What to do in Irakleio

Activities, attractions and tours

Ancient ruins with stone steps and columns, a mural, and a clear blue sky.
A historic stone fortress by a harbor with boats docked in the background.
A person in a yellow shirt and plaid shorts standing in front of ancient ruins with columns and a staircase.

Irakleio Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Irakleio has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Irakleio is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Irakleio to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Irakleio Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Irakleio.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Irakleio attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do


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Top places to visit

1. Acropolis

The Acropolis, the “sacred rock” of Athens, is recognizable from the air, various viewpoints in the city, or from the history books of your childhood. It’s a worldwide symbol of the Golden Age of ancient Greek civilization. Here, you’ll find major portions of Doric temples and other architectural masterpieces, as well as the remnants of sculptures and carvings from the 5th century B.C.
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A historic city on a hill with ancient ruins and modern buildings.

2. Syntagma Square

There’s always plenty going on at Syntagma (Constitution) Square, in the center of Athens. Walk up the marble steps and take a seat at one of the cafes to people watch, or go see the changing of the guard in front of the Greek Parliament. Pay your respects at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and experience the pride that the locals have in their heritage.
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A classical building with columns and a flag.

3. Parthenon

The Parthenon, the most famous structure at the Acropolis, was completed in 438 B.C. and is a striking example of ancient Greek architecture. Over the centuries, this symbol of strength has survived the rise and fall of civilizations, wars and modern development and today is a source of great pride for the country. Tourists from around the world come to photograph, paint and just gaze in wonder at the Doric columns, statues and detailed reliefs carved into the white marble.
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The Parthenon, an ancient Greek temple with Doric columns, situated on the Acropolis.

4. Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum stands in the historic area of Makrygianni just to the south-east of the Parthenon. Construction was finally completed in 2007 - more than 30 years after it was originally conceived. Architects from around the world competed to design this modern structure with over 150,000 square feet (14,000 square meters) of exhibit space. That’s ten times more space than was in the old museum on the hill of the Acropolis.
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A modern building with glass facade, a palm tree, and a staircase leading to an upper level.

5. Monastiraki Flea Market

Head to the Monastiraki Flea Markets to discover a buzzing hive of stalls and vendors overflowing with knick-knacks, souvenirs, antiques and oddities.
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A narrow street with shops on both sides, including a store with bags and accessories.

What to do in Irakleio



 

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Day trip destinations from Irakleio

Frequently asked questions

Is Irakleio worth visiting?
Irakleio has an interesting mix of local charm, culture and attractions. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or traditional cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Irakleio?
Start your sightseeing with a visit to Attica Zoological Park and Lycabettus Hill Viewing Area. Then, tour other areas of Irakleio for a quick bite and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Irakleio?
The top tourist attraction in Irakleio is Odeon of Herodes Atticus, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Irakleio?
Three days will give you plenty of time to check out many city attractions, like Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Athens Concert Hall and Theatre of Dionysus. The average stay in Irakleio is four days. If you have the urge to extend your vacation, Athens isn't far away.
Is Irakleio a walkable city?
Some top sights in Irakleio, such as Goulandris Natural History Museum and Athens Olympic Museum, are within walking distance. You can also discover several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Just 5 kilometres from central Irakleio is Chalandri and Marousi is 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Irakleio with kids?
Planning what to do in Irakleio with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're travelling with toddlers or teenagers, there are plenty of family-friendly activities to keep everyone entertained here.

What to do in Irakleio for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Irakleio, with activities for adults of all ages. Cap off your day with a visit to Faliro Sports Pavilion Arena or Ancient Agora of Athens.
Are there free things to do in Irakleio?
In Irakleio, Lycabettus Hill Viewing Area is an unmissable spot for anyone looking to see the city without reaching for their wallet. Also, wander around the parks and other neighbourhoods, and ask a local tour guide for tips. It's a good way to learn about the best free things to do in Irakleio.