Panathenaic Stadium

The Basics

Entrance to the Panathenaic Stadium includes an audio guide and access to a small museum exhibiting Olympic Games posters. Don’t miss the chance to snap your photo on the winners’ pedestal. Hop-on hop-off buses and many Central Athens sightseeing tours stop at the stadium and other top sights, such as the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, and Syntagma Square.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Panathenaic Stadium is occasionally used as a concert venue—check to see what’s on during your visit.

• Smoking, drinking anything other than water, and eating are prohibited inside the stadium.

• Facilities include toilets (for a small fee) and a café (near the entrance).

How to Get There

The Panathenaic Stadium is located just southeast of the National Gardens of Athens (Ethnikos Kipos). Take the metro to the Syntagma, Acropoli, or Evangelismos station, then walk the short distance to the stadium.

When to Get There

The stadium is open to visitors year-round. The best time to go is in the morning or early evening, when temperatures are lower. Visitors can jog along the track in the early morning—just fill out the waiver available on the stadium’s website.

Where to Find the Best Views in the Panathenaic Stadium

Stand 21 offers some of the finest views of Athens’ ancient riches. Climb to the highest tier, and gaze across at noble sights such as the Acropolis, Philopappos Hill (Filopappou), the Temple of Olympian Zeus (Naós tou Olympíou Diós), and Mt. Lycabettus (Lykavittos), the city’s tallest peak.

Ways to explore

Entrance to the Panathenaic Stadium includes an audio guide and access to a small museum exhibiting Olympic Games posters. Don’t miss the chance to snap your photo on the winners’ podium or go for a jog around the track during the morning open session. Hop-on hop-off buses and many central Athens sightseeing tours stop at the stadium on their way to other top sights, such as the Acropolis, the Roman Agora, and Syntagma Square. Occasionally, the Panathenaic Stadium also hosts concerts, offering another way to experience this immense arena.

Accessibility

The stadium is partially accessible for visitors using wheelchairs and strollers; the museum inside is only accessible by stairs.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Bottled water, sunscreen

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, sun hat

Not allowed

Smoking, eating, drinking (except water)

Amenities

Paid restrooms, museum, gift shop, canteen

Address

The Panathenaic Stadium is located just southeast of the National Gardens of Athens. It’s within walking distance of some Athens attractions; otherwise, it’s best to take public transportation.

Driving

While you can drive to the stadium, you won’t find parking in the immediate area, and it will likely take longer than traveling from the nearest public transit stops. Take a taxi or rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

Take the metro to the Syntagma station, then walk the short distance to the stadium through a park. Alternatively, ride the T6 tram from Syntagma one stop to the Zappeio stop near the stadium.

Best times to visit

The best time to visit the Panathenaic Stadium is in the morning or early evening, when temperatures are lower.

Best days to visit

The stadium is open daily, so any day is a good day to visit. Locals often visit on Sundays, making the track a little busier then.

Best months to visit

Expect the stadium to be busiest during the summer, when Athens experiences a surge in tourists. Visit in May, September, or October for pleasant sightseeing weather.

Special events

The stadium is the finishing line of the Athens Marathon, scheduled for November 9, 2025.