Timed entry Saturday 8 August, 09:00–10:00 for all four (3 adults + 1 free child, Hellenic Heritage). 📄 Open the tickets (PDF) — all 4 are in one file; save it to your phone too. Last entry is 20 min before the window closes, so aim to be at the gate around 08:50. Bring ID — your son's free child ticket needs proof of age. Changes up to 2 h before via hh.gr/manage; non-refundable, even if the site closes for extreme heat — check the news that morning.
The ancient sites (Agora, Kerameikos, Olympian Zeus) sell timed tickets on tickets.hh.gr; the two big museums have their own sites. Pre-booking isn't essential at 08:00 but skips the queue. Tip: there's also a €30 combined ticket covering the Acropolis + Agora + Kerameikos + Olympian Zeus + more for 5 days — for 3 adults doing all three ancient sites it can be cheaper than singles, so compare before you buy. Kids under 18 are free everywhere (bring ID). Prices below are summer 2026 — re-check when booking.
Early August is 35°C+. The rhythm of this plan: big sights at 08:00, air-conditioned museums or The Mall 12:00–17:30, back out in the evening. Carry water; the Acropolis may close midday during extreme heat waves.
You have two metro stations within 5 minutes: Thiseio (line 1) and Kerameikos (line 3 — direct to the airport, ±45 min, €10 airport ticket, reduced for 65+/kids). Taxis via the FreeNow app are cheap; use them for Lycabettus and the Archaeological Museum.
Whole fresh fish is priced per kilo — the waiter weighs it and can tell you the price before cooking, just ask. Anchovies, calamari, octopus and shrimp are fixed-price and cheap. August = peak sardine season.
Greeks eat late — restaurants are empty at 19:30 and full at 21:30. Going early means no waiting, ideal with kids and grandparents. Atlantikos doesn't take reservations; the last-night rooftop does — book it a few days ahead.
Quick, casual and wallet-friendly — pick whichever's nearest.
Greek: O Thanasis (kebab & gyros, Mitropoleos 69, Monastiraki · ~€3–13); Kostas (cult tiny souvlaki, Agias Irinis 2 · weekdays only, sells out by mid-afternoon); O Nikitas (classic taverna, Agion Anargyron 19, Psyrri · 4 min from home).
For a change — Vietnamese: Dao (pho & summer rolls, Sarri 36, Psyrri · 2 min from your door, ~€8–14); Hoi An (banh mi & pho, Ermou 86, by Monastiraki Sq). Both air-conditioned — a cool lunch on a hot day.
Tavernas don't do mornings. Head to the all-day cafés on Protogenous street (4 min), grab a warm bougatsa (custard pie) just off Iroon Square, or a €0.70 koulouri from the 24/7 bakery in Psyrri.