Getting to the Acropolis in Athens

The Acropolis is on a hilltop, so there's no way to reach it without (what many would probably describe as) a significant amount of uphill walking. Figure a 10 to 20 minute relatively steep uphill walk - maybe closer to the upper end of that time range based on your self-description.

Thanks. I guess that youth doesn't think anything of that uphill climb! Better do some training.

Yep. Going pretty slow the first 5 minutes helps. Lots of people do it, it's worth it. Are you going in the summer?

Yes, unfortunately. It's the only time we can get our children together. We will try to get a private guide/car and get there as early in the day as possible.

It will likely be hot up there: bring the usual hot weather uphill walking stuff: water, sunscreen, etc.

will do.

My husband and I were there in October. We're in our 70's and did the climb. I even have bad knees and didn't feel that it was as bad as some other places we've climbed to in the past several years. I hope this reassures you.

I was there last May for the 1st time. Glad I did it. Yes, there's a lot of climbing and walking. Please be super careful. At some places there is nothing to hold onto as you climb. With all the visitors, some stones are worn, very smooth and slippery to walk on. It was like walking on ice. On other paths, there is a lot of loose gravel. Lots of tour groups were there at the same time, so there was a lot of pushing and shoving which added to the need for extra care. I saw a couple of people fall, injured their knees and had to be assisted with walking. A sunhat and water are handy as it was very hot.
There are toilets, but there was a line. Good idea to bring some wipes. Have a memorable visit!

Trying hard to remember but I am thinking that the approach from the west, southwest had the fewest steps and was easier than from the other sides which were steeper and nearly all steps.

Thanks for all the good feedback and information. We'll plan accordingly.

I am amazed at how I do not remember getting to the top was a hike--but that was 30 years ago! I do remember how spectacular it was and that's why I want my children to experience it. We'll get it done, even if not as quickly as we once did. We've agreed to not take an excursion with the cruise line, but do it privately and as soon as we can get off the ship. Thanks to all who've responded!
Susi

Hello Susi, I walked to the top of the Athens Acropolis, from its North side, from Monastiraki square, a few years ago. To minimize the walking at the Acropolis, there is a beautiful carriage pulled by a strong horse (or two horses ?) that can deliver people to the visitors' entrance at the Athens Acropolis. That carriage ride can begin near the south side of the Acropolis. I saw that carriage, with two American travelers on it. It stopped directly in front of, and close to, the visitors' entrance. Those two people appeared to totally enjoy that experience. That carriage might not be available in the middle of the day. I do not know the name of the business that has the carriage. I guess the National Tourism office for Greece, located in Athens, has that information. For me, being up there on top of the Acropolis, seeing the Parthenon, was a different experience from seeing big beautiful photographs of the Parthenon, and much better than seeing the aerial view of the Parthenon in the Vissions of Greece DVD. And, I recommend : go in the new Acropolis museum, it is at a lower level.

Someone suggested going from Monasteraki. We did that, through the Plaka (got lost!) then in by a gate from aroad which I think began with a "D" and it was relatively gentle climb up past two amphitheatres to the Acropolis itself. We came back down by the steps. We are over 60 (and were at that time too, and did not find it toobad. You say "The Cruise SHip" are you going with one of their tours or on your own? We went on our own with the train and had no problems.