Here she is, standing proudly at the top of the Sacred Rock… the best known temple of the ancient world, the Parthenon
EXPERIENCE

A tour of the Acropolis in Athens

Arthur Yeti
Take a tour of the Acropolis of Athens and discover why one of the greatest cultural landmarks of world history continues to emit a special energy over the city it has inspired for more than 2,500 years
Thrace region-id="pin-13"; Macedonia Macedonia Epirus Thessaly Sporades Ionian Islands Western Greece Central Greece Attica Peloponnese Crete Cyclades North Aegean Islands Dodecanese Dodecanese Karpathos Astypalea Tilos Sitia Faistos - Matala Patmos Kastelorizo Kasos Kos Leros Halki Rhodes Symi Sfakia - Loutro Rethymno Elounda - Agios Nikolaos Agia Galini Plakias Hersonissos - Malia Ierapetra Heraklion Chania Nisyros Ikaria Lipsi Tzia - Kea Thasos Samos Lesvos Samothrace Limnos Chios Kalymnos Paros Naxos Zante - Zakynthos Lefkada Corfu Santorini Milos Kythnos Kimolos Serifos Syros Sifnos Koufonisia Ios Kefalonia Mykonos Paxi Ithaca Arta Ioannina Tinos Parga - Sivota Metsovo Anafi Sikinos Folegandros Donousa - Iraklia - Schinoussa Antiparos Zagori Mountainous Arkadia Porto Heli - Ermioni Preveza Amorgos Andros Delos Messolongi Ancient Olympia Aegina Kythira Archea Epidavros Patra Nafplio Kardamyli Kalamata Ilia Corinth Western Messinia Kalavryta Elafonissos Nafpaktos Spetses Poros Hydra Alexandroupolis Pylos Mycenae Monemvasia Loutraki Piraeus Athens Arahova Xanthi Galaxidi Mystra - Sparta Mani Edipsos Karpenisi Delphi Chalkida Karystos Evia Skyros Vergina Alonissos Volos Karditsa Skopelos Skiathos Kastoria Thessaloniki Prespes Agios Athanasios Edessa Serres Veria Larissa - Tempi Elati - Pertouli Trikala Pelion Meteora Drama Ammouliani Mount Athos - Ouranopolis Nymfeo Mount Olympos Katerini Halkidiki Grevena Lake Kerkini Naoussa Kozani Kilkis Kavala Pella Lake Plastira
Duration
2 - 4 hrs
Season
All year round

OVERVIEW

A tour of the Acropolis in Athens

Anytime you catch sight of it in Athens, the Acropolis steals every bit of your attention. And for good reason because it continues to bear witness to an ever-changing city that was named after the goddess to whom its most famous temple was dedicated.

What we admire today (together with the artefacts in the neighbouring Acropolis Museum) is the work of the greatest craftsmen and engineers of Classical times. Just look at the detail of the Parthenon (dedicated to the goddess Athena and without doubt the most recognised ancient Greek structure), the Erechtheion with its majestic female Caryatids holding up the porch) and the intricately designed Temple of Athena Nike. All are astonishing. But that’s only the start of what the Acropolis stands ready to reveal. 

A natural hilltop fortress for the city of Athens’ first inhabitants, a place for worshipping the ancient gods, the centrepiece of the glorious 5th century BC reconstruction project of Pericles as Athens enjoyed its Golden Age… whichever era of Athens’ history you focus on, this was the city’s undisputed focal point. Civilisations and conquerors have come and gone, sometimes adding to what Athenians today call the Sacred Rock and sometimes destroying its monuments. And there it still stands, shining as brightly as ever. 

It’s not surprising that the most famous acropolis in Greece has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 and is an enduring symbol of the culture that Greek antiquity gave to the world. But from up close, you’ll also see that it is a masterpiece of architecture and artistry. Are you ready for a closer look?

Read More Read Less

DON'T MISS

Highlights of the Acropolis 

The Beulé Gate

The Roman-era doorway, named after the 19th-century archaeologist who discovered it, is your introduction to the Acropolis. It was a late addition in the history of the Acropolis, originally linked to the Propylaea by a broad marble staircase around the 3rd century AD in an attempt to protect the site.  

The Pedestal of Agrippa

A tall, rectangular marble plinth built in the second century BC just beyond the Beulé Gate. It is named after Marcus Agrippa, son-in-law of Augustus, because a bronze representation of his four-horse chariot was once mounted on the base. 

The Propylaea     

This is where things heat up. The Propylaea is a grand stairway complex (containing five gateways, with Ionian and Doric columns flanking it) that lead up to the Parthenon and other iconic monuments of the Acropolis. 

The Temple of Athena Nike

On your way up Acropolis Hill, take a moment to cherish this temple, one of the best-preserved monuments of Classical times. It stands to the side of the Propylaea and is dedicated to the Goddesses Athena Nike (the personification of victory). Its beauty and grace demonstrate the pinnacle of ancient Greek craftsmanship.   

The Erechtheion

A temple dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon. Built at the same time as the Parthenon, it is perhaps most famous for the Caryatids that held up its porch with their heads. The caryatids you see are exact copies, with the originals safely on display in the Acropolis Museum. 

The Parthenon 

And there she is, standing proudly at the top of the Sacred Rock… the Athenian landmark and best-known temple of the ancient world, built in the middle of the 5th century BC. There are many ways to view the Parthenon: as an architectural wonder, with columns of subtly changing width that don’t just offer strength but also the optical illusion of straightness; as a shrine to the Goddess of Wisdom and Warfare and the Guardian of Athens; and as the place every invader of Athens wanted to claim or destroy. It was the Venetians, in the 17th century, who landed the direct hit that blew up the ammunition cache of the Ottomans, resulting in the damaged ruin of today. Yet still, the Acropolis maintains the dignity and grace of a building that proudly represents the city of Athens and culture to a worldwide audience. 

Old Temple of Athena

South of the Erechtheion, this early 6th-century BC monument was built within the precincts of the Mycenaean royal palace of the 14th century BC.

The Temple of Rome and Augustus 

One of the last ancient additions to the Acropolis Hill (around 1st century BC), this small circular temple (or what remains of it) is thought to have held a statue of Augustus and the deified Rome. 

The Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia

Introduced to the Acropolis in the 6th-century BC, this sanctuary was dedicated to the goddess protecting expectant mothers and women in confinement. 

The Chalkotheke 

Found along the south wall, the Chalkotheke (“bronze store” in Greek) housed metal votive offerings – weapons, statuettes and other objects, dedicated to the Acropolis. 

Read More Read Less

How do I get to the Acropolis from the airport?

  • You can reach the Acropolis by metro taking the blue line to Syntagma station and then the red line (one stop) to Acropolis station.
  • Alternatively, you can go by car or taxi covering a distance of 35 km, in 40 minutes. The taxi ride costs approximately €40 during the day. 

How do I get to the Acropolis from Piraeus port? 

  • You can reach the Acropolis by metro taking the blue line to Syntagma station and then the red line (one stop) to Acropolis station.   
  • Alternatively, you can go by car or taxi covering a distance of 15 km, in 30 minutes. The taxi ride costs approximately €30 during the day. 

When is the best time to visit the Acropolis in Athens?

  • The Acropolis is open all year round (except certain national holidays), so you can visit whether you are passing through Athens during your summer holiday or if you’re on a city break at another time of year.  

Discover Greece tip: 

  • It’s best to avoid the hottest time of day during the summer and there are far fewer people in the quieter months of the year.  
  • If temperatures rise above 40°C (37°C in town) the Acropolis will close.  

 

  • Autumn
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Winter

How long is enough to visit the Acropolis in Greece?

  • A couple of hours are enough to explore the Acropolis Hill but the length of your stay will depend on how much history you want to go into and the amount of time you want to spend appreciating each monument.  
  • Guided tours are typically 2-4 hours.   

How much do Acropolis tickets cost?

  • Tickets are €20 and are reduced (€10) for all visitors from 1 November to 31 March.  
  • Winter and summer opening times vary. 
  • There ae certain free admission days.  

Discover Greece Tip:

  • Guided tours cost more but many allow you to skip the queue.  
  • Book your Acropolis tickets online or along with a half-day or full-day guided tour.  

Skip the line - Book your tickets

What do I need to bring with me when I visit the Acropolis?

  • There is very little shade on the Acropolis Hill so wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen and bring a water bottle. 
  • There are numerous walking tour options for the Acropolis of Athens, or you can book a guide here.
  • There’s a canteen opposite the Acropolis ticket office. 
  • There’s a lift for visitors with disabilities, around 350m from the main entrance, but you are asked to contact officials in advance.

Discover Greece tip:

  • Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip as the marble can be slippery. A lot of people have visited since the 5th century BC. 

More information 

Book your trip

All your holiday planning needs in one place, letting you book direct and benefit from official online rates

beat-the-crowds-acropolis-afternoon-tour-logo
Group

Beat the crowds acropolis afternoon tour

2 hours
  • star-1
  • star-2
  • star-3
  • star-4
  • star-5
80 Reviews
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this reservation up to 72 hours in advance for a full refund
The afternoon hours are perfect to visit the greatest landmark in Athens. As the crowds have thinned and the summer heat has eased, you'll visit...

TRAVEL RESPONSIBLY

Please help us preserve the magic of our heritage for future generations by following all the basic rules of visiting archaeological sites.

Refrain from touching any remains or monuments. The fingers’ natural oils can be extremely damaging to artefacts.
Stay on the marked paths and respect your fellow visitors.
Use the bins provided or, if need be, take your rubbish with you.
If there’s a “No flash photography” sign, please respect it. It’s to protect the monuments.
Use a refillable water bottle to try to minimise your use of plastic.
Smoking is prohibited.
Read More Read Less
YOU NEED TO KNOW ·
Stavros Niarchos Foundation in Athens

A tour of the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center in Athens

A tour of the National Gallery of Athens

A tour of the National Gallery of Athens

Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

A tour of the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture in Athens

National Museum of Contemporary Art

A tour of the National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens

Streets of Plaka, Athens

Feeling the vibes of Athens around the Acropolis

The Herodion (as it’s commonly called) is one of the most striking Athens monuments and one of the world’s oldest functioning theatres

The spectacle of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus in Athens

View of Acropolis and Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The must-see Athens landmarks revealed in a stroll

You can appreciate the museum’s stature even before you enter, with its imposing 19th-century neoclassical facade

Journey through time at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens

A tour of the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

A tour of the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens

The Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki

A tour of the Museum of Byzantine Culture in Thessaloniki

Millos Plaka Village

A tour of the colourful villages of Milos

A tour of the Archaeological Museum of Chania