VISIT THE PANATHENAIC STADIUM IN ATHENS [TICKETS, PRICES, ETC.]

What to see at the Olympic Stadium in Athens (Panathenaic)? Is it worth visiting?

Are you planning a trip to the Greek capital? If so, don’t miss out on visiting the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens!

The Panathenaic Stadium, the “stadium of all Athenians” in Greek, is an ancient stadium in Athens. It was renovated for the first Olympic Games of the modern era, during the year 1896.

It is one of the emblematic monuments of the Olympic Games.

Built in 330 BCE, it once hosted the great Panathenaia, one of the ancestors of our modern Olympic Games.

Are you planning a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens? In this article, you will find all the essential information, our tips, history and practical information including prices and timetables!

History of the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

Visit the Panathenaic (Olympic) Stadium in Athens

The Panathenaic stadium in Athens was inaugurated during the summer of 330 BC on the occasion of the great Panathenaia. These religious and social festivities in the city of Athens then marked the transition to the new year. Every four years the great Panathenaia took place, festivals of even greater opulence, inspired by the Olympic competitions.

The stadium was used until the Romans, and it was even renovated and enlarged around 140. Entirely rebuilt in marble, it was then considered one of the most beautiful of its time.

Abandoned at the end of the 4th century, it fell into ruin. Covered with a field of wheat, its marble plundered, it was then completely forgotten. Fortunately, archaeological excavations were undertaken after Greek independence. Rediscovered, the stadium was renovated for the first time for the 1896 Olympic Games, the first of the modern era.

Regaining its former glory, it was restored a second time for the 2004 Olympic Games. It then hosted the archery events and the finish of the two marathons.

Our advice for visiting the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

Are you coming to Athens soon and would you like to prepare for your visit? We understand you perfectly! During the holidays, time can be precious. So to help you visit the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, here are some very practical tips

1. The best time to visit Athens Panathenaic Stadium

You can visit the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens all year round. It is generally not very crowded, expect perhaps on weekends…

In summer, we recommend that you come in the morning or late afternoon. Because of the marble, the temperature in the stadium can be very high. Bring a bottle of water and a hat if you come at this time…

2. During your visit to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

The stadium entry includes an audio guide. The audio guides are available in 11 languages: French, Greek, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese and Korean.

As an archaeological site, you will have to respect certain rules in the stadium. It is therefore prohibited to smoke, eat or drink anything other than water within the stadium.

3. Price, Tickets, Location, Opening Hours

General Admission: €10.00;
Reduced (students or over 65): €5;
Persons with a disability and accompanying person: free;
Children under 6 years old: free.

Opening hours also vary depending on high and low seasons. Between March and October, the stadium is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. From November to February, you can visit the Athens Panathenaic Stadium from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

It takes at least 1 hour to visit the Stadium.

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What to do during your visit to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens?

1. Feel like an Athlete!

Feeling like an Athlete at the Olympic Stadium

During your visit, you will be able to walk the stands and the track of the Panathenaic stadium. The place is full of history and magnificent with its bright white marble. You will be able to follow in the footsteps of great athletes of the past by running along the track. Remember to bring sports shoes if you want to set out. And above all, don’t forget to take a photo on the podium. If you want to go jogging in the stadium, know that it is normally open to athletes every morning from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m.

2. Check out the underground passage

During your visit to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, you will also pass through an underground passage. You will admire the statues of emblematic characters from the Olympic world. Everything will obviously be commented on by your audio guide. You will learn more about this emblematic sports site of the Athenian city.

The stadium is therefore not just a set of stands, and a long track with tight turns. It houses small details and small sites, and is full of fascinating anecdotes.

3. Enjoy the view from the top floor

We recommend that you go up to the upper floor of stand 21. Up there you can take a magnificent photo. Indeed from this spot, it is possible to capture a shot of the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the hill of Filopappos, the temple of Olympian Zeus, Zappeion, the national gardens and the hill of Lycabettus.

At the end of your visit, and if you are thirsty, you can head to the cafe at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens, open every day. However, we actually recommend that you head to the neighboring National Garden or a few small cafés in the Pangráti district.

Are there guided tours of the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens?

As mentioned previously, the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens already offers you a guided tour, via an audio guide many languages. This audio guide is included in the entrance price.

However, if you want to visit this place accompanied by a real guide, know that there are some guided tours of the stadium. Most tours are usually combined with other monuments in the Greek capital.

Check out our selection of guided tours:

Guided tours include, in addition to the Olympic site, a discovery of the emblematic monuments of the Acropolis, the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament, and the exploration of the historic district of Plaka.

How to get to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens?

The stadium is located opposite the statue of Myron Discobolus. You can easily reach it by metro or bus, or even on foot.

1. Bus

By bus, you can take yellow lines 2, 4, 10, 11. They stop in front of the Athens Panathenaic Stadium, at the “Stadio” stop.

2. Metro

Several metro lines stop not far from the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. You can choose the followings:

Acropolis, on line 2;
Syntagma, on lines 2 and 3;
Evangelismos, on line 3.
Syntagma is the most convenient stop to reach the stadium. You will simply have to exit the station on the National Garden side and then cross it towards the south.

From the Acropolis stop, you will have to join Vasilissis Olgas Avenue then Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue. It will take you to the square in front of the stadium, where the entrance is.

From Evangelismos, you will have to cross the small Rizari Park and then also follow Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue. Both journeys usually take 15 minutes on foot.

Where to park near the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens?

Driving there is not so ideal. Athens can have complicated traffic, even during the day, with a lot of traffic jams.

However, if you come by car, you can always park a few steps from this archaeological and sporting site. A covered car park, the “STADIUM Parking”, is normally open 24 hours a day. The rate is €5 per hour.

Our Final Thoughts – Is the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens worth visiting?

Visiting the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens is a deeply enriching experience that connects you with the ancient roots of sports and culture.

As you stand in the same space where athletes competed over two millennia ago, it’s hard not to be awestruck by the continuity of human history and the enduring spirit of competition and excellence.

Walking through the arched entrance and onto the track, you can almost hear the echoes of the cheering crowds from ancient times.

For us, no question, a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens is a must!