Athens Olympic Stadium Spyros Louis
A monumental testament to the 2004 Olympics, featuring Santiago Calatrava's iconic sweeping roof and a rich athletic legacy.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Athens Olympic Stadium Spyros Louis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A monumental testament to the 2004 Olympics, featuring Santiago Calatrava's iconic sweeping roof and a rich athletic legacy.
"The Athens Olympic Stadium is an architectural marvel, easily accessible and steeped in Olympic history."
🎟️ Metro Ticket Convenience
Use the same reloadable ticket for metro, buses, and trams in Athens. Easy to purchase and use!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around this vast complex. Prioritize comfort for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Calatrava Roof
Exterior
Marvel at Santiago Calatrava's architectural masterpiece, a sweeping, modern roof that defines the stadium's silhouette.

The Main Athletics Track
Field Level
Imagine the roar of the crowd as you stand on the track where Olympic athletes once competed for glory.

Olympic History & Legacy
Throughout the stadium
Feel the spirit of the 2004 Athens Olympics and earlier games within this monumental sports complex.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There: Metro is Your Best Bet
Check Event Schedules in Advance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Metro Ticket Convenience
Use the same reloadable ticket for metro, buses, and trams in Athens. Easy to purchase and use!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around this vast complex. Prioritize comfort for exploring.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The stadium's design is stunning. Dedicate time to photograph its unique lines and scale.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Ensure the stadium is open for public access by checking event listings before you go.
Visiting OAKA for a Panathinaikos game [Tourism]
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Metro Ticket Convenience
Use the same reloadable ticket for metro, buses, and trams in Athens. Easy to purchase and use!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around this vast complex. Prioritize comfort for exploring.
📸 Capture the Architecture
The stadium's design is stunning. Dedicate time to photograph its unique lines and scale.
📅 Check Event Schedule
Ensure the stadium is open for public access by checking event listings before you go.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the sheer scale and modern architectural design of the Athens Olympic Stadium, particularly Santiago Calatrava's iconic roof. Its accessibility via public transport is a major plus. However, some find the stadium can feel a bit empty or underutilized outside of major events, and information on guided tours can be scarce.
"Nice stadium with good access. Last time I visited the place I watched the soccer Cup Final of Greece for 2025. The stadium can accommodate about 70k spectators but allows a pleasant movement in its spacious surroundings and even when sold out you never feel it’s overcrowded. On the negatives I would say it’s not an exclusively soccer stadium so the spectators sit a bit too far from the pitch. I guess it is more ideal to watch athletics."
Fanis Papakostas
"Excellent.. We were able to take photos. No grumpy people shouting to go away as per security... Quite impressive building."
Xhoo 2020
"Excellent experience watching a Panathinaikos match here. Very lively yet civilized atmosphere. Stadium looks great and has good amenities, tickets at lower gates come with decent catering."
D Kechagias
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is by the Athens Metro. Take Line 3 (Blue Line) to the 'Ethniki Amyna' station. From there, it's a short walk to the stadium. Public transport tickets are valid across metro, buses, and trams.
Yes, there is parking available at the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA), but it can be busy, especially on event days. Using public transport is often recommended to avoid traffic and parking hassles.
The Metro is highly recommended. Line 3 (Blue Line) directly serves the 'Ethniki Amyna' station, which is adjacent to the stadium complex.
Absolutely! The OASA company manages the metro, city buses, and trams, so one ticket is valid for all. These tickets often have a chip and are reloadable.
The 'Ethniki Amyna' metro station is conveniently located within walking distance of the Athens Olympic Stadium Spyros Louis, making access straightforward.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
If you are visiting to see the stadium as a tourist attraction outside of an event, entry is usually free or requires a minimal fee for specific areas. However, for concerts or sporting events, separate tickets are required. It's best to check the official OAKA website for current access policies.
Opening hours can vary significantly depending on whether there is an event scheduled. For general public access outside of events, it's advisable to check the official Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) website for the most up-to-date information.
Yes, you can often explore the grounds and admire the architecture even when there isn't an event. Some areas might have restricted access, but the exterior and surrounding complex are usually accessible.
Information on official guided tours can be limited. It's recommended to check the OAKA website or local tour operators for any available guided experiences that offer deeper insights into the stadium's history and architecture.
For general sightseeing outside of ticketed events, entry to the stadium complex is often free. However, specific access to certain facilities or areas might incur a small fee. Always verify on the official OAKA website.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, especially the sweeping curves of Santiago Calatrava's roof, offers incredible photographic opportunities. The main athletics track and the seating areas also provide great perspectives.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed within the public areas of the Athens Olympic Stadium. However, professional photography or drone usage may require special permits.
Early morning or late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers the best natural light for capturing the stadium's architecture and scale. Weekday mornings are also less crowded for unobstructed shots.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around major public venues like the Athens Olympic Stadium due to security and privacy regulations. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless you have explicit authorization.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the vastness of the stadium and its architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details or if you're attending an event.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
The stadium was originally built in 1982 and was a key venue for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games. It was later renovated with a distinctive roof designed by Santiago Calatrava.
The iconic, modern roof that covers a significant portion of the stadium was designed by the renowned Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
The Athens Olympic Stadium 'Spyros Louis' has a seating capacity of approximately 69,618 spectators, making it one of the largest stadiums in Greece.
Besides the 2004 Summer Olympics, it has hosted numerous athletic events, football matches, concerts by international artists, and other major sporting competitions.
The stadium is named after Spyridon Louis, a Greek shepherd who won the first marathon race at the 1896 Athens Olympics, symbolizing Greek athletic achievement.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't specific playgrounds within the stadium itself, the open spaces around the Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) offer room to run around. It's a great opportunity to discuss the history of the Olympics and the importance of sports. Pack snacks and water, as amenities might be limited outside of event times.
🚶 Budget Travelers
If you're looking to experience the stadium without the cost of an event ticket, aim for a weekday visit when crowds are low. You can still get a great feel for the grandeur of the venue and capture stunning photos of Santiago Calatrava's iconic roof without spending a euro.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel: Santiago Calatrava's Design
Calatrava's work often blends engineering with art, and the stadium's roof is a prime example. Its sweeping lines and the use of materials like steel and translucent polycarbonate create a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. Visitors often marvel at the scale and the innovative engineering required to construct such a monumental piece.
Beyond the roof, the stadium's overall design emphasizes its role as a premier sporting venue. The vast seating bowl, the expansive athletics track, and the integration with the surrounding Athens Olympic Sports Complex (OAKA) showcase a comprehensive approach to sports architecture. It’s a place where athletic performance meets artistic expression.
Navigating Athens Public Transport to OAKA
What's great about OASA's system is its integrated ticketing. You can use the same ticket for the metro, city buses, and trams. These tickets often feature a chip and are reloadable, offering a convenient and cost-effective way to travel around Athens. This means you can use the same ticket to get to the stadium and then explore other parts of the city.
While buses and trams also serve the OAKA complex, the metro offers the most direct and often fastest route. Travelers often praise the ease of use and affordability of the public transport system for reaching major attractions like the Olympic Stadium.
A Glimpse into Olympic History
Beyond the 2004 Games, the stadium has a legacy dating back to its original construction in 1982. It has hosted numerous international athletic championships, football finals, and other significant sporting events. Walking through the stadium, one can almost feel the echoes of past victories and the electrifying atmosphere of major competitions.
For sports enthusiasts and history buffs, visiting the stadium is a chance to connect with the enduring spirit of the Olympic Games. It’s a place that embodies athletic excellence and the pursuit of human potential, making it a significant landmark for anyone interested in sports history.
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