If you think you can “just walk around the Acropolis on your own,” we’d like to gently offer this: no, you can’t. You’ll miss the stories, overlook the secret spots, and find yourself surrounded by crowds. This is where democracy was born, philosophers argued, and temples became churches, then mosques, then ruins. Don’t screw it up. Here are the best Acropolis tours to take and why.
Pro Tip: Planning what to do on your trip to Athens? Bookmark this post in your browser so you can easily find it when you’re in the city. Check out our guide to Athens for more planning resources, our top Athens tours for a memorable trip, and the best things to do in Athens.
Should You Take an Acropolis Tour in Athens?
Unless you’re a trained archaeologist, heading to the Acropolis on your own is a terrible idea.
We’re not saying you’re not smart. We’re just saying there are experts who know what each cracked column and mythological carving actually means—and we think you deserve to hear that. We’ve created tours for every type of traveler: the history buff, the efficiency freak, and the “I’m just here for the view” crowd.
The best Acropolis tours to take and why are as follows:
If you’re craving your own epic on the Acropolis, don’t try to save a few bucks by joining a rushed highlights tour. This four-hour, skip-the-line experience gives you the myth, meaning, and juicy historical gossip behind those ancient stones.
You’ll explore the Parthenon, Theater of Dionysus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Temple of Athena Nike, learning what daily life was like in a city shaping the Western world. Then, it’s on to the Acropolis Museum to see the artifacts and relics of the ruins you’ve just walked through. It’s well-rounded and an excellent choice for history fanatics.
Highlights:
Skip-the-line entry to Acropolis and museum
Guided tour with expert archaeologist
Parthenon, Theater of Dionysus, Temple of Athena Nike
For the easily distracted or those with an Athens bucket list longer than Homer’s Odyssey, this two-hour tour gets you in, wowed, and on your way.
You’ll join a small group and an archaeologist guide who’ll walk you through the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, and Theater of Dionysus. With multiple start times and skip-the-line entry, it’s an easy, meaningful way to see the highlights without giving up your whole day.
This tour doesn’t spend four hours dissecting every fallen column on the Acropolis—but that’s kinda the point.
Instead, you’ll whizz around Athens in a sleek minivan, skip lines, dodge crowds, and enjoy smirking at sweaty tourists on foot. Iconic landmarks like the Panathenaic Stadium, the Parliament Building, and the University of Athens kick things off. Then, you’ll roll through the ancient streets of Plaka and Monastiraki before topping off the day at the Acropolis.
Highlights:
4-hour guided city tour by Mercedes minibus
Skip-the-line Acropolis entry
Panathenaic Stadium, Parliament, and city landmarks
This tour is for people who rise with the sun—and also for those who want someone else to do the planning.
In one gloriously structured day, you’ll conquer the Acropolis before the crowds, swing through the Acropolis Museum, refuel with a traditional Greek lunch, and wind your way through Plaka and Monastiraki. It’s everything you came to Athens to do, and we guarantee you’ll wrap up the tour feeling 23% smarter.
Disclaimer: This tour doesn’t actually include visiting the Acropolis, but… you will stare at it lovingly while eating a spinach pie you made from scratch. If that sounds like a win to you, let us ramble on.
Throughout this four-hour workshop, you’ll roll, fill, and bake your own spanakopita, prep a full Greek dinner, and pick up tips from a local chef in Monastiraki. When everything’s done, head up to the rooftop to enjoy your homemade meal, soak in spectacular Acropolis views, and bask in the smug satisfaction of finally knowing what’s in tzatziki.
You could spend a lifetime exploring Athens and still miss a myth or two. But with this guide, you’ll know where to go, what to eat, and which tours are actually worth taking.
Athens boasts a rich historical core brimming with iconic landmarks awaiting exploration. Plan your stay in the best neighborhoods in this captivating city to fully immerse yourself in its ancient charm.
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