The Acropolis is Greece’s most visited attraction and one of the most important ancient sites in the world. Every year, millions of visitors climb the sacred rock to see the Parthenon and experience 2,500 years of history.
Here’s everything you need to know about visiting the Acropolis.
Quick Facts#
| Location | Central Athens, visible from everywhere |
| Entry fee | €20 single / €30 combo ticket |
| Hours | 8 AM - 8 PM (summer), reduced in winter |
| Time needed | 2-3 hours |
| Best time | 8 AM opening or late afternoon |
Tickets & Prices (2026)#
Ticket Options#
| Ticket | Price | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Acropolis only | €20 | Acropolis + slopes |
| Combo ticket | €30 | Acropolis + 6 other sites |
| Reduced (EU students, seniors) | €10/€15 | Same access |
| Free entry | €0 | Under 18, specific dates |
The Combo Ticket (Recommended)#
The €30 combo ticket includes:
- Acropolis
- Ancient Agora
- Roman Agora
- Hadrian’s Library
- Temple of Olympian Zeus
- Kerameikos
- Aristotle’s Lyceum
Valid for 5 days. If you plan to visit even 2-3 of these sites, the combo ticket saves money.
Free Entry Days#
- First Sunday of the month (November - March)
- March 6 — In memory of Melina Mercouri
- April 18 — International Monuments Day
- May 18 — International Museum Day
- September 27 — World Tourism Day
- October 28 — Ohi Day
Warning: Free days are extremely crowded. Consider whether the savings are worth the experience.
Where to Buy Tickets#
Online (Recommended)#
- Official site: etickets.tap.gr
- Book in advance to skip ticket lines
- Select your entry time slot
On-Site#
- Ticket booths at entrances
- Can have long lines in peak season
- Cash and cards accepted
Via Tours#
- Most guided tours include tickets
- Skip-the-line access included
Opening Hours#
Summer (April 1 - October 31)#
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
- Last entry: 7:30 PM
Winter (November 1 - March 31)#
- Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- Last entry: 4:30 PM
Closed#
- January 1
- March 25
- May 1
- Easter Sunday
- December 25-26
Best Time to Visit#
By Time of Day#
| Time | Crowds | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM (opening) | Low | Best for photos, cooler |
| 10 AM - 2 PM | Peak | Avoid if possible |
| 2 - 4 PM | High | Hot in summer |
| 4 - 8 PM | Moderate | Beautiful light, sunset |
Our recommendation: Arrive at 8 AM sharp. You’ll have 1-2 hours before crowds build, and summer mornings are cooler.
By Season#
| Season | Weather | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr-May) | Perfect | Moderate |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Hot (35-40°C) | Very high |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | Great | Moderate |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | Cool, some rain | Low |
Best months: April, May, September, October — good weather, manageable crowds.
What You’ll See#
Main Monuments#
Parthenon The iconic temple dedicated to Athena. Built 447-432 BC. The most recognizable ancient structure in the world.
Erechtheion Temple with the famous Caryatid porch — six female figures serving as columns. (The originals are in the Acropolis Museum.)
Propylaea The monumental gateway to the Acropolis. Imposing marble entrance.
Temple of Athena Nike Small but beautiful temple celebrating victory (Nike). Best-preserved of the smaller structures.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus Roman-era theater still used for performances today. Visible from above; enter separately for shows.
Theater of Dionysus Birthplace of Greek drama. Where Sophocles and Euripides premiered their plays.
The Slopes#
Your ticket includes the slopes (hillsides), which have additional ruins and fewer crowds.
How to Visit#
Getting There#
Metro: Akropoli station (Line 2, Red) — 5-minute walk to entrance
Walking: From Monastiraki or Plaka — follow signs uphill
Entrances#
Main entrance (South): Near Akropoli metro, most popular
East entrance: Near Plaka, sometimes shorter lines
Both entrances lead to the same area. Main entrance is more straightforward.
Route Through the Site#
- Enter through Propylaea (main gateway)
- Temple of Athena Nike (to your right)
- Parthenon (straight ahead, center)
- Erechtheion (north side)
- Viewpoints (take your time, look at the city)
- Exit via slopes or retrace your steps
Essential Tips#
What to Bring#
- Water — Essential, limited fountains
- Sun hat — Little shade in summer
- Sunscreen — High SPF
- Comfortable shoes — Uneven marble surfaces
- Camera — Obviously
- Layers — Can be windy at the top
What to Wear#
- Rubber-soled shoes — The marble paths are extremely slippery
- Light, breathable clothing — It’s hot in summer
- Nothing formal — You’ll be climbing
What NOT to Do#
- Don’t touch the monuments — Oils damage ancient stone
- Don’t climb on ruins — Disrespectful and sometimes dangerous
- Don’t use flash photography — In covered areas
- Don’t bring large bags — Security check, lockers available
- Don’t visit midday in summer — Heat stroke risk
Visiting with Limited Mobility#
The Acropolis is challenging for those with mobility limitations — lots of stairs and uneven ground. However:
- Elevator available: An elevator provides access from the base to the main plateau for wheelchair users
- Call ahead: Contact the site to arrange accessible entry
- Note: Even with elevator access, surfaces are uneven
Guided Tours vs. Self-Guided#
Guided Tours#
Pros:
- Expert context and stories
- Skip-the-line access
- Headsets for easy listening
- Questions answered
Cons:
- Fixed schedule
- Group pace
- Higher cost
Recommendation: For first-time visitors, a guided tour adds significant value. The site has minimal signage.
Acropolis Small Group Tour with Skip-the-Line
Maximum 8 people with licensed archaeologist guide. Skip ticket lines, learn the stories behind the stones. 2-hour tour includes entrance ticket.
Self-Guided#
Pros:
- Your own pace
- Cheaper
- More flexibility
Cons:
- Miss historical context
- No one to answer questions
- May feel lost
Tip for self-guided: Download an audio guide app before your visit. The official “Acropolis” app uses GPS to trigger information at each location.
After the Acropolis#
Acropolis Museum#
Walk directly downhill to the world-class museum housing original sculptures. Separate ticket (€15).
Areopagus Hill#
Rocky outcrop just below the Acropolis. Free access, amazing views, perfect for sunset.
Ancient Agora#
Use your combo ticket. 10-minute walk via Thissio.
Plaka#
The neighborhood at the foot of the Acropolis. Lunch, wandering, souvenir shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions#
How much does it cost to visit the Acropolis?#
€20 for Acropolis only, €30 for the combo ticket (includes 6 additional sites). Reduced prices for students and seniors.
How long do you need at the Acropolis?#
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours. Serious history buffs may want longer.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?#
Recommended in peak season (June-September) to skip ticket lines. Not essential in low season.
Is the Acropolis worth it?#
Yes — it’s genuinely extraordinary. One of the most important ancient sites on Earth. Don’t skip it to save €20.
Can I see the Acropolis without paying?#
You can see it from many spots around Athens (Areopagus, Filopappou, rooftops). To enter, you need a ticket or visit on a free day.
Is there shade at the Acropolis?#
Very little. The main plateau is exposed. Bring sun protection.
Can I bring a backpack?#
Small bags are fine. Large backpacks go through security and may need checking (free lockers available).
The Bottom Line#
The Acropolis lives up to its reputation. Even if you’re not a history buff, standing on the same rock where Socrates walked, where democracy was born, and where Western civilization took shape is genuinely moving.
Plan your visit: Arrive at 8 AM, buy the combo ticket, wear good shoes, bring water, and take your time.
Planning more Athens sightseeing? Check out our Acropolis tours guide and 3-day Athens itinerary.
