I asked a similar question yesterday about Barcelona...now to the start of our trip. If you had two full days in Athens what would you do? We fly in at 5pm on a Friday (early May) and will be in Athens all day Saturday and Sunday. We then fly out to Santorini on Monday morning.

What things would you do during those two days? Of course there is the Acropolis and the adjacent theater. Here are other things on my list so far:
-National Archaeological Museum
-Olympic Site & Museum (anything to see?)
-Plaka
-Lycabettus Hill (evening stroll)
-National Garden
-Monastiraki market on Sunday

That's my list so far. Are there any concerns about only being there on the weekend?

Thanks

I'm not sure what "Olympic site and museum" is, honestly. If you mean Olympia, that's a looooong way away.

The Agora (ancient market) is interesting and has a nice archaeological museum. It's just below the Akropolis and adjacent to Plaka.

sunday night bump

You pretty much have the list already. I also thought the main food market was interesting. Actually if I were to do my trip over again, I would spend one day in Athens and an extra day someplace else. I was a bit disappointed in Plaka...lots of nice architecture layered with t-shirt shops and overpriced places to eat.

Depends on what you're looking for..but here's my suggestion:

Check into your hotel on Friday and relax for a bit. Book dinner at the St. George hotel on Lycabettus Hill for Friday night dinner--an incredible view of the lit Acropolis over a nice dinner.

On Saturday morning, visit the Acropolis and the related museums and anything else that you "must" see. If you're interested in military history, visit the Greek War Museum. I enjoyed the Benaki Museum (nearly across the street from the War Museum). That should take up most of the morning/early afternoon. Then, walk to Kolonaki--sit in one of the outdoor cafes, soak in the local scenery, and shop. Grab dinner that night in Kolonaki at Tafeneio.

Sunday, try anything that you've missed the previous days, walk the Plaka to pick up any souvenirs (all the stores will be open when most everything else is closed). Save any exploration of the Plaka for Sunday since it'll be open when other things are closed.

Have a great time!

Wekiva
I just wanted to second the opinion of Lori S about the Benaki Museum. Even though time will not allow you to see all of it, choose several floors that you would like to see and enjoy.
Also, the National Garden is nearby and
worth a stop. At the Acropolis, you can join a tour outside the gates. Money well spent as the history will come alive with someone to explain all of the background. It is worth the cost of the tour to see the ruins and hear about the Greek culture. Otherwise, it really looks like a lot of rocks and columns. We choose to only enjoy the view and have a drink at Lycabettus Hill and then had dinner at an excellent restaurant in Athens.
Our favorite picture from the trip was taken by a fellow tourist at the Acropolis. The sky was the most beautiful blue you can imagine. Know that there are some days that are not
that perfect, but when you are lucky enough to get that, it is just magical.
Hope your trip is wonderful. Greece is a such an interesting and beautiful country.
AKNIC

One more suggestion for Friday or Saturday evening is to go to Psyrri area.. you'll fing lots of restaurants there. Also Sunday it the weather is good i would suggest you to take a taxi and go to Piraeus in "Mikrolimano''If the weather is good you can have a lovely meal by the sea!

Hi

We also went to the Byzantine Museum - 22 Vasilissis Sofias Ave, open Tuesdays to Sunday 8:30am to 3pm - and the Kerameikos Cemetery - http://www.athensguide.com/kerameikos.html. You may also find this excellent link useful - http://www.culture.gr/2/21/maps/ster...ki/athens.html.

Cheers