Panathenaic Stadium — Attraction in Athens

To start, this doesn’t reflect the amazing stadium and design. However…

Upon buying our tickets, we learnt you can get a free audio guide before you go into the grounds of the stadium.

To this, we were very polite and made the effort to address the young woman behind the audio counter in Greek saying ‘hello’ in their language.

To this, she shouted at us to get to the other side for the audio set. But there wasn’t anyone else the other side of the line, she was the only one sitting at the desk.. and what difference does taking two steps to your right the other side of the rope actually make?

I asked her to explain why she was raising her voice shouting and huffing and puffing and curling her face up that we weren’t standing at the right bit.

An older Greek lady came over and explained we have to write our details down in order to take the handsets with us, she was very kind and polite.

I said to the very rude and unprofessional woman, it is not clear, there is no need to be rude, there is no sign to explain ‘entrance or exit’ for headsets and you are the only person at the desk… she didn’t look up from her crumbling dust ridden desk, when I challenged her rude behaviour.

The older woman smiled and winked at me as if to say ‘I already know’.

A shame, as most people on our holiday have been so kind. There is no need for such rude and unkind behaviour especially when we are making an effort to talk in their language with a smile and kindness.

Anyone would think she is forced to sleep behind the desk and work for free…. Or that she is a failed athlete competed in one of the Olympic races and has come last every time.. who knows.

I say send her on a long boring training day in basic customer service and people skills.

How she got that job is mind boggling to say the least. They must be desperate to have the likes of her milling around like a bad smell or like a gone off Gyros.

Tip - Always go by the motto as they say in English. ‘Treat others how you like to be treated’.

Overall, the price for the stadium was €10 each and a free guide. If you can deal with that rude woman the free audio guide may...

The Panathenaic Stadium in Athens is a truly historic gem and a must-visit for anyone exploring the city. This place is not just a sports stadium; it's a living monument to Olympic history and ancient Greek culture.

The first impression upon entering the stadium is simply awe-inspiring. The grand structure made of white marble exudes a majestic elegance that takes your breath away. It's hard to believe that this stadium is over 2,000 years old and so remarkably well-preserved.

The opportunity to step onto the historic track where the first modern Olympic Games were held in 1896 is nothing short of magical. You can practically feel the energy and legacy as you take your seat in the stands, imagining athletes from antiquity competing here for honor and glory.

The views from the stands overlooking the surrounding hills and the city of Athens are breathtaking, especially at sunset. The panoramic vistas provide fantastic photo opportunities and an unforgettable glimpse of modern Athens in contrast to its historical surroundings.

The Panathenaic Stadium is not only a historic treasure but also a place of inspiration. It reminds us of the significance of sports, culture, and competition in the history of humanity.

Whether you're a history enthusiast, a sports aficionado, or simply seeking a unique spot in Athens, the Panathenaic Stadium will leave you in awe. It's a place where the past comes to life, and the Olympic flame forever burns.

I highly recommend a visit to the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens. This place is not just a museum; it's a living testament to Olympic ideals and Greece's rich history. An unforgettable experience for every traveler.

Additional note: The audio guide for iOS is provided as app, you can download in advanced. However, there is no Android App available, so if you are using an Android phone, you'll get a regular audio guide device for free at...

The Panathenaic Stadium is truly an architectural marvel that embodies the rich history of Athens. Its imposing structure alone is enough to leave any visitor in awe. As I approached the stadium, the grandeur of its towering walls and the meticulous design of the marble seating truly took my breath away. The history that unfolded within these walls adds an unmistakable aura of greatness to the entire place.

Admiring the Panathenaic Stadium from the outside is an experience in itself, and I can assure you that you don't necessarily need to go inside to fully appreciate its significance. The well-maintained exterior provides an incredible backdrop for capturing stunning photographs and memories to cherish for a lifetime.

However, I must admit that my visit during the summer months did have its challenges. The scorching sun beating down relentlessly made exploring the stadium's surroundings an endurance test. The lack of shade was a definite downside, as it limited the amount of time I could comfortably spend exploring the site. I strongly advise fellow travelers to come well-prepared with hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water to combat the intense heat.

Nonetheless, despite the minor setback of the unforgiving summer sun, the Panathenaic Stadium remains a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and architecture admirers alike. Its captivating presence and the iconic significance it holds in the heart of Athens make it a sight not to be missed. For the best experience, I recommend planning a visit during the cooler seasons to make the most of this incredible journey into ancient...