- 2-min walk (130 m)
- Restored Roman amphitheater, hosts summer performances
- Cost: Free to view, event tickets vary
Top things to do near the Acropolis
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Anafiotika & Plaka lanes
The Acropolis stands in the heart of Athens, perched above the Plaka district and surrounded by centuries of history. Near the Acropolis, you’ll find iconic ruins, vibrant neighborhoods, and renowned museums all within a 20-minute walk. Its central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Athens, whether you’re interested in ancient temples, lively markets, or a stroll through shaded gardens. Plan your visit with ease and make the most of your time in the city.
Unlock Athens’s top sites near the Acropolis with a single pass. Enjoy entry to the Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, and more, all within walking distance. Save up to 40% and skip ticket lines.
This Roman amphitheater, built in 161 AD, is still used for summer concerts and festivals. Its stone arches and hillside setting are striking.
Step into the birthplace of Greek drama at this ancient open-air theater, where plays by Sophocles and Euripides were first performed.
Wander through the remains of Athens’s Roman marketplace, including the iconic Tower of the Winds and ancient columns.
Ruins of temples, altars, and civic buildings spread through a green valley beneath the Acropolis, with a museum inside the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos.
Gigantic surviving columns from one of the ancient world’s largest temples, framed by parkland and the nearby Roman arch.
Explore the ruins of this grand Roman library, built by Emperor Hadrian in 132 AD, with impressive columns and courtyards.
This modern museum houses original sculptures from the Acropolis, including the Parthenon Marbles and ancient artifacts, with glass floors revealing excavations below.
Explore Greek culture through folk costumes, embroidery, and shadow puppets in this small but fascinating museum.
Learn about the history and traditions of Greek Jews through artifacts, photographs, and personal stories in a neoclassical building.
Housed in the Old Parliament, this museum traces Greek history from the Ottoman era to modern times with costumes, weapons, and documents.
Greece’s largest museum, home to the Mask of Agamemnon and treasures from across the ancient world.
Admire icons, mosaics, and religious art spanning over 1,500 years in a peaceful garden setting.
💡 Tip: In summer, tour the Acropolis as soon as gates open, then retreat to the Acropolis Museum’s air-conditioned galleries and café. You’ll see the highlights without spending the midday hours on exposed rock.
Climb this rocky outcrop for sweeping views of the Acropolis and Athens, especially beautiful at sunset.
A favorite local spot for panoramic city views, with walking trails and the Philopappos Monument at the summit.
Several rooftop cafés and bars offer direct Acropolis views, perfect for a drink at sunset.
Once the meeting place of ancient Athenian democracy, this hill offers Acropolis views and a peaceful escape from crowds.
The highest point in central Athens, reached by funicular or a steep walk, with a café and 360-degree views.
Fine-dining classic opposite the Acropolis, serving modern Greek dishes with floor-to-ceiling glass framing the Parthenon.
Rooftop terrace taverna with uninterrupted Acropolis views, known for grilled meats, baked feta, and generous servings.
Multiple gelaterias and sweet shops in Plaka serve ice cream, loukoumades, and baklava to go.
Traditional taverna in Plaka, famous for fried cod and meze plates, with a lively, authentic atmosphere.
A cozy café on the steps of Anafiotika, known for homemade pies, Greek coffee, and shaded outdoor seating.
Athens’s oldest distillery, famous for its rainbow wall of liqueur bottles and ouzo in the heart of Plaka.
Delicatessen-taverna serving cured meats, cheeses, and meze platters in a traditional setting.
These pedestrian streets circle the Acropolis and link major sites. They often feature street performers, live music, and art installations.
Lose yourself in narrow alleys, painted staircases, and bougainvillea-covered houses on the Acropolis’s north slope.
Enjoy panoramic city and Acropolis views from this rocky hill, a favorite sunset spot for locals.
Stroll this lively street lined with shops, cafés, and Acropolis views.
Catch live music, dance, and street art in this bustling square at the foot of the Acropolis.
💡 Tip: If Areopagus Hill feels packed, head to a rooftop bar around Monastiraki instead. You’ll get similar illuminated Acropolis views, plus a drink and a seat while you wait for the hourly sparkle.
Small, leafy squares tucked between Plaka’s houses offer shade and a quiet break from sightseeing.
Wooded trails, ancient monuments, and panoramic city views make this park a favorite for walkers and photographers.
A sprawling green oasis with shaded paths, ponds, and ancient ruins, perfect for a midday escape from the city heat.
Elegant gardens surrounding the Zappeion Hall, with fountains, statues, and quiet benches.
Wide, pedestrianized promenade skirting the south slope of the Acropolis, linking major archaeological sites.
A picturesque stairway lined with cafés and flower pots, perfect for a coffee break.
One of Athens’s oldest streets, lined with shops, cafés, and Acropolis views.
A lively plaza at the foot of the Acropolis, surrounded by markets, street food, and historic buildings.
Athens’s central square, home to the Greek Parliament and the changing of the guard ceremony.
Join a guided walk through Plaka, Anafiotika, and the Acropolis slopes to uncover hidden stories and local legends.
Cycle through historic neighborhoods and along the pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou Street for a unique city perspective.
A short but steep scramble to a rocky platform overlooking the Acropolis and city skyline.
Follow scenic trails to the Philopappos Monument for city and sea views, with ancient ruins along the way.
Catch a summer concert or theater performance in this ancient amphitheater under the stars.
Wander Plaka’s lantern-lit streets, with live music drifting from tavernas and cafés open late.
Athens’s oldest distillery, famous for colorful liqueur bottles and a lively atmosphere in Plaka.
Live music, DJ sets, and open-air cinema on a rooftop in nearby Gazi, with Acropolis views.
💡 Tip: During the Athens Epidaurus Festival and major holidays, central streets and metro lines get crowded and some venues shift while the Odeon is under restoration. Check event calendars and book tickets or seats well ahead.
A fun, hop-on hop-off sightseeing train that loops around the Acropolis and Plaka, great for little legs.
Treat the family to Greek-style ice cream at one of Plaka’s many gelaterias.
Interactive exhibits, kids’ audio guides, and weekend workshops make the museum engaging for all ages.
Gentle trails and shaded paths make this hill a good choice for family walks and Acropolis views.
A shaded playground with swings, slides, and a small animal enclosure, ideal for younger children.
Optical illusions and hands-on fun for kids and adults, perfect for a break from ancient ruins.
Military and student parades fill central Athens, with festivities near Syntagma Square and the Acropolis.
Free concerts and open-air performances in the Gazi district, a short walk from the Acropolis.
Enjoy world-class theater, music, and dance performances at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and other venues.
Watch or join the historic marathon, which finishes at the Panathenaic Stadium, passing close to the Acropolis.
Festive lights, markets, and concerts fill Syntagma Square and Plaka, creating a magical holiday atmosphere.
Fireworks and live music ring in the new year, with crowds gathering for midnight celebrations.
Discover unique gifts, ceramics, and art in Plaka’s independent shops and galleries.
Browse local crafts, jewelry, and clothing along this lively street with Acropolis views.
Athens’s most famous market for antiques, souvenirs, and vintage finds, bustling every day of the week.
A narrow pedestrian street in Monastiraki, filled with stalls selling jewelry, hats, and souvenirs.
Athens’s main shopping avenue, lined with international brands and Greek department stores.
Experience Athens’s bustling food market, with stalls selling spices, olives, cheeses, and fresh produce.
💡 Tip: City passes bundle Acropolis entry, museums, and hop-on hop-off buses, but check which sites you’ll realistically visit in one or two days. If you only want a couple of ruins, a simple combo ticket may be better value.
Path: Acropolis → Theatre of Dionysus → Acropolis Museum
Alternative: If the museum is busy, stroll through Plaka’s alleys for a coffee break.
Path: Acropolis → Acropolis Museum → Plaka → Areopagus Hill
Alternative: Swap Areopagus Hill for the Roman Agora if you prefer more ruins.
Path: Acropolis → Acropolis Museum → Plaka → Temple of Olympian Zeus → National Garden
Alternative: If you love museums, add the National Archaeological Museum in the afternoon.
Path: Plaka → Rooftop bar → Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Alternative: If no events are scheduled, enjoy a night stroll through Monastiraki Square.
Path: Acropolis Museum → National Garden playground → Plaka gelato
Alternative: Swap the train for the Museum of Illusions for more interactive fun.
Path: Anafiotika → Sunset on Areopagus Hill → Dinner at Dionysos Zonar’s
Alternative: End with a moonlit walk through Plaka’s lantern-lit streets.
Walking is the easiest way to explore sites near the Acropolis, with most major sights within about a 20-minute radius. The closest metro stop is Acropoli on Line 2, just steps from the museum entrance, while Syntagma and Monastiraki stations are a short walk away.
Public transit
Taxi / ride-hailing
Bikes & scooters
Hop-on hop-off buses
Yes, the area is generally safe at night, especially around Plaka and the Acropolis Museum. Stick to well-lit streets and main routes for the best experience.
Yes, most attractions are within a 20-minute walk, though some streets are steep or cobbled. Wear comfortable shoes and use the metro for longer distances.
Locals love Plaka’s tavernas, Anafiotika’s quiet alleys, and the rooftop bars with Acropolis views. The National Garden is a favorite for a midday break.
Areopagus Hill is the top choice for a picnic with panoramic views of the Acropolis and Athens, especially at sunset.
Areopagus Hill, Philopappos Hill, and rooftop bars in Plaka offer the most iconic Acropolis views, especially during golden hour.
You can explore Plaka, Anafiotika, Areopagus Hill, and the National Garden for free. Street performances in Monastiraki Square are also popular.
Dionysos Zonar’s, Yiasemi, Strofi, and Klepsydra Café are all within a 10-minute walk and offer great food and atmosphere.
The Acropolis Museum’s family activities, the Museum of Illusions, and the National Garden playground are all excellent for children.
Visit the Acropolis Museum, Museum of Greek Folk Art, or the Museum of Illusions for indoor activities.
Yes, the Acropolis Museum offers lockers for small bags. Larger luggage can be stored at nearby luggage storage services in Plaka.
The Acropolis metro station (Line 2) is the closest, just a few minutes’ walk from the main entrance.
Dogs are allowed in public parks like the National Garden but not inside archaeological sites or museums.
Yes, the Athens City Pass includes entry to the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, and several other nearby attractions.
Monastiraki Flea Market, Adrianou Street, and Plaka boutiques are all within a 15-minute walk.
Rooftop bars in Plaka and Monastiraki, as well as Areopagus Hill, offer stunning night views of the illuminated Acropolis.
Anafiotika’s island-style houses and the Plaka Steps are charming, less-visited spots just below the Acropolis.
Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon (after 4pm) are best for avoiding crowds and heat.
The Athens Epidaurus Festival, Athens Marathon, and Christmas festivities in Syntagma Square are highlights throughout the year.
