Athens attractions passes

[KnottyKnitting]

Hello- we will be in Athens for a few days soon and wondered if anyone has bought the passes that get you into lots of the main sites there ( Parthenon, Acropolis etc.) I have read mixed reviews, one of which said the Greek government had banned them and people paid out and then couldn’t use them! Any advice?

I got a pass for all the major archeological sites, which worked out cheaper, but I was in Athens for four days.

I hope you aren’t visiting in August??

No beginning of September

Oh ok it’s just that apart from the touristy bits, Athenians leave the city because it’s too hot. Might still be hot in September.

Yeah well we expected that. We decided to go there for a few days as flying into Athens for a planned week in a nearby part of Greece. Seems a shame to fly into Athens and then not see the city!

Which pass did you buy? I am confused by the huge number of options - need something that works over two days ( although I know the Acropolis has to be a timed slot. )

Just book directly. Pick an early entry slot to the Acropolis and don’t enter via the south slope. Exit and into the air con of the museum.

thank me later 🥵

Thanks I have heard it’s a good idea to go either early or late! When you say book directly- do you mean when you are there or is there a specific site I can book with now before I go?

The Athens passes that got you into all the sites cheaply have been discontinued.

They are on sale on multiple sites! They look official. Through Trip advisor too- am very confused!

Hi @KnottyKnitting how did you get on in the end. We are heading to Athens next week and trying to work out the ticket situation for the main attractions. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Hi - we did actually buy the Turbo pass which got us into the Acropolis, the acropolis museum and the Big Bus plus a few other things we didn’t bother with. To be honest I really wouldn’t bother. It doesn’t save much and the queues weren’t really that long in the places we visited. While we were there we also visited the Agora and the Archeological museum both of which were really interesting. We used the bus for these as they are on the route but a friend who went there recently said UBER is quite cheap there.
In terms of audio guides- there is a free one at the Acropolis museum and we down loaded Rick Steves Europe app which covers Acropolis, agora and the archeological museum. These are VERY good and far better than the ones you pay for. In terms of restaurants- do not necessarily rely on trip advisor - the two we went to that were recommended were really not good. The smaller traditional tavernas are far superior and much cheaper too.

With the Acropolis, we were recommended to go from the South entrance ( good advice- it’s less steep)and early because of the crowds and heat later on. It was totally packed at 8.30 which was very annoying. ( If you buy before online you need to book a time to arrive.) When we left at around 12 ish it was much quieter and despite the heat would have been much easier. Probably a bit cooler there now so less of an issue for you.
Visiting the city involves lots of walking so make sure you have sturdy shoes and plenty of water!

Have fun- it’s an interesting place!

@KnottyKnitting Thank you so much for taking the time to share all of this; it’s incredibly helpful! I really appreciate the honest feedback about the Turbo Pass and the tips about the Acropolis entrances, timing, and audio guides - that’s exactly the kind of practical advice that makes planning so much easier. I’ll definitely look into the Rick Steves app too.

Thanks again for such a thoughtful and detailed reply - it is much appreciated and will make a real difference to our trip planning. I hope you had an amazing time and stored up some fab memories.

You are welcome - I found really good advice on here before I went so good to be able help! The little tavern where we had the best meal was called Piato El Greco ( 8 Kavalloti Str. Acropolis, Athens 11743) such simple food but totally fabulous and really cheap ( suppose it depends where you are staying.) There was also a really great little wine bar a few hundred metres up the road from it. The one where we had the worst meal ( despite having rave reviews)was called Thomas 1971 tavern. Food was rushed, crammed in, not a nice areas and food bland and uninspiring.