Acropolis Tours

Pick your favorite Acropolis tour

Acropolis Skip-the-Line Entry and Guided Tour

4.8

80+ reviews

Enjoy skip-the-line entrance to the Acropolis with the company of a knowledgeable English-speaking guide. Join this 1.5 hour tour to explore the rich history and secrets of the Acropolis and its ruins, including the Parthenon, the Dionysus Theater and Sanctuary, and many more.

Includes

  • Skip-the-line access
  • English-speaking live guide

Best price:

€49

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Acropolis & Plaka Guided Walking Tour

4.4

180+ reviews

Get an early start in Athens and beat the crowds to explore the majestic Acropolis and all of its secrets. After taking in the amazing view, your multilingual guide will take you for a stroll down the hill to the picturesque neighborhood of Plaka. With its cobblestone streets, tiny shops and cafés, there is much to see and do on this 3.5 hour tour.

Includes

  • Skip-the-line access
  • English or Spanish-speaking live guide
  • Free cancelation
  • Wireless audio guide system

Best price:

€38

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Athens Walking Tour plus the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

5

300+ reviews

Bypass the queues for the iconic Acropolis, learn about the archeological site’s mysteries at the Acropolis and spend a day discovering the city of Athens on foot. On this 5.5 hour tour in the Greek capital, you will immerse yourself in Greek history and leave no stone unturned with the assistance of a seasoned, English-speaking guide.

Includes

  • Skip-the-line access (entrance fees are not included)
  • English-speaking live guide
  • Walking tour of Athens city
  • Free cancelation

Best price:

€67

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Athens & Acropolis Highlights Private Tour

5

15+ reviews

Experience the ancient ruins of Athens like never before with a 4-hour private tour. You will be treated to a tour of popular attractions such as the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the Old Olympic Stadium, Hellenic Parliament, and many more. With the help of a knowledgeable driver, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the history and significance of each building, dating back over 2,000 years. For an even more immersive experience, a licensed tour guide is also available upon request.

Includes

  • Skip-the-line access
  • Pick up & drop-off from your hotel
  • Private transportation to each attraction
  • Knowledgeable driver/guide
  • Bottled water
  • Wheelchair-friendly
  • Free cancellation

Best price:

€135

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Acropolis Tickets with Audio Guide plus optional attractions

4

800+ reviews

Seize the day in Athens and set your own itinerary with a self-guided audio tour of the Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus and many more. Pick the museums and sites that interest you and take advantage of skip-the-line access to make the most of your time. 

Includes

  • Skip-the-line access
  • Audio guide available in English, Greek, German, French, Spanish, Italian
  • Optional entry plus audio guide to the Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, Roman Forum, Kerameikos, Temple of Zeus, or the National Archaeological Museum

Best price:

€22

Check availability

Acropolis tours explained

Guided Tours

To make the most of your day on the Acropolis in Athens, without worrying about tickets or where to go next, you can book a guided tour of the archeological site. With the help of your professional tour guide, you will gain a deeper understanding of the monuments, while learning fascinating stories and information about the Acropolis. A number of guided tours explore additional sites around the city, offering an even more comprehensive view of Athens. There is also the option of a self-guided tour, so you can explore the Acropolis and take everything in at your own pace.

Private tours

Spend the day in Athens uncovering the secrets of the ancient Acropolis with a private tour. Personalized and catered to your needs, a private tour offers a unique and intimate experience of one of the world's most famous ancient sites. Enjoy the undivided attention of a knowledgeable guide and skip the crowds for an unforgettable experience. Perfect for families, couples, or small groups.

Combo tours

Experience Athens and the Acropolis like never before with a combo tour. On these convenient excursions you will get to visit the iconic Parthenon, Acropolis Museum, Ancient Agora, National Museum and more. Many tours can also be customized to your interests, for an even greater time in the Greek capital. Enjoy air-conditioned transportation between sights, or go on a walking tour of the city with an expert guide by your side to bring history to life.

Shore Excursions

Discover the best of Athens on a luxurious shore excursion starting at Piraeus Port. As a popular stop on passenger cruises, Athens offers a variety of options to choose from. These excursions are designed to give you an all-embracing and unique experience of the city and its history. Enjoy comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, skip-the-line entrance at all the major attractions, and gain insight with an experienced guide by your side.

Plan your visit

Opening hours

The Athens Acropolis opening hours are seasonal.

Summer* (April to Oct.): 8 AM to 7:30 PM

Winter (Nov. to Mar.): 8 AM to 5 PM

The last entrance to the Acropolis is half an hour before closing time.

*From the 1st of September until the 30th of October, the Acropolis opening times decrease by 30 minutes every 15 days, due to a gradual reduction in daylight hours.

Visit duration

The average visit lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours.

Location

The Acropolis is located at Athens 105 58, Greece.

Google Map Directions

Entrance

There are two entrances to the Acropolis. The main entrance is located on the western side of the Acropolis on Theorias Street, while the side entrance is on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street.

The Acropolis main entrance is a 10-minute walk from Monastriraki Square near Plaka and along the way you will go by Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora. This entrance gets very busy, especially during the summer.

The Acropolis side entrance is a 2-minute walk from the Acropolis Metro Station and near the Acropolis Museum. As it is dedicated to small group tours and skip-the-line ticket holders, this entrance tends to be quieter.

Food

Visitors are only allowed to take water with them in the archeological site, no other drink or food is permitted. Bottled water can be purchased from kiosks near the Acropolis entrance, while on-site there are water fountains.

Before or after your visit to the Acropolis, you can head down the hill towards Plaka, Monastiraki and Anafiotika, where there are many quaint cafés and traditional tavernas to savor the local cuisine.

Services

Near the entrance to the Acropolis, there is a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs and memorabilia of your visit. Additionally, there are facilities available to store large bags and items, such as suitcases and strollers, which are not allowed on-site.

Restrooms can be found outside near the Acropolis entrance, while inside they are located at the Old Acropolis Museum.

There are many things to do in Athens and if you're visiting the Acropolis, there are a few sights you shouldn't miss.

Near the Acropolis you will find the New Acropolis Museum, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, the Theater of Dionysus, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Kerameikos Archeological Site.

Within walking distance of the Acropolis hill you can also visit the National Observatory; Filopappou Hill, where Socrates is believed to have been imprisoned; the Kallimarmaro Panathenaic Stadium, where the first modern Olympic Games were held and the Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary.

You can also head to the Thision Open Air Cinema, which operates during summer months, the Monastiraki Flea Market and Ermou Street shopping district, as well as well as the popular Plaka and Koukaki neighborhoods for food and drink.

FAQs and tips

In what languages are guided tours offered?
When do tours take place?
Is it possible to book a guided tour online?
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Are there any Acropolis wheelchair-friendly tours?

About

Few historic sites in the world have gained as much scientific attention as the Acropolis in Athens, Greece. History suggests that it has been inhabited since prehistoric times, where it served as a citadel, a point of worship, and even a royal residence and administrative building. Despite facing a bombing, destructive earthquakes, and petty vandalism, the has withstood the test of time to narrate many a fascinating tale.

Highlights

Parthenon

The Parthenon, located on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, is a temple dedicated to the goddess Athena, the patron of the city. It was designed by the architects Iktinos and Callicrates, with sculptures by the famous Phidias. According to ancient historians, inside the temple there once was a beautiful golden and ivory sculpture of the goddess, known as the Parthenos Athena (or the Virgin Athena). Although the fate of the original statue has been lost in the mists of time, several copies have been made.

The Parthenon, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the greatest examples of ancient Greek architecture and one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations. If you want to learn more about the Parthenon and the Acropolis, be sure to check out our blog post which provides in-depth information and interesting facts about these ancient treasures.

Must see

Acropolis museum

The Acropolis Museum, located opposite of the Acropolis in the heart of Athens, is dedicated to showcasing the rich archaeological findings from the famous citadel. The museum which opened in 2009, is home to over 4000 artifacts that were found on the rock and surrounding slopes of the Acropolis, and contains relics from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece.

Visitors can expect to see a wide range of exhibits including statues, pottery, jewelry, and architectural elements. The museum also features an interactive digital guide and a rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the Acropolis. A visit to the Acropolis museum is essential for anyone interested in ancient Greek culture and history.

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Erechtheion

Built between 421-406 BC, the Erechtheion was a sacred temple dedicated to Greek Gods and Goddesses, including Athena. It was named after the mythical king of Athens, Erectheus, and its imposing ionic structure still stands today, sharing the ground with the Old Temple of Athena and Pandroseion.

The highlight of visiting this site is the six Caryatids – female statues that were built as supporting columns to hold up the roof. These statues are considered as one of the greatest masterpieces of ancient Greek sculpture, and are a must-see for visitors to the Acropolis. The temple, known for its architectural beauty, complex history and impressive sculptures, offers visitors a glimpse into the rich culture and history of ancient Greece.

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Temple of Athena Nike & Propylaea

The Propylaea is the first thing you'll see on entering the Acropolis. It was built as the primary gateway into the sanctuary dedicated to Athena, the Propylaea predominantly features six, towering marble and limestone columns.

The Temple of Athena Nike, located right next to the Propylaea, is a classic site of worship built between 426-421 BC in honor of Athena, the protector of the city. The temple, known for its architectural beauty and historical significance, offers visitors a glimpse into the religious practices of ancient Greece.

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Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus, also known as the Herodeion, is a relatively modern structure compared to the other ancient buildings at the Acropolis. Made almost entirely of stone in 161 AD, the 5,000-capacity theater was built by rhetorician and politician Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife.

Following a renovation in 1950, the Odeon is still used as a venue, linking the cultures of ancient and modern Greece. Performances at the Odeon usually take place between May and October as part of the annual Athens Festival. Its impressive structure and historical significance make it a must-see for visitors to the Acropolis.

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