Athens is the center of Greek civilization, the capital of Greece, a contemporary city offered for history exploration, holidays, relaxation, nightlife and many more. There are a lot of things to write about Athens but I’ll do that in another post. This post is about recommending my Athens walk around Acropolis and reaching the top of Areopagus hill in order to enjoy the amazing Athens panoramic view.
Start Point: Syntagma Square
End Point: Monastiraki
Walking Distance: 3.5 km
Duration: 1 hour
Cost: Free
Highlights: Acropolis, Acropolis Museum, Odeon of Herodes, Areopagus Hill, Anafiotika, Plaka, Monastiraki
So my Athens walk around Acropolis (that’s how I named it) started from Syntagma Square. I walked towards Mitropoleos street and then turned left in order to walk towards Acropolis (there are signs). I walked through small pedestrian streets with small shops selling souvenirs and local things. Of course you can take an alternative route via Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias, however you’ll miss the scenic streets. After a few minutes of walking I reached the Acropolis Museum on my left. If you haven’t been to the museum before, and have some free time, I recommend you to spend 1-2 hours there. It’s worth visiting since you’ll get to see some findings of the Acropolis archaeological site.
The day I visited Acropolis was closed for construction works. However I’ve visited Acropolis a few years ago and it’s a lifetime experience which I recommend you to do.
I continued my walk uphill. The path is really good for walking. Once you reach the top you’ll see in front of you the
Areopagus Hill. I didn’t notice the stairs on the left so I climbed up the hill using the stones which were slippery since it was raining. I managed reach the top without falling and the view was worth the effort. From here you’ll get to enjoy the best views of the city, Plaka, Thisio, Acropolis and Mount Lycabettus. I stayed here around 10 minutes since it was freezing!
Then I continued my walk on the other side of the Acropolis, walking downwards. I was looking to find ‘Anafiotika’ a scenic tiny neighborhood of Athens which lies in northern east side of the Acropolis hill. Anafiotika was built according to the typical Cycladic architecture and gives visitors the feel of Greek islands with white walls and narrow streets.
This is so helpful! I’m possibly going to Athens in September so I’ll have to use this guide 🙂
I LOVE Athens and this is a very good idea. I will take your route next time I visit! Maybe you could add a little route map?
This is an awesome guide. I love the photos you’ve included.
What a great little walk. We covered a lot of the same territory, but we didn’t really get a chance to go into some of the neighborhoods. The day we were there was scorching, so one of my main targets was shade!
Beautiful photos, seems like an absolutely wonderful walk.
Oooh this is awesome! I love exploring a place on foot 🙂 Definitely using your route when I visit Athens! Thank you!
I’ve never been to Greece! Whenever I think of Greece, Santorini always comes to mind but I will def check out Athens too. Seems lovely!
I remember doing this walk when I was in Greece about 4 years ago. Thank you for taking me down memory lane so fondly. You too much better pictures …thank you 🙂
I love the photos and the route map! Great post!
Wow what an amazing itinerary! I never really hear about people exploring Athens, it’s usually just a port town on the way to the islands, but the way you described it, I want to go to Athens! Beautiful post, thank you so much for sharing!