One day in Athens

Acropolis

The sacred rock with the Parthenon, the Propylaia, the Erechtheion and the temple of Athena Nike. The visit is a climb up a stone path and a loop of the summit, with almost no shade.

3 h 30 visitOpen 8:00 am–6:30 pm · last entry 6:00 pmAdult ticket €30

Be at the gate at 08:00, or come for the last hour before closing. The polished marble is slippery, so wear shoes with grip.

Tickets are sold at the gate and on the Ministry of Culture e-ticketing service. The queue grows from mid morning, so buy online before you go and arrive at opening.

From 1 to 15 October the site opens 08:00 to 18:30, and from 16 to 31 October 08:00 to 18:00. Winter hours from 1 November are 08:00 to 17:00, and summer hours are 08:00 to 20:00 with a gradual cut from 1 September. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 December and 26 December. Entry is free on 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October.

Source: Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Odysseus), checked October 5, 2026

Acropolis Museum

The museum at the foot of the rock holds the finds from the Acropolis, with the Parthenon sculptures on the top floor. Glass floors let you look down onto an excavated neighbourhood under the building.

2 h 30 visitOpen 9:00 am–5:00 pm · last entry 4:30 pmAdult ticket €20

Go on a Friday evening. The museum stays open until 22:00 and the tour groups have left.

You can buy at the desk or online, and the museum warns of waits at busy times. Book online if you plan to arrive at midday in high season. Reduced and free tickets are issued only at the desk with the right documents.

From 1 April to 31 October it opens Monday 09:00 to 17:00, Tuesday to Thursday and the weekend 09:00 to 20:00, and Friday 09:00 to 22:00. From 1 November Monday to Thursday close at 17:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 25 December and 26 December. Entry is free on 6 March, 25 March, 18 May and 28 October.

Source: Acropolis Museum, checked October 5, 2026

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The remaining columns of the largest temple in ancient Athens, standing in an open site beside Hadrian's Arch. The Roman emperor Hadrian finished the temple in the second century.

1 h visitOpen 8:00 am–6:30 pm · last entry 6:10 pmAdult ticket €20

Late afternoon gives the best light on the columns. The visit is short, so pair it with the Acropolis Museum or the stadium.

From 1 to 15 October the site opens 08:00 to 18:30, and from 16 to 30 October 08:00 to 18:00. Winter hours are 08:00 to 15:00 and summer hours 08:00 to 20:00. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing in October. Closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 December and 26 December. Entry is free on 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October. Road works on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue mean the area around Hadrian's Gate is closed to the public.

Source: Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Odysseus), checked October 5, 2026

Lycabettus Hill

The highest hill in central Athens, with a small chapel at the top and a view across the city to the sea. A path climbs from Kolonaki, and a funicular runs most of the way up.

1 h 30 visitAlways open

Go up about an hour before sunset and stay for the lights. The path is steep, so wear sturdy shoes.

The hill is open at all hours. The funicular runs on its own timetable, so check before you rely on it.

Source: Greek National Tourism Organisation (Visit Greece), checked October 5, 2026