Athens around the Acropolis in two or three days
Most of what visitors come to Athens for sits around one hill. The Acropolis, its museum, the ancient market squares, the old town of Plaka and the free hills to the west are all within walking distance of each other and of the metro stations Akropoli, Monastiraki and Thissio.
Since the combined ticket was abolished on 1 April 2025, every site has its own ticket. That makes it worth choosing. Our list below runs roughly from the hill outwards, and the table further down gives every 2026 price at a glance.
On and around the hill
Start here. Book the Acropolis first, then plan the rest around your time slot.
1. The Acropolis
The Parthenon, built 447 to 438 BC by Iktinos and Kallikrates with sculpture under Phidias, the Erechtheion with its Porch of the Caryatids, the Propylaia gateway and the small Temple of Athena Nike. Since June 2026 the Parthenon's west side is free of its outer scaffolding. The figures on the Erechtheion are copies. €30 in 2026, reduced €15.
The Parthenon →2. Theatre of Dionysus and the south slope
Included in the Acropolis ticket. Enter through the quieter south entrance and you pass the theatre on the way up. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the south-west slope closed after its farewell performances in June 2026 for at least three years of restoration, so you only see it from above.
Entrances compared →3. Acropolis Museum
Five of the six original Caryatids, the Parthenon Gallery on the top floor with the frieze in its original orientation, and an excavated ancient neighbourhood under the building. €20 (reduced €10), separate from the Acropolis ticket. On Fridays it stays open until 22:00.
Acropolis Museum →4. Areopagus
The rocky hill north-west of the main entrance is free to climb and gives a classic view of the Acropolis. The rock and the steps are very slippery, so wear shoes with grip and take care when it is wet.
5. Filopappou Hill
The Hill of the Muses with the Philopappos Monument, together with the Pnyx and the Hill of the Nymphs. Entry is free and the area is open 24 hours, but it can be closed when the wildfire risk is high. It is also a good spot for photos of the Acropolis and the Odeon below it.
Our picks: things to do in Athens
A private tour of the main sights, a food tour and an evening at the theatre.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Athens half-day private tour of the major sights
A private tour for your group with the Acropolis and the main sights of the centre.
Check availability →
Athens food tour with a full meal
A small-group walk through the centre with tastings that add up to a full meal.
Check availability →
Ancient Greek theatre performance
A short performance in the spirit of ancient Greek theatre, an easy evening plan after a day at the sites.
Check availability →Athens tours and tickets
Acropolis tickets, guided walks through the ancient city and Plaka, and tours that include the Acropolis Museum, with live prices and availability.
The ancient city below the hill
Four sites with their own tickets. In winter all except the Agora close at 15:00.
6. Ancient Agora
The ancient market square with the Temple of Hephaestus and the rebuilt Stoa of Attalos, which houses the Agora museum. Since July 2025 you go in and out through the gate on Thissio square. The upper floor of the Stoa and the Church of the Holy Apostles have been closed since November 2025. €20, reduced €10.
Ancient Agora →7. Roman Agora
A compact site on the edge of Plaka that fits easily between other stops. €10, reduced €5; in winter open 08:00 to 15:00.
8. Hadrian's Library
Another compact site between Plaka and Monastiraki, easy to combine with the Roman Agora. €10, reduced €5; in winter open 08:00 to 15:00, in summer the same hours as the Acropolis.
9. Kerameikos
Kerameikos reopened on 15 September 2026 after a renovation that closed it from May 2025. There is a new entrance on Ermou, a new exit on Agion Asomaton and a new visitor building with a café. €10 including the museum, reduced €5.
The old town and the south-east
Free to wander, plus the giant columns of the Olympieion.
10. Plaka and Anafiotika
Plaka is the old town on the north and east slopes of the Acropolis. Tucked directly under the north slope is Anafiotika, a tiny settlement of Cycladic-style houses built in the 19th century by builders from the island of Anafi. It is a residential area, so keep your voice down.
Plaka guide →11. Temple of Olympian Zeus
The giant columns of the Olympieion stand south-east of the Acropolis. The entrance is on Vasilissis Olgas. €20, reduced €10. Open 08:00 to 20:00 in summer and 08:00 to 15:00 in winter.
Temple of Olympian Zeus →12. Hadrian's Arch
The arch stands free beside the road and needs no ticket. Since 1 April 2026 the area around it has been fenced off for construction work on Vasilissis Olgas, so for now you see it from outside and from a distance.
Ticket prices 2026 at a glance
Full adult price and reduced price. Free entry and reductions follow the national rules, for example free for visitors from EU countries up to 25 and for children from outside the EU up to 18 at the state sites.
| Site | Full | Reduced | Winter hours | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acropolis and slopes | €30 | €15 | 08:00–17:00 | Time slot required, includes the Theatre of Dionysus |
| Acropolis Museum | €20 | €10 | Mon–Thu 09:00–17:00, Fri 09:00–22:00, Sat–Sun 09:00–20:00 | Own ticket and own free days |
| Ancient Agora | €20 | €10 | From 08:00, closing time varies by season | Includes the museum |
| Temple of Olympian Zeus | €20 | €10 | 08:00–15:00 | Entrance on Vasilissis Olgas |
| Roman Agora | €10 | €5 | 08:00–15:00 | |
| Hadrian's Library | €10 | €5 | 08:00–15:00 | |
| Kerameikos | €10 | €5 | 08:00–15:00 | Includes the museum, reopened 15 Sept 2026 |
| Areopagus, Filopappou Hill | Free | Free | Filopappou open 24 hours | May close at high wildfire risk |
| Hadrian's Arch, Plaka | Free | Free | Always | Arch only visible from outside |
Winter hours apply from 1 November to 31 March. On 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October the state sites are free for everyone, and some winter Sundays are free too; check the list on hh.gr. The Acropolis Museum has its own free days. Details on our Acropolis tickets and combined ticket pages.
How to fit it together
A simple order that keeps walking short and avoids the midday heat.
Day one: the hill
Acropolis at 08:00 through the south entrance, then the Acropolis Museum next to Akropoli station during the hot hours. In the evening, the Areopagus or Filopappou Hill for the view.
Best time to visit →Day two: the ancient city
Ancient Agora from Thissio, then Hadrian's Library and the Roman Agora, and an afternoon in Plaka and Anafiotika. Add the newly reopened Kerameikos if you have time.
Day three: the south-east
Temple of Olympian Zeus in the morning, a look at Hadrian's Arch, and anything you missed. In winter remember that most of these sites close at 15:00.
Things to do in Athens: frequently asked questions
What is the one thing not to miss in Athens?
The Acropolis, ideally combined with the Acropolis Museum. Together they need about four hours and two separate tickets, €30 and €20 in 2026.
Is there a ticket for all sites in Athens?
No. The combined ticket was abolished on 1 April 2025. Bought separately, the Acropolis and the six other main state sites, including Aristotle's Lyceum, cost €105 in total.
What can I see in Athens for free?
The Areopagus and Filopappou Hill, both with views of the Acropolis, the streets of Plaka and Anafiotika, and Hadrian's Arch from outside. The state sites are also free for everyone on a few fixed days each year.
Is Kerameikos open again?
Yes. It reopened on 15 September 2026 with a new entrance on Ermou and a new visitor building. The ticket costs €10, reduced €5, and includes the museum.
Can I visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus?
Not in the coming years. After the farewell events in June 2026 it closed for at least three years of restoration. You can still see it from above on the Acropolis.