As Athens continues to improve mobility for people with disabilities, our accessible guides are frequently updated. Therefore, some instructions and tips in this itinerary may change, so please proceed with care.
Itinerary Overview
This itinerary takes in the main landmarks of the historic centre of Athens. It starts with the world-class Acropolis Museum, a contemporary cultural highlight that is accessible and offers a spectacular view of the sacred rock of the Acropolis and the Parthenon. The museum is located on the most beautiful pedestrian avenue of Athens, Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, which cradles the Acropolis hill. Within a short walking distance of the museum lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (currently closed for a three-year restoration), a monumental ancient theatre that still hosts acclaimed concerts and shows today. From here, the gradient begins, stretching gracefully up to the Acropolis and the legendary Parthenon. Erected in the 5th century BC in honour of the city’s patron—the goddess Athena—it remains one of the most remarkable and must-see monuments worldwide.
After a short gradient that leads to many noteworthy archaeological drawcards, Areopagitou Street turns into the Apostolou Pavlou pedestrian precinct that reaches down towards historic Thissio. It’s time to immerse yourself in the nostalgic sights and architectural delights of “Old Athens”. This photogenic pocket bustles with families, tourists and street vendors, while also granting splendid views to the Acropolis and Thissio park. At the latter, you’ll find the Temple of Hephaestus (also called Thissio), one of the most well-preserved ancient temples in Greece, in the heart of the ancient Agora.
Late afternoon strolls down Dionysiou Areopagitou are a summer ritual in Athens.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
General Accessibility
- The itinerary is estimated to be around 1,6 km in total. The whole route is relatively flat—without taking into account the visits to the various points of interest. According to Google Maps, the first pedestrian area we traverse, Areopagitou Street, is slightly upward. Its extension, Apostolou Pavlou Street, is quite downward until the “Thissio” metro station. We suggest that you do not attempt the itinerary from the opposite direction.
- Attention: From the Areopagitou pedestrian area, the entrance to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is 170 metres away, with a total elevation of 9 metres and the entrance to the rock of the Acropolis is 230 metres away, with a total elevation of 14 metres. This means that the road is rather upward, with difficult paving.
- The itinerary only comprises of pedestrian areas with different types of paving. It mainly provides a shallow paving which was deemed to be safe and accessible by wheelchair users.
- Attention: Following Areopagitou Street towards the Odeon of Herodes Atticus but also towards the Acropolis, the road is substantially upward and the paving includes slippery clinkers that vary widely in size and contain big gaps between them. This part has been deemed “dangerous”, “necessitates caution/support”, “slippery” by wheelchair users.
- The pedestrian areas are properly illuminated at night, except for the points of access at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Acropolis, where the lighting is insufficient for night tours.
- There are no steps in this itinerary.
- At each point of interest, the accessibility is indicated according to the information available in each corresponding website.
- The itinerary commences from the Akropoli metro station (line 2 - red, Elliniko-Anthoupoli) and concludes up at the Thissio metro station (line 1 - green, Piraeus-Kifissia). All of the above stations provide adapted WC, elevators and full access for a wheelchair. In the red line, the boarding is always from the first or the last car of the train which are destined for wheelchairs and bicycles. In the green line, boarding is exclusively from the first door of the first car. The gap between the train and the platform in the Thissio station, unfortunately, is big.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Points of Interest
Akropoli Metro Station
Line 2
- Wheelchair boarding is done from the first or the last carriage of the train, which is equipped with a ramp for the gap.
- The station is fully accessible.
- It possesses a permanent archaeological exhibition in the first, second and third level.
- The station provides an adapted toilet which is locked. You have to find a guard or head to the station master's office or the info desk to ask them to open the toilet for you.
From the “Acropolis Museum” exit and the elevator, we turn left and continue slightly upwards on Makrigianni Street (3-metre elevation over a 70-metre distance), heading towards the Areopagitou pedestrian pocket. On our left we will find the car entrance for the Acropolis Museum. This is where disabled guests can park their cars after having contacted the Museum. Makrigianni Street is a pedestrian area as well, with light paving.
The most beautiful paved promenade of Athens, Dionysiou Areopagitou runs alongside the Acropolis. Surrounded by monuments and archaeological sites, it’s like walking straight back in time to ancient Athens.
Courtesy: Me Alla Matia
In 70 metres, we reach the famous pedestrian street of Areopagitou, where we turn left.
The most beautiful paved promenade of Athens, Dionysiou Areopagitou runs alongside the Acropolis. Surrounded by monuments and archaeological sites, it’s like walking straight back in time to ancient Athens.
- Accessibility of the pedestrian area:
- It extends for 700 metres.
- 11 metres of elevation.
- Stone paving.
At the junction of Makrigianni Street and Areopagitou Street we will find the Tourism Information Centre Athens at the top of 5 steps. To approach it in a wheelchair—in case we need information—we will have to turn left into Areopagitou Street. Then in 50 metres, we turn right into little Thrasillou Street. And then right again to access the main entrance.
Tourism Information Centre Athens
Accessibility:
- Accessible for wheelchairs.
- Adapted WC.
Archaeological Site of the Slopes of the Acropolis
Once you step inside the archaeological site of the South Slope of the Acropolis, you’ll be retracing the ancient road that linked Olympieion, the sanctuary of Olympian Zeus, with the southern flank of the Acropolis, and continued onwards to the Asklepieion of Athens, the sanctuary built to honour the gods of health and healing, Asclepius and Hygieia.
Tickets:
- Disabled people upon presentation of their ID card or passport and Disability Certificate are admitted free of charge. In case of 67% disability or more, one escort is also entitled to free entrance.
Accessibility of the site according to the website:
- The site is accessible for visitors in wheelchairs (with the assistance of an escort) via the main entrance.
- The visitors follow the main itinerary, heading initially to the west and then to the north, with the ability to see the site containing the architectural remains of the sanctuary of Dionysus Eleuthereus. Afterwards, they can head to the east to see in person the auditorium (“koilon”) and the scene (“skene”) of the Theatre of Dionysus.
- You can see the route for impeded visitors here.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Returning to Areopagitou Street and continuing on our route for about 100 metres, we will come to the accessible entrance of the Acropolis Museum on our left. This is located to the left of the main entrance.
The Acropolis Museum
Bernard Tschumi’s 14,000 square-metre glass and concrete landmark was completed in 2009 and consistently ranks on lists of the world’s top 10 museums, both for its contents and design. The highlight is the top floor Parthenon Gallery which ingeniously recreates the Parthenon frieze in all its glory (with copies of sections currently in the British Museum and other collections).
Tickets: Disabled people with a disability certificate by the Health Ministry or public sector medical report, clearly indicating disability and its percentage are admitted free of charge. In case of 67% disability or more, one escort is also entitled to free entrance.
Accessibility of the site according to their website:
- Special ramps for wheelchairs and strollers at all Museum entrances with railings and fordable inclination.
- Elevator access and WCs for people with disability available on all floors.
- A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed at the Information Desk.
- People with disability can bring their guide-dogs during their Museum visit.
- Disabled visitors can park at the museum parking upon arrangement.
- Museum maps are available at the Information Desk.
- It possesses a digital exhibition and a virtual tour.
- It provides an accessible cafeteria with a splendid view to the Acropolis.
Exiting the Museum on Areopagitou Street, we continue to the left. Our ride will continue for 550 metres. with an 8-metre elevation on a light stone paving combined with marble, fordable for wheelchair users.
Around halfway through this itinerary, on our right, we will find the Roman Cistern and the stairs that lead to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
We will continue a little further along to locate the stone paved ramp to lead us to the gates of the ancient theatre. Initially, the ramp is well paved but it gets trickier on the way.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Hollowed out of the rocky southern face of the Acropolis hill, this 4,500-seat Roman arena is one of the world’s oldest and finest open-air theatres. Completed in 161 AD, it has hosted everyone from Frank Sinatra to Sting and Maria Callas.
Accessibility for wheelchair users:
- Be careful when ascending towards the entrance of the theatre. It is an upward road, with slippery stone paving which has been deemed to be “dangerous, slippery and necessitating an escort” by wheelchair users.
- The path is not illuminated at night.
- The theatre is only open for shows or concerts; at all other times,, you can only gain entrance as far as the forecourt.
- There are wheelchair seats inside the theatre, which are among the best of the site.
- The accessible entrance is the first you meet on the left.
- Adapted WC available.
- There is a payphone at the entrance, also suitable for wheelchair users.
Left: ascending to the Acropolis. Right: ascending to the Odeon Herodes Atticus
Courtesy: Me Alla Matia
In the context of the accessibility development of the Acropolis, there are golf carts available to carry wheelchair users from Areopagitou Street up until the entrance of the Acropolis hill. One of these vehicles is always available during the operating hours of the archaeological site, at the junction of Areopagitou Street and Theorias Street, without an appointment. In case the vehicle is occupied with visitors, within the next few minutes another vehicle shall arrive. If there are no vacant golf carts, call them on +30 210 321 4172-3.
Alternatively—though not recommended—we can skip the golf carts and proceed with the itinerary, which is now uphill and bumpy.
We move up on the stone paving of Theorias Street for 200 metres with a 20-metre elevation. This is where we encounter a three-way junction: left towards Plaka, straight ahead towards the entrance of the archaeological site, and right towards the ticket booth. The stone paving is slippery and uneven.
Sacred Rock of the Acropolis
The ‘Sacred Rock’ of the Athenians is famed worldwide for its architectural masterpieces, including the Parthenon, a monument of startling simplicity and beauty; the Temple of Athena Nike; and the Erechtheion, a 420 BC temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon—beloved for its iconic row of Caryatids.
Tickets:
- Disabled people upon presentation of their ID card or passport and Disability Certificate are admitted free of charge. In case of 67% disability or more, one escort is also entitled to free entrance.
- This site is included in the combined 5-day ticket of Acropolis & Slopes, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos, Aristotle's School with a cost of €30.
Overall accessibility:
The ticket office and the information booth are located in a structure with an entrance step. There are guards who will find you and help you during the operating hours of the site.
There are adapted toilets next to the info booth.
At the left of the main entrance is the accessible entrance to the Rock, with the correspondent marking.
Since Theorias Street is a difficult road for wheelchair users, the accessible entrance can be reached by car, without nearby parking, though.
Accessibility according to their website:
- The Acropolis of Athens, a naturally fortified rocky outcrop of 160-metres in height, acquired an elevator in 2004 due to the Olympics and the Paralympics of Athens. Visitors can access it via a special entrance on the “Peripatos” pathway. It is located 350 metres away from the entrance and is reached through a specially designed electric platform. It traverses a distance of roughly 25 metres and it ends up in the plateau of the Acropolis hill.
- Afterwards, visitors follow the specially designed passages of the archaeological site. You can see the course for impeded visitors here.
- It is necessary to communicate via phone before the arrival (+30 210 321 4172, +30 210 923 8470). The service is not available during severe weather phenomena or intense winds.
From Theorias Street, we return to Areopagitou Street to resume our itinerary. On our left extends Philopappou Hill, at the point where Areopagitou turns into Apostolou Pavlou Street.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Philopappou Hill (Hill of the Muses) / Pnyx (Hill of the Nymphs)
The Pnyx is the forested hilltop clearing where the Athenian assembly gathered in the earliest days of democracy and the likes of Pericles and Themistocles delivered their brilliant orations, in full view of the Parthenon.
- There is no accessibility recording for this site.
- A natural hill with rough stone paving.
- A big part of the path is step-free but not all.
- Free entrance
We continue our stroll towards Thissio. Areopagitou Street has given way to Apostolou Pavlou Street and it goes down towards the Thissio metro station. For a 800-metre distance and a 31-metre descent, we traverse a mild stone paving on a pedestrian area.
To our left and right we meet various fenced archaeological sites.
Cine Thisio
Sitting pretty beneath the Acropolis on Apostolou Pavlou, Cine Thissio has been operating since 1935. With its moonlit Parthenon views, it ranks among the world’s most beautiful open-air cinemas.
Accessibility:
- Paving.
- Step free.
- No adapted WC.
We continue along Apostolou Pavlou Street until we meet the cafeterias and the plateau of the Jacqueline de Romigi square on our right. If we visit the square on our left, we will find the accessible entrance to the Temple of Hephaestus. The temple is part of the archaeological site of the ancient Agora, which can be explored in another itinerary. Nevertheless, there is only access through this spot upon prior arrangement.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis
Temple of Hephaestus
The Temple of Hephaestus, god of the forge, was built in 449 BC by Iktinos (one of the Parthenon architects). A pioneer project of Pericles’ rebuilding scheme, it remains one of the best-preserved Doric temples in Greece.
Tickets:
- Disabled people upon presentation of their ID card or passport and Disability Certificate are admitted free of charge. In case of 67% disability or more, one escort is also entitled to free entrance.
- This site is included in the combined 5-day ticket of Acropolis & Slopes, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos, Aristotle's School with a cost of €30.
Accessibility of the site according to their website:
- Wheelchair access is possible through the entrance at Thission Square (Apostolou Pavlou Street), upon communication (+30 210 321 4824, +30 210 321 0180).
- The path until the temple is earthy with gravel.
- You can see the itinerary for impeded visitors here.
Our itinerary ends at the Thissio metro station.
Thissio Metro Station
Line 1
- The Thissio metro station (line 1 - green: “Piraeus-Kifissia”) has only one elevator on our left.
- Next to the sign that marks the entrance to the station, we will find the ramp heading to the elevator, which has a slight downward inclination with no railing.
- The station is fully accessible. The boarding should be realized from the first door of the first car.
- It is equipped with an adapted WC which is locked. You can ask them to open it for you.
The Thissio metro station has only one elevator. In order to access it, you have to cross a steep incline (over 140 metres of distance you “rise” 3 metres of altitude). This uphill slope is located to the left of the main entrance.
Photo: Thomas Gravanis