How to spend two spring days in Athens, Greece: from wandering ancient ruins to charming neighborhoods, this travel guide shares exactly how we spent our time in Athens in April, plus what we feel is worth seeing, where to stay, what to eat, and a few things I wish I knew before we went.

I’ll be honest, Athens was one of those places I booked more as a “we should probably see it once” kind of destination rather than somewhere I expected to truly love.

Between some mixed reviews online and a few people telling me it felt chaotic or gritty, my expectations were pretty low heading into the trip.

But the second we arrived, this ancient city completely surprised us in the best way.

Yes, the history is absolutely mind blowing: standing in a place that shaped so much of the modern world never really stops feeling surreal.

But what made Athens special to both me and my husband was the energy of the people :).

Everywhere we went, locals were incredibly warm, welcoming, and genuinely proud to share their city and culture with visitors.

That kind of atmosphere changes a trip, and by the end of our stay, Athens ended up being one of the biggest surprises of our entire Greece itinerary.

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The Little Details

Maps

HOW TO USE THIS MAP:

Click the tab in the top left hand corner of the map to view the layers of the map and names of places included. You can click the check marks to hide or show the layers. If you click the icons on the map, you can get more information from each point of interest.

If you click the little star next to the title of the map, this map will be added to your Google Maps account. To view the map on your phone or computer, open Google Maps, click the ‘menu’ button, go to ‘Saved’ on a computer and ‘You’ then ‘Saved’ on phone, click ‘Maps,’ and you will see this map on your list.

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How to Get to Athens Greece

Getting to Athens from San Diego was definitely a long travel day, but one we’d happily do again for Greece in April.

Depending on the season, you can currently fly nonstop from cities like New York, Boston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Chicago, Washington D.C., Charlotte, and even Dallas.

Sadly for us West Coasters, there still aren’t any nonstop options from Southern California…

So we took our favorite nonstop overnight flight on British Airways from San Diego to London, then had about a five hour layover before catching our flight onward to Athens.

That second flight landed around 3am, which honestly sounded brutal on paper, but what surprised us most was how alive the airport still was at that hour.

There was a decent amount of arriving flights around the same time as us and, even more shocking, some flights departing at 3am too!!

Apparently Athens airport never really sleeps 😂.

The good news is that passport control on our late Thursday night arrival in April was incredibly easy and quick.

One thing to be aware of though if you’re visiting in 2026 and beyond: the EU has started rolling out the new EES passport control system for non-EU travelers. It’s a digital entry registry that includes fingerprints and photos, and we’ve heard it can slow the process down quite a bit while everything gets up and running (we did not have this experience however I have read it is a possibility ;0).

Also sadly… it sounds like the classic passport stamps may be disappearing too, which honestly feels like the end of an era for those of us who love collecting them after every trip.

After landing in Athens at 3am after our overnight flight from San Diego, the last thing we wanted to do was figure out taxis or train schedules while half asleep.

We reserved a private car through Blacklane to take us straight from the airport to our downtown hotel (about a 35 minute drive) and honestly it was worth every penny for the smooth arrival.

If you’re not wanting to splurge on a private transfer, regular taxis are available outside the airport 24/7, and there’s also an airport metro and express bus service that runs into the city.

Though at that hour, I personally appreciated having someone waiting for us with our name on a sign and zero thinking required :).

How to Get Around Athens

With only two days in Athens, we really never ventured far outside the city center ~ and walking ended up being the easiest way to get around.

Besides our airport transfers, we walked everywhere and loved seeing little side streets and cafés along the way.

However if you choose to not walk somewhere, Uber is available in Athens through licensed taxis, and the Free Now app is another easy option for calling a cab.

Best Time of Year to Visit Athens

One thing I loved about visiting Athens in mid-April was how comfortable everything felt.

The temperatures were usually in the 60s and low 70s during our trip, which made walking around ancient sites and wandering neighborhoods like Plaka so much more enjoyable than the intense summer heat.

We also noticed far fewer crowds than you’ll find during peak summer months, which honestly changed the entire experience for me.

I know Athens is often treated as just the first stop before heading to the Greek islands, but if you don’t need full-on beach weather and want to avoid the busiest tourist season, April was such a great time to visit all of Greece.

I also think late September and October would be beautiful with warm weather still lingering, while December could be a fun option if you love seeing major cities dressed up for Christmas.

How Many Days You Need in Athens

One thing I’ve learned as we’ve gotten older is that slow travel always wins.

We only had about a day and a half in Athens thanks to that late-night arrival and the reality that after an overnight flight from San Diego, we needed a slow morning and extra sleep before jumping into sightseeing.

Even with limited time, we still felt like we got a great glimpse of the city’s history, neighborhoods, and energy.

That said, I easily could have enjoyed one more full day here just wandering the cute neighborhoods and lingering over long meals.

If it’s your first time visiting Athens, I’d say 2–3 full days is the sweet spot if you enjoy traveling at a slower pace instead of trying to cram every sight into one exhausting marathon day :).

Money and Plug Details in Greece

In Greece, the currency is the Euro (€), and while most places accept credit and debit cards, it’s always handy to carry a small amount of cash for smaller establishments or tips.

It is recommended to use a BANK ATM machine once in the country you are traveling to to withdraw money out of your US (presumably) bank account. This is the least expensive way to handle bank fees and foreign exchange rates.

Be sure you are also using a credit card with zero foreign transaction fees as those can add up!!

Don’t forget to pack a Type C or F plug adapter (these are my favorites) for your electronics.

I won’t travel without this travel extension cord or this portable charger because nothing kills the travel vibe faster than a dead phone and no way to charge it!

Best Places to Stay in Athens

Hotel Grande Bretagne

After a long overnight flight, checking into the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne felt like exactly what we needed.

It was such a comfortable and luxurious place to settle in for a few days while getting over jet lag, and the location made exploring Athens incredibly easy once we were ready to head out :).

I had completely forgotten I booked us an Acropolis view room, so when we opened the curtains that first night and saw the Acropolis glowing above the city lights, any exhaustion instantly disappeared (for a short while anyway ;0) and we were suddenly so excited to finally be in Athens!

Electra Palace Athens

A more traditional luxury hotel option right in the heart of Plaka is the Electra Palace Athens which would probably be my second choice after where we stayed, with its beautiful rooftop Acropolis views, classic style, and easy walkability to so many of Athens’ main sights.

Photos courtesy of Instagram

Athens Capital Hotel

If you’re looking for a polished five star stay right in the heart of the city, the Athens Capital Hotel – MGallery Collection is worth a look for its central location, rooftop pool views of the Acropolis, and easy walking access to many of Athens’ top sights.

Photos courtesy of Instagram

King George, A Luxury Collection Hotel

Another beautiful five-star option in the heart of Athens is the King George Hotel which sits right next door to the iconic Hotel Grande Bretagne and is part of the same luxury collection, making it another elegant choice with an unbeatable location on Syntagma Square.

Photos courtesy of Instagram

Places We Ate in Athens

Ergon House Athens

We ended up having a late lunch at ERGON House Athens after our oldest daughter insisted we go since she had visited Athens the year before, and honestly, it ended up being one of our favorite meals of the trip.

The fresh foodie market gives it such a fun local feel, and I could have wandered around looking at all the Greek products forever.

We were disappointed that the rooftop bar, Retire Bar, was closed during our visit because the Acropolis views looked incredible, but even without it, this spot was absolutely worth adding to your Athens list.

If you just need a quick grab-and-go stop, ERGON Bakehouse Athens has a little street-side window where you can pick up fresh pastries, sandwiches, pizza slices, coffee, and warm baked breads that smelled impossible to walk past without ordering something.

Dopios Athens

Another dinner we had in Athens was at Dopios Athens after our hotel concierge insisted we go ~ and I’m glad we listened.

We kept it simple with the skewers and a Greek salad, and I’m not exaggerating when I say the tomatoes and olive oil were some of the freshest I’ve ever tasted.

Kayak Ice Cream

One night after dinner, we stopped for gelato at hotel concierge recommended Kayak Ice Cream, and it ended up being one of those simple (and delicious) little travel moments I still remember.

Other Recommendations and Must Try Foods

If it’s your first time in Greece, there are a few foods you should try while you’re in Athens.

Souvlaki will be the obvious one, but the fresh pita, grilled meats, and sauces there just hit differently than they do back home.

Other popular foods Athens is notorious for are gyros, spanakopita, grilled octopus if you like seafood, and loukoumades for dessert ~ basically little Greek doughnuts covered in honey and cinnamon.

And here is a list of additional restaurants that were suggested to us by our concierge (and are on the above Athens map) or on the list my daughter gave us before our trip :):

• Trattoria Plaka
• Cinapos
• Kuzina
• O Thanasis
• Klimataria

Top Things to See and Do in Athens

The Acropolis and Parthenon

There’s really no way around it: if it’s your first time in Athens, you have to visit the Acropolis ;0.

Sitting high above the city, this ancient hilltop citadel has been watching over Athens for thousands of years and honestly feels even more surreal in person than it does in photos.

The Acropolis itself is the entire historic site, while the Parthenon is the massive temple sitting at the top that was built in honor of the goddess Athena back in 447 BC.

Even if you aren’t normally a huge history person, standing there looking out over Athens while imagining how ancient Greeks once gathered here is one of those travel moments that sticks with you long after the trip ends.

And April is such a good time to go because the weather is comfortable enough to enjoy the walk without melting in the summer heat and the crowds are minimal :).

One thing that surprised me was that tickets for our April 17th visit didn’t even become available online until the first week of April, which is apparently when they release a big batch of spring and summer dates.

I grabbed 4pm timed entry tickets the second they opened because I was convinced we’d be dealing with huge lines or it would sell out… and then when we arrived there were literally like 5 people tops waiting to get tickets and plenty of availability ;0

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Seeing the Temple of Olympian Zeus is one of those spots in Athens that really makes the city’s history sink in.

The temple dates back to the 6th century BC and was once one of the largest temples in the ancient world.

Even with only a few giant columns still standing today, it’s hard not to stop and stare for a minute, especially in April, with the Acropolis sitting in the background.

We happened to be in Athens on International Monuments Day (April 18th) – which made for free entry to all national monuments (not the Acropolis though!).

Monument to the Unknown Soldier

One spot worth taking a few minutes to see in Athens is the changing of the guards ceremony at the Monument to the Unknown Soldier in front of the Greek Parliament building at Syntagma Square.

The monument honors Greek soldiers who lost their lives in war, and there’s something really special about watching the Evzones guards in their traditional uniforms perform the ceremony with such precision.

The guard change takes place every hour on the hour (24 hours a day), but Sundays at 11:00 am are extra special with a full ceremonial parade and marching band.

We actually had a direct view of it from our balcony at Hotel Grande Bretagne, which honestly made the hotel feel even more memorable.

Athens National Garden

Tucked right below the bustle of the city, the National Garden felt like such a nice little breather after walking around Athens all day.

We wandered through the shaded paths, watched a few turtles in the ponds, and honestly just enjoyed slowing down for a bit before heading back into the city noise…

April is especially pretty here with everything green and blooming, and it’s one of those spots that reminds you Athens isn’t just ancient ruins and busy streets.

Panathenaic Stadium

Walking around the Panathenaic Stadium, I could really feel the significance of this place and its role in Olympic history.

Built entirely of marble, it was the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, though athletic competitions were held here centuries earlier in ancient Greece.

Don’t miss the tiny Olympic museum tucked up the tunnel on the left side of the stands ~ it’s small, but filled with fun Olympic memorabilia and historic torches.

Plaka Neighborhood

Tucked right under the Acropolis in the heart of central Athens, the Plaka neighborhood ended up being one of my favorite places to simply wander with no real plan.

The little cobblestone streets are lined with pastel buildings, tucked-away restaurants, bougainvillea spilling from balconies, and tiny shops that somehow make you want to pop into every single one.

It definitely has a touristy side, but in April it still felt relaxed enough to slow down and just enjoy getting a little lost for an afternoon.

Anafiotika Neighborhood

Anafiotika was another one of my favorite little corners of Athens.

Tucked right below the Acropolis in the Plaka neighborhood, it feels completely different from the busy city streets just a few minutes away.

The whitewashed houses, tiny winding lanes, colorful doors, and random cats stretched out in the sun honestly made me feel like I had somehow wandered onto a Greek island without ever leaving Athens.

It’s the kind of place where you slow down, put your camera away for a minute, and just enjoy getting a little lost.

Monastiraki Neighborhood

Monastiraki also sits at the base of the Acropolis but on another side ;0.

And just like in Plaka – every street seems to lead to something interesting: little shops, old churches tucked between buildings, and tiny side streets filled with locals and tourists all blending together.

Ancient Agora of Athens

We weren’t able to fit the Ancient Agora into our schedule, but it’s one of the most important historic sites in Athens and was once the center of daily life in ancient Greece.

Today, visitors can wander the ruins and see the beautifully preserved Temple of Hephaestus.

Lycabettus Hill

One place we ran out of time for was Mount Lycabettus, but it’s known for having some of the best panoramic views over Athens and the Acropolis.

You can take a taxi to the base and ride the funicular to the top, where there’s a small chapel, a restaurant, and plenty of spots to soak in the view.

What to Wear in Greece in April

One thing I really loved about visiting Greece in April was that the weather felt comfortable enough to enjoy being outside all day without the intense summer heat.

During our trip, highs were mostly in the 60’s (F), which honestly ended up being perfect for sightseeing, wandering little village streets, and even hiking without melting by lunchtime.

I mainly lived in sundresses layered with a sweater, or light pants with simple tops :).

I always wear my favorite cooling shorties underneath the dresses to stay comfy while walking around all day ~ no chafing, no fuss.

We did run into a few chillier days and a couple stretches of rain, so I was glad I packed a light jacket instead of assuming Greece would automatically be hot and sunny every day.

April weather in Greece definitely feels more “spring in Europe” than full-on beach vacation weather, and honestly, that’s part of what made the trip so enjoyable for us.

Our Greece 10 Day Itinerary Overview

DAY 1 | Fly San Diego to Athens on British Airways via London

DAY 2 | Arrive in Athens 12am | Stay 3 nights at Hotel Grande Bretagne

DAY 3 | Athens: Acropolis, Walk around Plaka and Monastiraki, Dinner at Dopios Athens

DAY 4 | Athens: Monument to the Unknown Soldier, National Garden, Panathenaic Stadium, Dinner at Ergon House

DAY 5 | Fly Athens to Naxos via Olympic Airlines (8:50a-9:35a) | Stay 4 nights at 18 Grapes Hotel | Walk around Agia Prokopios | Dinner at 18 Grapes Hotel

DAY 6 | Naxos: Tour with Naxos Premium: Temple of Demeter, Pottery Limpertas Manolis, Monastery of Fotodoti, Chalki, Aperianthos then walk around Old Town Naxos and Temple of Apollo | Dinner at Paloma in Naxos Town

DAY 7 | Day trip from Naxos to Paros via SeaJet Ferry

DAY 8 | Naxos: Walk around Agios Prokopios | Dinner at Del Mar

DAY 9 | Blue Star Ferry from Naxos to Santorini 1p-3:30p | Stay 3 nights at Grace Hotel

DAY 10 | Santorini: Flytographer photo shoot in Oia 6:30am, walk around Oia, return to Grace Hotel in Imerovigli via taxi and walk to Imerovigli viewpoint, then dinner at Surupo.

DAY 11 | Santorini: Hike Fira to Oia Cliff Trail, dinner at Ammoudi’s Fish Market

DAY 12 | Santorini: Hike to Skaros Rock | PM: fly Santorini to London on British Airways 5p-7:20p | Stay 2 nights at Claridge’s Hotel

DAY 13 | London: Lunch at Mercato Mayfair, Walk to Bond Street and then Denmark Street/Goodwin’s Court, Dinner at Devonshire Pub

DAY 14 | Fly London to San Diego via British Airways 11:30a-2:50p

I hope you found this guide for how to spend two spring days in Athens Greece helpful in planning your own Greek adventure.

Athens in April ended up being such a great mix of history, beautiful views, incredible food, and that slower spring travel pace before the intense summer crowds arrive.

One minute you’re standing in front of ancient ruins you’ve seen in books your entire life, and the next you’re wandering through neighborhoods filled with little restaurants and quaint shops.

It’s a city that feels both historic and modern at the exact same time ~ and honestly, it makes the perfect starting point for a trip to Greece.

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~Mamma Mia

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