🏛️ Athens: tickets, opening hours and a route through the top sights

Athens spreads out around a rocky hill crowned by the Acropolis. Almost everyone starts there, and almost everyone gets it wrong. There are several ticket types, the queues are long, and by midday the heat turns the climb into a real ordeal.

It is easier to figure out than it seems. The combined ticket for the seven main ancient sites was abolished in April 2025, so each site now needs its own ticket (as of 09/2026, Acropolis tickets and opening hours).

Below you will find 30 places in Athens with prices, opening hours and distances by the map. From the Acropolis and the Parthenon to the Panathenaic Stadium and Lycabettus Hill.

Athens: the essentials on the sights

💡 In short:

An Acropolis ticket costs 30 €, and the combined ticket for seven sites no longer exists.
Go to the Acropolis at opening time: by 11:00 there are already queues at the entrance.
Children under 18 get into the ancient monuments for free.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, checked on the official Acropolis website.

Place	Admission	Hours	Closed	Source
Acropolis	30 €, reduced 15 €	8:00-20:00, summer	none	Acropolis: official information
National Archaeological Museum	20 €	8:00-20:00	Monday	official museum website
Byzantine Museum	8 €, reduced 4 €	8:00-20:00	Monday	Byzantine Museum website
Museum of Cycladic Art	7 €, reduced 3.5 €	10:00-17:00	Tuesday	Museum of Cycladic Art website
Benaki Museum	9 €, reduced 7 €	9:00-17:00	Tuesday	official Athens tourism website
War Museum	3 €, reduced 1.5 €	9:00-14:00	Monday	War Museum website

Athens is easy to split into three parts. First the ancient Acropolis and its slopes, then the ancient Agora and its surroundings, and finally the museum triangle on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. That way you will not be dashing back and forth across the city, and you will save time.

The metro links all the key points. From Acropolis station to Monastiraki it is just a couple of stops, and from there you step straight out into the ancient quarters. Towards evening, head up the hills: the light is softer and the panorama of the city is noticeably better.

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1. Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis sits on a rocky hill that can be seen from almost anywhere in Athens. The word itself means "upper city", and that describes its role precisely. Temples and sanctuaries were built here in the 5th century BC, and in wartime they served as a refuge for the townspeople. The whole complex is on the UNESCO World Heritage List (according to the official tourism portal of Greece).

The climb is worth it even for those who are convinced that ruins are boring. The white marble columns against the southern sky look monumental, and the ancient builders worked on the ensemble for several centuries. The complex includes the Parthenon, the Temple of Nike Apteros, the Propylaea and other structures. Restoration is still under way, so you will see scaffolding at almost every turn.

Columns of the Parthenon on the Acropolis under a blue sky

There are almost no originals on the Acropolis itself. The sculptures here have been replaced with exact copies, while the real ones are kept in museums around the world, where they are protected from weathering. Some of the Parthenon marbles are on display in the Acropolis Museum at the foot of the hill. It is worth going in to see the originals up close.

Plan your visit for the morning, before the sun gets high. There is almost no shade on the plateau, and by midday the climb becomes an ordeal. Water and souvenirs are noticeably cheaper at the foot of the hill than at the top, so buy everything beforehand. In summer the queue at the entrance stretches to an hour or more, and a timed slot helps you skip it.

If the antiquities are not enough for you, drop by the Athens Central Market after you come down. It is nearby, opens in the morning and makes a fine contrast with the quiet of the hill.

Getting there: Acropolis metro station, then about ten minutes on foot (by the map).
Cost: admission 30 €, reduced 15 € (as of 09/2026, archaeological site website).
Tickets: Acropolis time slots on Tiqets.
The catch: there is almost no shade at the top, and water at the entrance costs more than in the city.

2. Parthenon

The Parthenon holds centre stage in the ensemble on the Acropolis hill. It is the temple of the goddess Athena Parthenos, and its image is recognised even by people who have never been to Greece. For many, the revelation is that the columns that look straight are not straight at all. The architects used optical corrections so that the temple would appear perfectly even from the ground.

Colonnade of the Parthenon on the Acropolis of Athens under a cloudy sky

The site for the temple was chosen so that the building seems to be an extension of the rock and appears to grow as you approach. Because of the tilt of the columns, three walls are visible at once from the central entrance. The repeating elements give the structure harmony and grace. The whole temple is built of white marble, and time has left its marks on it: the south side has yellowed in the sun, while the north has a purplish tint (according to the Greek Ministry of Culture).

Stop and take a careful look at the colonnade. You may not touch the marble, but you can photograph it freely. The sculptures were created under the direction of Phidias, and many of the decorative details are now scattered across the world's museums. Walk all the way around the temple: it looks different from every side.

3. Theatre of Dionysus

The Theatre of Dionysus lies on the south-eastern slope of the Acropolis. This is where the classical theatre we know today was born. The first building was wooden, but over time it was rebuilt in marble. The theatre never had a roof, so every performance took place in the open air.

Ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus with the orchestra and stone seating

The acoustics of the amphitheatre are still astonishing: even the spectator furthest away could hear the speaker. The auditorium held around 17,000 people, roughly half the population of ancient Athens (according to the national portal Visit Greece). You can test the acoustics on the spot: say something from the stage and listen to the echo.

The front row was reserved for guests of honour and consisted of 67 seats made of rare marble. On the surviving seats you will see the engraved names of their owners. In the Roman era the theatre was rebuilt for gladiator fights and iron railings were added. After several centuries of use the building was abandoned, and it was recently restored along with other sites on the Acropolis.

4. Hadrian's Library

Among the half-ruined columns in the middle of Athens there was once a library, and today its purpose is almost impossible to guess. In antiquity this monument was built to the glory of human wisdom. Manuscripts were kept here, there were reading rooms, and the courtyard had a garden with fountains. Inside the spacious building, decorated with gold and marble statues, you could escape the heat.

Ruins of Hadrian's Library with a colonnade in Athens

The building served as a library for less than a century. Over two and a half centuries it was rebuilt several times and its purpose changed. Only the western marble wall has survived, which was restored in 2004 and opened to visitors (according to the official Greek tourism website). Like other Greek ruins, Hadrian's Library is interesting precisely as a fragment: from it you can imagine the scale of the whole structure.

5. Odeon of Herodes Atticus

There are two theatres on the Acropolis hill. While the Theatre of Dionysus impresses with its scale, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus draws people with its romantic story and summer concerts. This separate building stands on the southern slope and was built much later than its neighbours: in the 2nd century AD. The idea and the funds came from the philosopher and orator Herodes Atticus, who dedicated the building to his wife, who had died young.

Stone wall of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus with arches

The monument is well preserved. Only the roof and the marble statues in the niches behind the stage have been lost. In the mid-20th century the amphitheatre and stage were restored so that music lovers could gather here once again. Over half a century the Bolshoi Ballet, the tenor Andrea Bocelli and Elton John have performed here (according to the Greek tourism organisation). The odeon seats up to 5,000 spectators at a time.

You can only get inside during the performances and festivals that run from June to September. Tickets for popular evenings are best bought in advance. The easiest way to get there is by bus No. 230: the stop is opposite the main entrance. You can also admire the Roman-Greek architecture for free from the top of the hill, by walking closer to the Parthenon.

Leave extra time in your evening: after a concert the crowd makes its way out slowly along the narrow paths of the slope, and getting out takes longer than you expect.

6. Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora was the central square of the old city. The most important public and political events took place here, and in significance the place was second only to the Acropolis. On a square of almost five hectares at the foot of the hill stood the administrative centre, temples, a theatre, a library and assembly areas. The liveliest part was always the market: goods were brought here from all over Hellas (according to the Athens city tourist office).

Temple of Hephaestus above the trees of the Ancient Agora

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Today the Ancient Agora is associated first and foremost with the shopping district of Monastiraki. At weekends markets spread out along its streets, and the mix of Byzantine, Greek and modern attracts travellers. Cafés and bars are clustered nearby: step into any of them, the portions here are generous. You can get there by metro to Thissio station.

The monuments that once formed part of the agora complex can be visited with a separate Ancient Agora ticket. The grounds hold several temples, the Odeon of Agrippa, the mint and the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos. The latter is interesting in its own right, and it also houses the Agora Museum. The grounds are green and shady, so it is pleasant to stroll here even in the heat.

Getting there: metro to Thissio station (by the map).
Cost: a separate ticket is required, the Acropolis ticket is not valid here.
Tickets: Agora tours on GetYourGuide.

7. Temple of Hephaestus

The ruins of the Acropolis confirm that time does not spare even stone. The Temple of Hephaestus, built as part of the agora, is perhaps the best preserved of all the ancient monuments in Athens. The main elements of the building are still almost entirely in place, including the Doric columns and the roof. The structure dates from the mid-5th century BC and can be seen on its hill from afar (according to the Visit Greece portal).

Ancient Temple of Hephaestus with columns among greenery

The temple stands on the western edge of the agora, on a small rise. Look at it from every side: the reliefs on the pediments depict the labours of Heracles and Theseus. Bronze statues of Hephaestus and Athena once stood inside, but they have not survived to our day. You will also see the agora from above, which is handy for photos.

The monument is in the centre of Athens and is easy to reach by underground and surface transport. On the metro, get off at Thissio station, or take bus No. 227. From November to March, on the first Sunday of every month, the temple is open to everyone free of charge. It is busy on that day, but there is also plenty of room on the grounds.

Getting there: Thissio metro station or bus No. 227.
Cost: admission with the Ancient Agora ticket.

8. Tower of the Winds

The Tower of the Winds stands on the grounds of the Roman Agora. The white marble building, 12 metres high, has the shape of a regular octagon, corresponding to the eight divine winds. The monument's other name is the "Horologion of Andronikos of Kyrrhos". Andronikos was an astrologer, and according to his design the weathervane and sundials on the roof were meant to be visible from anywhere in the city (according to the portal about Greece).

The Tower of the Winds in Athens at dusk among ruins

Besides the sundials, the Greeks used a hydraulic clock inside the building. The tower served the townspeople as a meteorological and astrological centre, so its role went far beyond that of a simple clock. On each face you will see a relief depicting a wind god with his name inscribed.

Compared with other monuments the tower is fairly well preserved, but the cladding and vaults are gradually deteriorating. Its central location in the old town makes it easy to reach: you can walk to the Plaka district from Monastiraki station. In season the monument is open daily from the morning, and in winter it closes earlier. The visit is included in the Roman Agora ticket.

Getting there: Monastiraki metro station, then on foot towards Plaka (by the map).
Cost: the visit is included in the Roman Agora ticket.

9. Ruins of Eleusis

The noise of hundreds of tourists at the Acropolis or the agora sometimes makes it hard to focus on the antiquities. In the suburbs of Athens lie the ruins of the sacred city of Eleusis. In antiquity the Greek capital was linked to it by a road along which a procession of pilgrims walked every year in honour of the goddesses Demeter and Persephone. The mystery ended in the main temple with secret rites that the participants were forbidden to talk about (according to the Greek tourism authority).

The Kallichoron well among the ruins of ancient Eleusis

Anyone who spoke Greek could take part in the rites, and even slaves were admitted to the sacred ceremonies. Archaeologists believe that the first sacred buildings appeared here as early as the 15th century BC. No especially monumental structures have survived, so lovers of antiquity come here to feel at one with the ancient world. At the ruins of Eleusis you are allowed not only to look but also to touch.

The Archaeological Museum of Eleusis is located on the shore of the bay. Its exhibits are ceramics, architectural details and sculptures reflecting the events of the mysteries. The museum welcomes visitors daily except Monday, from the morning until mid-afternoon. You can get there on the Megara bus from Thissio metro station, and there is a railway station not far away.

Getting there: the Megara bus from Thissio metro station (by the map).
Cost: admission to the archaeological site and museum is paid, check the exact price on the spot.

10. Temple of Olympian Zeus

Many rulers dreamed of immortalising their name, and Peisistratos began building the Temple of Zeus. It was intended to be the largest temple in the ancient world. The Greeks grumbled, seeing the monument as a tyrant's whim, and construction dragged on for six centuries. Yet the building stood for only three hundred years, and 16 columns have come down to us, 14 of which form a corner of the sanctuary (according to the official guide to Greece).

Corinthian columns of the Temple of Olympian Zeus in daylight

The dimensions are staggering even in ruins: the columns are 17 metres high, the building reached 96 metres in length and 40 in width. Historians write that the main statue of Zeus was made of gold and ivory, like the statue of Athena in the Parthenon. Both originals are lost forever. The monument stands near the Acropolis and the metro station of the same name, and it is also easy to reach by surface transport.

Getting there: Acropolis metro station, then a few minutes on foot (by the map).
Cost: a separate ticket is required (as of 09/2026, Acropolis timetable and prices).

11. National Archaeological Museum

In hot or rainy weather, touring open-air ruins quickly wears you out. On days like that, the National Archaeological Museum offers total immersion in antiquity. It is the main repository of Greek culture: the collections number more than 20,000 exhibits from every era. Gathered here are possibly the richest collections of sculpture and ceramics in the world (according to the museum's visitor page).

Neoclassical building of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

The building is so large that it is easy to get lost in the galleries. Even a quick look takes a whole day, but the ticket is valid all day, so you can leave and come back. Start with the hall of Mycenaean gold and the bronze statues, and only then move on to the ceramics. Parts of the exhibition are temporarily closed for restoration, so check which halls are open at the entrance.

The museum is closed on Mondays and public holidays, and on Sundays it closes at three in the afternoon. On other days visitors are welcome from 8 in the morning until 8 in the evening. Children under 18 get in free, and from 1 January 2026 the adult ticket costs the same all year round.

Getting there: Victoria metro station, then on foot along Patission Street (by the map).
Cost: admission 20 €, reduced 10 € (as of 09/2026, National Archaeological Museum: tickets).
The catch: the museum is closed on Mondays, and on Sundays it closes as early as mid-afternoon.

12. Daphni Monastery

Greece has preserved more than just ancient monuments. Daphni Monastery represents Byzantine architecture and belongs to the era when Christianity had already displaced the ancient gods. The complex was built in the 6th century AD on the road from Athens to Eleusis, in a laurel grove on the site of a destroyed temple of Apollo. Some fragments of the old sanctuary were not demolished but simply enclosed within new walls (according to official materials about Greece).

Byzantine church of Daphni Monastery with a red dome

The most significant work took place in the 11th and 12th centuries, when the main church was decorated with Byzantine mosaics. Fragments of them still cling to the vaults, and under the dome you will see the face of Christ Pantocrator. Because of the mosaics the monastery was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1990, and in 1999 the complex was badly damaged by an earthquake.

After the earthquake the monastery was closed for a long time for reconstruction, and the visiting schedule changes. Before you go, check the hours on the official resource. There are two ways to get there: by taxi or from the centre on buses No. 880 and No. 860. Nearby is a psychiatric hospital of the same name, which is why for locals "going to Daphni" means going mad.

Getting there: taxi or buses No. 860 and No. 880.
Cost: admission is free, check the opening hours on the spot.

13. Plaka

Plaka is the oldest quarter of Athens, where the city's centuries-long history began. The area to the east and north of the Acropolis was named after a stone slab found in the Church of Saint George of Alexandria. Today it is a maze of winding lanes, cosy restaurants serving national cuisine, wine cellars, souvenir shops and a popular flea market (according to the Athens city portal).

Narrow street in the Plaka district of Athens with balconies

The neoclassical buildings in the quarter appeared after the great fire of 1884, and the remains of ancient structures served as their foundations. Strolling through Plaka, you will find yourself in the Athens of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Take a look at the upper part of the quarter, Anafiotika: the little white houses there were built by settlers from the Cyclades, and this corner is nothing like the rest of the city.

14. Roman Agora

The Roman Agora was founded with donations from Julius Caesar and Emperor Augustus. It is a separate complex next to the Ancient Agora, and this is where the everyday life of the city unfolded in the Roman era. The main entrance is marked by the Gate of Athena Archegetis, which has survived better than anything else. The courtyard was surrounded by colonnades with shops and workshops (according to the information portal about Greece).

Ruins of the Roman Agora with columns and the Tower of the Winds

The Tower of the Winds stands in the eastern part of the complex, and next to it you can make out a public latrine from the time of Vespasian. Fragments of paving and the remains of columns are visible on site, and from them you can reconstruct the layout. The grounds are small, so a visit takes less than an hour. You need a separate ticket to enter here.

Getting there: Monastiraki metro station, then a few minutes on foot (by the map).
Cost: a separate ticket is required, the Acropolis ticket is not valid here.

15. Stoa of Attalos

The ancient inhabitants of Hellas used the word stoa for the covered colonnades they built beside temples, markets and houses. One such gallery was built as a gift to Athens by Attalos II, king of Pergamon, who reigned from 159-138 BC. The structure of limestone and Pentelic marble, 115 metres long and 20 metres wide, served as a place for trade and strolling. In 267 it was destroyed by the Germanic tribe of the Heruli (according to the This Is Athens portal).

The Stoa of Attalos and the Church of the Holy Apostles from above

The present building was reconstructed from the few authentic fragments of the destroyed gallery. Today the two-storey structure houses the Agora Museum. Here you will find details of ancient decoration, remains of columns, sculptures, amphorae, and objects made of clay, glass and bronze. Separate display cases are devoted to coins, jewellery and genre figurines.

Getting there: through the grounds of the Ancient Agora, the nearest metro station is Thissio (by the map).
Cost: the visit is included in the Ancient Agora ticket.

16. Kerameikos

The ancient necropolis of Kerameikos dates back to the 11th century BC and served as a burial place for the nobility. It was laid out at the crossing of the main roads leading from the suburbs into the city. The remains of the famous gates can still be seen here: the Dipylon Gate, which served as the official entrance to Athens, and the Sacred Gate, through which religious processions passed. Excavations began here in 1870 and continue to this day (according to the state tourist guide to Greece).

Ruins of the Kerameikos necropolis and the Church of the Holy Trinity

You can see the main sights of the cemetery within a small area. They are a two-metre ancient statue, the marble figure of a bull above the grave of Dionysios, and the ruins of the Pompeion, where sacred relics were kept. A walk along the secluded paths takes you past the results of the archaeological work. After touring the "city of the dead", drop into the Kerameikos Museum: ancient sculptures, ceramics and household objects are on display there.

Getting there: Kerameikos metro station, then a few minutes on foot (by the map).
Cost: a separate ticket is required, the Acropolis ticket is not valid here.

17. Byzantine Museum

One of the richest art collections in Greece comprises 25,000 exhibits of Christian and Byzantine art from the 3rd-20th centuries. The museum occupies the building at 22 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. The core of the collection was assembled by the private collector and theologian Georgios Lampakis. The treasures were originally shown at the Academy of Athens, and in 1930 they moved to a building of their own (according to the official museum website).

Facade of Villa Ilissia with arcades, Byzantine Museum

The exhibition is divided into two parts. In the first you will see the flowering of Byzantine art of the 4th-15th centuries: wooden icons, marble stelae, sculptures, mosaics and frescoes. The second part covers the church and everyday life of Christians in the 15th-20th centuries, including clerical vestments, jewellery and household objects. The museum is open daily except Monday, from the morning until eight in the evening.

Getting there: Evangelismos metro station, then on foot along the avenue (by the map).
Cost: admission 8 €, reduced 4 € (as of 09/2026, Byzantine Museum tickets and hours).

18. War Museum

The cube-shaped stone building is at odds with the capital's ancient look, but it too attracts travellers. The War Museum brings together weapons and equipment from different eras, from antiquity to the Second World War. The largest exhibits are displayed in the grounds outside: cannons and aircraft, among which the F-104 Starfighter jet and the Northrop F-5 fighter are especially interesting. The building was constructed in 1975 on the corner of 2 Rizari Street and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (according to the War Museum website).

Diorama with a jeep and soldiers in the War Museum

The exhibition begins with military decorations and items of Greek army uniform. The flagship of the collection is the display of medieval bladed weapons, models of sailing ships from the time of the Ottoman invasion, and paintings of battle scenes. The exhibitions can be visited from Tuesday to Friday, from the morning until early afternoon. At weekends the museum opens half an hour later.

Getting there: Evangelismos or Megaro Moussikis metro station (by the map).
Cost: admission 3 €, reduced 1.5 € (as of 09/2026, War Museum tickets).

19. Museum of Cycladic Art

Mysterious artefacts of long-vanished civilisations await you in this museum, which opened in 1986. Its collection introduces the art of the lands washed by the Aegean Sea, with the emphasis on the life of the inhabitants of the Cyclades. The main exhibits, which occupy the second floor of the mansion, date from the 3rd-2nd millennia BC. The pride of the collection is the marble female idol figurines that have become a symbol of Cycladic culture (according to the museum's official page).

Ancient figurines in display cases at the Museum of Cycladic Art

Temporary exhibitions are held on the first floor, on the third you will find the art of ancient Hellas, and the fourth introduces the treasures of Cypriot culture from the 4th century BC to the Middle Ages. The museum's address is Neophytou Douka, 4, near Syntagma Square. The exhibitions are open daily from ten in the morning, stay open late on Thursdays and are closed on Tuesdays.

Getting there: Syntagma or Evangelismos metro station (by the map).
Cost: admission 7 €, reduced 3.5 € (as of 09/2026, Cycladic museum tickets and hours).

20. Benaki Museum

A 19th-century neoclassical building on the corner of Koumbari Street and Vasilissis Sofias Avenue houses the largest private museum in Athens. A visit here is a historical journey through the art of Asia Minor, Cyprus, Greece and China, from the Palaeolithic to the present day. Behind the snow-white facade lie numerous halls. They contain furnishings and household objects, jewellery, pottery, ivory figurines, amulets and national costumes (according to the official resource about Athens).

Neoclassical building of the Benaki Museum in Athens

Separate display cases are devoted to monastic culture: icons, church plate and vestments. The pride of the staff is the works of the Greek painter El Greco. Textiles, toys and musical instruments are also on display here, so there is plenty to keep you busy if you come with children. On Thursdays and Saturdays the museum stays open late, and on Tuesdays it is closed.

Getting there: Syntagma metro station, then on foot towards Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (by the map).
Cost: admission 9 €, reduced 7 € (as of 09/2026, Athens tourist office).

21. Temple of Nike Apteros

On the Acropolis stands a small temple regarded as a monument of classical Greek art. It was built around 427 BC, during the Peloponnesian War. The Athenians, who dreamed of a swift victory over Sparta, placed a wooden statue of Nike in the sanctuary. In Greece the goddess of victory was always depicted with wings, but the citizens deprived the statue of its customary attribute so that she would stay in the city forever (according to materials on the antiquities of Greece).

Temple of Nike Apteros on the Acropolis in Athens

The temple of Apteros, meaning wingless, stands on a three-stepped base and has survived almost in its original form. Following the restoration of 2000, the building, 9.56 metres long and 6.8 metres wide, is adorned with Ionic columns and reliefs of battle scenes. Time has failed to spare only a few pediment columns and the roof. View the temple from the terrace in front of the Propylaea: from here you get the best view of the relief of Nike adjusting her sandal.

Getting there: together with the Acropolis, Acropolis metro station (by the map).
Cost: admission with the Acropolis ticket.

22. Cruiser Georgios Averof

Very few of the ships that sailed the seas during the First World War are left in the world. One of them is the cruiser Georgios Averof, built at the shipyard in Livorno, Italy, and sold to Greece in 1910. Over its history the flagship went through five wars and saw many captains come and go. Since 1985 the cruiser has been permanently moored in the port of the Athens suburb of Palaio Faliro (according to the page on the maritime heritage of Greece).

The cruiser Georgios Averof at the quay under storm clouds

There is a museum on board, where instead of the usual halls you will see cabins. The equipment has survived from the early 20th century, so once inside it is easy to picture the crew's daily life. Take a look at the steam engine, the sailors' quarters and the officers' cabins with their original furniture. The ship is open to visitors from Tuesday to Friday from the morning, and at weekends it stays open longer.

Getting there: tram to the Paleo Faliron stop, then on foot (by the map).
Cost: admission 2 € (as of 09/2026, information on the museum ship).

23. Academy of Athens

In 385 BC Plato's Academy was founded, the forerunner of the modern Academy of Athens. Today the institution is devoted to the study of art, the natural sciences, ethics and law. For tourists the academy is interesting above all for its architecture. The main building was constructed in 1887, and its facade is adorned with an Ionic colonnade, a triangular pediment and a portico (according to the Athens tourism portal).

Academy of Athens, neoclassical facade with columns and statues

On either side of the building rise columns topped with figures of Athena and Apollo. At the entrance you are greeted by statues of Socrates and Plato. The interiors are decorated with paintings reflecting the myths and history of ancient Hellas. The academy is best viewed from outside and as part of a walk around the city's neoclassical triangle.

Getting there: Panepistimio metro station, the building is opposite the university (by the map).
The catch: you can only get inside during opening hours and by official arrangement.

24. Church of Panagia Kapnikarea

Surrounded by central streets, amid the noise and bustle, hides a Byzantine church dedicated to the Virgin Kapnikarea. It was built in the 11th century on the ruins of an even older basilica. Built-in capitals, Latin inscriptions and fragments of sculpture are reminders of the old building. The architectural style of the church is defined as cross-in-square (according to the reference on Byzantine churches).

Byzantine church of Kapnikarea among buildings on Ermou

The structure is built of carved bricks and consists of three buildings joined by arches and columns. A chapel of the Great Martyr Barbara is attached on the north side. The church owes its interior to the Greek painter Fotis Kontoglou, and his best-known work here is the icon of the Virgin and Child. This is a working church, so enter quietly and do not disturb the worshippers.

Getting there: Monastiraki metro station, the church stands right on Ermou Street (by the map).

25. Areopagus

You can admire the city and take good photos from the Areopagus. This hill lies to the north-west of the Acropolis, and a staircase carved into the rock leads up to its smooth summit. According to legend, this is where the first trial took place, at which Poseidon accused Ares of murdering his son. To those familiar with the Acts of the Apostles, the Areopagus is known as the place where the Apostle Paul addressed the pagans with his speech about the "Unknown God" (according to materials on ancient Athens).

The rocky Areopagus hill with people against the backdrop of Athens

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In antiquity the rock inspired respect and awe in the Athenians. Until the 5th century BC a council of elders sat here, handing down verdicts on religious, civil and political matters. Later the Areopagus was stripped of some of its powers, leaving it only criminal cases. Come up towards sunset: from here you see the Acropolis from a side that is not visible from below.

Getting there: access from the Acropolis side, Acropolis metro station is nearby (by the map).

26. Hill of the Muses

Another viewpoint with an all-round panorama of Athens is the Hill of the Muses, 147 metres high. A stone-paved path leads to the top, winding in the shade of Mediterranean pines. Besides the view, travellers will find historic sites: the Philopappos Monument, the man-made cave known as the "Prison of Socrates", and the working 16th-century Church of Saint Demetrios (according to information from the Athens tourist office).

Hill of the Muses with the Philopappos Monument in Athens

Climb the hill around sunset. The city slowly sinks into darkness and lights its lamps, while the architectural monuments stand out against the sky. Take water and do not rush: the climb takes about twenty minutes, but the descent is easy. Legend has it that the philosopher Socrates was held in the cave before his execution, which is why guides love the place.

Getting there: Acropolis or Thissio metro station, then uphill on foot (by the map).

27. National Garden

A visit to the National Garden is like a breath of fresh air among ruins bare of greenery. This picturesque spot appeared in the centre of Athens in 1840 by order of Amalia of Oldenburg, wife of King Otto I. The design was entrusted to Friedrich Schmidt, a master gardener from Prussia. The queen made her own contribution too: the sundial she designed still tells the time today, albeit imperfectly (according to the official portal of the city of Athens).

Palm avenue and flower beds in the National Garden

Peace and quiet reign across the 15.5 hectares of grounds. Citrus trees give off their scent, benches and shady pergolas invite you to rest, and fountains and ornamental ponds bring coolness. Birds and turtles live here, and there is also room for the traditional Athenian ruins, mosaics and fragments of Corinthian columns. The place is convenient because admission is free and the city's main squares are close by.

Getting there: Syntagma metro station, the entrance is right by the square (by the map).
Cost: admission is free.

28. Mount Lycabettus

The name of the mountain that soars skyward among the central districts translates as "hill of wolves". In ancient times packs of wolves lived in the dense forests, guarding a holy place: the temple of Zeus at the very top. In the Ottoman era the conquerors burned the vegetation on the slopes, and the flora only began to be restored in 1880. Today the mountain rises 277 metres above the Kolonaki district (according to the Athens city guide).

Mount Lycabettus with a white church on the summit

You can go up on foot, resting on benches along the way, or by funicular, which runs through a tunnel inside the hill. At the top you will find the snow-white Chapel of Saint George, a restaurant, a café with a terrace and souvenir shops. A little lower down is an open-air theatre: in summer its stage hosts concerts and performances. The view from here stretches all the way to the sea, so it is worth picking a clear day in advance.

Getting there: funicular from Aristippou Street in Kolonaki or on foot (by the map).
Cost: the climb on foot is free, the funicular ticket is bought separately.

29. Erechtheion

No sight characterises the Acropolis better than the Ionic columns and marble caryatids of the Erechtheion. The female figures support the roof and can rival the Parthenon for fame. While the Parthenon was the people's temple, the Erechtheion united several sanctuaries and performed sacred functions. Here the priests carried out mysteries and rites of worship to the gods of Olympus (according to materials on the Acropolis).

The Erechtheion on the Acropolis of Athens with the Porch of the Caryatids

The temple was built in the 5th century BC. According to legend, its construction was preceded by a dispute between Poseidon and Athena over who owned the city. The sanctuary was named after King Erechtheus. Over the centuries it underwent several reconstructions, so little is known about its original appearance. Today it is an irregularly shaped structure divided in two, on a foundation measuring 23.5 by 11.6 metres.

Getting there: together with the Acropolis, Acropolis metro station (by the map).
Cost: admission with the Acropolis ticket.

30. Panathenaic Stadium

The Panathenaic Stadium is the only stadium in the world built entirely of white marble from Mount Pentelicus. An ancient arena stood here as early as 329 BC, and its remains were found during excavations in the mid-19th century. In 1896 this stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games (according to the official Athens tourism portal).

Panorama of the white marble Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

The design differs from today's stadiums: the running tracks are shorter than modern ones, and the arena itself is horseshoe-shaped. You can walk along the stands, and from the tunnel beneath the arena you come out right onto the field. While you are there, see the exhibition of Olympic memorabilia and torches. Take the audio guide: without it the details are hard to make sense of, and the commentary on the spot makes the visit easy to follow.

Getting there: Acropolis metro station or tram to the Zappeio stop, then on foot (by the map).
Cost: admission is around ten euros, and children and teenagers often get in at a reduced rate (according to Panathenaic Stadium tickets).

If you want to cover several paid sights at once, it is easier to keep your tickets in one place.

Tours and tickets in Athens

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does admission to the Acropolis cost?

A ticket to the Acropolis costs 30 €, reduced 15 €. The combined ticket for seven ancient sites was abolished in April 2025 (as of 09/2026, current Acropolis prices). The agora, Kerameikos and the Temple of Zeus require separate tickets.

Is the combined ticket still valid?

No, it was abolished in April 2025. The Acropolis and its slopes, the Ancient and Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Kerameikos and Aristotle's Lyceum now each require a separate ticket (as of 09/2026, Greek Ministry of Culture). Tickets for state museums are also bought separately.

When is the best time to visit the Acropolis?

Come at opening time, eight in the morning, or in the evening two hours before closing (as of 09/2026, Acropolis opening hours). From midday there is almost no shade on the hill, and in summer the queues stretch to an hour. It is worth booking a timed slot in advance, otherwise you will be standing in the heat.

Are there free admission days?

Yes, on certain dates admission to the ancient monuments is free for everyone (as of 09/2026, Greek tourist office). The schedule changes with the seasons, so check the dates on the official website before your trip. On those days there are especially many visitors, and it is best to arrive right at opening time.

How long will all 30 places take?

Seeing all the sights at a relaxed pace will take at least two to three days. The Acropolis and its museum alone need half a day, and the museum triangle on Vasilissis Sofias Avenue another day (according to trip planning information). We advise you not to chase the whole list, but to pick eight to ten main places and take your time.

How do you get around between the sights?

You will cover most of the route on foot: the centre of Athens is compact, and the metro links Acropolis, Monastiraki, Syntagma and Thissio. From Acropolis station to Monastiraki it is just a couple of stops (according to the transport section of the Athens portal). For more distant places such as Eleusis or Palaio Faliro, take a bus or tram.

In brief: what to book

If you are short on time, buy your tickets in advance and focus on the Acropolis, the agora and the National Archaeological Museum. That way you will see the essentials in two days without rushing or unnecessary travel.

If you are here for one day: get an Acropolis ticket for opening time and walk down to the agora.
If you are with children: start with the National Garden and leave the antiquities for a cool morning.
If you love museums: add the Byzantine Museum and the Benaki Museum, they are close to each other.
If you have a week: take a trip to Eleusis and Daphni Monastery, there are almost no tourists there.

Hotels in the centre are best booked in advance so that you are not looking for a place to stay once you arrive: hotels in Athens on Trip.com.

For tours of the ancient quarters, see the GetYourGuide selection, and for timed tickets to museums, the Tiqets section.

What to see in Athens: 30 places, tickets and practical tips