Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Basics

Archaeological tours of Athens typically cover the Odeon and other important ancient sites on and near the Acropolis; exploring with a guide helps you interpret the ruins. Most Acropolis tours include skip-the-line tickets to avoid a long wait to enter. Alternatively, see the theater during an evening performance; the venue hosts summertime open-air concerts and stages classical plays, and hosts the Athens & Epidaurus Festival from June through August.

Things to Know Before You Go

• You can admire the theater from above by heading to the Stoa of Eumenes on the western edge of the Acropolis and looking down.

• There is little shade at the Odeon so be sure to wear a hat and sunscreen.

• High-heeled shoes cannot be worn by audience members due to the steep steps to reach the seats; choose comfortable flat shoes if attending a performance.

• Some areas of the Odeon are accessible to wheelchairs; enquire at the box office for additional information.

How to Get There

The Odeon is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis along the pedestrian-only Dionysiou Areopagitou, which runs between the area’s main archaeological sites; the nearest metro stops are Monastiraki and Acropoli.

When to Get There

If visiting the Odeon by day, arrive in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of midday and peak visiting hours. Opening times for evening concerts vary according to the event, but be sure to arrive with plenty of time to spare as the stairs are very steep and it may take a few minutes to reach your seat.

Athen’s Ancient Blockbusters

In addition to the Odeon, archaeology buffs can take in nearby A-list ancient Greek sites such as the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Acropolis of Athens, home of the magnificent Parthenon temple; Propylaia; Temple of Athena Nike; and Erechtheion complex, with the statue-lined Porch of the Caryatids. Most archaeological tours cover these headliners, along with the Acropolis Museum.

Ways to explore

Entrance to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is included in an Acropolis site ticket: It’s well worth booking a timed-entry slot in advance, especially in peak summer. Archaeological tours of Athens typically cover the Odeon and other important ancient sites on and near the Acropolis; exploring with a guide helps you interpret the ruins. Check whether your tour includes tickets: Some do, others book tickets but require payment on the day, and a few require you to book independently.

Alternatively, soak up the atmosphere at an evening show; the venue hosts open-air concerts and performances (opera, theater) in summer.

Accessibility

While some travelers in wheelchairs brave the steep and slippery path to the theater, it’s not on the official Acropolis wheelchair route. At night, travelers who use wheelchairs can bring a car into a square in front of the Odeon. Wheelchair seating and adapted bathrooms are available for performances.

Age limits

Children under 6 are not allowed at performances. Performances usually start at 9pm—late by the standards of many Anglophone parents.

What to pack

Cushions are provided for shows, but bring your own for maximum comfort; you may want to bring a hand-held fan, too.

What to wear

A hat, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes are essential when visiting the Acropolis in summer.

Not allowed

High heels, food, drink, and phone use are all no-nos for shows.

Amenities

The Acropolis site has restrooms and a gift shop.

Address

The Odeon is located on the southern slope of the Acropolis along the pedestrian-only Dionysiou Areopagitou, which runs between the area’s main archaeological sites. It’s an easy walk from many downtown Athens attractions.

Driving

Driving and parking in Athens’ historic center is extremely challenging. If you don’t want to walk or use public transportation, take a rideshare, a taxi, or a tour.

Public transportation

The best metro station for the southern slope of the Acropolis is Acropolis (Akropoli) on Line 2. It’s less than a 10-minute walk from the theater.

Best times to visit

The Odeon generally follows the Acropolis hours. If you visit in summer, book morning or late afternoon tickets to avoid heatwave closures. Performances typically start at 9pm; arrive with plenty of time as late entry isn't allowed.

Best days to visit

For a less crowded day, visit midweek, avoiding when the Acropolis admission is free. Get performance tickets in advance.

Best months to visit

While it’s often best to avoid Athens in summer due to crowds, the Odeon only hosts shows in the warmer months. Performances run through September.

Special events

Between June and August, the Athens Epidaurus Festival holds live shows at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theater of Epidaurus, and beyond.