Every year, millions of people visit this ancient site in Athens. It has one of the most recognizable temples in the world. But did you know there’s much more to see at the Acropolis than just the Parthenon? In this guide, find out what you need to know about how to visit the Acropolis from getting tickets to the best guided tours, what to see at the Acropolis, and more.
Visiting the Acropolis: What We’ll Cover
The site of the Acropolis has been inhabited since as far back as 5000 B.C. and it’s still largely intact to this day. While you may easily recognize the Parthenon, there’s far more to see at the Acropolis than this iconic temple.
The area included in most Acropolis admissions covers quite a bit of ground on this hilltop site with some tickets even including ruins like the Ancient Agora, Hadrian’s Library, museums, and much more in Athens. It can be overwhelming figuring out how best to see the Acropolis let alone understanding the long history and rich mythology of the site.
We highly recommend visiting megamonuments like this with expert local guides. Not only will they help you navigate the site and its history but, more importantly, they take care of the details so you can just enjoy your time at one of the most important ancient sites in the world. Check out our Acropolis tours.
We’ve put together this guide to help you prepare for your visit. Here’s everything you need to know about how to visit the Acropolis in Athens. Here’s what we’ll cover:
- Opening hours and tickets
- How much time to budget for your visit
- What to see at the Acropolis
- Guided tour options
- Facts and history of the Acropolis
- Places to eat nearby
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Acropolis Guide or The Best Athens Tours to Take and Why.
Acropolis Opening Hours and Tickets
Opening Hours:
The Acropolis is open almost every day of the year from 8 am to 7:30 pm in the summer (last entrance at 7 pm) and 8 am to 5 pm in the winter (last entrance at 4:30 pm). Closing hours are subject to change, particularly in September and October, so be sure to check the official website for updated info.
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:
- Adult Single Use ticket: €20 (valid for one admission to the Acropolis archaeological site and the slopes)
- Adult Combined ticket: €30 (valid for one admission to each site included over a five-day period)
The Combined ticket is valid for one admission to each of the following sites 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
Address: Acropolis of Athens
Best Acropolis Tours
Our small group Acropolis tours are designed to feel like you’re exploring with a (very knowledgeable) local friend. You’ll avoid the chaos of big groups and get way more than you would on your own.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Athens Guide for more resources and The Best Athens Tours to Take and Why.
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 Greece. 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
More Great Acropolis Tours
Choose a private Acropolis tour for an experience catered to your interests. Our guides will take you to the top sites, and you’ll have more time to explore unique finds most visitors miss out on.
Not ready to book a tour? Check out our Athens Guide for more resources and The Best Athens Tours to Take and Why.
Awesome Hotels Near the Acropolis
Central Athens is a great place to stay as you can easily walk to the Acropolis while also being surrounded by open-air markets, restaurants, and rooftop bars. We’ve picked the best three hotels in the area that balance value for money and comfort.
Divani Palace Acropolis ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Acropolis View • Rooftop Terrace
Spacious classic‑decor rooms (many with balcony views), seasonal pool, sauna, fitness center, and on‑site gourmet restaurant.
Royal Olympic Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Decadent Rooms • Temple Views • Pool
Elegant rooms, library lounge, poolside terrace and seasonal outdoor pool—all overlooking Temple of Zeus and National Garden.
NJV Athens Plaza ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Modern Decor • Family‑Friendly
Stylish rooms overlooking Syntagma Square, Mediterranean dining, modern décor, plus easy access to Kolonaki shopping.
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.
Where To Stay in Athens
A great hotel at a great price has become the norm in this internet era. Our article explains what areas are the best in Athens, so you can get a great deal in the perfect location!
