The grand marble gateway leading onto the Acropolis plateau.
What to look out for: The sweeping marble stairway, ornate coffered ceilings with faded paint, and the first framed view of the Parthenon.
The Acropolis of Athens spans about 3 hectares and features five key landmarks: the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Temple of Athena Nike, Propylaea, and Odeon of Herodes Atticus. With steep climbs, open-air terrain, and heavy visitor traffic, it can feel overwhelming, but planning ahead and mapping your route ensures you see all the highlights smoothly.
The Acropolis is divided into several distinct zones, each with its own monuments and terraces, connected by steep paths and two main entrances. Planning where to start can save you time and effort.
The Acropolis can be tricky to navigate on your own; scattered signs, confusing paths, missed stories. A guided tour fixes that with expert insights, an efficient route, and fast-track entry.

| Visit type | Duration | Route | What you get |
|---|---|---|---|
Snapshot visit | 1.5–2hrs | Propylaea (Main Gate) → Parthenon → Erechtheion → Theatre of Dionysus → Herodes Atticus Theatre | A focused, classic circuit hitting the Acropolis’ crown jewels first, with sweeping city views and minimal detours |
Half-day classic | 3–4hrs | Propylaea → Parthenon & Erechtheion → Theatre of Dionysus → Herodes Atticus Theatre → Exit via Ancient Agora | The quintessential experience, major landmarks first, then a scenic descent through Plaka’s charming alleys and cafés |
Full-day immersion | 6+ hrs | Acropolis → Propylaea → Parthenon & Erechtheion → South Slope → Ancient Agora → Acropolis Museum | A full narrative of Athens’ Golden Age, combining temples, theatres, and artifacts, expect ~10,000 steps and a complete sense of the city’s history |
Inside the Acropolis, ancient sanctuaries, theatres, and temples unfold across its slopes and summit, each revealing a chapter of Athens’ sacred story.
Planning which Acropolis ticket to buy is about time control, queue avoidance, and depth of access. Do you need just basic entry, or a richer guided experience (or combo ticket for multiple sites)? The differences in access, cost, and constraints should steer your choice.
Book ahead: With a daily limit of 20,000 visitors and high demand for cooler morning slots, booking several days in advance is essential to secure your preferred time and avoid missing out.
Skip queues: Online bookings automatically grant fast-track entry helping you save 20 minutes to over an hour of waiting time and enter at your chosen timed slot, maximizing your sightseeing time.
Audio guides: For a small additional fee of €7, upgrade your standard ticket to include an audio guide, gaining rich historical insights at your own pace, without being tied to the fixed route of a group tour.
Guided tours: For a deep-dive experience, opt for a expert guide, who’d ensure you don’t miss major highlights, and save you from navigating the vast site alone.
Combo sites: You can make the most of your day by combining the Acropolis with nearby sites, like the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Ancient Agora, just a kilometer or two apart. You get up to 40% discount with multilingual audio guides, perfect for a full-day, budget-friendly tour of ancient Athens.
| Ticket type | What’s included | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|
Standard entry | Access to Acropolis, available for onsite purchase | Last minute planners who do not want to be tied to a fixed time-slot | ~€30 |
Skip-the-line | Timed entry + No ticket queue + Optional audio guide | Those looking for a self-paced visit with no queue hassle | ~€35 |
Guided tour (group) | Fast-track entry + English speaking guide | Visitors looking for an immersive experience | ~€34 |
Guided tour (private) | Fast-track entry + Guide + Group of 12 guests + Customized itinerary | Best for groups wanting exclusivity with enriching experience | ~€440 |
Combo / multi-site | Access to Acropolis + Parthenon + Acropolis Museum | Those looking for maximum exploration at a cost-effective price | ~€64 |
Mega pass | Entry to Acropolis + 2 day Hop-on-hop-off bus tour + up to 3 stops of your choice | Relaxed and flexible experience of key landmarks in Athens | ~€79 |
| Day | Opening hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
1 April – 31 August | 8am to 8pm | 7:30pm |
1 Sept – 15 Sept | 8am to 7:30pm | 7pm |
16 Sept – 30 Sept | 8am to 7pm | 6:30pm |
1 Oct – 15 Oct | 8am to 6:30pm | 6pm |
16 Oct – 31 Oct | 8am to 6pm | 5:30pm |
1 Nov – 31 Mar | 8am to 5pm | 4:30pm |
Closed on: Jan 1, Mar 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, Dec 25–26
Note: Opening hours may shift slightly in winter seasons, always verify before visiting.
Weekday vs weekend: Weekdays are your best bet, late mornings and weekends tend to be busiest. Early arrival (right at 8am) or late afternoon (after 4pm in summer) helps you beat crowds.
Peak vs off-peak season: April–May and September–October combine milder weather with fewer tourists, ideal windows. June–August sees maximum crowds and higher temperatures. Winter (Nov–Mar) is quietest, though daylight is shorter.
| Entrance name | Location | Who it’s for | Crowds & wait times |
|---|---|---|---|
Main entrance (West Gate, Dionysiou Areopagitou Street) | Near Acropolis Metro Station, by the base of the Propylaea | General visitors, skip-the-line tickets, and most guided tours | Longest queues (20–60 min in summer); main entry for all group tours. |
Southeast entrance (near the Acropolis Museum) | Junction of Makrygianni Street and Dionysiou Areopagitou | Independent visitors, skip-the-line tickets, museum + Acropolis combos | Shorter waits (~15–30 min); ideal for early arrivals and those combining museum entry. |
North entrance (restricted) | Near the Ancient Agora and Areopagus Hill | Limited access for groups/exits only | Often used as an exit route; not always open for entry. |
Yes, it’s a must-visit. The Acropolis showcases ancient Greek history, architecture, and stunning Athens views, offering a powerful glimpse into classical civilization.
No, entry requires a ticket, though it’s free on select days and for EU students or visitors under 25 years old.
While there is no dress code, it is best to opt for comfortable clothing and footwear while visiting Acropolis, as there is a lot of walking to do. Except during the winters, it can get quite warm at the top of Acropolis Hill, and there is no shade from the sun.
The Acropolis is the entire hilltop complex of temples; the Parthenon is its most famous structure dedicated to the goddess Athena.

The grand marble gateway leading onto the Acropolis plateau.
What to look out for: The sweeping marble stairway, ornate coffered ceilings with faded paint, and the first framed view of the Parthenon.

Athena’s temple and the timeless symbol of Athenian glory.
What to look out for: Curved Doric columns, sculpted pediments once painted bright, and panoramic views over Athens.

A graceful, asymmetrical temple rich in myth and detail.
What to look out for: The elegant Caryatids, Athena’s sacred olive tree, and its tiered architectural design.

A graceful shrine honoring Athenian victory.
What to look out for: Slender Ionic columns, detailed battle friezes, and its cliffside perch offering sweeping views of Athens.

The birthplace of ancient Greek drama.
What to look out for: Stone tiers that once seated 17,000 spectators, marble thrones for dignitaries, and the open-air stage that once echoed with tragedy and comedy.

A Roman amphitheater still alive with performances today.
What to look out for: Restored marble seating, remarkable acoustics, and magical night concerts beneath the glowing Acropolis.

Located at the base of the Acropolis on the west slope, just above Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, this main entrance is the most common starting point.
The climb from here is relatively gradual compared to the other entrance, making it an easier route for most visitors.

Ascend to the summit plateau to explore the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike.
Descend toward the South Slope to see the Theater of Dionysus and Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Plan to exit toward the north, especially if you have a combo ticket, as this route leads naturally to the Ancient Agora and the picturesque streets of Plaka.
The Acropolis is located on a limestone hill 150 m (490 ft) above sea level in the city of Athens. The citadel stretches over a surface area of about 3 hectares.
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece Find On Map
Nearest landmark: The Pnyx (650m)


There is no official parking lot at the Acropolis entrance, but several paid parking garages are located nearby.
Nearby parking options:
Free street parking is very limited in the Koukaki area and usually time-restricted.





Independent boutiques offer a mix of ceramics, postcards, small replicas, leather goods, souvenirs and art crafts in the area just outside the museum and along Makrygianni Street.

A family-run souvenir store in the historic Plaka district, only minutes from the Acropolis. The shop has been at the same location for over 40 years and offers pottery, bronze statuaries, leather goods and more.

A cozy café and bookstore offering excellent coffee and light bites, ideal for a peaceful break after exploring the Acropolis.
(Plaka, ~10-min walk north entrance)

Specialty coffee shop known for high-quality brews and minimalist design, perfect for coffee enthusiasts seeking a quiet spot.
(Makrygianni street, ~4-min walk from museum)

One of Athens' top-rated specialty coffee shops, offering expertly brewed coffee in a stylish setting.
(Psiri, ~14min walk south slope)

Spacious café serving coffee and all-day brunch, located close to the Acropolis.
(Northwest slope, ~12-min walk)

Athens Studios (Plaka, ~3-min walk), simple, clean apartments located just across from the Acropolis Museum. Guests appreciate the central location and helpful staff. Amenities include a rooftop area with Acropolis views, a bar, and an on-site restaurant.

COCO-MAT Hotel Athens (Kolonaki, ~1-min walk), an eco-friendly 4-star hotel offering modern design and high-quality accommodation. Features include a rooftop terrace, bicycle experiences, and COCO-MAT collections.

Electra Metropolis Athens (Syntagma, ~12-min walk), a 5-star hotel near Syntagma Square, offering luxury accommodations with breathtaking views of the Acropolis from its Deluxe Rooms on the 8th and 9th floors.













Explore Athens’ top landmarks with expert-guided tours, self-guided options, and multilingual audio guides that offer detailed historical insights.
Inclusions #
Timed entry to the Acropolis
2-hour expert-guided tour (based on option selected)
Self-guided tour of the Acropolis (based on option selected)
Historian-crafted audio guide available in English, French, German, Spanish & Italian (based on option selected)
Athens Old Town (Plaka) audio guide (based on option selected)
Entry to Acropolis Museum (based on option selected)
Offline access, audio narration & an online map (based on option selected)
Attractions covered:
The Acropolis
The Parthenon
Temple of Athena Nike
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Theater of Dionysus Eleuthereus
Erechtheion
Propylaea
Athens Old Town (Plaka) (based on option selected)
Acropolis Museum (based on option selected)
Acropolis Museum's underground excavation of an ancient neighborhood (based on option selected)
Exclusions #
Transfers
Food & drinks
Mobile device for audio app
Concession eligibility:










Acropolis & Parthenon
Acropolis Museum
Inclusions #
Acropolis & Parthenon
Entry to Acropolis
Audio guide in English, French, German, Italian, Spanish & Chinese
Offline content (text, audio narration & maps)
Acropolis Museum
Entry to Acropolis Museum
Self-guided audio tour for your smartphone (Android & iOS) in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian & Greek
Offline content (text, audio narration & maps)










Enjoy a multilingual guided tour, offering in-depth insights into Athens' top landmarks in a small group of 20. Customize your experience with optional add-ons.
Inclusions #
Guided tour of the Acropolis & the Parthenon
Entry to the Acropolis archaeological site
Entry to the Acropolis Museum (as per option selected)
Entry to the Temple of Poseidon (as per option selected)
English, Spanish, French, German, or Italian-speaking guide (as per option selected)
2-hour Acropolis & Parthenon small group tour (as per option selected)
3.5-hour Acropolis & Acropolis Museum small group tour (as per option selected)
3-hour private Acropolis guided tour (as per option selected)
Old Town (Plaka) neighborhood guided walking tour (as per option selected)
Round-trip luxury AC bus transfers (as per option selected)
Lunch (as per option selected)
Attractions covered:
The Acropolis
The Parthenon
Temple of Athena Nike
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Theater of Dionysus Eleuthereus
Erechtheion
Propylaea
Acropolis Museum (as per option selected)
Temple of Poseidon (as per option selected)
Ancient Agora (as per option selected)
Stoa of Attalos (as per option selected)
Museum of the Ancient Agora (as per option selected)
Temple of Hephaestus (as per option selected)
Old Town (on private tour)
Exclusions #
Pick-up and drop-off facilities
Acropolis entry tickets (on private tour)










Acropolis Museum
Acropolis
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis
Acropolis Museum
Acropolis
Inclusions #
Entry to the Acropolis & Parthenon on the selected date and time slot
Entry to the Acropolis Museum
2-hour walking tour of the Acropolis
1.5-hour walking tour of the Acropolis Museum
Expert English-speaking guide
Exclusions #
Hotel transfers
Use of the elevator at Acropolis Hill
Food and drinks
Personal expenses








Inclusions #
Validity: 7 days from your selected start date
What’s covered:
Entry to the Acropolis and Parthenon with a self-guided audio tour on your selected date and time
2-day hop-on hop-off bus tour across Athens, Piraeus, Glyfada & Vouliagmeni
3 GB eSIM data for easy navigation
Multilingual audio guides in English, German, Italian, Spanish & French
Additional attractions to choose from (Classic +1, Premium +2, & Deluxe +3):
Museums: Acropolis Museum (entry & audio guide), Ancient Agora (entry & audio guide), and National Archaeological Museum
Guided day tours: Temple of Poseidon sunset visit (entry not included), Ancient Corinth full-day trip with canal visit & VR guide (entry not included), Delphi day trip with VR audio tour (entry not included)
Live experiences: Medea and Other Friends I Made in Athens
See the complete list of attractions here
Exclusions #
Delphi archaeological site entry tickets (approx. €20)
Temple of Poseidon entry tickets (approx. €20)
Ancient Corinth entry tickets (approx. €15)



