagiotis Sarianoglou.
Locals swear by it, and reservations are highly recommended because when Haidari loves something, word spreads fast. The space is sleek and modern yet intimate and cosy, ideal for slow, indulgent meals and long conversations over excellent food paired with wine.
Must-try signature dishes include:
- Warm Potato Salad
A textural dream: creamy potato purée, caramelised baby potatoes with apaki (Cretan smoked pork), crispy potato chips, a golden crunchy egg, and fresh truffle. Elevated comfort food, Greek style.
- Veal Tartare
Finely diced beef mixed with pickled cucumber, capers, chives, parsley, red onion, and Dijon mustard, topped with grated parmesan and crumbled cured egg yolk served on bread. Sharp, savoury, and balanced.
- Pastitsio Croquettes
A playful take on the Greek classic — served with feta sauce, tomato marmalade, herb oil, and a parmesan biscuit crumble. Crispy on the outside and nostalgic and creamy on the inside.
- Mini Black Angus Burgers
Juicy black Angus patties are tucked into buttery brioche and layered with bacon marmalade, pickled cucumber mayo, and melted cheddar. Small in size, they pack in huge flavour.
- Picanha
Argentinian-style Black Angus picanha, grilled to perfection. Served with smashed potatoes, chive-truffle butter, and a punch of umami in every bite.
- Slow-Cooked Pork Belly
Tender, rich, and melt-in-your-mouth. Served with sweetcorn, silky carrot purée, shiitake mushrooms, pickled onion, pasteli (sesame brittle), and a sauce made from its juices.
Wine pairing:
Start with the Averoff Rosé from Metsovo, which is floral, crisp, and made for pairing. But don’t hesitate to ask your server for a perfect match based on your order.
Getting there:
Take the Blue Line metro to Agia Marina, then it’s a 10-minute walk. Reservations are highly recommended. Make yours here or call the restaurant at (+30) 2105324666.
DAY 2: Culture, Garden Escapes, & Sunset Magic
9:30 — Breakfast at The Brunchers
Start your day right with a delicious breakfast in the heart of Athens near Syntagma. The Brunchers serves brunch classics with a modern twist in a bright, stylish space.
Top Picks:
- Eggs any style – with crispy bacon or avocado on sourdough
- Croque Madame – layered with ham, cheese, béchamel & a fried egg
- Signature Pancakes – fluffy, with Greek honey, tahini, or chocolate
- Healthy Bowls – with granola, peanut butter & banana, topped with fresh fruit
- Cold brew & freddo cappuccino – smooth, strong, and photogenic
Check their full menu here.
11:30 — Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center (SNFCC)
Need a breather from the city buzz? Hop on a tram or take a short taxi ride down to Kallithea, where Athens opens up to the sea, sky, and a new kind of cultural rhythm. This is the SNFCC, a bold, sustainable, and inspiring space where art, architecture, nature, and community meet.
Designed by star architect Renzo Piano, the SNFCC is a marvel of clean lines and clever engineering. The sloping green roof leads you to a panoramic viewing point over Athens, the Saronic Gulf, and even the Acropolis in the distance.
It’s home to:
- The Greek National Opera – sleek, futuristic, and acoustically flawless.
- The National Library of Greece – a light-filled reading haven with open shelves and clean design.
- The Stavros Niarchos Park – 21 hectares of Mediterranean gardens, walking paths, water features, and event spaces.
- A canal where locals row, jog, or just sit and sip iced coffees under the olive trees.
Tips:
- Grab a coffee and snack at Canal Café or the rooftop Agora Café.
- Free Wi-Fi everywhere, great for a remote work moment or travel planning pit stop.
- Easy access via tram (Delta Falirou station), taxi, or even by bike along the coastal road.
14:30 — Reset & Recharge: Hando Massage & Spa
After a full day of ancient sites, modern art, boutique brunches, and endless walking, it’s time to switch gears. Give your body (and mind) the break it deserves with an indulgent stop at one of Athens’ most serene wellness spaces: Hando Massage & Spa.
How to get there: Take the train to Omonia Station, then take a 5-minute walk through the city’s energetic core until you enter a world of calm and quiet at Hando Massage & Spa. Inside, it’s all neutral tones, soft lighting, and minimalist design.
Top Experiences:
- Couple’s Massage with Sauna Access – intimate, calming, and perfect for reconnecting.
- Tailored Face Therapies – from hydration boosts to deep-cleansing rituals based on your skin’s needs.
- Deep-Tissue or Relaxing Full-Body Massages – choose what your body craves most.
- Signature Sauna Rituals – slow heat, herbal infusions, total reset.
Why go? Because good travel isn’t just about what you see, it’s how you feel. After a day of climbing ruins, navigating markets, and soaking in the city’s creative pulse, Hando Massage & Spa is exactly the kind of intentional pause that makes your trip feel complete.
Click here for more info & bookings. Hando Massage & Spa also has locations in Paros and Mykonos.
17:30 — Stroll or Shop: Plaka, Koukaki, Kolonaki
Time to slow down or stock up. Time to wander, or shop, if you’ve got room in your suitcase. Choose your neighbourhood based on your mood:
- Plaka: cobblestones, neoclassical houses, local crafts
- Koukaki: laid-back cafés, indie boutiques, and vintage stores
- Kolonaki: upscale shopping, art galleries, and people-watching
Hot picks:
- Parthenis – Athens fashion royalty. Founded in the ‘70s, it is known for minimalist silhouettes, flowing fabrics, and timeless Greek elegance.
- The Greek Designers Store – A curated mix of cutting-edge Greek fashion, jewellery, and design pieces. Think wearable art with a local soul.
- Sandal Workshop – Handmade leather sandals that blend ancient Greek craftsmanship with modern design. Built to last, styled to stun.
- Harris Cotton – Natural fibers, earthy tones, and simple-chic pieces perfect for warm weather and effortless style.
- Forget Me Not (Plaka) – Modern Greek design meets playful nostalgia. Great for design-savvy gifts, accessories, and homeware.
For Greek Menswear:
- Navy & Green – Sharp tailoring, premium fabrics, and modern classics, ideal for those who love quality and clean-cut style
- The Bostonians – A historic Greek brand offering refined menswear with European flair. Think crisp shirts, well-made trousers, and timeless style
- Portobello – Polished and contemporary with a Mediterranean touch, great for smart-casual looks and lightweight tailoring
19:30 — Golden Hour: Lycabettus Hill or Seaside Riviera
Option 1: Lycabettus Hill
Take the funicular (or climb if you’re feeling adventurous) up Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens. From the top, you’ll see the city stretch out in every direction — with the Acropolis glowing golden, the Aegean Sea shimmering to the south, and distant mountains hugging the horizon. The air feels cooler, the noise fades, and the view is nothing short of cinematic. Perfect for golden-hour photos or just taking a quiet moment before the night begins.
Option 2: Coastal Escape to Vouliagmeni
If you’re craving sea air, head south to Vouliagmeni. Here, the sunset melts straight into the Saronic Gulf, and the vibe is pure Athenian Riviera: relaxed, luxurious, and sun-drenched. Grab an ice cream from the nearest store, dip your toes in the water, and watch the day end with grace.
20:00 — Final Feast
Wrap up your 48 hours in Athens with a dinner that hits all the right notes: satisfying, stylish, and deliciously unhurried.
In the City: Ma Che Vuoi
Casual and charming, Ma Che Vuoi is where you go for classic Italian done right. Set in a lively corner of Kolonaki, it’s a local go-to for those craving comfort with a side of Campari.
Great pasta dishes, such as the Carbonara (roman style, no cream), the Bolognese, or Italian-style pizzas come well recommended. Do not forget the Aperitivo and Tiramisu at the end.
Outside of the City: Dinner & Drinks at Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens
Taverna 37 & Avra Bar
Elegant but relaxed, Taverna 37 is a modern Greek taverna with a beachfront setting and a Michelin star to prove it. Located at the Four Seasons Athens in Vouliagmeni, it’s where you go for fresh seafood, grilled meats, and mezze done right.
Don’t miss the charcoal-grilled octopus, marinated seabass with kumquat, or the slow-cooked pastitsada beef cheeks. Pair it with a crisp glass of Assyrtiko and save room for the loukoumades (Greek honey doughnuts) at the end. After dinner, head to Avra Bar just steps away; the cocktails and sea views are worth lingering for.
The Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens was awarded three Michelin Keys in 2025, a rare and prestigious honour confirming what you’ll feel when you walk in: this place is something special.
Getting Around Athens – Smart & Simple
Athens is easy to navigate once you know the basics. Metro: The city runs on three main lines – Red Line (Elliniko to Anthoupoli), Blue Line (Dimotiko Theatro to Airport) and Green Line (Piraeus to Kifisia).
Tickets:
A single ticket costs €1.20 and is valid for 90 minutes across the metro, bus, and tram. At the metro, you can also pay with your contactless card (VISA/Mastercard) at the gate.
Taxis & Apps:
For smooth rides, use Bolt, FreeNow, or Uber (which connects you with local taxis in Athens).
Images: Instagram
PS: Loved reading this? Take a look at our travel stories for more.
