Maximizing Your 48 Hours in Athens Before Your Greek Island Cruise
If you’re heading to Greece for a cruise, chances are your trip includes a stopover in Athens. This isn't a city you should rush through like any other layover. There's far too much worth experiencing here.
With 48 hours to spend, you can turn the time before your cruise into a rewarding mini-trip. All it takes is carefully planning how you want to spend your time.
Day 1: Ancient Sites and Epic Views
The first part of your Greek island cruise itinerary should be dedicated to exploring some of the history and taking in the unforgettable view.
Start Early at the Acropolis
Start your first day by visiting the Acropolis as early as possible. The air is much cooler, there are fewer crowds, and you’ll have more time to soak in the atmosphere.
As you make your way up, you’ll pass the Temple of Athena Nike and eventually reach the Parthenon, which is the star of the show.
Explore the Acropolis Museum
Now that you’ve admired the city from above, you can head down to the museum. It’s filled with interesting artefacts, sculptures, and interactive displays that explain a lot about what you just saw on the hilltop.
The glass floor at the entrance is definitely one of the highlights because it gives you a firsthand view into some of the excavations that are taking place right under your feet.
Stroll Through Plaka for Lunch
This charming little neighborhood is perfect for having lunch. The lanes are quaint and narrow with bougainvillea and pastel colors everywhere. There are so many great tavernas to choose from, but Aerides Plaka Restaurant and Taverna Saita are two gems worth mentioning.
Head to Anafiotika for an Afternoon Walk
Anafiotika is a tiny neighborhood located on the northern slope of the Acropolis, so it won’t take you long to reach. Once you’re there, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped onto a small Greek island.
If you’re still in the mood for an extra walk after that, Mount Lycabettus can’t be beat when it comes to sunset views of the city.
Day 2: Markets, Museums, and Modern Athens
The second day of your stopover should be all about the markets and seeing the more modern side of the city.
Ancient Agora or the National Archeological Museum
After you’ve had some breakfast, you can take your pick of one of two museums.
The first is Ancient Agora, which is an open-air museum that will give you a taste of how people lived thousands of years ago.
The second is the National Archeological Museum, which is more curated and houses some of Greece’s most significant artefacts. You will want to spend at least an hour here to really take it all in.
Lunch at Central Market or Psiri
The Central Market is busy, loud, and completely authentic. It’s where you’ll find locals shopping, so there’s no better place to grab something to eat. Think fresh olives, cheeses, herbs, and a variety of dishes that showcase the heart of the Mediterranean.
Psiri is also great, but it’s far more modern, so you will find a number of smaller restaurants that know how to add a fun touch to the more traditional Greek dishes.
Spend the Afternoon In Syntagma
After lunch, you can make your way to Syntagma Square, where you can watch the ceremonial changing of the guard outside the Parliament. From there, head to Ermou Street, which is one of the city’s main shopping strips. Perfect for some souvenirs you can take home with you.
A Perfect Send Off
Two days is not nearly enough to see everything in Athens, but it’s plenty to fall for it and get excited about the rest of your trip. You'll be transitioning to the slower rhythm of cruise life soon enough, so make sure you see enough of the city to understand why it continues to draw visitors after thousands of years.