Things to do in Athens: highlights, tickets and practical tips
Quick answer
Athens' essentials are the Acropolis and Parthenon (€30, timed entry), the Acropolis Museum (€20), the Ancient Agora, the Plaka and Monastiraki neighbourhoods and sunset from Filopappou Hill. One day covers the highlights; with two, add the National Archaeological Museum and Cape Sounion.
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More Athens guides
- Athens in 1 dayA one-day Athens itinerary: the Acropolis at opening, the Acropolis Museum, Plaka, the Ancient Agora, Monastiraki and sunset on Filopappou Hill.
- Athens in 2 daysAthens in 2 days: day 1 the Acropolis, its museum, Plaka and the Agora; day 2 the Archaeological Museum, Olympieion, Panathenaic Stadium and Sounion.
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Athens highlights
- 1
Acropolis
Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylaea
The most famous ensemble of classical Greece, from the 5th century BC. Go first thing: tour groups arrive from 10am and the marble reflects the heat.
- 2
Makrygianni
Acropolis Museum
Home to the original Parthenon sculptures and the Erechtheion Caryatids. The top-floor gallery lays out the frieze at full scale facing the temple itself.
- 3
Monastiraki
Ancient Agora and Temple of Hephaestus
The civic heart of democratic Athens, with one of the best-preserved Doric temples in the world.
- 4
Plaka and Anafiotika
The neighbourhoods below the Acropolis
Narrow lanes, whitewashed island-style houses and tavernas. Anafiotika feels like a Cycladic village tucked into the hillside.
- 5
Exarchia
National Archaeological Museum
The finest collection of ancient Greek art: the Mask of Agamemnon, the Artemision Bronze and the Antikythera Mechanism.
- 6
Syntagma
Changing of the guard at Parliament
The evzones in traditional uniform change the guard every hour at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
- 7
Filopappou Hill
Sunset facing the Parthenon
The best free viewpoint of the Acropolis, a 15-minute walk from Plaka.
How to plan your visit
- Book the Acropolis online well ahead in high season: early time slots sell out first.
- Bring water, a hat and shoes with grip: the polished marble on the way up is slippery.
- Visit the Acropolis Museum after the site to make sense of what you've just seen.
- At the sites, point the AnyArt camera at any relief or temple to hear its story without hunting for signs.
- Check the official site on the day: in extreme heat the Acropolis can close during the hottest hours.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Acropolis cost?
General admission is €30, bought with a timed slot on hhticket.gr. EU citizens under 25 get in free with ID.
How many days do you need in Athens?
One day covers the Acropolis, its museum, the Agora and Plaka. Two days add the National Archaeological Museum and a trip to Cape Sounion.
Does the Acropolis ticket include the museum?
No. The Acropolis Museum has its own ticket (€20) and booking.
What's the best time to visit the Acropolis?
At opening on a weekday. Late afternoon is quieter too, but in summer it stays very hot until about 6pm.
Is central Athens walkable?
Yes. The Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki, the Agora and Syntagma are all within a 20-minute walk of each other.