The best way to visit the Parthenon is on a walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens, including neighboring ruins such as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Erechtheion. First-time visitors to Athens can also combine a visit with a city sightseeing tour; a half-day trip to the Temple of Poseidon and Cape Sounion; or even a food-focused city tour. History buffs can tack on a tour of the Ancient Agora or a visit to the New Acropolis Museum.
The Parthenon is most often visited on half- or full-day city tours of ancient Athens.
Come prepared for the weather, as the Parthenon is an indoor/outdoor experience.
A wheelchair lift is available to the top of the Acropolis.
The Parthenon is located within the Acropolis on a hilltop in central Athens. Entry is via Dionysiou Areopagitou or Theorias, and the nearest underground train station is Akropoli.
The Parthenon is open from April to October, Monday from late morning to evening, and Tuesday to Sunday from morning to evening; November to March, it's open daily from morning to mid-afternoon. As with most popular tourist attractions, it's worth arriving early to beat the crowds.
In the early 19th century, when Athens was under Turkish rule, sculptures from the Parthenon were sold to Englishman Lord Elgin. The artifacts, nicknamed the Elgin Marbles, are now on display in London's British Museum, but they remain a point of contention for the Greek government, which still insists they should be returned.
