How to visit Acropolis of Athens

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.

Navigate your way

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.

Enter through the West gate (Propylaea entrance)

  • 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.

Locate the entrance

Step by step visitor flow

  • 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.

Exist via the north side

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.

Walk the Acropolis like a pro

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.

How to make the most of your time

Visit typeDurationRouteWhat 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

Handy tips

  • Book timed tickets early: Queues can last from 15 minutes to an hour. Booking ahead with fast-track entry not only guarantees your spot but also saves exploration time.
  • Beat the heat: The citadel is almost entirely open-air, with steep paths and marble surfaces that get hot in the sun. Arrive by 8am or after 5pm for cooler temperatures and softer light.
  • Choose the right entrance: The Southeast entrance is less crowded, while the main Propylaea gate is less steep and more accessible for visitors with mobility issues.
  • Follow marked paths: Most areas have clearly marked trails, guiding your route and protecting the monuments, stick to them for safety and to avoid restricted zones.
  • Add an audio guide: With a multilingual audio guide upgrade to your standard ticket, you explore the vast site at your own pace and in your preferred language. Take breaks whenever you like and shape your visit your way, with expert narration that brings ancient history, architecture, and mythology to life as you move through the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and beyond.
  • Free-entry days: The Acropolis is free on the first Sunday of each month (Nov–Mar), but crowds double and tours fill quickly. Visiting outside these dates offers a more comfortable experience.
  • Photography tips: Tripods are banned, but handheld cameras are allowed. The Parthenon terrace, Erechtheion porch, and Theatre of Dionysus offer the best angles for iconic shots.
  • Food, bags & water: No food or large bags are allowed inside; small water bottles are allowed. While there are no public taps, a drinking fountain is available near the entrance to refill bottles.
  • Restroom facilities: Available at the entrance and near the museum; limited facilities inside the site, so plan accordingly.

Explore the Acropolis

Inside the Acropolis, ancient sanctuaries, theatres, and temples unfold across its slopes and summit, each revealing a chapter of Athens’ sacred story.

Propylaea

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.

Walk through the Propylaea

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.

View the Parthenon

Erechtheion

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.

Explore the Erehtheion

Temple of Athena Nike

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.

Stroll through the temple

Theatre of Dionysus

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.

Step into the theatre

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

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.

Experience the Odeon

Before you get there

Entrances

Know which gate to use and avoid long uphill backtracks

Timings

See best hours, closures, and seasonal time slots

Getting there

Find metro and walking routes from central Athens

Guided tours

Get the double benefit of expert insights with fast-track entry

Know before booking your Acropolis tickets

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.

Your Acropolis ticket types explained

Ticket typeWhat’s includedBest 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

Acropolis timings

DayOpening hoursLast 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.

Best time to visit

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.

Browse through the Acropolis schedule

Where is the Acropolis of Athens located?

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)

Get directions to the Acropolis of Athens

Getting to the Acropolis of Athens

Getting to the Acropolis of Athens by public transport

By public transport

  • Metro: Take line 2 to Acropoli station — the closest stop to the Acropolis, about a 5-minute walk away.
  • Bus: Routes 230, 035, 040, 550, and A2 stop within walking distance of the site.
  • Tram / Trolleybus: Several lines stop nearby, and the Acropolis can also be reached on foot from tram or trolley stops in the area.
Getting to the Acropolis of Athens by car or taxi

By car or taxi

There is no official parking lot at the Acropolis entrance, but several paid parking garages are located nearby.

Nearby parking options:

  • Parking Kostas (Vlachou Angelou 6) – about a 12-minute walk
  • Metropark Athens (Plaka/Monastiraki area) – about a 15–20-minute walk

Free street parking is very limited in the Koukaki area and usually time-restricted.

Entrances

Entrance nameLocationWho it’s forCrowds & 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.

Accessibility

General facilities

  • Admission is free for visitors with disabilities and one companion (with valid ID).
  • Priority access available at both entrances with lift access to the summit from the South Slope.
  • Accessible restrooms and dedicated assistance at the main gate.

Physical disabilities

  • glass lift operates from the North Slope entrance to Parthenon level (can accommodate up to 2 wheelchairs with companions or 18 people)
  • Wheelchair-friendly routes connect major monuments, though some paths are uneven.
  • Manual wheelchairs available at the entrance. It's advisable to book in advance to ensure availability (ID required).

Hearing impairments

  • Information panels with clear text and visuals across the site.
  • Guided tours in Greek Sign Language available on request via the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.
  • Compatible with hearing-loop devices for audio tours.

Visual impairments

  • Tactile models of the Parthenon and Erechtheion near the museum and entrance plaza.
  • Audio-description tours available for pre-booked groups.
  • Trained staff available to assist navigation between slopes and viewing areas.

Facilities

  • Audio guides: Available in multiple languages; can be downloaded via the official Acropolis app.
  • Cloakroom: Free baggage deposit available at both entrances for small bags.
  • Restrooms – Located near both entrances and on the summit plateau; accessible toilets at the South Slope.
  • Information kiosks: Positioned at main gates with staff assistance in English and Greek.
  • Water fountains: Found near the Theatre of Dionysus and the top viewing platform.
  • Rest areas: Shaded benches along main walking paths and at exit points.

Visiting with family

  • Baby strollers are not allowed inside the Acropolis archaeological site due to the uneven terrain.
  • There is a storage room (at the main entrance) where strollers can be left free of charge.
  • For families, it is recommended to use a baby carrier/sling instead.

Rules and restrictions

  • All visitors must pass through airport-style security before entry.
  • Large bags, tripods, and umbrellas are not allowed; must be left at cloakrooms.
  • Food and drinks are prohibited on the hill; water bottles only.
  • Smoking and vaping are strictly forbidden across the site.
  • Touching the monuments or crossing barriers is not permitted.
  • Photography without flash is allowed; drones and tripods are banned.
  • Re-entry is not allowed with the same ticket once you exit.
  • Service animals are permitted with valid documentation.

Where to shop

Surrounding souvenir shops (foot of Acropolis)

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.

Phaedra

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.

Where to eat

Little Tree Books & Coffee

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)

ERE Athens

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)

Taf Coffee

One of Athens' top-rated specialty coffee shops, offering expertly brewed coffee in a stylish setting.

(Psiri, ~14min walk south slope)

The Underdog

Spacious café serving coffee and all-day brunch, located close to the Acropolis.

(Northwest slope, ~12-min walk)

Where to stay

Budget-friendly

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.

Mid-range

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.

Luxury

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.

Insider tips

  • Audio guide hacks:  Download the official Acropolis Museum app in advance; it saves €5–7 compared to on-site rentals. For even more context, combine it with free PDFs of temple inscriptions and site maps available from the Hellenic Ministry of Culture.
  • Sunset photography: The northwestern edge near the Parthenon’s main stairs offers the best light. For crowd-free shots, arrive 45–60 minutes before sunset and climb the southern slope for elevated framing.
  • Seasonal exhibitions: Check the Acropolis Museum schedule; smaller exhibits near the museum café often feature restoration workshops or 3D models, which are rarely crowded.
  • Bonus tip: Bring a light magnifying glass or monocular if you’re into architectural details; subtle carvings and painted traces on friezes are easier to see. 

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Acropolis

Is the Acropolis worth visiting?

Yes, it’s a must-visit. The Acropolis showcases ancient Greek history, architecture, and stunning Athens views, offering a powerful glimpse into classical civilization.

Is it free to visit?

No, entry requires a ticket, though it’s free on select days and for EU students or visitors under 25 years old.

What to wear while visiting Acropolis of Athens?

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.

What is the difference between Acropolis and the Parthenon?

The Acropolis is the entire hilltop complex of temples; the Parthenon is its most famous structure dedicated to the goddess Athena.

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