1. National Archaeological Museum
Begin your second day with a visit to the world’s finest collection of Greek antiquities. Essential galleries are the Mycenaean Collection, with gold death masks and many other magnificent treasures of the civilization whose king, Agamemnon, launched the Trojan War; the Cycladic Collection’s enigmatic marble figures; and the Thira Collection’s colorful and charming frescoes from Santorini. Find a spot for lunch in the atmospheric neighborhoods of Plaka or Monastiraki.

2. Roman Forum 


Next, make your way along Aiolou Street for a look at the Roman Forum and the octagonal Tower of the Winds, probably the city’s most unusual landmark from the ancient world. Among the Roman Forum's pleasant melange of monuments from different eras, the most popular is the remains of a latrine near Tower of the Winds. You can usually find the spot by following the sound of people giggling as they snap photos of one another in the seated position. After getting your own shot, veer off Aiolou into Pandrossou, a pedestrian alley that was the Turkish bazaar during Athens’ 400 years of Ottoman rule; the narrow lane lined with stalls is still souk-like.

3. Syntagma Square 

Continue west through the Plaka to Syntagma Square. Here you can relax for a spell, soaking in a spectacular view of the Acropolis. A walk across Syntagma Square puts you figuratively and literally in the center of Athens, with the formidable Parliament Building rising to one side.

4. Museum of Cycladic Art 
Follow tree-lined Vasillis Sofias, the city’s Museum Row, east to this institution for a look at elegantly simple and symmetrical marble figures created more than 3,000 years ago. In addition to the Cycladic idols, whose elongated faces and body shapes remind many of works by Modigliani, there are stout stone and pottery vessels.

5. Kolonaki


Walk north through this posh neighborhood favored by well-heeled Athenians to the funicular that climbs Lycabettus Hill. From the breezy summit, there are mesmerizing views of the Acropolis and across the city to the sea. The spectacle is a great send-off to the city.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.