The Ancient Agora of Athens is an archaeological site located northwest of the Acropolis in the centre of Athens, Greece. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport, accessibility, and practical visitor tips for planning a visit.
This guide was last updated in February 2026 to reflect recent price increases and changes to the ticketing system. Guides elsewhere may have outdated information.
If you want to know what you’re looking at, this is one of those ancient sites best visited on a guided tour.
Quick facts for your visit
| Category | Details |
| Opening hours | 08:00 – 17:00 (Winter); 08:00 – 20:00 (Summer) |
| Ticket prices | €20 (Standard); €10 (Reduced). |
| Address | Adrianou 24, Athens 105 55, Greece |
| Nearest transport | Thissio (Metro Line 1) or Monastiraki (Lines 1 & 3) |
| Typical time needed | 1.5 to 2 hours |
Ancient Agora of Athens opening hours
The Ancient Agora of Athens operates on a seasonal schedule. From 1 November to 31 March (Winter), the site is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, with the last entry at 16:40. From 1 April to 31 October (Summer), hours extend from 08:00 to 20:00, although the closing time gets gradually earlier in September and October.
The site is closed on major public holidays, including 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 December, and 26 December.
Ancient Agora of Athens ticket prices
A single entry ticket for the Ancient Agora of Athens costs €20. The €30 Combined Ticket, which was valid for five days and included entry to the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Olympieion, Kerameikos, and Aristotle’s School (Lyceum), was unfortunately abolished in April 2025.
A timed ticketing system is in place. Tickets should be purchased via the official Hellenic Heritage e-ticketing portal. Reduced prices are available for seniors (65+) from EU member states, and free entry is granted to visitors under 25 from EU member states upon presentation of a valid ID. Under 18s from non-EU countries also get in free.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in February 2026.
5 Athens experiences worth booking
- 🍽️ Taste the flavours of Greece on a food walking tour.
- 🏛️ Learn about the ancient ruins you’re looking at on a Acropolis and Parthenon guided tour.
- ⛵ Island-hop on a luxury sailing cruise.
- 🌊 Pack in the coastal highlights on a Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon tour.
- ⛰️ Be stunned by the Meteora monasteries and caves on a guided tour.
How to get to the Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora of Athens is centrally located and easily accessible via the Athens Metro, a system that has mini-museums in many stations. The closest stations are Thissio (Line 1), which is a 5-minute walk from the Adrianou Street entrance, and Monastiraki (Lines 1 and 3), which is approximately 7 minutes away on foot.
Multiple bus and trolleybus routes serve the nearby Filellinon and Ermou streets. However, as the site is situated within the historic pedestrian zone of Plaka and Thissio, walking from central points like Syntagma Square (15 minutes) is often the most direct method.
Parking at the Ancient Agora of Athens
There is no dedicated visitor parking at the Ancient Agora of Athens. The surrounding streets in Thissio and Monastiraki are largely pedestrianised or reserved for residents.
Visitors arriving by car should use private underground parking garages located near Monastiraki Square or Psirri. Due to heavy traffic and limited space, public transport is recommended over driving.
How long to spend at the Ancient Agora of Athens
A typical visit to the Ancient Agora of Athens lasts between 90 minutes and 2 hours. This duration allows sufficient time to walk the archaeological circuit and visit the on-site museum.
Visitors with a specific interest in Greek archaeology or those who intend to hike up the Kolonos Agoraios hill to the Temple of Hephaestus may require up to 3 hours.
If you want the knowledge of a guide who know what they’re looking at, you’re better off booking on to a guided walking tour.
Accessibility at the Ancient Agora of Athens
The Ancient Agora of Athens is partially accessible to visitors with mobility impairments. The main paths consist of packed gravel and stone, which can be uneven or difficult for some manual wheelchairs.
The Museum of the Ancient Agora, located within the Stoa of Attalos, is fully accessible via a ramp. Accessible restrooms are available on-site near the museum entrance.
Inside the Ancient Agora of Athens
The site contains the ruins of the social, political, and commercial hub of ancient Athens. The most prominent structure is the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece, located on the hill overlooking the agora.
Visitors can walk through the Stoa of Attalos, a fully reconstructed 2nd-century BC building. This structure houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, which displays everyday artefacts, ostracism shards, and official bronze measures.
The archaeological park also includes the Church of the Holy Apostles, a 10th-century Byzantine church, and the remains of the Bouleuterion (council house) and Tholos (government headquarters).
Practical visitor tips
| Topic | Recommendation |
| Timing | Arrive before 09:00 or after 16:00 to avoid peak heat and school groups. |
| Crowds | The site is significantly less crowded than the Acropolis, making it a viable midday alternative. |
| Layout | Use the entrance on Adrianou Street for the flattest route to the Stoa of Attalos. |
| Entry process | Have digital or printed QR codes ready for scanning at the turnstiles. |
| Logistics | Carry bottled water and wear sun protection, as much of the site is unshaded. |
Frequently asked questions about the Ancient Agora of Athens
| Question | Answer |
| Is the Ancient Agora suitable for children? | Yes, the open-air layout and museum are generally engaging for families. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | Yes. A timed entry system is in place. |
| Is the Ancient Agora open on Sundays? | Yes, it follows standard seasonal operating hours on Sundays. |
| Are bags allowed at the Ancient Agora? | Small bags are allowed; large luggage must be left at your hotel as there are no lockers. |
Things to do near the Ancient Agora of Athens
The following attractions are within a 10-minute walk of the site:
- Roman Agora: The subsequent commercial centre of Athens during the Roman period.
- Hadrian’s Library: A large monumental complex built by Emperor Hadrian.
- Kerameikos Archaeological Site: The ancient cemetery of Athens and the Dipylon Gate.
- The Acropolis: The primary citadel containing the Parthenon (which you can’t visit at night).
- Other historic sites: Including the Theatre of Dionysus and Panathenaic Stadium,
More Athens travel
Other Athens travel stories on Planet Whitley include:
- Athens hotel recommendations.
- How to spend 24 hours in Athens before your cruise.
- A practical guide to the National Garden of Athens.
- Review of the Acropolis Museum in Athens.
- Personal recommendations for a short break in Athens.
