Ancient sites in Athens
The Acropolis is the main reason to come to Athens for ancient sites. It is a rocky citadel above the modern city, crowned by the Parthenon, a former temple to Athena that is the most famous building of Classical Greece. The ruins are close to the city center and make a full, rewarding morning or day.
Places to go
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the ancient citadel above central Athens, with the Parthenon at its heart. You climb the rock on foot to reach the ruins and the views over the city.
Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora was the civic heart of classical Athens, a marketplace that also held assembly and residential remains. You walk its open grounds among ruined stoas, temples and foundations.
Ancient Walls of Piraeus
The Ancient Walls of Piraeus are the remains of the defensive circuit built to guard the port town in ancient times. Stone gates and wall stretches still show the line of the fortifications.
Plaka
Plaka is the old neighborhood of Athens, climbing the northern and eastern slopes of the Acropolis. Its streets are pedestrian, lined with shops, cafes and restaurants.
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum holds Greek antiquities from prehistory to late antiquity, gathered from sites across the country. It sits in Exarcheia, a short trip from the center of Athens.
Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
Small museum in central Piraeus with Mycenaean to Hellenistic pottery and the bronze statues found near the harbor in 1959. A good indoor stop in central Piraeus.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Democratic Origins, Acropolis, and Ancient Agora with Private Transfers
What to expect
Most visitors take the metro from Piraeus into central Athens and walk up to the Acropolis. The site is a plateau of ancient buildings on a rock above the city. The Parthenon is the focal point, and the Propylaea, the grand entrance, leads to it. Nearby are the Erechtheion and the Temple of Athena Nike. Early morning is the easiest time to see the main monuments before the crowds gather.
A common plan is to combine the Acropolis with the Ancient Agora, which lies northwest of the rock, or with Plaka, the historic district at the foot of the hill. The Acropolis Museum sits over ruins of Roman and early Byzantine Athens, and it is worth a visit on the same day. Guided tours usually run from about 3.5 to 7.5 hours and cover the main sites, so the length of the day depends on how much you add.
Where to go
- Acropolis of Athens. Ancient citadel with the Parthenon, Propylaea, Erechtheion and Temple of Athena Nike, reached on foot up the rock. About 12 km from Piraeus port, by metro. A trip that goes here: Athens Introduction with Acropolis and Museum, 7 Hours 30 Minutes, $228 a person
- Ancient Agora of Athens. Classical Greek agora with commercial, assembly and residential remains, northwest of the Acropolis. Near the Acropolis, by walk. A trip that goes here: Athens Introduction with Acropolis and Museum, 7 Hours 30 Minutes, $228 a person
- Plaka. Historic district at the foot of the Acropolis, with restored neoclassical homes, pedestrian streets and Roman-era ruins. By walk. A trip that goes here: Private Parthenon with free time in Plaka, 5 Hours
- Temple of Poseidon, Sounion. Ancient temple on the Attic coast, reached on a day tour, with a rocky path climbing to the temple. Far, on the Attic coast south of Athens, by tour. A trip that goes here: Athens Introduction with Acropolis and Museum, 7 Hours 30 Minutes, $228 a person
Getting there
From Piraeus, the Acropolis is about 12 km away and roughly 30 minutes one way. Most people take the metro from Piraeus into the city, then walk up to the rock. A taxi or bus is another option if you prefer not to change lines.
When to go
Spring and late autumn are the most pleasant seasons for walking the rock. Summer can be very hot and dry during heatwaves, so start early and carry water. Peak traffic hours can be smoggy on the main roads.
Good to know
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, since the paths and steps are uneven and sometimes slippery.
- Go early in the morning to see the main monuments before the largest groups arrive.
- Bring water and a hat, and plan shade breaks in the warmer months.
Questions
How far is the Acropolis from Piraeus port?
The Acropolis is about 12 km from Piraeus port, roughly 30 minutes one way. Most visitors take the metro into central Athens and walk up to the site from there.
Can you see the Acropolis in one day?
Yes. The Acropolis, the Parthenon and the Ancient Agora can all be seen in one day, though allow time for the trip out and back and the climb up the rock.
What is the best time to visit the Acropolis?
Early morning is best for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Spring and late autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Summer can be very hot during heatwaves.
