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Athens Acropolis Tours | Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site with a expert guide

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Athens Acropolis Tours | Discover this UNESCO World Heritage site with a expert guide






Top things to do in Athens

One of the world’s most popular tourist attractions, the Acropolis of Athens is testament to the rich history, culture, art, and architecture of Ancient Greece. Built atop a rocky hill, it comprises the ruins of several historical monuments and structures, primarily from the 5th century BCE. Over the centuries, it has endured many natural and manmade challenges like earthquakes and invasions, and has served as a citadel, place of worship, royal residence, and administrative building. Read on to know how a guided Acropolis tour can help you best explore this architectural and archaeological marvel.

Why take an Acropolis tour?

Acropolis tours
  • Expert insights: A guided Acropolis tour is your best bet if you wish to learn more about the landmark because it includes an expert guide who will share fascinating stories and little-known historical details.
  • Fast track access: Many guided tours include a direct entry feature that gives you priority access to the attraction, helping you avoid waiting in long ticket queues for hours.
  • In-depth understanding: The Acropolis guided tour offers an opportunity to learn more about the Acropolis of Athens and understand its historical, cultural, and architectural significance.
  • Efficient navigation: The Acropolis of Athens site is vast, with many ancient structures. Booking a guided Acropolis tour is the best way to navigate and explore the site as your guide will ensure you do not miss any of the important landmarks.
  • Easier access: With millions of tourists visiting the Acropolis of Athens annually, it is almost always crowded. Access gets easier and hassle-free with a guided Acropolis tour.
About Acropolis of Athens

Which Acropolis tour is best for you?

Guided tours with fast track access

Guided tours with fast track access

Suited for: Visitors who want to explore in-depth

Duration: 2 hours

Ticket price: from €51

  • Guided tours with priority access allow you to bypass long ticket queues and directly enter the Acropolis of Athens, giving you more time to explore it.
  • You will be accompanied by an expert English-speaking tour guide, who will enrich your experience by sharing interesting facts and details about the history and archaeology of the Acropolis of Athens.
  • With these guided Acropolis tour tickets, you can visit all the important landmarks at the site and enjoy a comprehensive experience.

Recommended tour:

Acropolis Guided Tour with Fast Access Tickets

Combo guided tours

Combo guided tours

Suited for: Visitors who have limited time or are on a budget

Duration: 3 hours or more in total

Ticket price: from €36

  • Combo guided tours allow you to comprehensively explore multiple landmarks in Athens with one ticket, making them a cost-effective option. You also get an in-depth tour of these attractions, ensuring you don't miss out on any significant landmarks.
  • Depending on the combo guided tour you choose, you can visit other top attractions along with the Acropolis of Athens like the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, and the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sunion.

Recommended tours:

Highlights covered on your Acropolis tour

acropolis tours

Propylaea

Built between 437 BC and 432 BC, the Propylaea is the grand gateway to the Acropolis of Athens. It features six towering columns made of marble and limestone. It is an impressive and striking staircase that leads to the top of the Acropolis. Comprising two porticos on the east and west along with a central doorway in the front, the Propylaea is an architectural marvel with intricate details that add to the grandeur of the Acropolis.

acropolis tours

Parthenon

One of the most popular sites at the Acropolis, the Parthenon was originally built as a temple dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena Parthenos. An example of Doric architecture, the Parthenon features elaborate sculptures, mosaics, and ionic columns made of marble. It first served as a cathedral and was then converted into a mosque. The structure has undergone several restoration projects over the years with the aim to preserve this important symbol of Greek history.

Explore the Parthenon
acropolis tours

The Theatre of Dionysus

One of the oldest architectural complexes on the southern slope of the Acropolis, the Theatre of Dionysus was built in the fourth century BC and is dedicated to Dionysus, the Greek God of wine and good times. The Greek tragedies of Euripides and Sophocles were performed at this sprawling theatre, which could accommodate almost 20,000 people making it the largest public space in the ancient city of Athens. It is believed that the government of Athens at the time also held several meetings at this iconic place.

acropolis tours

Temple of Athena Nike

Constructed between 426 BC and 421 BC, the Temple of Athena Nike was the first ionic temple built at the Acropolis. Located right next to the Propylaea, the temple was built in honor of Greek goddesses Athena and Nike, the protectors of Athens. However, the Turks demolished it in 1686. The temple has, since then, undergone quite a few restorations. It was rebuilt in 1834 only to be pulled down and reconstructed again in 1998.

Explore the Temple of Athena Nike
acropolis tours

Erechtheion

Another temple dedicated to Greek gods and goddesses, the Erechtheion was named after Erechtheus, the mythical king. This ionic structure was built between 421 BC and 406 BC and shares ground with the Old Temple of Athena and Pandroseion. Do not miss the Caryatids – six female statues that support the roof of the temple. Located on the northern side of the Acropolis, the Erechtheion is believed to be the mastermind of architect Mnesicles and is a must-see on your visit to the ancient citadel.

acropolis tours

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built in 162 AD as a theatre that could accommodate about 5,000 people. Located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis, this theatre was built by politician Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife Aspasia Annia Regilla. This massive structure is made entirely of stone and is still used as a venue for concerts and cultural events in Athens.

What to expect on an Acropolis tour?

Once you meet your tour guide and fellow tour group members at the Athens Acropolis entrance, you will be able to proceed directly inside the Acropolis site.

There, you will be taken throughout the vast complex and shown all the important points of interest like the Propylaea, the ​Parthenon, the ​Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, the Theatre of Dionysus, the Temple of Zeus, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and more.

Your expert tour guide will also share interesting stories about the Acropolis of Athens and the myths associated with it, giving you a deep insight into the historical landmark.

The guided tour will help you explore this vast and iconic site more efficiently, and navigate it with ease.

Athens Acropolis map

Acropolis of Athens visitor tips

  • Book your Acropolis tour tickets online and in advance. Tickets get sold out quite fast since this is one of Greece's most popular tourist attractions.
  • Wear comfortable shoes with a firm grip because you’ll have to do a lot of walking on uneven terrain and slippery surfaces.
  • The Acropolis of Athens is wheelchair friendly. Guests who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues can access the site via the specially designed elevator and chairlift. Once at the site, they can use the two established routes to move around and explore the site.
  • Make sure you set aside at least 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
  • If you are carrying luggage or large backpacks, you must store them in the cloakroom with storage facility at the main entrance of the Acropolis of Athens.
  • Make sure you carry sunblock and protective clothing like hats or jackets because there’s no shade on the Acropolis slopes.

Plan your visit to the Acropolis of Athens

Frequently asked questions about Acropolis tours

Can I book an Acropolis tour?

Yes, you can book your ​Acropolis tours online.

How much does an Acropolis tour cost?

Acropolis tours start at €13.

What are the different types of Acropolis tours?

Visitors can choose between guided tours with priority access to the Acropolis of Athens or combo tours, where you can explore one or more other landmarks in Athens along with the Acropolis. You can also avail of the optional audio guide, which is available in 5 languages.

What does an Acropolis tour cover?

A guided Acropolis tour typically includes access to all sections of the site that are open to the public, such as the Propylaea, the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Zeus, the Theater of Dionysus, and more.

In what languages are the Acropolis guided tours available?

The Acropolis guided tours are available in 5 languages – English, French, German, Spanish, and Italian.

How many people can go on an Acropolis guided tour?

It depends on the type of Acropolis tour you book. The small group guided tour can accommodate up to 10 people while other guided tours can take as many as 25 guests.

Is booking an Acropolis tour worth it?

Yes. Taking an Acropolis tour is worth it because it’s the best way to explore this iconic architectural marvel and learn all about its history.

Do Acropolis tours allow you to skip ahead of long ticketing lines?

Yes, some of the Acropolis guided tours include priority access to the archaeological site. With these tickets, you can get direct access to the security checkpoints, save time, and spend more time exploring the temples inside the site.

Can I cancel a booked Acropolis tour?

Depending on the experience you book, you can cancel a booked Acropolis tour up to 24 hours before the scheduled date and get a full refund.

How long does an Acropolis tour last?

Acropolis guided tours can be anywhere between 2 hours to 10 hours long, depending on the experience you choose.

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