VISIT THE ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS

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Day 2: Athens: Visit the Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora, Hadrian's Library, Roman Agora, Acropolis Museum

Today is the day chosen for visit the Acropolis of Athens, which we are sure, will be one of the sour cherries on this trip to Greece in 32 days.
After yesterday, which began with a delay in the flight, a journey from the airport to the center of Athens and a first contact with the city, today we wake up with the sunrise, when it is 5:45 in the morning, taking advantage the early morning to work for a while, in addition to enjoying unique views of the Acropolis of Athens from the balcony of our room at the Phaedra Hotel, our accommodation in Athens the next few days, which we have to confess, has been a perfect choice, both for the amazing location, as per the facilities and the views.

Views from the Phaedra hotel

And so, after a while of work, leaving everything up to date, we went out to the streets of Athens, when there are a few minutes to 7:30 in the morning, to see that Plaka's heart is already awake, and even the Restaurants are already starting to open and set up their terraces to offer breakfast, while we see the latest attempts to leave the streets untouched, to start a new day, which we are sure, will lengthen until well into the morning, being in one of the most lively and tourist areas of Athens.
Although in our hotel we have the option to have breakfast for an additional 5 euros per person, we have decided to go out and see what bake in the street, arriving after a walk to the Plaza Etaipeia, one of the most beautiful and charming in the city, where in addition to many restaurants, there is the Pantheon cafeteria, where we have breakfast a cappuccino, coffee and two pastries for 7.20 euros , what we have to say are very good and also served everything with an exquisite treatment.

Plaka first thing in the morning

The idea is to visit the Acropolis of Athens at 8 in the morning, when they open and the time, so we have read, in which probably, if you enter the first, you can even have a few minutes for yourself, In addition to having more pleasant temperatures, something that we have to say is appreciated and that is that in Athens, since we arrived yesterday, we do not go below 30 degrees.
So after breakfast and when there are a few minutes to 8 in the morning, we arrive at the front door, to visit the Acropolis of Athens, that we have only 200 meters from our hotel, meeting only a couple of people in front of us, something that confirms that if you want visit the Acropolis of Athens Quiet, it is well worth getting up early. Another option to get to know the Acropolis, one of the essential places to see in Greece, is to book this guided tour plus the Acropolis Museum, with a guide in Spanish.
If you do not want to take a guided tour you can book this access ticket through the southern entrance of the Acropolis without a queue.
A few minutes past 8 in the morning when we go to the box office and pay 30 euros per person, for the joint entry, which includes in addition to the Acropolis of Athens several archaeological sites in the city and we pay directly with the N26 card, the A card that has been with us for several months now and that has become for us the best way to pay and get money abroad.

Athens joint entrance

This combined ticket allows you to visit the most important archaeological sites in Athens such as the Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Dionysus Theater, Kerameikos, Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian's Library.
The price is 30 euros per person and has a limit of 5 days to be used.
Without a doubt, if you want to visit all these places, even 2 or 3 of them, it is worth it, since in addition to saving money, you will save time by not having to go through the ticket offices again.

Athens Acropolis combined entrance

Tips for visiting the Acropolis of Athens

- The price of the entrance to the Acropolis of Athens is 15 euros per person or 30 euros the combined ticket.
- As with most archaeological sites in Greece, you can pay by debit or credit card.
- The schedule is from 8 to 7 in the afternoon from April to October and until 5 in the afternoon, from November to March.
- As we mentioned before, if you want to enjoy the Acropolis of Athens with tranquility and without many people, it is best to be at the entrance door at 8 in the morning, which is when they open. This will leave you a margin of a few minutes if you go directly to the Parthenon to have it for yourself, and also be practically 1 hour with few people, since organized groups usually arrive around 9-9: 30h.
- This is also recommended to spend less heat, as as the morning progresses, temperatures tend to increase.
- Another option is to buy tickets the day before and so, as soon as they open, you can access the site without having to queue.
- Currently there is also the possibility of buying tickets through its website.
- Especially if you are going to visit the Acropolis of Athens in summer, keep in mind that it is very hot and according to what months, such as June, July and August, temperatures easily exceed 30 degrees. In virtually all the enclosure you will not find any type of shade, so it is advisable to wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable clothes
- Also keep in mind that there is no type of establishment within the enclosure where they sell water, so you must take it or buy it directly at the ticket offices, where there are machines.
- A few years ago you could not enter with backpacks, so you had to enter through the main entrance, where you could leave them at the ticket office. Today you can access without problems, provided that the backpacks do not exceed some measures logical.
- Surely you will have read that the Acropolis floor slips a lot. It is totally true and over time, this happens more and more. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and, above all, walk carefully, to avoid unpleasant surprises.
- The duration of the visit to the Acropolis of Athens, with tranquility and stops to take photos, is about 2 hours.
- Although there are several access entrances, we, after the experience, recommend you access through the main entrance, visit the Acropolis and visit the Dionisio Theater and then go to Aeropagus Hill, from where there are views unique to the Acropolis.
- With the entrance they do not give any information about the Acropolis, so it is interesting to take some guide to continue the visit.
- Although the visit can be done completely for free, we recommend this guided tour plus the Acropolis Museum or this guided tour of Athens, both with a guide in Spanish, if you want to know much more about this place and the city.
- Something to keep in mind is that no type of photo is allowed in which any type of advertising poster, flag or even a guide is shown. Although it sounds somewhat extreme, keep in mind that if you get caught, you will be forced to delete the photos.
- And as a final advice and already in a personal way, please try to make the visit in a polite way, without touching or climbing in places that you should not or that are prohibited, not anything is worth for a photo, without making much noise or screaming and above all, with trying not to disturb the rest of travelers who like you, are trying to enjoy this unique place.

Acropolis of Athens

What to see in the Acropolis of Athens

The Acropolis

Known for being the icon of Athens and also of Greece, the Acropolis of Athens is undoubtedly one of the essential places to see in Athens. With the Parthenon as icing on the cake and place that is seen from virtually any point of the city, in addition to being the goal of the many viewpoints of the city, this is one of the visits that we are sure, will leave you breathless.

Entrance to the Acropolis of Athens

Dionysus Theater

Entering through the main gate, in Plaka, the first of the stops is the Dionysus Theater, which can be seen in the southern area of the Acropolis. Although you can not access, from the road you have a good perspective, as well as from the upper area, from one of the viewpoints, from where you can see this incredible theater in much more detail.

Dionysus Theater

Dionysus Theater from the top of the Acropolis

Monument of Agrippa and Puerta Beulé

Already inside the archaeological site, so to speak, you arrive at the Agripa Monument, 8 meters, which can be seen on the left, as you go up the access ramp and near the Beulé Gate, which owes its name to the archaeologist who discovered her.

Monument of Agrippa and Puerta Beulé

Panatenaic Way

This street is the one that crosses the scepter of the Acropolis of Athens and the one that you will travel to reach the main points of the archaeological site, in addition to being the place where you will have, for the first time the Parthenon facing each other and if you have entered First hour, probably for a few minutes for you alone.
It is here that the Panatenaic procession passed, during the festivities that were celebrated in honor of the goddess Athena.

Panatenaic Way

Parthenon

Probably the best known place not only in Athens, but in Greece. As we said before, being able to have it practically for yourself, is one of the great moments of Greece for free, so it is highly recommended to get up early and so enjoy these minutes, which we are sure, will be truly unforgettable.

Parthenon in the Acropolis of Athens

Built in the highest part of the Acropolis, the Parthenon was made entirely of marble, except for the roof, which was made of wood. With 17 columns on each side and 8 at each end, imagine how it would be at its peak, it is simply a fascinating exercise, which we advise you to do sitting in any of the places enabled for it, giving you a few moments just to enjoy the place , forgetting about the photos and the rest of the people.

Parthenon views

Parthenon side perspective

Propileos

Once the entrance to the Acropolis of Athens, the Propylanes are aligned in an exceptional way with the Parthenon and is one of the access gates, which also formerly directly overlooked the Panateian Way.

Temple of Athena Niké

Located to the right of the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Niké is one of the most iconic places in the Acropolis of Athens, after it was dismantled to restore it outside its location. Notable Ionic-style columns of the ends and fragments of the frieze that are still preserved.

Temple of Athena Niké

Statue of Athena Promakos

When you travel the Panatenaic Way, you can see at both ends, the remains of the pedestals that supported the statues that surrounded it and among which was the famous statue of Athena Promakos, which was destroyed in Constantinople.

Erechtheion

Known for being one of the most important places in the Acropolis, just to the Parthenon, the Erechtheion is the building that performed the work of sanctuary of the place, which is why it is located in the most sacred area of the site.
In addition to its meaning, the Erechtheion is famous for the six columns that are in the southern portico and are known as Caryatids.
Keep in mind that what you can see today are reproductions and the originals are in the Acropolis Museum, which we recommend you visit, as another of the must-see places in the city.

Erechtheion

Caryatids in the Erechtheion

Views of Athens from the Acropolis

In addition to the visit to the Acropolis as such, we recommend you not to miss the incredible views that you can enjoy from any of the viewpoints, which will give you 360º views of the city.

Views of Athens from the Acropolis

It's 10:30 in the morning when we finish the visit to the Acropolis of Athens, after two and a half hours of visit, we believe it is the prudential time to visit the entire archaeological site with a minimum of tranquility and take photos, to go directly to the Attic Herod Theater, where there is no visit as such , but you are in a semicircular viewpoint, with incredible views.
As an anecdote we will tell you that at the moment we leave the enclosure, it is practically impossible to access through the entrance doors without queuing for more than an hour, and already within the archaeological site, there are areas in which we could practically say that there is so much people who become overwhelming ...
That is why we advise you to come soon, especially if you want to enjoy the place with some peace of mind.

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Herod Attic Theater

In the west zone, is the Theater of Herod Attic. Although you cannot access the interior area, you can get unique views from the viewpoint, from where you also have fantastic views of the city.
Today, different performances are held throughout the year, which is the moment when the theater opens its doors to the public.

Herod Attic Theater

After this last visit, we advise you to go out in the opposite area that you have entered to go directly to Areopagus Hill, a hill that is very close to the Acropolis, considered one of the best viewpoints in Athens, from where there are really views spectacular.
Although we come by mid-morning and there are already enough people, if you want to come at a special time, we advise you to come first thing in the morning or in the afternoon, at the time of sunset.

Acropolis views from Areopagus Hill

Keep in mind that although the climb to the hill is not more than 20 steps, everything that is the area of the mountain is very slippery, even more than the Acropolis, so if you go with flip flops, even wearing a suitable shoe, there are Be very careful to avoid slipping.

Areopagus Hill

After being on Areopagus Hill, we turn right to tour part of the Old Promenade, which we did last night and that surrounds the Acropolis, to go directly to the Ancient Agora, which is the next stop of the day.
Doing it this way is something that we highly recommend, since you can also enjoy it during the day, when it is very lively and the views are excellent, with the Parthenon at all times presiding over the views.

Acropolis views from the Old Promenade

We arrive at the Agora Antigua when it is practically 11:30 in the morning, going directly through the ticket offices, where the entrance is dee 6 euros per person, but as we mentioned at the beginning of the tour, it is included in the general entrance of 30 euros that We bought this morning, so we only have to go through the control to directly access the archaeological site.

Tips for visiting the Ancient Agora

- The schedule is from 8 am to 3 pm (Keep in mind that when closing so soon, the visit should be done after the Acropolis).
- The price of the ticket is 8 euros per person, but it is included in the general entrance of 30 euros.
- The visit lasts approximately one hour, visiting the most important places.
- Keep in mind that in summer temperatures are usually quite high, so it is advisable to wear sunscreen, hat and water.
- Within the enclosure there are no services, only bathrooms, so if you want to buy drinks or snacks, you must do so outside the archaeological site.

What to see in the Ancient Agora of Athens

It is this place where the Athenians used to meet, being able to say that it was the administrative center of the city.
Currently it should be noted that imagination is needed to intuit how it could be at that time, except for some buildings, such as the Temple of Hephaestus, rebuilt, and in which we can perfectly see the magnitude of the place.

Ancient Agora of Athens

This of Atalo

Currently, the Agora Museum is in the Estoa de Atalo, open from 8 to 3 in the afternoon and where you can see pieces of the archaeological site, in addition to several models, with which to get an idea of the place.

Agora Museum

Temple of Hephaestus

In the western area of the Ancient Agora, is the Temple of Hephaestus, perhaps the most striking building of the site, which is considered the best preserved Doric temple in Greece.

Temple of Hephaestus

Church of the Holy Apostles

This small church is another point to visit in the Ancient Agora and is located very close to the Museum.

Church of the Holy Apostles

Acropolis views from the Ancient Agora

Another of the attractions of this visit, are the incredible views of the Acropolis that you will have throughout the visit.
Although we can say that this area is practically visible from any point of the city, we assure you that they are different and impressive from each of them, so it is worth and very worthwhile, make all the visits and enjoy them to the fullest.

Acropolis views from the Ancient Agora

We finish the visit of the Ancient Agora when it is almost 12:30 in the morning, to go, through the Monastiraki Market, one of the areas we like most in Athens, to the Adriano Library, which will be the next stop of the day.

At this point and after visiting the Ancient Agora, by proximity, it would be advisable to visit Keramikos, a cemetery that was discovered along the construction of Piraeus, the avenue that connects Athens with Piraeus.
We visited it on the last day of our stay in Athens, but if you go well on time, it can be added perfectly at this time of day.

Monastiraki

Adriano's library

- The price of the ticket is 6 euros (it is included in the general entrance of 30 euros) and the visit is about 30 minutes.

This incredible library is practically next to Monastiraki Square, creating truly amazing views, since it is located in a fairly enclosed space, in the middle of downtown Athens.
Its most remarkable construction was a cloister of 100 columns, with a pond in the center and as in other sites and points of Athens, the views of the Acropolis.

Adriano's library

After the visit, we follow the route through Athens in one day, approaching the Roman Agora, which is located a few meters from the Hadrian's Library and which is another of the places you can not miss in the city.

Roman Agora

- The price of the entrance to the Roman Agora is 6 euros (included in the general entrance of 30 euros), the schedule is from 8 to 19: 30h in summer and until 17:30 between November and March and the visit is approximately 30 minutes

Roman Agora

There are two remarkable constructions in the Roman Agora, the first the Athena Gate, or entrance door, with four Doric columns and which was built after Julio César in the 1st century A.D. Take care of it.
The other construction is the Tower of the Winds, very well preserved, which served as a clock and in which on each side you can see different reliefs.

Tower of the Winds in the Roman Agora

It's almost 2 noon when we say that the time has come to find a place to eat and being so close to the Monastiraki neighborhood, we decided on All That Jatz, a highly recommended restaurant in the area, which has a very wide assortment of Greek cuisine dishes.
We ordered a mix of sauces as a starter with pita bread, grilled halloumi and some eggplants, more beer and water that they put directly on the table for free and two coffees for 28.60 euros.

All That Jatz

We just ate at 3 in the afternoon and being in this area, we decided that to lower the food a little, we will go for a walk around the Monastiraki neighborhood, which is one of the best known in Athens, where after visiting and approaching To the most emblematic places, it is best to get lost without a map or fixed destination, losing yourself in the little streets surrounded by charming places, which make us understand, to all the people who told us that Athens is a city that hides incredible treasures.

Monastiraki neighborhood

After touring dozens of streets of the Monastiraki neighborhood, we approached the Plaka neighborhood, another of the best known neighborhoods in the city, where we also walked yesterday and where we travel again the main streets, where most of the shops of Souvenirs and restaurants.

Plaka neighborhood

It's practically 4:30 in the afternoon when we approach the new Acropolis Museum, one of the most recommended museums in Athens, where we pay 5 euros per person to enter, since the entrance is not included in the general ticket We bought this morning, where we are practically two hours enjoying some of the most incredible objects of the Acropolis, in addition to incredible views.

Acropolis Museum

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Athens Acropolis Museum

- The ticket price is 5 euros per person. To take into account that it is not included in the general admission of 30 euros.
- The schedule is from 8 to 5 from November to March and until 7 in the afternoon from April to October.
- Keep in mind that although there are several signs prohibiting the photographs, these are only for the rooms in which they are indicated, being able to take photos without flash in the rest.
- You cannot enter with backpacks or large bags, which can be left directly at the lockers for free.
- The visit to the museum lasts approximately 1 hour, making the fair stops in the most important pieces.
- If you want to make a more complete visit, you can book this Offer: Guided tour + Acropolis Museum, with a guide in Spanish, with which you can get to know the city and its history much better.

New Acropolis Museum

As soon as you enter, the catwalks from which you can see an incredible Athenian city, which was discovered during construction and which after many delays, ended up being integrated into the design of the museum, attracting attention as it can be seen day by day from today.
Already inside, in addition to the design of the museum, which we have to say is one of the most interesting we have seen, you can see some outstanding pieces such as the temple frieze, on the top floor, where there is also a terrace with a cafeteria overlooking the Acropolis.

Acropolis views from the Museum

Another of the most remarkable pieces, if not the most, are four of the five Caryatids of the Erechtheion, being the location of the fifth the British Museum.

Caryatids

It's a little after 5:30 in the afternoon when we say we have finished the visit to the Acropolis Museum in Athens, to approach the cafeteria where we had breakfast this morning and where we had a yogurt with honey and coffee for 8 , 60 euros, which serve us as icing snack for today and as a moment of relaxation after a day in which we have practically not stopped.

Snack in Athens

It is practically 6:30 in the afternoon when we decide to approach the Phaedra Hotel, which is in Plaka and a few meters from the Acropolis, to take a shower and when it is 7:30 in the afternoon to leave again, but this time to go to the hill of Filopapo, from where we have been recommended to watch the sunset in Athens.

Sunset from Filopapo Hill

Sunset in Athens from Filopapo Hill

- Filopapo Hill is, next to Mount Lycabettus and Mount Areopagus, our three essential sunsets in Athens.
- Although it may seem quite the opposite, since from the Acropolis the perspective makes it seem very high, the climb to Filapopo can be done easily if you go with peace of mind.
- As in many other places in the city, the pavement slips a lot, so you have to be careful, especially at the time of lowering and more if it is already night, since the area is not especially well lit.
- As you go up, we recommend you stop at the different viewpoints, since the views of the Acropolis, Athens and Piraeus, are different from each of them, although equally impressive.

Sunset from Filopappou Hill

- Keep in mind that there is no service, so if you want to drink or eat, you must buy it before.
- Above all, if you decide to have a picnic watching the sunset, take all the garbage back. It is important that all you leave are your tracks.

Sunset from Filopappou Hill

- Another option, to enjoy Athens at night, is to take a night walk through Plaka and Monastiraki, with a guide in Spanish, to learn about the history and anecdotes of the city.

At 9 p.m. we decided that it was time for dinner and after a unique and unforgettable evening from Filopappou Hill, we approached the Arcadia restaurant, also in the area, and another of the most recommended restaurants in Athens, where we ordered an octopus dish, a chicken gyro plus water and a glass of wine for 31.50 euros, with which we end today, which has undoubtedly been a perfect gateway to this Greece for free.

And so, with the streets of Athens enlivened by music by street artists, all the shops and restaurants open, despite being more than 11 at night and crossing with eternal smiles, which will continue to accompany us throughout the trip, we return to the Phaedra Hotel to Rest and start dreaming about tomorrow.

Route of the day in Athens

Today's route in Athens has led us to visit the Acropolis of Athens, Areopagus Hill, the Ancient Agora, the Hadrian's Library, the Roman Agora and the Acropolis Museum and then watch the sunset from the Filopapo hill.

Day 3: Athens tourist places: Route through the best known places in Athens