The Acropolis is an ancient citadel located in Athens, Greece. 

It is known for its iconic structures, including the famous Parthenon, dedicated to the goddess Athena.

These ancient ruins receive around 20,000 visitors daily, cementing its place as one of Greece’s most famous tourist destinations.

Here you will find all the details, from tickets to timings, to help you on your trip to the Acropolis of Athens.

What is Acropolis?

For some visitors, the Acropolis is synonymous with the Parthenon.

Hence, first, let’s clarify the meanings of “Acropolis” and “Parthenon.”

The “Acropolis” refers to the entire hill, while the “Parthenon” specifically denotes a temple on top of the hill.

Other notable monuments on the Acropolis include the Propylaea, Erechtheion, Theater of Dionysus, and Temple of Odeon, to name a few.

Despite some misconceptions, all these attractions are part of the same archaeological site and require only one ticket for entry.

However, the Acropolis Museum, situated at the base of the hill, requires a separate admission ticket.

Types of Acropolis Tickets

The Acropolis is a very busy site all round the year. Given its popularity, there are many ticket options to choose from. 

We have curated the best tickets based on customer reviews. Here are the top picks – 

• Acropolis Entry Ticket is ideal for independently exploring the Acropolis at your own pace.

• Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket is perfect for history enthusiasts, granting access to multiple sites for a comprehensive experience.
  
  
• Check out the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum Entry with Optional Audio Guide Ticket for a comprehensive visit to the site.

• Join a knowledgeable guide for an in-depth exploration of the Acropolis and Parthenon, skipping the lines for a hassle-free visit with the Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Tour.

• The History of Greek Mythology Private Tour lets you delve deep into Greek mythology on a private tour led by a local expert, offering a personalized experience.

• Athens City Pass unlocks access to various attractions with this all-in-one pass, perfect for maximizing your time in Athens.

• 48-hour Hop On Hop Off Bus Ticket & Acropolis Entry Ticket allows you to explore Athens with ease on a flexible bus tour while enjoying skip-the-line entry to the Acropolis.

Choose the ticket that best suits your preferences and embark on an unforgettable journey through ancient Greece!

Ticket Prices at a Glance 

Here are the best sellers at a glance, so you can choose the right ticket – 

Ticket Type	Adult Ticket (Per Person)
Acropolis Entry Ticket	€17
Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket	€43
Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Entry with Optional Audio Guide Ticket	€45
Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Tour	€55
The History of Greek Mythology Private Tour	€34 (for a group of 8)
48-hour Hop On Hop Off Bus Ticket & Acropolis Entry Ticket	€45
Athens City Pass	€61
Acropolis and Μuseum Private Guided Tour	€42
Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour	€55
Athens Full Day Private Tour	€210

Ticket Description

When considering a visit to the Acropolis of Athens, we offer a range of ticket options tailored to your preferences. 

You can opt for individual tickets for the Acropolis tour or bundle your experience with nearby attractions like the Acropolis Museum. 

Select from guided, private, shared, or audio tours to customize your visit according to your preferences.

1. Acropolis Entry Ticket with Optional Audio Guide 

2. Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket

3. Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Entry with Optional Audio Guide

4. Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Tour

5. The History of Greek Mythology Private Tour

6. 48-hour Hop On Hop Off Bus Ticket & Acropolis Entry Ticket

7. Athens City Pass

Discounts

When planning your visit to Athens’ top attractions, various ticket options offer discounts and benefits. 

The Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket offers skip-the-line access to seven archaeological sites, saving visitors up to 50% on admission fees. 

The Athens City Pass, priced at €54 for visitors aged six to 64 years, provides skip-the-line entry to key attractions and includes an optional audio guide app, ensuring a seamless and cost-effective exploration of Athens’ rich history and culture.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy free entry on specific dates and on the first Sunday of every month (November to March), making it an ideal choice for families and budget-conscious travelers.

Where to Buy Acropolis Tickets?

You can purchase the tickets at the Acropolis’ ticket booths or online.

However, you may encounter long queues, especially during peak tourist seasons. Waiting in queues that could last up to one and a half hours is a hassle and will waste your precious time.

We recommend purchasing tickets online to save time and money.  

How do Online Tickets Work?

Booking Page →	Select Ticket →	Choose Date & Time ↓
↓ Present e-tickets and ID at entrance	← Receive e-tickets via email	← Pay securely with credit/debit card
Go through security screening →	Bypass main line  →	You’re In 😊

Why Buy Tickets Online?

There are many benefits of buying tickets online – 

• Online tickets allow you to reserve your entry at your preferred time and date. 

• The Acropolis of Athens received 20,000 visitors each day. You can avoid long queues and save time by purchasing your ticket online.

• Online tickets tend to be cheaper than tickets at the counter. You can check for special deals and discounts while selecting your ticket.

• You can reserve your ticket from the comfort of your home.

• There are various ticket options available. You can scan their features and choose the right ticket that suits your preferences.

Take a guided tour of the Acropolis and unravel the secrets with a local expert.

Things to Know Before you Book your Acropolis Tickets

When planning your visit to the Acropolis, the quality of your experience depends on the tickets you purchase.

Here are some helpful tips to assist you in purchasing the right ticket to ensure a memorable visit –

1. Skip-the-line can make all the difference: The average wait time to enter the Acropolis can take up to two hours or more during peak tourist season. 
   
   By pre-booking your tickets online, you can skip the ticket queues in the day heat and explore the Acropolis without wasting time, making your visit more efficient and enjoyable.
   
   
2. Guided tours are best: When you book a guided tour, you can enjoy a hassle-free trip where your guide has a planned itinerary to help you navigate your way efficiently through the massive Acropolis.

3. Combo tickets reduce the hassle: Athens is full of amazing sites and attractions, and when in Athens, you would want to visit every place possible. Instead of buying tickets for each attraction, you can simply buy a combo ticket that combines multiple attractions in one ticket, saving you money and the hassle of buying tickets at each site. 

4. Morning or evening visits enhance your experience: The Acropolis is a popular tourist destination in Athens, Greece, and it can get quite crowded during the day. 
   
   Every visitor to the Acropolis recommends an early morning or late afternoon visit to avoid crowds and heat during the day.
   
   The best time to visit the Acropolis is between 8 am and 10 am or after 5 pm when the crowds have thinned out.

5. Know the opening and closing hours well: Knowing the Acropolis hours is key to avoid disappointment! Tickets are timed, so if you miss the closing time, you can’t enter even with a ticket. Double-check the hours before booking to ensure your visit goes smoothly.

Timed Entry

Starting last year, a new government regulation mandates timed entry for all Acropolis tickets. 

The aim is to manage crowds effectively, with a daily limit of 20,000 visitors. 

The schedule allocates 3,000 visitors from 8 am to 9 am, followed by 2,000 in subsequent hours. 

Hence, it’s best to secure your preferred time slot and avoid disappointment by booking online in advance. 

Visitors must select their date and time of entry during booking and arrive 15 minutes before their slot. 

This measure prioritizes crowd management and enhances the overall visitor experience. 

Similar restrictions are expected for other archaeological sites in Greece soon.

Book your Acropolis of Athens tickets now and enjoy a hassle-free visit!

Free Entry

If you’re looking to explore the Acropolis of Athens without spending a penny, there are several opportunities for free entry that you can take advantage of. 

1. One option is to visit on the first Sunday of every month between November and March when the Acropolis offers free admission to all visitors. 
   
   However, remember that these days tend to be busier than usual, so be prepared for larger crowds and long queues. 
   
   
2. Various Greek national holidays throughout the year also grant free entry to archaeological sites, including the Acropolis. 

Here’s the list of dates when visitors can enjoy complimentary access:

• 6 March – Death anniversary of Melina Mercouri, former Minister of Culture in Greece
• 18 April – International Monuments Day
• 18 May – International Museums Day
• The last weekend of September – European Heritage Days
• 28 October – OXI day, one of the Greek national holidays

3. Eligibility for free admission extends to various groups. 
   
   These include children under five years old, European citizens under 25, educational groups, licensed tour guides, and visitors with disabilities of 67% or above, along with one escort.
   
   Be sure to bring valid identification or documentation to confirm eligibility and enjoy the wonders of the Acropolis without any admission fees.

Why Visit Acropolis of Athens

An Acropolis refers to any complex built on a high hill. The Acropolis of Athens was built 2500 years ago by the Mycenaean Civilization. 

It rises 490 feet (150 m) above the surrounding area, today’s Athens, has a surface area of approximately seven acres and so was a natural choice for building the fort. The fortress and palace became the central point of power for the Mycenaeans.

The Acropolis of Athens is an awe-inspiring fortress boasting the remarkable Temple of Athena Nike, the Parthenon, dedicated to the city’s namesake, Athena and many more legendary structures.

Rich in history, it witnessed the Persian invasion and subsequent rebuilding.

Today, the Acropolis attracts thousands of visitors and features on the bucket list of most travelers worldwide. 

Visiting the monument presents an opportunity to explore the past and see the sheer human ingenuity involved in constructing this iconic structure.

To truly immerse in its grandeur, visit the Acropolis Museum on a guided tour.

What to See Inside the Acropolis of Athens?

The Acropolis of Athens is perched on a hilltop and requires visitors to climb a steep incline. But the climb is well worth the visit where you will see –

These fascinating landmarks and archaeological sites within the Acropolis complex offer a rich overview of history, art, and mythology, providing visitors with a deep understanding of ancient Greece and its culture.

Pro Tip – Travelers prefer taking a tour of the museum before visiting the Acropolis as this provides valuable information and helps them better understand the Acropolis’s structures.

Acropolis of Athens Timings

The Acropolis operates under seasonal timings, accommodating daylight changes and visitor comfort.

• Summer Season (April to October): Opens at 8 am, closing at 7.30 pm, offering extended hours for exploration.

• Winter Season (November to March): Opens at 8 am and closes at 5 pm due to shorter daylight.

Remember, the last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Additionally, from September to October, closing times gradually reduce every two weeks. 

While the Acropolis is generally open year-round, it closes on specific days such as New Year’s Day, Greek Independence Day, May Day, Easter Sunday, and Christmas.

Discover the Acropolis of Athens opening hours for a comprehensive understanding of its detailed timings, reduced working hours and free entry days.

How Long Does it Take to Visit Acropolis

The ideal duration for exploring the Acropolis depends on your pace and interests. 

Leisurely exploration typically takes between 1.5 to 2 hours. 

If you are a history buff, you might dedicate 3 or more hours absorbing the rich history and architectural marvels at the Acropolis.

Best Time to Visit Acropolis

The ideal time to visit the Acropolis is early mornings as soon as it opens at 8 am.

All travelers to the Acropolis have consistently mentioned in their reviews that it’s best to be there at 8 am as soon as it opens for a peaceful visit.

Acropolis receives many visitors from cruise ships that dock at Athens for a day. Hence, avoiding the 10 am to 3 pm hours is best.

Pro Tip – Check out the cruise ship time table to plan a smooth trip!

Planning a visit in the early evening around 4 pm from April to October and 3 pm from November to March, provides a quieter experience as crowds tend to thin out. 

However, it’s crucial to note the last entry times to ensure access. 

Considering these factors, visitors can plan their visit to the Acropolis to maximize enjoyment and minimize discomfort.

How to Reach Acropolis

It is easy to reach the Acropolis with various options to suit your travel preferences and budget. 

Here’s a quick overview –

• Metro – Take the red line (M2) and get off at the “Akropolis” station. It’s just a short two-minute walk from the southeast entrance of the Acropolis.

• Bus – Bus numbers 230, 035, 040, 550, and A2 will bring you close to the landmark.
  
  The closest bus stop is “Akropolis,” only a 3-minute walk from the main entrance.
  
  
• Trolleybus – Lines 1, 5, and 15 reach the vicinity of the Acropolis. Get off at either “Makrygiannē” or “Gargaretta” stops, then it’s an easy 8 to 10-minute walk to the entrance.

• Tram – Take the T6 tram line and alight at the “Leoforos Vouliagmenis” stop. It’s a 7-minute walk from the southeast entrance of the Acropolis.

• Taxi – Taxis offer a comfortable option, especially with luggage. While they can’t drop you right at the door (due to pedestrian zones), they’ll get you very close.

• Car – Driving to the Acropolis from Syntagma Square takes about 10 minutes. 
  
  Head southeast on Leof. Vasilisis Amalias, pass landmarks like Hadrian’s Arch, then follow specific streets to reach the main entrance.
  
  Parking at the Acropolis during peak hours is difficult. Check out information on parking in our detailed article.
  
  
• Walking – To reach the southeast entrance, head southeast on Leof. Vasilissis Amalias from Syntagma Square, approximately a 25-minute walk. 
  
  Alternatively, enjoy scenic views by walking through Plaka via Pl. Sintagmatos/EO91. It takes around 25 minutes to reach the main entrance.

FAQ’s