There are many things to do in the Acropolis area but the most popular one must be to visit Acropolis Hill. However, this animated city has a lot more to offer, besides its numerous historic landmarks.
Read this post if you want to know what to look for while visiting Acropolis Hill. Also, learn the best things to do in the Acropolis area!
Visit the Acropolis of Athens
When I say the Acropolis of Athens, you’re probably already thinking about the Parthenon, the beautiful Temple of Athena Nike, or the caryatids forming the Porch of the Maidens of the Erechteion. You can discover the popular landmarks on the Acropolis, but you can also learn about some of the ones people tend to overlook:
The Dionysus Theater
The Dionysus Theater is the first amphitheater you will discover on the Acropolis Hill. Under the open sky, it is the first stone theater ever built.
The Dionysus Theater is also considered the birthplace of Greek Tragedy.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Another impressive amphitheater on the Acropolis Hill, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built in the year 161. It is a symbol of love from the rich Greek aristocrat Herodes Atticus, who raised this construction in the memory of his wife.
Nowadays, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is still used for concerts, especially during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival. The festival takes place every year in the summer months and brings together famous local and international musicians.
Other landmarks to visit on the Acropolis Hill
On the South slope of the Acropolis Hill, you will find the Asclepion, the Sanctuary of Dionysus, and the Stoa of Eumenes.
Discover the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is right across the street from the entrance on the South slope of Acropolis Hill. If you’re planning a visit here, make sure you allocate enough time to admire the museum’s over 4000 artifacts! They’ve all been retrieved from Acropolis Hill and its surrounding area.
In case you want to take a break during your visit, head to the wonderful café at the Acropolis Museum. Just imagine enjoying some great coffee while admiring a panoramic view of the Acropolis! This is one of the best things to do in the Acropolis area of Athens.
Have lunch on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
This street with beautiful neoclassical buildings connects Acropolis Hill with two of the largest parks in Athens. You have Philopappos Hill on the West, Acropolis Hill in the middle, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus on the East. The latter is right by the National Gardens.
Taking a stroll on the wide Dionysiou Areopagitou walkway will help you discover important historical landmarks in the city of Athens. Furthermore, on this street, you’ll find some of the most lovely cafés and taverns the Greek capital has to offer.
You can start looking for an inviting restaurant to stop for lunch after your visit to the Acropolis of Athens on the Eastern end of the pedestrian area. Having a meal at one of them can be one of the best things to do in the Acropolis area of Athens.
Other things to do in the Acropolis area’s vicinity
After a good meal, you can also continue exploring the city of Athens by heading to the National Gardens. On your way, you can admire the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch, the statue of Lord Byron, and the gorgeous Zappeion Hall.
Another option is to go on a 10-minute walk to Syntagma Square. With some luck, you may get to see the dramatic changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.