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-   -   Athens in 2 days?! (https://www.fodors.com/community/europe/athens-in-2-days-772375/)

speters1717 Mar 10th, 2009 04:53 PM

Athens in 2 days?!
 
I will be in Athens for 2 nights... but really only 2 days as well due to flying in and out of the city. I would love any and all suggestions on what I must see and do/what is possible in that time frame.


Thank you!

brotherleelove2004 Mar 10th, 2009 05:36 PM

Acropolis/Parthenon, Temple of Zeus, Theatre of Dionysos, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Karameikos, National Archaeological Museum, Benaki Museum, Central Market, Plaka, Sunset from Lycabettus Hill, bus trip out to Sounion Bay.

kak113 Mar 10th, 2009 06:49 PM

You will certainly be busy for two days but I think it can be done. we were able to buy a joint ticket for a number of the monuments while at the smaller Roman Agora which allowed us to bypass the queue at the Acropolis. We also found the Metro system to be quite easy to use and a timesaver as well.

I found the DK top 10 book on athens very helpful to give an idea of what's sensible to do in a row and good choices for restaurants in those locations.

dfr4848 Mar 11th, 2009 05:34 AM

Agree with bll's list. But you will have to hustle to see all of that in 2 days IMO [We spent a full day at the National Archaeological and Benaki Museums and certainly didn't see everything]. Take kak's advice about using a guide book to organize the sites by areas so you maximize your time.

Cries_Van_Notebook Mar 11th, 2009 06:03 AM

Near the Acropolis at the edge of the Plaka is the Ilias Lalaounis Jewellery Museum. Ilias Lalaounis is Greece's greatest goldsmith and many of his pieces have been worn by Liz Taylor, Jackie O, and Maria Callas. It is a must if you like gold jewellery. It doesn't take that long to view the collection--maybe an hour.

The Benaki Museum near Kolonaki Square offers up a bounty of treasures for your delight! You will be astonished by all the beautiful objects. Unforgetable.

If the weather is good, sit outside at one of the cafes in Kolonaki Square and watch all the beautiful people walk by. Bring your Dior or Balenciaga sunglasses. :)

Thin

speters1717 Mar 11th, 2009 04:07 PM

Thank you all! I am living in Spain right now so all the guide books I have found are in Spanish... and while I know Spanish, it's just not the same for me as reading through them in English! From all your advice though I can do more intensive research on everything online. Thanks so much!

Nikki Mar 11th, 2009 04:31 PM

There is a section on Athens under Destinations on this website that can give you some ideas: http://www.fodors.com/world/europe/greece/athens/

Also lots of great information at http://www.greektravel.com/athens.htm


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