2 Days in Athens with Kids: The Perfect Itinerary for First-Timers

Are you looking for a memorable and fun family vacation in Athens, Greece? Look no further! Athens is the perfect place for a family trip with plenty of attractions that will engage and excite your kids. This article will provide a comprehensive guide to exploring the city with kids and creating a 2-day Athens itinerary that will make sure everyone has a great time.

This 2-day Athens itinerary will help you visit the best places and make the most out of your two days with practical tips from a local. We also share tips on where to stay with kids.

*That’s me, I’m the local! I was born and raised in Athens and we still spend 3-4 months in Athens and all over Greece every year 🙂

In a Nutshell

• Best hotels
  • Best luxury hotel: Grande Bretagne
  • Best midrange hotel: Electra Palace
  • Best budget apartment: Blue Ark Stylish Athens

• Best tour: guided tour of Acropolis and the Museum of Acropolis here
• We highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets to Acropolis and Acropolis Museum to avoid the long queues, if you are not going with a tour

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If you are looking for more things to do in Athens with kids and more practical tips, check our guide on Athens with kids | Best things to do | Where to stay

Read also:

• The Ultimate Guide to Athens’ Hotels and Neighborhoods
• Best Thinsg to Do in Athens with Kids
• Best Day Trips from Athens
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
• Famous Greece Landmarks

Exploring Athens with Kids: Create a Fun and Memorable 2-Day Itinerary!

Athens is one of the oldest cities and a great destination for families, with plenty of attractions and activities to explore. From ancient ruins to open-air playgrounds, there’s something for everyone in Athens. The city is also home to some of the most iconic landmarks in the world, like the Acropolis and Syntagma Square, making it a great destination for a family vacation.

Are 2 Days in Athens Enough?

If you are a family with kids looking for a quick but fulfilling getaway, 2 days in Athens could be the perfect option. Usually right before you go to one of the gorgeous greek islands, two days in Athens would give you just enough time to visit the main attractions for the first time that are gathered in the city center.

• If you could stay one more day, you could get to see the stunning Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion.
• If you have plenty of time and you are looking for more things to do, then check our extensive guide on Athens with kids.
• If you could stay even longer, then a day trip from Athens would be possible, such as to Delphi or Nafplion. Read our guide with the best day trips from Athens.

Day 1 Itinerary – Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

The first day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the city’s history and culture and get them excited about it.

1.1. Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis is one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece and the world. It is a must-see when exploring Athens with kids. Acropolis comes from the word acro and polis, which mean highest and city in Ancient Greek. It’s an ancient citadel built in the 5th century BC. It is home to some of the most famous monuments in Greece, like the Parthenon and the Temple of Athena Nike, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysus.

According to Greek mythology, Athena and Poseidon entered a contest for control of the city. Poseidon created a salt spring and the goddess Athena planted an olive tree on Acropolis as a present to Athenians. The citizens chose Athena’s present, hence the city was named Athens after the goddess. Today you can find an olive tree at the same spot, in front of the ancient temple of Erechtheion.

Read also: Landmarks in Greece

The Acropolis is a great place to explore with kids. It’s filled with ancient ruins that will fascinate them, and there are plenty of activities for them to enjoy. There are guided tours available for kids, as well as interactive exhibits and activities that will help them engage with the history of the ancient sites.

Tip
The best time to visit the Acropolis is to do it first thing in the morning to avoid the crowds and cruel heat during summer months. There is no shade, so take with you hats, sunscreen, and water

For a more in-depth experience, you may want to consider booking a guided tour of the Acropolis with kids. This tour includes a guided walk of the ancient monument and a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Acropolis is stunning and you will get so much more out of your visit with a guided tour!

We highly recommend that you book tickets in advance if you don’t go for a guided tour. The queues can be long to enter the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, especially during the high season, and with kids, it’s always best to book tickets in advance rather than spend time waiting

Tip
Take a carrier with you! Strollers are not allowed at the archaeological site of Acropolis. Do take the stroller with you for the rest of the day, though; you will leave it at a designated spot for free.

Tip
There is an elevator, so if you are pregnant, ask to use it!

Read also: Ranking the Greek Islands for Beaches

1.2. Stop by the Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum is a great place to visit after exploring the Acropolis, and only a short walk from the Acropolis of Athens. It’s a modern museum that houses a collection of artifacts from the Acropolis. It is one of the best museums in the world and a good place to get a glimpse of the ancient world.

The museum is a great place for kids to learn more about the history and culture of Ancient Greece. Its interactive exhibits and activities will help them engage with the site’s history, and there are plenty of artifacts on display that will fascinate them.

Tip
Book tickets to the Acropolis Museum in advance, as the queue to enter the museum can be very long (especially during high season).

Day 1 Itinerary – Plaka and Ancient Agora

After visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, it’s time for lunch! There’s no better place to have lunch than Plaka, just a few minutes walk from the Acropolis Museum. Then you can continue to visit the Ancient and Roman Agora with your regained strength

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1.3. Stroll Around and Have Lunch in Plaka

Plaka is a picturesque neighborhood in the heart of Athens at the foot of the Acropolis. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Shopping in Plaka is a great way to introduce your kids to the culture and history of Athens. There are plenty of souvenir shops that have a great selection of traditional Greek items as well as modern items. And there are plenty of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite to eat. Some of the restaurants have live music and serve traditional Greek cuisine with good olive oil and feta cheese on the menu.

When we are in the area, we usually eat at Scholarcheio. It is a taverna with traditional Greek food—similar to what our Greek grandmas cook!

Read our post on the best traditional Greek food here.

1.4. Ancient Agora and Roman Forum (optional)

The Ancient Agora of Athens and the Roman Forum are great places to explore with the kids. This marketplace used to be the beating heart of ancient Athens. It is where ancient Athenians were gathering, discussing, and making decisions democratically, where business was taking place, and where philosophers and performers would be found.

From the Temple of Hephaestus to the House of the Furies, there’s plenty to explore in the Agora. The Roman Forum was the meeting point during the Roman era of Athens and is a bit further away.

You can find combo tickets for the Acropolis and six more sites, including the Ancient and the Roman Agora.

While the Ancient Agora is one of Athens’s most important landmarks, visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum in the morning and the Ancient Agora in the afternoon can be very tiring.

This is marked as optional not because it is not essential but because not every family will have the stamina to visit another archaeological site. You will be passing by the Ancient Agora in Plaka in any case, so you will get to see it even if you decide not to visit it.

Day 1 Itinerary – Explore Monastiraki and Psyrri

After all the sightseeing of the day, it’s time to stroll around and relax!

1.5. Explore Monastiraki

Monastiraki hosts a flea market, and landmarks like the Ancient Agora and the Stoa of Attalos are well known. There are tons of cafés, bars, restaurants, and traditional taverns. The Monastiraki Flea Market is also a great place to explore with the kids. This outdoor market, located near the Acropolis hill, is a great place to explore and shop. The kids will love exploring the stalls and searching for souvenirs.

Go to a rooftop café, such as A for Athens or 360, for a fantastic view of the Acropolis! Both A for Athens and 360 are high-end and next to the metro stop Monastiraki.

1.6. Stroll around Psyrri

If you’re looking for an exciting family adventure in Athens, look no further than Psyrri. With its colorful street art, trendy souvlaki stands, and many quirky cafes and bars, it’s sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Psyrri is a great place to explore, with its modern, cosmopolitan vibe and vibrant atmosphere. Stroll through the narrow streets admiring the street art.

Then, grab some tasty souvlaki from a local street vendor and enjoy a picnic in the park. You’ll find plenty of cafes and bars, so you can enjoy a refreshing drink or a snack while taking in the sights.

Grab a quick bite at Street Souvlaki. A Greek friend who is a chef recommended it to us, and we couldn’t agree more!

Then go to Little Cook, one of the most quirky cafés in Athens. Don’t forget to take a photo! It’s one of the most instagrammable spots in Psyrri.

Or go for dessert at Nancy’s Sermpetospito, one of the most favorite places for sweets for Athenians.

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Day 2 Itinerary – Syntagma Square and Change of Guards

The second day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring Syntagma Square and witnessing the Change of Guards. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the city and get them excited about the culture and history of Athens.

2.1. Witness the Change of Guards at Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square is the main square of Athens and is home to the Parliament building. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of activities and attractions for them to enjoy.

One of the highlights of visiting Syntagma Square is witnessing the Change of Guards. This is a traditional ceremony that takes place every hour, in which the Presidential Guards march from the Parliament building to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

You can watch the changing of the guards every hour on the hour in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every Sunday morning at 11.00 you can watch a more impressive ceremony of the changing of the guards with a small parade

Tip
Remember to check out Ermou Street. It’s the main shopping street in the center of Athens. Ermou Street starts at Syntagma Square and reaches Monastiraki Square and goes even further.

2.2. Ride the Happy Train

After witnessing the Change of Guards, you should ride the Happy Train. This is a fun and interactive train ride that takes you around the city and is a great way to get your kids excited about exploring Athens.

The Happy Train has stops at all the major attractions in Athens, so you’ll be able to take your kids to all the best sites in the city. The train is filled with fun activities to entertain your kids throughout the ride.

Day 2 Itinerary – Panathenaic Stadium

The second day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring Plaka and the Panathenaic Stadium. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the city’s culture and history and get them excited about it.

2.3. Explore the Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium is a must-see when exploring Athens with kids. It’s an ancient stadium built in the 5th century BC and is the site of the first modern Olympic Games. It is also the world’s only stadium entirely made from marble.

Exploring the Panathenaic Stadium is a great way to introduce your kids to Athens’s history. There are guided tours available for kids, as well as interactive exhibits and activities that will help them engage with the site’s history.

Tip
Don’t forget to take a photo on the podium!!

Day 2 Itinerary – Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch (Optional)

The next stop from the Panathenaic Stadium would be the Temple of Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch before going to the National Garden to unwind for the day. The Temple of Zeus, otherwise known as Olympeion, was one of the greatest temples in ancient times. It is worth visiting to admire the Corinthian columns of the temple—although only 16 columns remain standing today.

Hadrian’s Arch was a gate to honor the Roman Emperor Hadrian as a benefactor of Athens.

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Day 2 Itinerary – National Garden and Playground

The second day of your family trip to Athens should be spent exploring the National Garden and playground. This is a great way to introduce your kids to the city and get them excited about exploring Athens.

2.4. Have a Picnic in the National Garden

The National Garden is a beautiful park in the heart of Athens. It’s a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy.

Having a picnic in the National Garden is a great way to introduce your kids to the city. The park is filled with lush gardens and trees, as well as plenty of picnic spots to relax. And there are plenty of activities for kids to enjoy, from playing games to exploring the gardens.

2.5. Let the Kids Play in the Playground

The National Garden also has a playground for kids to explore. This is a great way to keep your kids entertained and get them excited about exploring Athens.

The playground is filled with fun activities for kids to enjoy, from slides to swings. And there are plenty of games and activities to keep them entertained.

There is another big playground within walking distance to the one of the National Garden near Zappeion Megaron. This is 5 minute’s walk from the playground of the National Garden, so you can easily combine them. The exact spot of the playground in Zappeion is here.

Day 2 Itinerary – Alternative: Lycabettus Hill

After Syntagma and the change of the guards, you can take the tourist train to see the Panathenaic Stadium . If you only see the Panathenaic Stadium and the National Garden from the tourist train, then you can take the funicular to go up to Lycabettus Hill

2.4. (Alternative) Take the Funicular

The funicular is a great way to get to the top, with kids especially enjoying the ride up the hill. Once you reach the peak, the view is simply breathtaking and the kids will enjoy running around and exploring the area.

2.5. (Alternative) Enjoy the view from Lycabettus Hill

Lycabettus Hill stands tall at almost 300 meters and offers amazing views of Athens, since it’s the highest point of the city. At the top you will find St. George, a whitewashed church with magnificent architecture and gorgeous view.

Additionally, there is the restaurant Prasini Tenta at the top of Mount Lycabettus, where you can enjoy delicious food along with the spectacular view of the city. This is a high-end restaurant and it does not offer traditional Greek cuisine.

3-Day Itinerary in Athens

Do you have an extra day? Then go to Sounion for the sunset at the Temple of Poseidon!

Read more: Cape Sounion

Highlights of Athens in Two Days

As the capital city of Greece, Athens is home to stunning ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and historical attractions. One of the must-visit sites is the Acropolis, an ancient citadel listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers breathtaking views of the city, as well as the iconic Parthenon temple and several other ancient structures.

In addition to the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum is another popular attraction in Athens. It houses artifacts of great historical and cultural importance, such as sculptures, pottery, and other objects from the Acropolis.

Syntagma Square and the changing of the guards are also must-sees in Athens. Here, you can witness the guards perform their changing of the guard ceremony and take pictures of the picturesque square.

Plaka and Monastiraki are great places for shopping, dining, and exploring the city’s nightlife. You can walk along the cobblestone streets and explore the traditional Greek shops for souvenirs or grab a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants. They are also some of the best neighborhoods in which to stay in Athens.

If you are looking for a short but enjoyable trip to Athens, two days is enough to explore the city’s major attractions, such as the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, Syntagma Square and the change of guards, and Plaka and Monastiraki.

Read also: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels in Athens

When Is the Best Time To Visit Athens?

Wondering when is the best time to visit Athens? Athens is best visited during the mild and comfortable seasons of spring and fall. If you’re keen on exploring the ancient landmarks such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Poseidon, the months of April, May, September, and October are perfect for that.

Summer, however, can be a challenge as temperatures can soar beyond 32°C (90°F), making it difficult to indulge in outdoor activities. In addition, August is when most Athenians take their vacations, resulting in the closure of several local businesses and restaurants.

To experience Athens in its full glory without crowds and heat, consider planning your visit during the shoulder seasons. This way, you can avoid any inconvenience and savor the beauty of this historic city to the fullest.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Greece

How To Get to Athens

For travelers with a passion for history, culture, and architecture, Athens, the capital city of Greece, is a must-visit destination. It boasts a perfect mix of ancient ruins and modern-day attractions.

To get to Athens, flying into the Athens International Airport, also known as El. Venizelos, is the best option. As the largest and busiest airport in Greece, it caters to thousands of passengers daily. The airport is approximately 35 km east of the city center, easily accessible by public transportation, taxis, or rental cars.

Several airlines operate flights to Athens, making it easy to find a flight from most major cities worldwide. In general, getting to Athens is a stress-free experience.

How To Reach Athens from the Athens Airport

The best way to reach your hotel from the Airport of Athens is a private transfer. Do not take one of the taxis at the airport or any other tourist area as very often these are geared towards scamming tourists.

How to Get Around Athens for 2 Days

If you are in Athens only for one or two days, then the top sights to see are in the center of the city and you do not need a car. You can easily walk around from Acropolis and Acropolis Museum to Syntagma and Panathinaiko Stadio or take the tourist train.

While taking a taxi in Athens is relatively inexpensive and comfortable, avoid taking a taxi from touristic spots. Instead call a taxi with an app, such as FreeNow and Uber.

If you want to use public transportation, the metro is the easiest and cheapest way to move around the center. The metro stops Syntagma, Monastiraki, and Acropolis are the most important ones.

Best Kids-friendly Hotels in Athens

If you only have two days in Athens, then a good idea is to stay in the city center, such as Syntagma Square and near Acropolis. Here are our recommendations

€€€€€ Grande Bretagne is a 5-star luxury hotel at Syntagma Square with 2 swimming pools. Roof garden with Acropolis view and an outdoor pool, spa with an indoor pool, and marble bathrooms.

Located right next to the metro and the start of the tourist train it is very convenient for families with kids. Some balconies face the Acropolis and from those, you can see the daily changing of the guard at the Greek parliament. It is also close to Zappeio with its playground, National Garden, and Panathinaiko Stadium. You can reach Acropolis by metro or by walking 15 minutes

€€€€ Syntagma Spotlight Residence is an entire 80m² apartment right next to Syntagma Square. As this is an apartment, you will have a kitchen, a washing machine, and all other amenities that make an apartment an easy choice when traveling with kids. It is located on the main shopping street in the center of Athens, Ermou, and just a few minutes from Syntagma metro station

€€€ Cityzoe Athens Suites is located under Acropolis in the charming district of Anafiotika in Plaka. The location of this small hotel is excellent with the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum just a few minutes walk from the hotel

€ Blue Ark Stylish Athens is an entire apartment of 55m² in the residential area Koukaki. It is pretty inexpensive for this location. This cozy apartment is located near the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis

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