Greece 2026 - Day 2, Athens
Tuesday, 28 April 2026
Athens, Greece
Weather: Mild spring weather with clear blue skies and comfortable breezy conditions around 25°C.
Our second day in Athens started early with a visit to the Acropolis. Thankfully, Eeleen had pre booked the tickets, which saved us from the long queue. Even before entering, the morning already became entertaining when tour guides started approaching us. One quoted €120 but negotiations failed dramatically, and minutes later another guide appeared offering €100. To our surprise, he spoke fluent Mandarin after spending three years in Beijing, and even more amusingly, turned out to be working together with the first guide all along.
Walking around the Acropolis under the bright Mediterranean sun felt surreal. The ancient ruins, towering columns and stories of Athena and Poseidon suddenly made Greek mythology feel very real. The weather was warm and sunny, but thankfully the breeze made it comfortable enough to slowly take in the views over Athens.
After the Acropolis, we wandered through Anafiotika with its white washed walls and little alleyways that already gave us a small preview of Santorini before the actual island hopping began. The whole neighbourhood felt quiet and charming, almost like stepping into another island hidden within Athens itself.
Lunch was at Lyra, a lovely little restaurant just opposite our accommodation and right at the foot of the hill where we descended from the Acropolis through Anafiotika. After hours of walking under the bright sun, it was exactly the kind of relaxing lunch we needed. Simple Greek dishes, chilled white wines, a shaded courtyard and unhurried conversation with good friends. One of those meals that may not be fancy, but somehow becomes part of the memory of the trip.
We continued exploring the city in the hot afternoon sun before stopping at Little Kook for coffee and a short rest. The place was loud, colourful and completely over the top in the most amusing way possible. Flamingos, giant mushrooms, fairy tale decorations everywhere. It felt like walking into a child’s imagination after spending the morning surrounded by ancient history.
Back at the apartment, some rested while others continued sightseeing before we packed and settled for an early dinner together. Simple takeaway food, wine, relaxed conversation and tired faces after a full day walking around Athens.
As the evening cooled, we headed up to Areopagus Hill for sunset. The golden light slowly spread across the city while everyone found little spots among the rocks to sit, chat and take photos. Couples attempted romantic poses, friends laughed at awkward angles, and for a brief moment, the entire city felt calm and unhurried.
Back at the apartment later that night, the wine came out again and somehow the conversation evolved into a full scale strategy meeting on how to get to the airport the next morning. Uber or FreeNow, train or cab, advance booking or gamble on the spot, 6:45 or 7:15. Eight people, endless opinions, and absolutely no final answer for a very long time.
A beautiful day in Athens. A little history, a little chaos, plenty of sunshine and even more laughter.
