If you think Athens is just the Acropolis and Plaka, get ready to think again. The Greek capital isn’t just a tourist destination; it’s a city full of surprises, atmosphere, street food, culture, and hidden corners only locals know. And what better way to truly experience it than taking the wheel yourself? With a car from Sync, Athens becomes yours — easily, flexibly, and without a credit card. Let’s dive into an unforgettable weekend in the city of Athens.
Day 1 – Saturday Morning: Coffee with a View and Streets Full of Character
Start with a view: Morning coffee on Lycabettus Hill
Pick up your car from central Athens, the airport, or wherever else suits you — quickly and easily with a Sync booking. With the first light of day, head toward Lycabettus Hill. Drive through pine trees, roll down the windows, and breathe in the city’s morning air. At the top, the café with the stunning view serves your espresso with the Parthenon, the Saronic Gulf, and all of Attica in the background.
Culture and color: A walk through Metaxourgeio
Head down to Metaxourgeio – a neighborhood that combines old and new. Here you’ll find open-air galleries, abandoned neoclassical buildings, and modern cafés with thoughtful design. Parking is easy in one of the available spots, and you can stroll through the narrow streets with a takeaway cold brew in hand.
Midday: From the Athenian Riviera to Piraeus
Coastal drive: Cruising by the sea
The beauty of having your own car is that within minutes from the city center… you can be at the beach. Drive from Syngrou Avenue to Faliro and continue along the Athenian Riviera. The route from Faliro Delta to Kavouri is a visual treat — especially with good music and the windows down. If you’ve packed sunscreen and a swimsuit and the weather’s nice, park with ease at the beach lot and dive into the waters of Kavouri! Once you’re dry, enjoy fresh fish, home-style dishes, or a cold drink at one of the cafés and restaurants right on the shore.
Lunch in Piraeus: Fresh seafood in Nikaia or Kastella
Piraeus isn’t just a port — it’s a food destination. Neighborhoods like Nikaia, Drapetsona, and Perama, along with the more upscale areas like Kastella and Mikrolimano, offer endless options for fresh seafood and ouzo. Without a car from Sync, tourist agencies will steer you toward the usual spots — Kastella and Mikrolimano. Understandably so — the sea view is rewarding. But what about the food? If you’re after truly great meals with the freshest fish and seafood, head to the more low-profile, working-class areas.
Afternoon: Middle Eastern street food and summer-scented cinema
Psyrri and Monastiraki: A stop for sweets and vintage treasures
Head back to the city center and stop in the heart of multicultural Athens. Park near Monastiraki and wander through its alleys. Grab baklava or loukoumades with ice cream at an old pastry shop, or spicy kebab from a street cart only locals know about.
Summer cinema on Thiseon
With a car, it’s easy to reach alternative spots. An open-air cinema in Ano Petralona or Neos Kosmos, with the sky as your ceiling and the scent of jasmine all around, is the perfect way to end your first Athenian night.
Day 2 – Sunday: Off to the Northern Suburbs
Morning hike on Mount Parnitha
Set your alarm early and hit the road with your Sync car toward the mountains. Parnitha is a slice of paradise, home to deer, hiking trails, and views that make you forget you're near a major city. If you have time, enjoy a picnic or head up to the casino for a coffee with a view over Attica.
Stroll through Kifisia: Sunday brunch and boutique shopping
Drive down to the northern suburbs. In Kifisia, park in one of the neighborhood lots and soak in the more European atmosphere. You’ll find perfumeries, charming boutiques, old mansions, and brunch spots that serve the city’s best pancakes.
Afternoon in Nea Makri for coffee and sunset
In the afternoon, take another trip: head toward Nea Makri. Follow Marathon Avenue and arrive at a seaside resort without the crowds of Glyfada. Walk along the waterfront, watch the sun set behind Mount Penteli, and return to the city filled with sights, sounds, and scents.
Sync Means Freedom
With Sync, you don’t just rent a car. You gain the freedom to explore the city at your own pace, without depending on timetables, stations, or taxis.
- No credit card required
- Pick-up available from airport, port, or any convenient location
- Flexible pricing
- And most importantly, a fleet of vehicles from real people with real cars. You don’t get “something like” the one you chose — you get the exact car you picked!
Tips for the Perfect 48 Hours in Athens
- Drive during off-peak hours: early morning or late afternoon
- Use the Sync app for seamless delivery and pickup wherever suits you
- Check out our weekend deals for even better prices
Book now with Sync and hit the road — Athens is waiting!
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