Ancient Agora of Athens

The Basics

The Agora of Athens is considered the best preserved example of an ancient Greek agora in the world. Visit with a guide for expert insight into these ruins, which can be hard to interpret on one’s own. For independent travelers, the hop-on-hop-off bus and downloadable audio guide of the archaeological site provides both transportation and extra information.

Join a private or small-group walking tour that includes skip-the-line tickets—a must for these popular and crowded ruins—as well as a visit to the Agora Museum. Or, opt for a tour that pairs a visit to the Agora with the Acropolis. Look for a family-focused tour if visiting with kids; some guides specialize in making the site come to life for younger travelers.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Agora of Athens and its museum are a must for archaeology buffs.

• Almost all of the ruins are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes.

• Some areas of the site are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers; the museum is fully accessible.

• The Stoa of Attalos houses the Museum of the Ancient Agora, where you can view ancient art and artifacts unearthed at the site.

• The Acropolis combination ticket includes entry to the Acropolis and six other sites— including the Agora—within a 5-day admission window.

How to Get There

The ancient Agora sits above the modern city of Athens and is a short walk from the Acropolis. Take the metro Green Line to the Thissio station, and walk about five minutes along Adrianous Street to the site.

When to Get There

The Agora of Athens is open every day except major holidays. The site is almost entirely outdoors, so avoid visiting during the midday hours in summer. Instead, time your tour for early morning or late afternoon and take refuge in the museum when the temperatures soar.

The History of the Agora of Athens

The Agora of Athens, where Socrates once expounded his philosophy, dates back to the 6th century BC. This vast area lies to the northwest of the Acropolis and once featured an elaborate drainage system, a series of fountains, and a temple devoted to the Olympian Gods. The Agora was finally abandoned after a Slavic invasion in the 6th century.

What is the Agora of Athens and why is it significant?

The Agora of Athens was an assembly site, where citizens of ancient Athens gathered for legal, business, political, and religious reasons, and is today regarded as the birthplace of ancient Greek democracy. Thought to be the best preserved agora in Greece, it’s one of Athen’s most important archaeological sites, which is open for visitors to explore.

Is the Agora of Athens wheelchair accessible?

Yes, some areas of the Agora of Athens site are accessible for wheelchair users, as is the Museum of the Ancient Agora. Those using wheelchairs should enter the site via the main entrance at Adrianou 24, where there is a ramp. Be aware that some areas of the agora feature uneven terrain that may prove challenging for anyone with mobility issues.

Can visitors explore the Agora of Athens independently, or are guided tours recommended?

Visitors are free to explore the Agora of Athens independently, but guided tours are recommended for anyone keen to learn more about the history of the archaeological site. You can arrange a variety of group or private tours through various tour providers.

Is there a museum or visitor center at the Agora of Athens where visitors can learn more about its history?

Yes, there is a museum at the Agora of Athens—the Museum of the Ancient Agora (Stoa of Attalos) is located on the eastern side of the site across from the Museum of Modern Greek Culture. The museum showcases ancient Athenian artifacts and exhibits.

Are there any nearby restaurants or cafes where visitors can dine after exploring the Agora of Athens?

After exploring the Agora of Athens, visitors should make their way towards the Museum of the Ancient Agora where they’ll find a handful of restaurants within walking distance. The Hard Rock Café is near the Museum of Modern Greek Culture and there are multiple options across from the Roman Basilica.

Where is the Agora of Athens located in relation to other famous landmarks in Athens?

The Agora of Athens is located in the heart of Athens on the northwest slope of the Acropolis. Within the agora site are the Temple of Hephaestus, Museum of the Ancient Agora, and Herakleidon Museum. Other attractions nearby include the Temple of Dionysus, Areopagus Hill, and Nymphs Hill.

Ways to explore

The Ancient Agora is one of Athens’ best attractions for history buffs, but its ruins can be hard to interpret without a guide. Visit on a tour led by an archaeologist, who can tell you the stories behind its centuries-old temples and meeting places. Many private and small-group walking tours visit both the Agora and the nearby Acropolis, while Athens bike and Segway tours zip past the attraction en route to Plaka, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and other major sights. Hop-on, hop-off buses also stop at the Agora—book your entry time in advance to visit on your own.

Accessibility

The Ancient Agora has two wheelchair-accessible entrances, though some visiting paths are uneven and may be hard to navigate with a wheelchair. The museum is fully accessible and also provides resources for visitors with limited vision.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, sunscreen

What to wear

Almost all of the ruins are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Not allowed

Smoking, littering, tampering with artifacts, non-service animals

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms, info desk

Address

In central Athens, a short walk northwest of the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora is easy to reach on foot from many of the city’s main landmarks. You can also get there by car or public transit, then head to the northern entrance on Adrianou street.

Driving

Driving in central Athens isn’t recommended for visitors, but you can easily call a taxi, use a rideshare app, or book a guided tour that includes transportation to the Agora.

Public transportation

The Agora’s Adrianou entrance is located between two subway stations: Thiseio (line 1) and Monastiraki (lines 1 and 3).

Best times to visit

Time your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hot midday hours.

Best days to visit

Save money by visiting on free-admission days, which are listed on the attraction’s website, or go whenever the weather suits for a walk around the open-air ruins.

Best months to visit

Aim to visit the Agora between March and May or September and November, when the temperatures are comfortable and you’ll skip the summer crowds.