The Best Acropolis and Parthenon Tours to Take in 2024 and Why
Ian Sumpter
Are you looking into visiting Athens? Then I’m sure the Acropolis and Parthenon are on your travel list. With a history that spans 3300 years, it can be challenging to decide which tours are best for you. In this guide, discover the best Acropolis and Parthenon tours to take and why.
Pro Tip: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 need it. Check out our guide to Athens for more planning resources, our best Athens tours for a memorable trip, and the top things to do in Athens.
Should You Take a Tour of the Acropolis and the Parthenon?
Absolutely! The Acropolis and the Parthenon are testaments to Western civilization.
While many cities had an Acropolis (Greek for topmost city), today ‘THE’ Acropolis is located in Athens. It is one of the most important archaeological complexes in the world, drawing around 3 million tourists per year. From the cradle of democracy to the towering edifice of the Parthenon, there is so much to explore on the Acropolis.
This year, visitor numbers were higher than ever. Tickets were sold out weeks in advance, and on-day purchases were strictly limited. With numbers expected to be even higher next year, the Greek authorities are already discussing further limitations to visitor numbers to help protect the integrity of this hugely significant archaeological complex. Guided tours help eliminate all of these problems by securing tickets in advance for the most advantageous times of the day.
The most enriching way to delve into this historically profound archaeological area is with the assistance of a professionally licensed archaeologist guide. Not only will a guided tour arrange tickets, letting you avoid the scorching sun, but their passion will help bring alive this hugely significant site.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Athens guide!
The Most Popular Acropolis and Parthenon Tours To Take
The Acropolis boasts magnificent archaeological ruins, soaring temples, and, most importantly, the incredible Parthenon.
The fantastic news is that this area is perfectly tailored for tourism with numerous innovative tours and experiences. Anticipating the top picks, here are the best Athens tours!
1. Skip-the-Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum (4 Hours)
During this half-day guided excursion, you’ll tread the paths once wandered by Plato and Socrates. You’ll be whisked through the lines and transported back to the birth of democracy by a knowledgeable archaeologist and licensed guide.
Not only will you gaze upon the wonderous ruins of the Acropolis and the Parthenon, but your knowledge will be deepened by expert commentary in the recently renovated Acropolis museum.
For anybody wanting to get a true understanding of the Acropolis’ significance and a greater appreciation for ancient Greek history, then this is absolutely one of the best Acropolis and Parthenon tours you can take.
Highlights:
Skip the Line at the Acropolis
Guided Tour of the Parthenon and Theater of Dionysus
Friendly, English-speaking archaeologist tour guide
See the temples of Athena and Asclepius, the Herodes Atticus Theater, and more!
2. The Essential Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum ( 2 Hours)
Athens gets hot in the summer. I mean obnoxiously hot. So perhaps a four-hour tour of the ruins isn’t for you? With this tour, you can start at 9 a.m. and finish by 11 a.m. before the heat index cranks up.
Skipping the lines with your expert archaeological guide is a huge time saver, so you will still see all the major ruins and get expert commentary along the way.
Unlike the extended tours, this excursion does not go into the Acropolis Museum. This can be useful if you are short of time, are not a museum person, or are like me and get sucked into museums and want to explore the whole collection in depth. Either way, it is one of the best Acropolis and Parthenon tours on the market.
Highlights:
Skip the Line at the Acropolis
Guided Tour of the Parthenon and Theater of Dionysus
Friendly, English-speaking archaeologist tour guide
See the temples of Athena and Asclepius, the Herodes Atticus Theater, and more!
3. Athens Cooking Class with Dinner & Rooftop View of the Acropolis
So you just spent the day exploring the ruins of the Acropolis, marveling at the wonders of the National Archaeological Museum, so what now? How about one of our all-time favorite cooking classes?
Learn to prepare authentic Greek dishes under the guidance of an expert chef. From the crispy spanakopita to the classic tzatziki sauce, get hands-on experience creating traditional Greek recipes.
Head to the Monastiraki neighborhood, with stunning views of the Acropolis, and start preparing your meal. Then, the best part is to sit down and enjoy the three-course dinner on the roof deck, paired with local wines and views of the Acropolis.
You’ll bring home delicious recipes to recreate and amazing photos capturing the essence of Greek cuisine against a beautiful Athenian backdrop, and most importantly, someone else will do the washing up.
If you are looking for a fun way to get to grips with Athens, then this e-bike tour is a great option. You’ll cycle through ancient ruins and admire the remains of the cradle of Western civilization.
This e-bike tour lets you see various historic locations around Athens, from the most visited attractions to hidden cobblestone alleys you wouldn’t find without your local guide. It’s the most efficient and enjoyable way to explore the city!
Highlights:
See the top sights of classical Athens, including the Acropolis
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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