Parthenon Tours and Activities

Parthenon
Parthenon
Parthenon
Parthenon
Parthenon


Step back in time and explore the ancient myths etched into the walls of the largest Doric temple in Greece, originally dedicated to the warrior goddess Athena.

The Parthenon, the most famous structure at the Acropolis, was completed in 438 B.C. and is a striking example of ancient Greek architecture. Over the centuries, this symbol of strength has survived the rise and fall of civilizations, wars and modern development and today is a source of great pride for the country. Tourists from around the world come to photograph, paint and just gaze in wonder at the Doric columns, statues and detailed reliefs carved into the white marble.

This ancient Athenian temple has gone through many reincarnations over the past 2,500 years. It’s been a treasury, a storehouse for ammunition and an army barracks. While many of the statues and friezes are now in museums, anyone appreciating history and art will still find plenty to admire for at least an hour. Note that there’s long-term renovation underway, and some views may be obstructed by scaffolding.

Learn of the great stories etched into these historic marble walls. The east pediment depicts the birth of Athena from the head of her father, Zeus, the father of all gods in Greek mythology. The west pediment tells of a great battle between Athena and Poseidon. The goddess is depicted holding an olive tree while the mighty god of the sea raises his trident.

Refreshments are available at the park outside the Acropolis, but it’s more cost-effective to bring snacks and water from a nearby store. If you would like some help interpreting what you see, head over near the ticket booth and hire a guide. Alternatively, grab a guidebook and take the self-guided option.

The Parthenon is part of the Acropolis complex in the city center and is accessible by public transportation. Admission is covered in the cost of entry to the Acropolis, and the site is open daily. In summer avoid the heat and get there early.

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Top Parthenon Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Stanley

The Stanley

4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The Stanley
Grand Hyatt Athens

Grand Hyatt Athens

5 out of 5
115, Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attica
Grand Hyatt Athens
Electra Metropolis Athens

Electra Metropolis Athens

5 out of 5
15 Mitropoleos Street, Athens, Attiki
Electra Metropolis Athens
Divani Palace Acropolis

Divani Palace Acropolis

5 out of 5
19 25 Parthenonos St, Athens, Attiki
Divani Palace Acropolis
Royal Olympic Hotel

Royal Olympic Hotel

5 out of 5
28-34 Athanasiou Diakou Str, Athens, Attiki
Royal Olympic Hotel
PLAY Theatrou Athens

PLAY Theatrou Athens

5 Theatrou, Athens
PLAY Theatrou Athens
Athens Tower

Athens Tower

4 out of 5
Athinas 2, Ermou 78, Athens, Attiki
Athens Tower
Electra Palace Athens

Electra Palace Athens

5 out of 5
18 - 20 N Nikodimou Street, Athens, Attiki
Electra Palace Athens
Astor Hotel Athens

Astor Hotel Athens

4 out of 5
16 Karagiorgi Servias Street, Athens, Attiki
Astor Hotel Athens
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Parthenon

When visiting the Parthenon in Athens, immerse yourself in the rich cultural scene by exploring local art and theatre. A must-do is to visit the Parthenon itself, an iconic symbol of ancient Greece, where you can marvel at its stunning architecture and historical significance. Don't miss the chance to soak up the vibrant atmosphere surrounding this historic site, making your trip to Athens truly unforgettable.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Monastiraki Flea Market, only 644m from the Parthenon, offering vibrant local goods. Athens Central Market is 966m away, showcasing fresh produce and local delicacies. If you're up for a drive, Kolokotroni, 805m away, has a family-friendly vibe with unique boutiques.

Recreation

Spyros Louis Olympic Stadium, located 8.0km from Parthenon, offers a vibrant sports atmosphere, perfect for those looking to engage in active pursuits. Nearby, Karaiskaki Stadium, 6.4km away, also boasts a dynamic sporting vibe. The Olympic Athletic Center, 9.7km off, further enhances your experience with its athletic facilities.

Adventure

At Pedion Areos Park, 3.2km from Parthenon, enjoy a leisurely stroll or picnic amidst lush greenery. SUP Alimos, 8.0km away, offers thrilling paddleboarding adventures. For family fun, Aquapolis, 16.1km from Parthenon, features exciting water slides and attractions that promise a day of adventure and laughter.

Nightlife

The nightlife around the Parthenon is vibrant and culturally rich. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus and Theatre of Dionysus, both a short stroll away, offer captivating performances. For a unique experience, the Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater showcases traditional dance, creating a romantic and family-friendly atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Parthenon

When visiting the Parthenon in Athens, you'll find a wealth of cultural and family-friendly experiences. Explore nearby attractions like the stunning Acropolis Museum, take in spectacular views of the Parthenon, and wander through charming piazzas and historical temples. This vibrant area offers a rich blend of history and city life, making it an ideal destination for any traveller eager to immerse themselves in Greek culture.

  • Acropolis: Stand in awe at this ancient citadel, home to the iconic Parthenon. The Acropolis embodies the rich culture and history of Greece, offering breathtaking views of Athens and a profound sense of its historical significance.
  • Syntagma Square: Experience the vibrant heart of Athens at Syntagma Square. Surrounded by impressive buildings, this lively piazza is perfect for people-watching and offers a glimpse into the city's contemporary culture, alongside the changing of the guard ceremony at the nearby Parliament.
  • Acropolis Museum: Dive deeper into Greece's ancient past at the Acropolis Museum. This modern marvel showcases archaeological finds from the Acropolis site, providing an enriching cultural experience with multimedia exhibits that tell the story of Athens' heritage.

Best time to go to Parthenon

The best time to visit Parthenon can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Parthenon falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain (dry). The coolest average temperature around Parthenon falls in January, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May69.3°F (20.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
June77.4°F (25.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July82.8°F (28.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August82.2°F (27.9°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighAverage
September75.6°F (24.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageAverage
November59.7°F (15.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Parthenon

For a budget-friendly trip to the Parthenon, consider visiting during the low season from December to February when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on sites like Expedia for better rates. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to find options that fit your budget and preferences, and consider bundling your hotel with flights and activities for extra savings. Look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices that won’t break the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Parthenon are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Parthenon is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Parthenon is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Parthenon is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from the lowest to the highest, helping you find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you can refine your options by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Parthenon hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.