Guide to the Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis translates from ancient Greek as ‘High City’. The Acropolis is a hill that contains some of the most iconic landmarks of Athens, including the Parthenon, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and Propylaea. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an archaeological treasure trove that tells the story of Greek history and culture.

The Parthenon, one of the most recognizable buildings in the world, is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron deity of Athens. It’s an impressive feat of engineering and architecture that has stood the test of time. The Temple of Athena Nike is another beautiful temple on the Acropolis that honors the goddess of victory.

Aside from a few selected public holidays, the Acropolis is open every day of the year. If visiting during the summer months, it’s best to plan your visit for the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the mid-day heat. Opening hours are from 8am until sunset – with closing time dependent on time of year.

The Acropolis complex is well connected by public transport, with its own dedicated metro station, and well served by several bus lines. Of course, all taxi drivers will know where to go too! When booking a tailor made Greece tour, we will be sure to put you up in one of our preferred hotels within an easy walk of the complex.

It is possible to purchase your admission to the Acropolis on the same day as your visit at one of the ticket offices at the site. There is one located just below the main entrance at the western end of the hill, and another at the entrance opposite the Acropolis Museum on the south side, however, we strongly recommend buying your tickets online in advance. Failing to do so can mean waiting in a very long line, potentially over two hours on a busy day.

The general ticket price is €30 during the peak tourist season from April through October. From November through March, the rate is reduced to €20.

Children (up to 18 years of age) from non-European Union countries enjoy free admission to the Acropolis upon presentation of their passport for verification of their age and country of origin. Persons with disabilities and one escort, regardless of the country of origin, also pay no admission price (upon presentation of their passport and Disability Certificate issued by an authorized foreign body).

Entrance to the Acropolis and other organized historical sites, archaeological sites, monuments, and museums that are managed by the Greek Ministry of Culture is free on specific dates:

• The first and third Sunday of every month between November and March each year
• March 6 (Melina Mercouri Memorial Day)
• April 18 (International Monuments Day)
• May 18 (International Museum Day)
• The last weekend of September (European Heritage Days fortnight)
  October 28 (Ochi Day)

It is also possible to join a guided tour or arrange a private guide to visit the Acropolis. Many include your entrance ticket in the price, although there will be an additional fee for the guide. Audio guides are also available. Of course, if you book a full tailor-made tour with us, all of these details can be taken care of for you.

You’ll enter the Acropolis through the Propylaea, a monumental gateway that marked the entrance to the ancient city. Similar examples were found in cities all across ancient Greece, but the one here in Athens was by the most impressive.

Soaring high above the city, the Parthenon was the absolute center of religious life in ancient Athens. It was built around the 5th century BC and was the most impressive structure seen anywhere across the Greek mainland – and remains a staggering sight to this day.

You’ll enter the Acropolis through the Propylaea, a monumental gateway that marked the entrance to the ancient city. Similar examples were found in cities all across ancient Greece, but the one here in Athens was by the most impressive.

Soaring high above the city, the Parthenon was the absolute center of religious life in ancient Athens. It was built around the 5th century BC and was the most impressive structure seen anywhere across the Greek mainland – and remains a staggering sight to this day.

If you do have some extra time to dedicate to your visit then a walk through the Acropolis Museum is a must. Set below the southern slopes of the Acropolis, it houses every artifact or relic found within the ruins, dating from Bronze Age, through the Romans, and up to Byzantine Greece.

To the northwestern side of the Acropolis, the Roman Agora was the central square of ancient Athens – a community meeting point for discussions on issues of the day, politics, law, philosophy, and general tittle-tattle.

To the immediate east is the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Also known as the Columns of the Olympian Zeus, this was once an imposing temple dedicated to the chief of the gods, Zeus. It is believed to have been constructed during the peak of the Olympic Games, around 470 BC. You should also visit the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, situated on the southwest side beneath the slopes of the Acropolis.