After we visited Piraeus, we spent the remaining days in the heart of the Greek Capital. And, to take a better look at all the incredible places to visit in Athens, we went up to Lycabettus Hill, the highest point of the city. Therefore, when you’re wondering what to do in Athens, go up here. You’ll soon get some inspiration on what to visit next!
Together with the Acropolis and Philopappos Hill, Lycabettus Hill is a great place to view the entire city of Athens. In one gaze, you can see from the center of Athens to the coast, in Piraeus.
Lycabettus Hill – a natural marvel steeped in history
As a travel enthusiast or anyone curious about experiencing Athens, Greece, Lycabettus Hill is a must-visit destination. Standing at an impressive height of 277 meters, this majestic hill offers breathtaking views of the city from its summit.
Lykavittos Hill or Lycabettus Hill has been around for thousands of years and holds great historical importance in Athens. According to Greek mythology, it was created from a rock that Athena accidentally dropped while building the Acropolis. Over time, it became known as one of the highest points in Athens and began attracting visitors who marveled at its stunning vistas.
The ascent up Lycabettus Hill Athens can be enjoyed by taking a short funicular ride to reach the top or by trekking along one of several winding trails leading up the mountain’s slope. The journey on this hill in Athens provides ample opportunity for capturing unforgettable moments with your camera as you pass through lush gardens and quaint pathways lined with charming houses.
Once atop Athens Lycabettus Hill, visitors can relish panoramic views that span all across the city. You can witness ancient ruins such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian’s Arch far below in their full glory. It even makes sense why many travelers often regard this location to carry unrivaled beauty compared to other famous sites such as Mount Olympus.
At dusk, live music performances are held regularly on top making for an intimate atmosphere against spectacular sunsets showcasing rich shades where colors intermingle in infinite varieties creating unique tones never seen anywhere else! Whether visiting solo or enjoying this spot together with friends or loved ones – everyone is sure to appreciate these sightseeing delights found atop Lycabettus Hill.
So get ready when planning your next best adventure: explore everything about what makes Lycabettus Hill truly special, tempting every visitor’s senses while providing Instagram-worthy pics galore!
Find out how to get to Lycabettus Hill
Lycabettus Hill is one of Athens’ most popular tourist spots, attracting visitors with its breathtaking panoramic views and picturesque landscapes. To reach this gorgeous hilltop, there are several methods available:
1. The Mount Lycabettus hike
For those who enjoy a bit of exercise and nature exploration, hiking up Lycabettus Hill can be an excellent option. The mountain is known for its beautiful hiking trails that wind through pristine forests and offer stunning views of Athens as you ascend higher. The hike is considered moderate in intensity, but it’s manageable for anyone with average fitness levels.
How long to walk up Lycabettus Hill?
To answer your question about how long does it take to climb Mount Lycabettus on foot, there are different factors like fitness level, pace, and weather conditions during that time which may vary from individual to individual. On average, a Mount Lycabettus hike should take around 30-45 minutes to complete the uphill journey depending on one’s fitness level.
The trail up Mount Lycabettus is well-maintained but gets steeper as you ascend. Along the way, be sure to take breaks and enjoy some of the lookout points where you will catch some stunning views overlooking Athens below during your Lycabettus Hill walk.
For those looking for a more challenging Lycabettus Hill hike, there are other routes available which include rugged paths for an adrenaline-inducing ascent!
In short, if you’re embarking on this adventure then plan accordingly keeping in mind your stamina and weather conditions. Pack light snacks/water bottles and start early in case wildlife photography or bird-watching interests aligns with beautiful sunrises/sunsets at the top. Enjoy!
2. Funicular railway
The quickest way to reach Lycabettus hilltop is by taking the funicular railway which starts at Aristippou Street in the Kolonaki neighborhood. This ticketed ride lasts for around seven minutes from the top station to the base, providing stunning aerial views as it goes uphill.
Even if you decide to go up with the Mount Lycabettus cable car or funicular in Athens, don’t think you won’t have to climb at all. You still have a lot of stairs to face up to the ticket office of the cable car on Mt Lycabettus!
If you’re traveling to Athens, one attraction you simply cannot miss is the Lycabettus Hill Cable Car. This must-see attraction provides visitors with a breathtaking view of Athens from its highest point – it truly is an experience like no other! In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Lycabettus Hill Cable Car before embarking on your adventure.
First and foremost let’s discuss how travelers can get there conveniently. The cable car is located in downtown Athens near Kolonaki Square offering a fun way for tourists to travel up Lycabettus Hill without any strain or fatigue. Unlike climbing stairs or hiking, the cable car Athens will take you right where you want to go while providing gorgeous views along the journey.
The ride on the Lycabettus Hill funicular lasts only 3 minutes and will take passengers up 277 meters (approximately 908 feet). At the top, you’ll be blessed with incredible panoramic views of Athens city accompanied by several mountains – undoubtedly perfect for capturing great pictures.
Lycabettus Hill cable car timetable
Closing times of the Athens cable car vary depending on seasonal changes so make sure that your trip timings are well planned out. During summer months (April through September), the last ride down finishes at midnight ensuring ample time for people wishing to stay until dark falls over the cityscape below them.
During winter months (October through March), the last departure of the funicular Athens takes place just after sunset which makes it perfect timing especially if somebody wants unique night-time photoshoots capturing beautifully illuminated monuments below including light trails left behind by passing cars.
During peak tourism season especially, visitors who wish to avoid crowds should probably plan any visit before midday as weekends tend to be much busier than weekdays with longer waits anticipated for both the cable car and funicular during peak periods or festivals/events.
What’s more important than when visiting is what good quality info would be relating to transportation costs and ticketing policy.
Lycabettus funicular tickets
To gain access to the cable car station don’t forget to purchase tickets either online beforehand or onsite once arriving. Otherwise, you won’t be admitted onto the platform area of the Mount Lycabettus funicular.
Lycabettus funicular tickets for adults start at €7 each while child fares begin at just €3.50. Conveniently available ticket machines are located onsite but please note that tickets purchased in advance also provide discounts.
Overall, the Lycabettus Hill cable car trip has something beautiful which will give all tourists unforgettable memories regarding the scenery that Athens offers from above. Planning usually helps travelers make the most out of these moments by ensuring virtually no setbacks on this once-in-a-lifetime cable car Lycabettus Hill ride!
3. By car, whether private, taxi, or Uber
If you opt for traveling by car or private vehicle parking area available at the base station’s pin-drop location at Vasilissis Sofias Avenue 109.
Warning against Uber
When arriving at the entrance of the ticket office at the base of Lycabettus Hill, we saw a warning against Uber, taped on the window of a phone booth. We aren’t sure if it was a real warning, from a concerned citizen, or a fake one placed by their competition.
By searching at home, I only discovered that Uber no longer exists in Athens in the way we see it everywhere. Instead, it is an app used for getting taxis. This isn’t unique in Europe, it’s the same in Dublin, for example. And it’s not unsafe, and quite user-friendly.
If you’re wondering how to get to Lycabettus Hill from Syntagma Square in central Athens, you can take a taxi or bus number 200 heading towards Evangelismos metro Station until Evangelismos stop. From here, head southwards down Souidias Street till you reach Aristippou St. You could also walk across National Garden to the corner entrance where the tramline runs westward.
In summary, there are numerous ways for tourists visiting Athens on how they want to approach climbing up Mount Lycabettes: hiking through scenic trails allows avid adventure lovers to test their limits while the Lycabettus funicular caters to travelers who want comfort without exposing themselves to the harsh sun. Traveling by car provides the utmost convenience while public transportation is cost-efficient and travelers can bask in historic paths full of ancient ruins while delving into the mythology and history behind it.
Taking the funicular to the top of Lycabettus Hill
Though short, the funicular ride is quite interesting, even though all you see is the inside of the tunnel it climbs through. This, I must admit, was a bit disappointing, as I had thought we’ll get some nice views during the ride.
But it was nice enough, and it was in the shade, saving us from a climb in the heat. And, if you wish to learn more about the funicular built by The House of Metaxa on Mount Lycabettus, I suggest you watch the following video:
What to do at the top of Lycabettus Hill
I highly recommend visiting Lycabettus Hill during your trip to Athens. This stunning hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city that are sure to leave you awestruck. Whether it’s taking in the Lycabettus Hill view from one of the many viewing areas or experiencing an unforgettable sunset from atop Mount Lycabettus, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this magnificent viewpoint.
One of the best spots for enjoying the sights is the Lycabettus Hill viewing area! From here, visitors can take in a sweeping vista that stretches all across Athens and beyond. You’ll get an unparalleled bird’s-eye-view not available anywhere else in Greece’s historic capital city. There are plenty more options too – try following one of many walking paths which wind their way up through lush treescape before open grandstand-like terraces with stable railings offering fantastic photo opportunities with the Mount Lycabettus view.
For those who prefer gentle activities like hiking or trail walking, there is always something able to offer around. Starting on foot from Aristippou Street heading towards Kolonaki is among some great hotspots where excellent placations for selfies and photoshoots can be found as you head further uphill into local sights such as Lykavittos Theatre and Chapel Saint George.
To make your experience even more memorable plan your visit during sunset hours for 360-degree views nothing short but spectacular. A Lycabettus Hill sunset is a must-see if you want to capture truly breathtaking shots while capturing memories forever!
Lycabettus Hill Church
At the top of Mount Lycabettus, you will get to see all of Athens. You can also visit the Greek-Orthodox church on the peak or an open-air amphitheater a bit lower on the Hill.
The Lycabettus Hill Church is also known as St Isidore Church in Athens. This historic church is a must-visit for travelers who are interested in exploring the city’s rich religious heritage.
St Isidore Church was built back in 1904 by Greek architect Dimitrios Pikionis with impressive Byzantine-style architecture. The church underwent restoration recently where it was brought back to its former glory and historical significance while retaining its artistic beauty.
One fascinating thing about this holy place is that according to legend, during Ottoman domination days when Religious freedom was suppressed, Ikonomos Oikonoimos Zannetakis buried all important paintings and engravings within the altar so that they were not destroyed or pillaged by Turkish soldiers.
Inside St Isidore Church, visitors can admire stunning frescoes painted on domes displaying scenes from Thessaloniki’s Iconography school, considered among Greece’s finest painting schools. Furthermore, don’t forget to check out unique mosaics on floors made by Italian artisans depicting biblical imagery.
Mount Lycabettus restaurant
Perched high above Athens, Lycabettus Hill offers a diverse range of dining options besides breathtaking views. From upscale establishments serving exquisite Mediterranean cuisine to casual cafes offering light bites, there’s something for every palate and budget.
One standout restaurant is Orizontes Lycabettus – a culinary gem with panoramic views that are unmatched in all of Athens. This Lycabettus Hill restaurant menu features an impressive selection of fresh seafood dishes as well as creative twists on classic Greek recipes. One of the highlights in the Orizontes Lycabettus menu is lamb ribs glazed with honey. It’s no wonder that Orizontes Lycabettus has earned rave reviews from both locals and tourists alike.
If you’re looking for a more laid-back setting to enjoy some delicious food while taking in the stunning scenery, Cafe Lycabettus is worth checking out. This charming cafe serves hearty breakfasts, scrumptious salads, sandwiches, and a traditional Greek coffee drink with ice nowadays called frappe amongst other treats.
Those travelers seeking out a fine-dining experience under the stars should take note: the Sky Bar Mount Lycabetus Restaurant offers diners spectacular nighttime vistas glittering with twinkling lights. Add their sophisticated ambiance along with outstanding gourmet quality meals – it makes them the perfect option for couples or special occasion dinners while visiting Athens.
Whichever place appeals most to your gustatory aspirations doesn’t matter – just make sure you’re not going back home without tasting a bit of everything because often these places have rather intuitive menus only highlighting seasonal specialties straight from nearby organic farms. So go explore and indulge yourself, you won’t regret it!
For us, one of the covered terraces proved very useful in taking cover from the rain, while sipping on some Mythos.
There’s no point to waste your time searching for Lycabettus Hill hotels, Lycabettus Hill hotel, or Lycabetus hotels. There are no hotels on Mount Lycabettus!
What to do in Athens after visiting Lycabettus Hill
If you’re wondering what to do in Athens after walking or taking the funicular down Mount Lycabettus, you’ll find yourself quite close to the National Gardens. You can get there by taking the bus as my parents did. Or you can go on foot, as Mathieu and I did. And, in the end, we arrived kind of at the same time. The difference is that we got to see a bit more as we took to the street, such as the Panathenaic Stadium.
The Panathenaic Stadium
The only stadium in the world built in white marble, it was the site of the first modern Olympic Games (1896). Nowadays, the Panathenaic Stadium hosts ceremonial events and live music concerts.
The Zappeion Megaron
Used as an exposition and conference hall today, the Zappeion hosted the Olympic Games in 1896 and 1906. Throughout its history, it also hosted many events related to the Greek cultural identity, in general.
The neoclassical mansion has a symmetrical plan, built around a circular atrium in its middle. The atrium is spectacular, with two-level arcades with an Ionic colonnade on the ground floor and caryatids on the top level.
The changing of the guards in Syntagma Square
Depending on the day and time, you could also head out to the nearby Syntagma Square (Constitution Square). Here, you will find the Hellenic Parliament, the Presidential Mansion, and the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
The tomb of the Unknown Soldier is guarded by a special unit of the Hellenic Army, known as Evzones or Tsoliades, or the Presidential Guard.
Every Sunday, at 11 am, people gather at Syntagma Square to watch the official changing of the guard. You can see the guards change every three hours, actually, but the shift is less ceremonial the rest of the time.
During our family trip to Athens, my parents went several times to admire the guards in Syntagma Square. Mathieu and I, however, preferred having a glass of wine on one of the nearby terraces instead.
Lycabettus Hill: the best views, food, and culture in Athens
As a travel enthusiast myself, I can confidently say that Lycabettus Hill is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore the best of what Athens has to offer. From breathtaking views of the Acropolis and the city skyline to romantic sunsets and delicious food options in nearby neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone on this picturesque hill.
Whether you’re a history buff fascinated by ancient ruins or an adventure seeker looking for exciting hikes and outdoor activities, Lycabettus Hill won. And if you’re visiting Athens with family or friends, make sure to take advantage of all the fun events happening around town – from live music shows and theatre performances to local festivals celebrating Greek culture and heritage.
With its unique blend of history, natural beauty, culinary experiences, and modern entertainment – this stunning landmark is bound to delight and enrich any traveler’s itinerary. Anyway, there are lots of things to do in Athens. You just have to read a bit and choose what suits you as a traveler. Or you can just go with the flow when you get there, I’m certain you’ll stumble upon some great stuff.
This experience with me as your virtual guide is also available on GPSmyCity.
Mirela Letailleur is an experienced travel blogger from Romania who currently resides in the beautiful South of France. Her blog, The Travel Bunny, offers unparalleled insight into affordable travel throughout Europe, providing unique free travel guides and acting as a local travel expert. As a seasoned problem solver and self-professed coffee guru, Mirela’s extensive knowledge of what to do in Athens is second to none. Whether you’re searching for the best historical landmarks or trying to find out what’s on in Athens right now, Mirela has got you covered with her expert tips and insider secrets. Read all her Athens articles to start planning your perfect trip to this ancient Greek city!
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