Guide to the Acropolis, Athens

The Acropolis is both Athens’ and Greece’s most iconic archaeological site. 

In this travel guide, we run through everything you need to know before and during your visit to this incredible and totally unmissable site.

The Basics

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.

The Erechtheion is a complex of ancient temples and shrines that has a rich history and unique architectural features, such as the Caryatids, which are female figures that serve as supporting columns. The Propylaea, an imposing gateway, welcomes visitors to the Acropolis and gives a sense of the grandeur of ancient Athens.

To learn more about the Acropolis, visit the Acropolis Museum, which houses artifacts and exhibits related to the Acropolis and its restoration. You can also take a guided tour of the Acropolis to gain a deeper understanding of its significance.

Make sure to check the Acropolis ticket prices and opening hours before you visit. The Acropolis is a must-see destination in Athens, and it’s a testament to the enduring legacy of ancient Greece.

Planning your visit

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! If you book your tour with Unforgettable Greece then of course we’ll be sure to put you up in one of our preferred hotels within an easy walk of the complex.

Tickets can be bought on the day – there are ticket offices located on both east and west sides – but to skip the queues (which can be over two hours on busy days) we strongly recommend booking your tickets online in advance. As of 2021, ticket prices were €20 between April and October, and €10 from November to March. 

It’s possible to join a shared guided tour or arrange a private guide for an additional fee. Audio guides are also available. Remember of course that all these details can be taken care of if booking your full tailor-made tour with Unforgettable Greece!

Key Sites

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. 

To the rear of the Parthenon is the Temple of Athena Nike. Dedicated to the goddesses Athena (goddess of wisdom and warfare) and Nike (goddess of victory), and is believed to have been built to celebrate victory over the Persians in 480 BC. 

Over on the southwestern slopes of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. Built around 161 AD in honor of his was Aspasia Annia Regalia, this huge theater had a capacity of up to 5,000 and housed music concerts and plays. Renovated in 1950, it’s still in use today!

Lastly, one curious but not-to-be-missed sight is the most scared Moria olive tree, set in front of the Erechteion temple. It’s thought to have been a gift from Athena to her proteges, and have survived centuries of change and upheaval in the Greek capital – and thus now stands as a symbol of the city.

Extending your visit

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. 

Finally to the north of the complex is Hadrian’s Library. Bult by Roman Emperor Hadrian in AD 132, this site was both a forum for lectures and philosophical discussion, and a house for all manner of literary, legal, and administrative documents.

The Acropolis with Unforgettable Greece

Booking your bespoke tour with Unforgettable Greece will ensure that all the above concerns are taken care of. Your visit to the Acropolis will be booked as part of your wider tour, and we’ll supply expert English-speaking guides to accompany you for the full visit. Transfers from your hotel can also be arranged. Speak to our dedicated specialists to see how a comprehensive Acropolis tour can be included on your luxury tour of Athens…and beyond!