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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 03 December, 2022
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

If you have a few hours to spare, follow the marble footpaths through pine-clad forest to the summit of Philopappou Hill.

As well as having panoramic city views and the best view of the Acropolis and Parthenon – without the crowds – it’s a peaceful oasis from the frenetic city streets below.

Before you go, stop by the excellent Takis bakery (Misaraliotou 14), maker of dozens of different Greek breads and pastries. Pick up some of their phenomenal feta and spinach pies for a picnic at the summit while taking it all in.

Don't miss

Hidden among the pine trees is the Pnyx, the world’s first democratic assembly, where Pericles and Themistocles addressed the crowds.

At the summit, you’ll also find the striking marble mausoleum devoted to Gaius Julius Antiochus Epiphanes Philopappus, who died in 116 AD and gave the hill its name.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 6+
When: All year around
Duration: 2-3 hours

Getting there & doing it

The entrance to the hill, and the start of the walk, is via Apostolou Pavlou Street or Rovertou Galli Street. Follow the marble footpaths to the summit – allow an hour to get to the top.

When to do it

Spring and autumn are best, when Athens weather is a delight. However, winters are moderate in Athens, so this makes it another good time for a walk.

High summer (July and August) are sweltering and smoggy – far from ideal for exercising outdoors.

Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Divani Palace Acropolis

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.5 miles]

A modern, five-star hotel in a hip neighbourhood, within walking distance of all the capital’s most impressive sights.

Official star rating:

Hotel Asomaton

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.1 miles]

A new art-focused hotel with a lovely rooftop pool and terrace, bringing a New York city buzz to one of Athens’ oldest neighbourhoods.

Official star rating:

NEW Hotel

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.3 miles]

Favela chic with a strong sense of humour and place, this quirky downtown hotel is a sustainable design landmark.

Official star rating:

Athens4

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1.3 miles]

A modest, excellent-value hotel, superbly sited for the Monastiraki nightlife and with comfortable, family-friendly suites.

Official star rating:

Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Athens

Central Greece, Greece

Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Grand Promenade

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.2 miles]

A unique and extraordinary 3km pedestrian promenade peppered with world-class antiquities – triumphant arches, ancient amphitheatres, Greek temples, and ‘Socrates’ Prison’.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 3 kilometres

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The Acropolis

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.6 miles]

This dazzling ancient citadel, perched on a hilltop rising above the city, houses some of the most impressive ancient buildings in the world. The jewel in the crown is the Pantheon, a 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC.

Best for ages: 7+ | £9

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Acropolis Museum

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.8 miles]

A jaw-dropping array of antiquities – all the Acropolis’ treasures – in one very modern museum designed by starchitect Bernard Tschumi.

Best for ages: 15+ | £4

Plaka

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[1 miles]

The heart of old Athens, Plaka has an authentic charm with winding lanes, shady squares and atmospheric Byzantine churches.

Best for ages: Any | Free

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

View of two people dancing in traditional dress
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Folk dancing in Athens

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.2 miles]

An institution since 1953, the Dora Stratou Dance Company performs daily folk dancing shows in summer, in the eponymous open-air theatre on Philopappou Hill. Eye-opening as well as hugely entertaining, this is the best folk experience in Athens.

Best for ages: 8+ | £13 | 2 hours

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The empty Odeon of Herodes Atticus Roman theatre on the Acropolis
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Odeon of Herod Atticus

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.5 miles]

This Roman-era Odeon was built by a wealthy private citizen Herod Atticus in memory of his wife in 161 AD and originally served as an indoor venue for 5,000 people. It was restored in the 1950s and is used for music and theatre performances throughout the summer.

Best for ages: 13+ | £17

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The Theatre of Dionysus visible from above
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Theatre of Dionysus

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.7 miles]

Just below the Acropolis complex on the eastern side, this ancient amphitheatre was the largest theatre in Athens with a capacity of 17,000. First built in the 6th century BC, it operated continuously for 1,000 years, until it was abandoned.

Best for ages: -218+ | £10

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The exterior of the Temple of Hephaestus on a clear day
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Thission (Temple of Hephaestus)

Athens, Central Greece, Greece[0.8 miles]

One of the best-preserved temples in Greece, mainly because it was converted to a Christian church early in its history, it was erected in the 5th century as a temple to the god Hephaestus.

Best for ages: 13+ | £7

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