12 top sites

attractions

medium

activity level

3.8 km | 2.4 mi

total distance

How much time to budget?

Syntagma Square

30min

Panathenaic Stadium

1h 30min

Olympieion

45min

Arch of Hadrian

15min

Acropolis Museum

1h 30min

Acropolis of Athens

The next 6 sites are all found within the Acropolis of Athens

Theatre of Dyonisus

15min

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

15min

Propylaea

15min

Erechtheion

15min

Parthenon

15min

Greek Flag of Athens

15min

Ok, but how do we get to the starting point? While taxis are available globally, most have us now rely on the convenience of ridesharing apps like Uber, Lyft, Bolt, etc. Since this is updated frequently, best to confirm options before your trip.

Are we geography alumni or GIS technologists? No, but we are travel aficionados and now, mapping experts. How we got here is by exploring, leaving no stone unturned, even getting it wrong from time to time, so that you don’t.

What’s up with the ratings?
No, this isn’t our opinion — afterall, we hardly know eachother.

All ratings are courtesy of Tripadvisor.

athens day two

Having last visited Athens in 2016, we were excited to book a cruise on the Celebrity Infinity out of Piraeus, to the Greek islands and Turkey for August 2024.

What we didn’t bargain for was the heat, as it was mid August, and Athens is quite unforgiving around this time.

Leading up to this trip, we were determined to design the most robust 2-day itinerary, complete with all the must-see top sites and attractions. Though we experienced a few hiccups along the way.

Enjoy Athens day two -— the most comprehensive self-guided tour of Athens “The Classic City,” complete with distance/time data, directions, navigational map links, insider’s tips, etc.

Starting at Syntagma Square, visit 12 of Athens’ top sites and attractions including Panathenaic Stadium, Olympieion, Arch of Hadrian, Acropolis Museum, Acropolis of Athens, Theatre of Dyonisus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Propylaea, Erechtheion, Parthenon, Flag of Acropolis.

Athens weather

athens weather

Syntagma Square

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Syntagma Square is the heart of Athens and a central hub for both locals and tourists. It’s home to the Greek Parliament building, which dates back to 1843.

One of its key attractions is the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, performed by the elite Evzones. Dressed in traditional uniforms, the guards change every hour in a precise, slow-motion ritual.

On Sundays at 11 AM, a grander version takes place with a full parade and military band, making it a must-see spectacle of Greek tradition and national pride.

Panathenaic Stadium

1,000 meters | 14 minutes

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The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is a marvel of ancient Greek engineering and a symbol of Olympic history.

Originally built in the 4th century BC and renovated in marble by Herodes Atticus in 144 AD, it hosted the Panathenaic Games and later the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

With its horseshoe-shaped design and capacity to hold up to 50,000 spectators, it remains the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble. Paid admission — €10 per person. Audio guide is included with entry.

Olympieion

550 meters | 10 minutes

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Olympieion aka. The Temple of Olympian Zeus, is a testament to the grandeur of ancient Greece.

Construction began in the 6th century BC but was not completed until the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Once the largest temple in Greece, it housed a colossal statue of Zeus, the king of the gods.

Today, only a few columns remain standing, serving as a reminder of its former glory. Despite its partial ruin, the Temple of Olympian Zeus remains a significant archaeological site, offering visitors a glimpse into the majesty of ancient Greek architecture and mythology. Paid admission — included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Arch of Hadrian

260 meters | 3 minutes

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The Arch of Hadrian, built in 131 AD, stands as a monumental gateway in Athens, symbolizing the division between the ancient city of Theseus and the new Roman quarter of Emperor Hadrian.

Constructed from Pentelic marble, the arch is a striking blend of Roman and Greek architectural styles. The inscription on the arch honors Hadrian’s contributions to Athens, marking the emperor's influence on the city's expansion.

Important if you're not planning to visit the Acropolis or 6 sites, Olympieion can be seen clearly from the fence by the Arch of Hadrian. FREE admission.

Acropolis Museum

350 meters | 5 minutes

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The Acropolis Museum is a world-class institution housing treasures from the Acropolis.

Opening in 2009, its sleek, modern design contrasts with the ancient artifacts inside. The museum showcases over 4,000 objects, including the Parthenon marbles and statues from the Erechtheion.

One unique feature is the glass floors, offering a view of archaeological excavations below. Divided into thematic sections, visitors can explore artifacts from daily life, sacred rituals, and monumental structures.

Photography is restricted in certain areas, such as the Archaic Period (first floor). Paid admission — FREE audio guide included with entry ticket but bring your own headphones.

Acropolis of Athens

100 meters | 2 minutes

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Enter via South Slope of Acropolis. The Acropolis of Athens is the iconic symbol of ancient Greek civilization and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Perched high above the city, it houses several majestic structures, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Propylaea.

Dating back to the 5th century BC, it served as the religious and cultural center of Athens, dedicated to the goddess Athena. The architectural brilliance of the Acropolis, with its Doric and Ionic temples and monumental sculptures, continues to awe visitors today. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Theatre of Dionysus

270 meters | 4 minutes

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Located on the South Slope of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus is the birthplace of ancient Greek drama.

Built in the 4th century BC, it was dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine and theatre, and could hold up to 17,000 spectators. This open-air theatre hosted the famous works of playwrights like Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides.

As the first stone theatre in the world, it set the stage for Western drama as we know it. Visitors can explore the ancient seats, stage, and surrounding ruins, immersing themselves in the cultural heart of ancient Athens. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

600 meters | 10 minutes

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Nestled beneath the slopes of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stunning ancient amphitheater dating back to the 2nd century AD.

Built by the wealthy Roman aristocrat Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, it once hosted musical and theatrical performances for audiences of up to 5,000 people. Despite its partial restoration, the Odeon remains a cherished venue for cultural events, including concerts, dance performances, and ancient Greek dramas during the Athens Festival.

Its picturesque setting and rich history make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the wonders of ancient Athens. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Propylaea

260 meters | 5 minute

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Built between 437 and 432 BC under the direction of architect Mnesicles, Propylaea serves as the grand entrance to the Acropolis in Athens.

This monumental gateway, made of marble and limestone, was designed to impress visitors as they ascended to the sacred site. Flanked by two large wings, it blends Doric and Ionic architectural styles, showcasing the artistry of ancient Greece.

Though never fully completed due to the Peloponnesian War, the Propylaea remains a testament to Athens' golden age. Its strategic position offers stunning views of the city, making it a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Erechtheion

100 meters | 2 minutes

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The Erechtheion, located on the Acropolis, is one of Athens' most sacred temples, known for its unique asymmetrical design.

Built between 421-406 BC, it was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, reflecting Athens' mythological past. Its most famous feature is the Porch of the Caryatids, where six sculpted female figures serve as columns.

Unlike the Parthenon, which was a grand temple solely for Athena, the Erechtheion had multiple shrines, making it a complex religious site. It also housed the sacred olive tree gifted by Athena, symbolizing her victory over Poseidon in their mythic contest for the city. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Parthenon

110 meters | 2 minutes

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Perched atop the Acropolis, the Parthenon is an iconic symbol of ancient Greece and classical architecture.

Completed in 438 BC, it was dedicated to Athena, the city’s patron goddess, and served as a temple and treasury. Constructed with marble and featuring Doric columns, the Parthenon is renowned for its perfect proportions and intricate sculptures, including the famed Parthenon frieze.

Despite lacking it these days, the original Parthenon was believed to be quite colorful, with its sculptures decorated in blue, red and green. Although historians debate just how much of the structure would have been colored, UV lights help them uncover pigments once lost. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.

Greek Flag of Athens

500 meters | 8 minutes

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The Greek flag at the Acropolis holds deep symbolic significance, proudly flying at the highest point of Athens.

This spectacular observation deck marks the spot where, during World War II, Greek soldier Konstantinos Koukidis heroically lowered the flag rather than surrender it to the Nazis, becoming a symbol of resistance. The flagpole offers panoramic views of the city, and its presence underscores Greece's enduring spirit of independence.

Visitors often pause here to reflect on the flag’s historic role while taking in stunning vistas of both modern and ancient Athens, making it a poignant stop on any visit to the Acropolis. Paid admission — Included with Acropolis Combo Ticket.