Thebes
Greece · Europe
About Thebes
Thebes (Greek: Thiva) is a city in Boeotia, West Central Greece.
Thebes travel guide
Understand
Thebes is an unassuming modern town built on the site of the ancient city of the same name which played a dominant role over Classic Greece during the 4th century BC until its destruction by Alexander the Great in 335 BC. The only reason to make a stop in Thebes is to visit its archaeological museum, one of the most important in Greece.
Getting there
KTEL Intercity Buses operate from Athens (15 daily) to Thiva’s 1 central bus station. Daily trains from Athens to Thebes 2 Railway station in less than one hour. Trains schedule can be found on Train OSE website.
See
1 Archaelogical Museum, Threpsiadi 1. Exhibits originate from excavations all around Boeotia, spanning from the Palaeolithic to the Post Byzantine periods. (updated Mar 2016) 2 Cadmea (Acropolis of Thebes). The ancient citadel lies beneath the modern town. Though little is dramatically visible above ground, excavations have revealed Mycenaean palace remains and fortifications tied to the city’s legendary past. (updated Jun 2026) 3 Dirce Spring. Associated with the myth of Dirce, this ancient spring lies just outside the centre and is tied to local legend and ritual. (updated Jun 2026) 4 Ismenion Hill (Sanctuary of Apollo Ismenios). Ruins of an important sanctuary dedicated to Apollo, once central to Theban religious life. (updated Jun 2026)
Eat
1 Alati kai Piperi, 38, Dirkis Str, ☏ +30 22620 81122. Burger, souvlaki, sandwiches. (updated Mar 2016) 2 Barbeque, 86, Epameinonda Str (Central Square), ☏ +30 2262 089098. 10AM–2AM. Grilled foods. (updated Mar 2016) 3 Ladokolla, 105, Epameinonda Str (Central Square), ☏ +30 2262 028400. Seafood dishes. (updated Mar 2016)
Sleep
1 Dionyssion Hotel, 5-7, Dimokritou Str, ☏ +30 22620 81500, +30 22620 81502. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016) 2 Meletiou Hotel, 56-58, Epaminonda Str, ☏ +30 22620 27333, fax: +30 22620 23334, [email protected]. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016) 3 Niovi Hotel, 63, Epameinonda Str, ☏ +30 22620 29888, +30 22620 89093-4, fax: +30 22620 89099, [email protected]. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016) 4 Philoxenia Hotel, 0,5 km Thiva-Ampelochori Road,, ☏ +30 22620 28705. 2-star hotel (updated Mar 2016)
Go next
Delphi — about 100 km westwards Eleutherae (by the old National Road to Athens) — One of the best preserved fortresses of Ancient Greece dated between 370 and 360 BC. Porto Germenos (45 km south by the old National Road to Athens) — A small seaside resort on the forested shores of Alkyonides Gulf, near the ruins of the Ancient Aigosthena, a fortified city still retaining several of the tallest surviving towers of ancient Greece.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.