How To Visit the Acropolis in 2023: Tickets, Hours, Tours, and More
Eleni Gimouki
The Acropolis in Athens is certainly one of the most recognizable archaeological sites in the world. Every year, millions of people arrive in Greece to visit this incredible site. In this guide, find out what you need to know about the Acropolis from how to get tickets, what to see, and the best guided tours to take. Here’s how to visit the Acropolis.
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 top things to do in Athens.
Visiting the Acropolis: What We’ll Cover
There’s more to see at the Acropolis than just the iconic Parthenon. The area included in most Acropolis admissions covers quite a bit of ground with ruins like the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, museums, and much more.
We’ve put together a list of the most important information you need as you plan how to visit the Acropolis in Athens. Here’s what we’ll cover:
The Acropolis is open almost every day of the year from 8 am to 7:30 pm in the summer. The last entrance to the site is at 7 pm. Check the website for opening hours as they vary seasonally.
There are several days that the Acropolis archaeological site is closed: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 and 26.
Pro Tip: If you can, try to visit the Acropolis either in the morning or in the evening when the weather isn’t quite as hot. The added benefit of visiting early in the morning is that it will be less busy.
Tickets
Tickets to the Acropolis and the slopes of ruins cost €20 and €10 for a reduced ticket.
The ticket is valid for the Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens, Ancient Agora of Athens Museum, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Lykeion Archaeological Site, North slope of the Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman Agora of Athens, and South Slope of Acropolis.
Finally, there are also some free admission days:
6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
18 April (International Monuments Day)
18 May (International Museums Day)
The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)
28 October
Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Acropolis Guide for more resources.
How Long To Spend at the Acropolis
Short Answer: 2 hours
When you visit the Acropolis, you’re not only going to see the Parthenon. On Acropolis Hill, you’ll find some of the most important monuments of ancient Greek history. Each one of them has its own history and architecture. So, try to spend some time admiring the details of each monument—you’ll certainly be impressed.
Pro Tip: Every time I visit the Acropolis, it seems different to me. I always feel that there’s something new and exciting to discover about it. With every visit, I see it from a different point of view. Two hours is enough for a first visit to the Acropolis site, but no doubt you’ll want to come again.
What To See at the Acropolis
The archeological site of the Acropolis has a lot for visitors to see. Here is a short list of the must-see monuments at the Acropolis. For a more detailed list with descriptions, images, and some historical context, check out our article on the top things to see at the Acropolis.
Parthenon
Temple of Athena Nike
Erechtheion
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Statue of Athena Promachos
Propylaea
Sanctuary of Asclepius
Theater of Dionysus
Conservatory of Pericles
Altar of Athena
Check Out Our Best Athens Tours
Top Rated Tour
Skip the Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum
Towering above the modern city of Athens, explore the ancient forum home to the relics of Classical Greece. From the world’s oldest theatre to the iconic Parthenon, the Acropolis is a beacon of civilization and philosophy. Head back in time to the time of Plato and Socrates on this Skip-the-Line tour.
(5)
Starting at €80
Likely to Sell Out
Athens “Locals” Food Tour in Monastiraki
Explore the gastronomic world of Athens through the city’s central market. Enjoy homemade pastries, authentic wines, cheeses, honey-soaked donuts, and much more. Your local guide will lead you through the best spots in the lively Monastiraki neighborhood for a delicious experience in Athens.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Athens Guide for more resources.
Acropolis Tour Options
The Acropolis is a massive archeological site with a long, rich history and incredible mythology. Navigating both the physical site and its place in history can be overwhelming. A guided tour of the Acropolis is so much more than skipping the lines. Your expert local guide will take you on an exploration through space and time in one of the most important places of Ancient Greece.
Skip-the-Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum (4 hours)
On our skip-the-line Acropolis tour, you’ll spend half a day walking in the footsteps of Plato and Socrates with an expert archaeologist guide.
They will guide you on an exploration of the Acropolis, Parthenon, Theater of Dionysus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Temple of Athena, Nike, and other great monuments. The major benefit of going with a guide is the stories you’ll hear about this ancient place. It’s one thing to see these sites, it’s another to see them knowing the historical context, the importance they played in history, and the changes and upheaval they endured.
To end your tour, you’ll visit the Acropolis Museum where you can look through the glass to see the ancient ruins and buildings it was built over.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Acropolis Guide for more resources.
Facts and History of the Acropolis
The Acropolis is an ancient site with a great deal of interesting history. Here are some quick points, but read our in-depth article to discover more astounding facts about the Acropolis.
The name “Acropolis” actually means the “edge of the city” (in Greek “akro=edge + polis=city”).
The Parthenon was built in the 5th century B.C. and is a monument-symbol of democracy.
During the Byzantine era, it was converted into a Christian church. Under Frankish rule, it became a catholic church. During the Turkish occupation, it was converted into a mosque.
The monuments have survived fires, earthquakes, invasions, wars, and conquerors all these years.
Lord Elgin removed many important parts of the Acropolis monuments in 1801.
In 1987, the Acropolis was inscribed in the UNESCO catalogue.
The process of restoration of the Parthenon Temple, as well as the other monuments of the Acropolis, began in 1975.
Places To Eat Nearby
There are lots of restaurants and cafés near the Acropolis. Here are a few of our favorites. For more great places to eat, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Athens.
Kitchen Lab Corner: €€ | Coffee Shop—A tasty option for your breakfast or brunch before visiting the Acropolis. Especially your children will certainly love it.
Bairaktaris: € | Traditional Greek Cuisine—After this tour, it is a great choice to try some traditional Greek souvlaki, especially as lunch.
GB Roof Garden Restaurant And Bar: €€€€ | Fine Dining—Enjoy Mediterranean cuisine in the rooftop restaurant of this hotel with great views of the Acropolis.
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