The Acropolis & Parthenon, The Greek National Opera
by Jeffrey Guard
Our second day in Athens was nothing short of magical.
From the legendary Acropolis and Parthenon to an unforgettable ballet performance at the Greek National Opera, this day was packed with history, culture, and a touch of winter charm.
If there’s one major takeaway—it’s that visiting Athens in the winter is underrated.
The city was quieter, the weather was pleasant (mid-50s in the morning, warming up to the mid-60s), and we could explore one of the most famous landmarks in the world without the overwhelming summer crowds and heat.
Visiting in winter means:
✅ Cooler temperatures (no scorching 100-degree heat)
✅ Fewer crowds (better views, easier to explore)
✅ A more immersive experience (without the tourist rush)
Morning: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Tour
The Acropolis was not without the crowds, but everything seemed more subdued than what the summer in Greece would be like. I found the crowds, a bit heavy at times, always manageable.
Our Guided Tour: Efficient & Engaging
I booked this tour via Expedia and would highly recommend it, if you’re looking for a local to share with you their perspective. The price and the value were excellent!
Our early morning guided tour included a hike to the Acropolis ruins, followed by a visit to the Acropolis Museum. Each person was given a tour guide system with an earpiece, which made hearing our guide effortless, even when we were spread out.
The pace of the tour was brisk but informative, allowing us to absorb key details without information overload. And good thing too—even in winter, the Parthenon started to draw large crowds as the morning progressed!
Top Sites at the Acropolis & Parthenon
If you’re planning to visit, these are the absolute must-see highlights:
🏛 Parthenon – The crown jewel of the Acropolis! Built in the 5th century BCE, this temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens, is the epitome of classical Greek architecture.
👑 Erechtheion – Famous for its Porch of the Caryatids, where six beautifully carved female statues replace traditional columns.
🏆 Temple of Athena Nike – A small yet elegant Ionic temple celebrating Athena as the goddess of victory. I was surprised by how small the temple was given that Athena was chosen to be the matron goddess of Athens.
🚪 Propylaea – The grand entrance to the Acropolis, designed to impress visitors as they ascended the hill. Our tour guide shared an interesting fact that the entire complex of the Acropolis especially starting with Propylaea was strictly reserved for the noble class. No one else was allowed up here.
🎭 Theatre of Dionysus – The birthplace of Greek drama! This ancient theater could hold 17,000 spectators and once staged the plays of Sophocles and Euripides.
🎶 Odeon of Herodes Atticus – A stunning stone theater built in the 2nd century CE, still in use today for concerts and performances.
🌄 The Famous Olive Tree – Legend says this sacred tree sprang from the spot where the goddess Athena first bestowed her gift upon the city, underscoring its deep mythological and cultural significance for anyone exploring the ancient heart of Athens.
Acropolis Museum: A Must-See After Visiting the Ruins
After our hike, we crossed the street to visit the Acropolis Museum, a state-of-the-art facility that brings the ancient ruins to life.
Our guide curated a highlight tour, showcasing pieces that deepened our understanding of what we had just seen at the Acropolis. If you plan on seeing it on your own there’s a free audio guide you can download. Check out their website for more information.
PRO TIP: If you’re exploring on your own, visit the museum first—it provides context that will deepen your appreciation of the sites.
Must-See Artifacts at the Acropolis Museum
🗿 The Caryatids – These original female sculptures from the Erechtheion are kept here to prevent further erosion, while replicas now stand in their place at the temple.
👦 Kritios Boy – An early classical Greek statue, representing the shift towards realistic human form in sculpture.
🐂 Moschophoros (Calf-Bearer) – A 6th-century BCE statue of a man carrying a calf, symbolizing religious devotion.
🏛 The Parthenon Frieze – A meticulously preserved section of the Parthenon’s decorative carvings, depicting mythological and historical scenes from ancient Athens.
The Parthenon pediments at the Acropolis Museum are the massive triangular sculptures that once adorned the east and west ends of the Parthenon. These intricate marble reliefs depict key moments from Greek mythology:
- East Pediment: Shows the birth of Athena from the head of Zeus, surrounded by gods and goddesses witnessing the divine event.
- West Pediment: Depicts the contest between Athena and Poseidon for the patronage of Athens, with dramatic figures showcasing the gods’ rivalry.
Though only fragments remain, these sculptures reveal the incredible artistry of 5th-century BC Athens, emphasizing movement, emotion, and realism. The Acropolis Museum houses original pieces alongside reconstructions, allowing visitors to see their grandeur up close.
Pro-Tip: The Acropolis museum also houses a complete lego replica of the Acropolis and Parthenon in all its glory! Make sure to check it out, it’s next door to the restaurant on the 3rd floor.
Lunch with a View at the Acropolis Museum Restaurant
The Acropolis Museum’s restaurant is one of the best spots in Athens for lunch with a view. Overlooking the Acropolis itself, we enjoyed a classic Greek meal of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and local wine—a perfect way to reflect on the morning’s tour.
Afternoon: Hotel Rest & Recovery
We originally planned to explore the famous markets near Hadrian’s Arch, but jet lag hit hard. After the museum, we called a taxi and headed back to the Marriott Hotel for a much-needed disco nap before the evening’s event.
Evening: Greek National Opera at Stavros Niarchos Park
A Winter Wonderland at Stavros Niarchos Park
One of the biggest perks of staying at the Marriott Hotel Athens was its proximity to Stavros Niarchos Park, home to:
🎶 The Greek National Opera
📚 The National Library of Greece
🌳 Expansive walking trails & gardens
⛸ A seasonal ice-skating rink
In winter, the entire park transforms into a twinkling wonderland, with trees covered in festive lights and a lively ice-skating rink full of families enjoying the season.
Greek National Opera: Don Quixote Ballet
Our destination was the Greek National Opera, a jaw-droppingly beautiful, ultra-modern performance hall located within the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center.
- 🎭 Designed by world-renowned architect Renzo Piano
- 🎶 Completed in 2016, featuring world-class acoustics
- 🎟 Affordable ticket prices (just €30 for an excellent seat!)
The ballet Don Quixote was stunning—from the vibrant costumes to the breathtaking set design, it felt like a true cultural treasure. The orchestra, the dancers, and the sheer elegance of the performance left us in awe.
And the best part? The walk back to our hotel was less than 10 minutes—a luxury that made the evening even more enjoyable.
A Nightcap at the Marriott Hotel Bar
To cap off our incredible day, we settled into the Marriott’s grand lobby bar, ordering a round of drinks and a light snack while reminiscing about the magical ballet.
This would be the last night at the hotel. The next morning we would prepare for embarkation on the Viking Star with one final day at port in Athens.