Athens Free Walking Tours: Dionysiou Areopagitou – Apostolou Pavlou
Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou are two pedestrian streets that connect to each other, creating one of the most beautiful paths you can walk in Athens. You can start your walk from the Acropolis Museum’s entrance, where Dionsysiou Areopagitou begins, and continue west until you run into Apostolou Pavlou, which will take you to the area called Thision.
Reason to go
Both pedestrian streets are really beautiful and protected from the city noise and traffic. While walking them, you can see some of Athens’ most famous points of interest, with some small detours. If you visit Athens, this is a walk you shouldn’t miss!
If you begin walking from the Acropolis Museum’s entrance, on your right you will have a great view of the Acropolis and Parthenon. A bit further to the right lies the Odeon of Herodes Atticus (an ancient theater) and on your left is Filopappos Hill and Pnyx.
Acropolis Museum’s Entrance
From the Acropolis Museum’s entrance, walk west towards Apostolou Pavlou Street for approximately 5-10 minutes. On your right you will see the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. It is not visible from the street but you’ll see a sign to follow and it’s just a tiny detour. You will be impressed even if you just get a glimpse of the theater. Having said this, it’s also impressive that the theater is still in use today. Actually, the best way to visit it is to reserve tickets to watch a play or a concert there! It will be an unforgettable experience! If you can’t manage to reserve tickets, it’s totally worth passing by and having a look.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: View from Above
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: View from the street
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Wedding photoshoot
Odeon of Herodes Atticus: Entrance
About a five-minute walk from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is Areopagus Hill. You’ll see a rocky hill and a sign next to some stairs (the stairs are actually very slippery and you should be cautious while walking on them) that will take you to the hill. From there you will have one of the best views of Athens, the Parthenon and Acropolis as well as Mount Lycabettus.
Areopagus Hill: The staircase
Areopagus Hill: View from above
Areopagus Hill: View of Acropolis from the Hill
If you return to Dionysiou Areopagitou Street and get to the point where it meets Apostolou Pavlou Street, there is a path that will take you to Filopappos Hill.
The pedestrian street leading to Filopappos Hill and Pnyx
Filopappos Hill is quite big compared to Areopagus Hill (which is just a rock) and has many interesting spots. One you should definitely not miss is Pnyx! Pnyx is a synonym for democracy and is the location where ancient Athenians (507 BC) hosted their popular assemblies, talked and made decisions about state issues. From Pnyx you’ll also have an amazing view of Acropolis Hill.
View from Pnyx
View from Pnyx
View from Pnyx
View from Pnyx
Other points of interest on Filopappos Hill are:
– The church of Loumbardiaris – convenient if you’re visiting Pnyx.
The church of Loumbardiaris
– Socrates prison – requires a small detour, if you’re visiting Pnyx.
– The monument of Philopappos – a ten-minute walk from Pnyx.
The monument of Philopappos
After exploring Filopappos Hill, you can continue onto Apostolou Pavlou Street and head west. In less than 5 minutes you’ll run into Thissio Open Air Cinema. If it’s summer I really recommend stopping to watch a movie there under the stars. Cine Thission is one of the most beautiful open air cinemas in Athens since you can enjoy the view of the illuminated Acropolis Hill and Parthenon as you watch your movie.
If you’d rather not stop, you can continue your walk on Apostolou Pavlou and check out the Thision or Monastiraki neighborhoods. In Thision you can eat some traditional grilled meat at Ilias.
