Diagram by Greece Trips. Free to reuse with credit - CC BY 4.0.
If you do one thing in Athens that is not on the standard list, make it this.
Walking up
The approach begins from the pedestrian street below the Acropolis and climbs on paths of marble and stone laid out in the 1950s by the architect Dimitris Pikionis, which are themselves worth attention: irregular slabs fitted like a puzzle, following the ground rather than cutting across it.
The climb is gentle to moderate, shaded for much of the way, and takes twenty to thirty minutes to the summit at an easy pace.
What is on top
The Philopappos Monument, a Roman-era tomb of the early second century AD built for a prince of Commagene who became an Athenian citizen and benefactor. It stands as a tall marble facade with statues in niches, and it is the marker visible from the Acropolis itself.
The view runs from the Parthenon opposite, over the Agora and the city, to the sea at Piraeus and the mountains behind.
When to go
Sunset, for the light on the marble opposite, or early morning, for the quiet. It is the best sunset in central Athens and it is free, which is why locals use it as much as visitors.
Take water, and a torch if you plan to walk down after dark, since the paths are unlit.
Nearby on the same hillside
- The Pnyx, the meeting place of the Athenian assembly, on the same slope.
- The Hill of the Nymphs with the old observatory.
- The prison traditionally called Socrates’ prison, which is a rock-cut chamber with a name attached by tradition rather than evidence.
Last checked August 2026. Paths are open ground and conditions change - see our editorial policy.
Common questions
Is Philopappos Hill free?
Yes. It is an open public hill with no ticket and no gate.
How long is the walk up Philopappos Hill?
Twenty to thirty minutes at an easy pace from the pedestrian street below the Acropolis, on shaded stone paths.
What is the monument on top of Philopappos Hill?
A Roman-era tomb monument of the early second century AD, built for Philopappos, a prince of Commagene who became an Athenian citizen.
Is Philopappos the best view of the Acropolis?
It is the classic view from the west and the one most photographs use, and unlike Lycabettus it faces the Parthenon rather than looking down on the city.
When should you go up Philopappos Hill?
Sunset for the light, or early morning for the quiet. Take a torch if you will walk down in the dark, as the paths are unlit.
Next
Read things to do in Athens, the Acropolis, or Lycabettus Hill.