The Acropolis and Ancient Athens is a must-see on any trip to Greece. With a little advanced planning, you can take in all of the ancient sites and walk in the footsteps of historical figures like Socrates and Plato!
History
Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world with its history going back over 5,000 years. Its classical period in the 1st millennium BC with its focus on literature, philosophy, and the arts is considered the foundation of Western civilization. The Acropolis was the center of this world, set high on a plateau above the city. It’s where philosophers like Socrates would come to teach and is where the holiest temples were located, including the Parthenon. Down the slope was the first theater in western history, and the ancient Agora was the social and commercial heart of the city. A short distance away, another temple to the Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic stadium were built.
As the Romans made Athens part of their empire, they also built their own temples and structures. The Roman forum was its commercial hub with other structures including the Library of Hadrian and Hadrian’s Arch. It was during Roman times that the apostle Paul visited Athens and gave his iconic Acts 17 speech on Mars Hill beside the Acropolis.
These sites fell into ruins as Athens was sacked by the Heruli in 267 AD. Throughout the next centuries, it was ruled by the Byzantines and Ottomans who built a mosque inside the Parthenon. It was under the Ottomans in the 17th century that the Parthenon was destroyed by an explosion of the gunpowder stored inside.
The Acropolis was restored after Greece won its independence and was the site of a dramatic resistance to Nazi occupation in 1941. A Greek soldier took down the Greek flag as instructed by the German officers, but instead of handing it over, he jumped off the side of the Acropolis to his death on the rocks below. After three long and brutal years of occupation, the Greek Prime Minister came to the Acropolis to raise the Greek flag once again after the Nazi defeat.
All of these sites are now part of the Acropolis combination ticket. The story of the Acropolis is also told at the new Acropolis Museum which mirrors the original Parthenon.
Visit
You can’t visit Athens without touring the ancient sites! It’s a place you and your kids will never forget. The main event is the Acropolis but with a combination ticket, you can see the other ancient sites as well.
Planning Tips
Tickets are sold through the official website – timed entry tickets are required for the Acropolis while you have five days to see the other ancient sites on the combo ticket. NOTE: do NOT select the free under 25 years old ticket – it’s for EU citizens only and they will not let your children from America in on this ticket (ask me how I know!).
Plan to visit the Acropolis either first thing in the morning or in late afternoon/evening if you’re visiting in the summer. Mid-morning will be crowded with cruise tourists and the afternoon will be sweltering hot. The climb up the mountain will leave you breathless and there is little to no shade while there. Bring lots of water and sunscreen and be sure to wear a hat. We visited around 4 pm, thinking it would be cooler, but we should have gone later. It was horribly sunny and really impacted our ability to finish the tour.
I recommend visiting the Acropolis Museum (separate timed-entry ticket required) BEFORE you tour the actual Acropolis. That way, you can learn about the history of the site and see its recreated statues up close before touring the Acropolis itself. Plus it’s nice and air-conditioned so it’s perfect to visit in the hot part of the day.
The ancient sites are best viewed with a private guide who can turn ruins into a story. Check out Context Travel for great historical guides or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations. I’ve also heard good things about the private Athens Walking Tours and the Athens Walking Guide.
Historical Sites
If you can only visit one site, make it this one! It’s the pinnacle of ancient history as it looms over the entire city. Be sure to use a guide or download the Rick Steves’ Acropolis tour before your tour time. His map is a great one to use while visiting.
Touring the Acropolis takes fortitude as it is a steep climb up slippery marble ramps and stairs and the actual site is full of rocky terrain. Be sure to have on walking shoes and to take water. Strollers aren’t allowed so hold tight to little ones’ hands. We toured at 4 pm on a late June day and it was too hot. Plan to be there first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon/evening.
You’ll walk up a steep incline to the entrance where you must have your timed-entry tickets (buy here well ahead of your trip to ensure access). We walked from the Acropolis Museum area which takes you by the ruins of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus built in 161 AD. In the summer, it is used as an amphitheater just like in Roman times. You can see inside it just after you enter.
Be sure to look past the hills to the Aegean Sea in the distance.
Make your way to the main entrance gate – the Propylaea. The columns and steep stairs are a wonder to see – but hard to endure in the sun! Make sure to hold hands with your children as the steps are slippery.
Take a minute to look back to Athens below as you climb.
Be sure to look up on the right-hand side to the Temple of Athena Nike (built in 427-421 BC). It’s so beautiful!
Also the view of the Acropolis through the columns is iconic!
Once you step through the columned gate, you are in the Acropolis with a view of the Parthenon. Enjoy this shade as it is the only place you’ll find it! There are paths through the marble ruins but know they are dusty and include walking on the slippery marble at times.
Look left to the Erechtheion with its six Caryatids (see them up close at the museum!). You can walk around the temple to get a closer view. There is also a water fountain here.
Walk back to the main path to go around the Parthenon. You can’t get very close so it’s good to have visited the museum before this site. Stand under the lone olive tree for some shade!
Make your way to the eastern end with the Greek flag. Climb up its parapet and think about the brave Greek soldier who defied the Nazis here. The views of Athens are unparalleled. You can pick out the Parliament building and the Plaka below along with the other ancient sites. The hill in the distance is Lykavittos Hill.
Make your way to the southern side where you can look down on the Theater of Dionysus, the first theater in history. Built around 330 BC, ancient playwrights such as Sophocles watched their words come to life on this stage. Note the Acropolis Museum in the background.
Continue around the Parthenon to the exit at the Propylaea gate. Walk back down the steps and out the exit. Don’t miss seeing Mars Hill directly across the sidewalk. This is where Paul gave his Areopagus sermon (Acts 17:16-34). You can climb to the top (a great place for sunset!) or just view the plaque about the sermon at eye level.
Be sure to find a restaurant or place to have a meal looking at the Acropolis. We loved our meal at Cafe Avissinia near the Agora and drinks on the rooftop of the Grand Bretagne hotel.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €30/combo ticket
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 1-1.5 hours
- No gift shops onsite
- Transportation: Walkable from most tourist hotels. Nearest Metro is Akropoli.
- Dining options: Eat before your tour at the Acropolis Museum (see below) or at the cafes near the southern entrance.
This new museum is modern and airy but often very crowded. It’s the best way to see the treasures from the Acropolis and learn its history. It can be overwhleming so having a guide is recommended.
Be sure to buy your timed-entry tickets ahead of your visit. You’ll still have to wait in a line to go through security but it’s much shorter than the line to buy tickets. As you wait, be sure to look down into the archaeological site below the entrance. You can visit it after your museum tour.
Once inside, you’ll walk up a huge ramp to the main floors. Don’t miss the amazing ancient artifacts lining (and on the floor!) the ramp.
The next floor contains statues and artifacts dating back to the Acropolis’ earliest history – the Hekatompedon temple built in 570 BC. It was especially cool to see the colors that were used – it wasn’t all white like the statues are today!
The Archaid Gallery is beautiful with pediments and statues of Greek gods and horses.
Work your way around to the Caryatids (lady-columns) from the Erechtheion temple on the Acropolis. These are the originals (missing one that is in the British Museum) while the ones you will see on the Acropolis are copies. They are majestic!
Head up to the third floor for the most amazing part of the museum. This floor is set up as the size of the Parthenon with its original (or copies) of friezes. It’s one-of-a-kind! The darker brown panels are originals, but most of the actual frieze can be found at the British Museum.
Don’t miss popping into the gift shop on this floor and head to the back corner for the BEST view of the Parthenon!
Head back downstairs and make sure to visit the main gift shop before exiting. Your tour isn’t over, though! Walk to the entrance for the excavations below (you’ll have to scan your ticket again). Access is near the entrance on the right-hand side of the building as you face the doors. It’s a labyrinth down there that is very cool!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €15
- Recommended: ages 6 and up
- Tour time: 1 hour
- Gift shops on 2nd and ground floors.
- Transportation: Walkable from most tourist hotels. Nearest Metro is Akropoli.
- Dining options: Eat with an amazing view at the second floor cafe. Lots of eateries are located just outside the museum along Dionysiou Areopagitou.
A few streets north of the Acropolis is the ancient Agora, the main cultural heart of classical Athens. As the gathering place of the ancient world, this is where Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle hung out. We didn’t get a chance to go in on this trip (the heat of the Acropolis got to us!), but it was beautiful just to walk by at night. Follow Rick Steves’ tour for a walking route (see map here).
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €30/combo ticket; €10/adults and €5/children to enter this alone
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 1 hour
- No gift shop onsite.
- Transportation: Walkable from most tourist hotels. Nearest Metro is Monastiraki.
- Dining options: Monastiraki Square is full of cafes and restaurants. We loved our meal at Cafe Avissinia.
The main cultural center during Roman times is the forum which is especially beautiful at night. Imagine the apostle Paul wandering here with the Greek people who were now citizens of the Roman empire. Kids will like the ruins of the toilets!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €30/combo ticket; €8/adults and €4/children to enter this alone
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 30 minutes
- No gift shop onsite.
- Transportation: Walkable from most tourist hotels. Nearest Metro is Monastiraki.
- Dining options: Monastiraki Square is full of cafes and restaurants.
This is a beautiful set of ruins from Roman times. We walked through this area at night and it was hopping with all kinds of buskers. It’s known for its pickpockets so be forewarned. If you go in, there is a ten foot statue of Nike inside.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €30/combo ticket; €6/adults and €3/children to enter this alone
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 15 minutes
- No gift shop onsite.
- Transportation: Walkable from most tourist hotels. Nearest Metro is Monastiraki.
- Dining options: Monastiraki Square is full of cafes and restaurants.
Just east of the Acropolis Museum are the ruins of this temple to the Olympian Zeus. They are beautiful and dramatic but are currently undergoing renovation. You can see most of the site from the fence without going inside.
Don’t miss the Arch of Hadrian and the statue of Alexander the Great, both right outside of the temple.
A half-block north of the site is an excavated Roman bath that is free to look in.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €30/combo ticket; €8/adults and €4/children to enter this alone
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 15 minutes
- No gift shop onsite.
- Transportation: Walkable from most tourist hotels. Nearest Metro is Akropoli.
- Dining options: Walk across the main street into the Plaka for many restaurants and cafes. We enjoyed our lunch at Erato.
It’s worth the slight walk to see the 4th century BC Olympic stadium that was rebuilt by the Romans and then restored for the modern-day games beginning in 1896. You can pay to go inside and run on the track used by the 2004 Olympic games. There is a museum included with your entry ticket.
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €10 (buy onsite)
- Recommended: ages 6 and up
- Tour time: 30 minutes
- Gift shop onsite.
- Transportation: Walkable from the Acropolis area. Nearest Metro is Akropoli.
- Dining options: There is a cafe near the entrance.
The ruins of this former school for ancient philosophers is east of the main ancient sites near Museum Row (where you’ll find the War Museum along with several other museums). We looked through the fence to see most of the site but you can go in with your combo ticket. Imagine the knowledge that was taught here!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €30/combo ticket; €4/adults and €2/children to enter this alone
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 15 minutes
- No gift shop onsite.
- Transportation: Walkable from Syntagma Square. Nearest Metro is Syntagma or Evangelismos.
- Dining options: Nearest cafe is in the next door Byzantine and Christian Museum.
National Archaeological Museum
Well outside of the main ancient site area, this museum is supposed to be one of the best in Europe! If the Acropolis Museum isn’t enough for your budding ancient scholars, take a cab here to see some of the most amazing artifacts from Ancient Greece. Be sure to follow Rick Steves’ suggestions for a route. We didn’t get to visit on this trip, but I hope to in the future!
Helpful hints:
- Cost: €30/combo ticket; €12/adults and €6/children to enter this alone
- Recommended: ages 10 and up
- Tour time: 2 hours
- Gift shop onsite.
- Transportation: Nearest Metro is Omonia.
- Dining options: There is a lovely museum cafe.
Suggested Itineraries
One day: Visit the Acropolis first thing at 8 am. After you finish, head to the Roman forum and Hadrian’s Library, and then walk down Adrianou Street to the Ancient Agora entrance. Finish your tour by lunch time, eating in nearby Monastiraki Square. After lunch, head to the cool Acropolis Museum and then end your day walking to the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Panathenaic Stadium (reverse this schedule to see Acropolis at the end of the day/sunset).
Two days: On your second day, walk from Syntagma Square to the museum strip, stopping at Aristotle’s Lyceum. After visiting the War Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum, travel to the National Archaeological Museum.
Ancient Athens is everywhere you look in today’s modern city. From the imposing Acropolis to the excavation sites under your feet, it’s a wonder of the world!
Books to Read:
All links below are Amazon affiliate links. Be sure to check out my Bookshop.org shop to support independent bookstores and creators.
Adults/Young Adults:
- Rick Steves Pocket Athens
- The Rise of Athens: The Story of the World’s Greatest Civilization
- National Geographic The Greeks: An Illustrated History
- The Iliad and The Odyssey: 2-Book Paperback Boxed Set
Middle Grade:
- Eyewitness Ancient Greece
- Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters
- Where is the Parthenon?
- The Iliad graphic novel
- The Odyssey graphic novel
- Percy Jackson and the Olympians Hardcover Boxed Set
- The Heroes of Olympus Hardcover Boxed Set of 5
Picture Books:
The crowds don’t look too bad in your photos, was Athens packed with tourists on this trip? Great blog btw!
It wasn’t too crowded in late June but the museum was pretty packed. At least on the Acropolis, you’re well spread out so it seems less crowded.