I'm a photographer so I'm interested capturing the Acropolis in the early light (hopefully) with minimal people around. Has anyone been there at 8:00 right when it opens? Ideally I'm trying to beat the cruise ship crowds there and hopefully at the Ancient Agoura afterwards. I'd love to hear from someone with direct experience. Also, we'll be coming from Piraeus and either taking a taxi or taking the Metro. Is commute traffic inbound into Athens horrible at about 7:00/7:30 in the morning? In other words would taking a cab save us some time?
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3122 posts
I think your concerns about the morning traffic into Athens is well-founded. Taking the Metro would be a much faster and easier way to get there. The tradeoff is that a taxi can take you right to the entrance to the Parthenon. If you take the Metro you'll have to walk up the Acropolis from the Monastiraki Metro Station which will eat up some time, probably at least 30 minutes. The good news is that the Metro starts running early so you can get there by the time they open for the day.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Marcus, there should be a taxi stand near the metro stop in Athens.
Posted by
aptos, CA
12 posts
We were there right when it opened about 10 years ago... I recall that we got there about 30 minutes ahead of opening time, and there was a very small line. We were perhaps the 3rd people up there, but within about 20 minutes, it was getting pretty crowded.
Posted by
Louisville, KY, USA
255 posts
My first visit to the Acropolis was at 8:30 am when it opened. I was there in April and it was one of the few sites that got crowded quickly in the morning. Within 45 minutes of arriving, the top of the hill was packed. You might try mid-afternoon. Different light but fewer people. Personally, I'd recommend staying at a hotel in Athens, I like the Attalos, a short walk from the Acropolis.
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Marcus... I was there a few years ago and stayed at Attalos. As I am a photographer also we arrived before it opened... short walk up...but it was summer so by that time it was already full sunlight and within a few minutes there were tons of tourists everywhere. So, the dream of having it to myself in good light was soon shattered as I realized there would be lots of time on photoshop cloning out the people. Don 't know how late it is open, but maybe try for sunset or hope for an overcast day. I was there in July.
Posted by
COCONUT CREEK, CARENCRO, FL., LA., USA
152 posts
My favorite pictures were taken from the rooftop restaurants at sunset. The Acroplis glows. We are staying at THE ATTLOS. Will be in Santorini for the full moon. My other place for favorite pictures is Lauternbrunen, Switzerland. Also at sunset and full or almost full moon
Posted by
Bay Area
3551 posts
Metro is easy and station is at base of acropolis plateau. Be aware there is alot of scaffolding on the site. I was there last week and found photo ops limited becuz of scaffolding. yes it is still wonderful and worth the trek.
Posted by
Atlanta, Ga, USA
2023 posts
We were there by 9 am and there were crowds by that time. The walk was easier than we expected. Our hotel rooftop had a nice view of the Acropolis and there were people up there around/past sunset. What we encountered at other ancient sites were early closings-like 3 pm-due to the economy - not enough money to pay people to stay in the parks. This was in late May 2012. Be careful of pickpocketers on the Metro-we had a close call on that.