Greece is home to hundreds of Archeological sites and over twenty of the most important are located right in the heart of the capital. While it may not be possible to visit all of them some of them really should not be missed. These are the top 8 Athens archaeological sites not to miss on your visit.
You can also read about which days you can visit them for free!
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When to visit Athens Archaeological Sites for free
Several days each year there is free admission to state-owned archaeological sites, historical sites, monuments, and museums managed by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports.
These free admission days include:
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March 6: In memory of Melina Mercouri.
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April 18: International Monuments Day.
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May 18: International Museums Day.
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The last weekend of September annually: European Heritage Days.
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October 28: National Holiday (Ohi Day).
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Every first Sunday from November 1 to March 31: During these months, the first Sunday of each month provides free entry
Acropolis of Athens
One of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, the Acropolis stands on a rocky hill above Athens. It contains several significant monuments, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
It was ancient Athens’s religious and political centre and remains a symbol of classical Greek civilization. From the Acropolis, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city.
Entrance Fees
- Regular-price ticket: 30€
- reduced-price ticket:
- 15€ EU seniors over 65
- Free – EU up to 25
- Free – non-EU up to 18
Hours
November 1 to March 31 – 8 am to 5 pm (last entrance at 4.30pm)
April 1 to October 31 – 8 am to 8 pm
Note that the last entry to the Acropolis is half an hour before closing time.
Further reading: A Complete Guide to the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
Ancient Agora of Athens
Situated northwest of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora was the heart of public life in Athens during antiquity. It served as a marketplace, a political gathering space, and a cultural hub. The site includes the well-preserved Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos (which now houses the Agora Museum), and various remains of public buildings that played key roles in Athenian democracy.
Entrance fee:
€20 (April to October), €10 (November to March)
Open:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April to October) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March)
Roman Agora
Located north of the Acropolis and east of the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora was built during the Roman era when Athens became part of the Roman Empire.
It replaced the older agora as the city’s main commercial hub. The site includes the Gate of Athena Archegetis, the Tower of the Winds (an ancient clocktower and weather station), and remains of shops and administrative buildings.
Entrance fee:
€10 (April to October), €5 (November to March)
Open:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April to October) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March).
Temple of Olympian Zeus
Situated southeast of the Acropolis, this colossal temple was dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods. Construction began in the 6th century BCE but was not completed until the 2nd century CE under Emperor Hadrian.
Although only a few columns remain standing, they showcase the grandeur of what was once the largest temple in Greece. Nearby is Hadrian’s Arch, a Roman triumphal arch marking the entrance to the city.
Entrance fee:
€20 (April to October), €10 (November to March)
Open:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April to October) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March)
Kerameikos
Positioned northwest of the Acropolis, Kerameikos was the primary burial ground of ancient Athens and a significant area for pottery production.
The site features numerous well-preserved tombs, funerary sculptures, and remnants of the ancient city walls.
The Sacred Gate and the Dipylon Gate, two major entrances to the city, are also located here. The on-site museum provides insight into burial customs and Athenian daily life.
Entrance fee:
€10 (April to October), €5 (November to March)
Open:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April to October) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March)
Hadrians Library
Situated north of the Acropolis and adjacent to the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library was established by Emperor Hadrian in 132 CE as a cultural and intellectual center.
The complex contained a vast collection of scrolls, reading rooms, and lecture halls. Today, visitors can see the remains of its grand entrance and parts of the colonnades that once surrounded the courtyard.
Entrance fee:
€10 (April to October), €5 (November to March)
Open:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (April to October) and 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (November to March)
Panathenaic Stadium (Kallimarmaro)
The Panathenaic Stadium, also known as Kallimarmaro, is one of the most historically significant stadiums in the world.
Originally built in the 4th century BCE for the Panathenaic Games, it was reconstructed in marble in 144BC by Herodes Atticus. It is the only stadium in the world made entirely of marble and was the site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.
Today, it remains a symbol of Greece’s athletic heritage and is still used for special sporting and cultural events. Visitors can explore the stadium, walk on the track, and visit an exhibition on Olympic history featuring a collection of Olympic torches and posters.
Open:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM from March to October and from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM from November to February, with the last entry 30 minutes before closing
Entrance fees:
€10 for adults and €5 for students, while children under 6 enter for free.
Tickets include an audio guide.
archaeological Site of Lykeion (Lyceum of Aristotle)
Discovered in 1996, the ruins of the Lyceum are located near modern-day Syntagma Square. This was the site of Aristotle’s famous school of philosophy, where he taught his students, including Alexander the Great.
The Lyceum was also a key location for physical training and military exercises in ancient Athens. Though only the foundations remain, the site holds great historical significance as one of the earliest institutions of higher learning.
Entrance fees:
€5 from April to October and €3 from November to March
Open:
Daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM April 1 to October 31 and from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM November 1 to March 31
