For every history lover, sight seer, erudite, traveler and lately instagrammers … going to the Acropolis is a must. A visit to be done at least once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, an iconic spot that is extremely popular means it's also easily congested. While I still suggest going to the Acropolis site itself to really get the feel of it, and see the Parthenon up close, trying to take a creative photo without the crowd can be really challenging. Fortunately for all of us, the Acropolis is situated in a hill.. making it easy to be enjoyed in several spots, some of them even for free.
Here are my top photo/IG spots for the Acropolis without any admission fee.
Aeropagos Hill
Hours: 24 Hours
Level of Difficulty: 115 m. high, Easy (with the right footwear)
Address:
Theorias 21, Athens 10555
Coordinates:
Latitude: 37° 58’ 19.452” N
Longitude: 23° 43’ 23.796” E
I love this spot for several reasons. Not only because it is an amazing vantage point for a beautiful photo of the acropolis but also because of its history. This is said to be the spot where St.Paul delivered a speech to the Athenians.
It is a short easy climb though I suggest a non-slippery footwear. Having said that and due to its proximity to the acropolis (approximately 4 minutes walk), it can also get crowded. Tourists normally make this as part of their itinerary before or after going up to the acropolis.
Sometime in the night (but proceed with prudence) or just before sunrise is probably the least crowded. I love going here in the morning just before the break dawn.
Filopappou Hill (Philopappos Hill/Hill of the Muses)
Hours: 24 hours (although I’d suggest to avoid going in the dark as there has been some reported unfortunate incidents in the area)
Level of Difficulty: 147 m. high, Easy/ Medium
Address:
Fylis (Φυλής) 215, Athina 11741
Coordinates
Latitude: 37°58'09.4"N
Longitude:23°43'16.2"E
Of the three locations mentioned here, this is my favorite sunrise spot.
Located southwest of the Acropolis, I prefer the view here more in comparison to the Aeropagus. Of all the spots mentioned in this article, this is the least crowded. The only other people we saw are locals doing their morning jog. The climb is a little bit longer in comparison to Aeropagus, but as it is a bigger hill.. the possibility for a variety of photo is more. And as it is higher you also have a beautiful view of Athens. You don’t even have to climb all the way to the top and already you will be gifted with the backdrop of the acropolis and the Lykabettus hill.
Pnyx Hill
Hours: 24 Hours
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Address:
Pnyx, Athens 11741
Coordinates: Latitude: 37° 58’ 15.78” N
Longitude: 23° 43’ 11.856” E
Pnyx Hill (Iofos tis Pnikas) is located west from Acropolis in the same area as the Philopappos Hill, with the Philopappos on the left side and the Pnyx on the right if you are coming from Aeropagus. This sacred hill is said to be the seat of democracy, as such it does not only offer a spectacular panoramic view of Athens and the the Acropolis but is filled with historical spots as well including Metons Solar Clock, Altar of Zeus Agoraios. It is noteworthy too that important figures like Pericles & Themistocles conducted some of their most significant speeches here.
Lykabettus Hill
Hours: 24 Hours
Level of Difficulty: Medium/Difficult (277 meter) Accessible by Car and Funicular (with a fee)
Address:
Mt.Lykabettus, Athens 11471
Coordinates:
Latitude: 37° 58’ 52.632” N
Longitude: 23° 44’ 34.158” E
A really popular spot for sunset, so it is more crowded and more difficult to get to by foot in comparison to the previous two. There is a restaurant on the top of the hill, and a chapel, making it easily the favorite tourist spot. You don’t have to go all the way to the top though to get to a good photo/viewing spot.
While the sunset here is stunning, stay well into the night when Athens get lighted up with bright lights to enjoy the nightscape.
If you are in Athens when there is a full moon, then drop by here for the moonrise.
So there you have it. How about you? Is there a location that you can recommend to me?
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