Acropolis
The Basics
The Acropolis complex is one of the most visited attractions in Greece, included on most Athens city sightseeing tours and often combined with a visit to the New Acropolis Museum or other Ancient Greece sites, such as Epidaurus, Cape Sounion, and the Temple of Poseidon. The best way to explore the ruins is on a guided city walking tour, taking in highlights such as the iconic Parthenon, Propylaea (Propylaia), the Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion.
Recent reviews from experiences in Athens
Things to Know Before You Go
Choose between a standard entrance ticket and a multi-attraction ticket that includes access to other sites.
Admission lines can take up to two hours in peak summer, so it's best to book ahead.
The Acropolis provides little shade—bring sunscreen, a hat, and plenty of water if visiting in the summer months.
Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.
Most areas of the archaeological site are wheelchair accessible; an elevator is located on the northwest side.
How to Get There
It's impossible to miss the Acropolis of Athens—you can see it from just about anywhere in the city, and the easiest way to get there is on foot. Alternatively, the closest metro stations are Thesion, Monastiraki, and Acropolis. Ticket booths are located at the foot of Acropolis Hill, on both the north and south sides, from where it's a short walk uphill to the archaeological site.
Trip ideas
When to Get There
The Athens Acropolis is open year-round, but it can get extremely busy and hot in the summer months. To avoid the crowds, arrive right before opening or just before close, when most of the day-trippers and cruise passengers are yet to arrive or have already left. Travelers on a budget might prefer to visit in winter—ticket prices can be reduced by up to 50 percent between November and March.
Where to Enjoy the Best Views of the Acropolis
Find a prime view of the Parthenon at the top of Mars Hill; capture the archaeological site in its entirety from Filopappos Hill, located just southwest of the Acropolis; or gaze out over the Acropolis and the surrounding city from Lycabettus Hill, the highest point in Athens. The clifftop ruins are at their most atmospheric at night—choose a rooftop bar or restaurant in central Athens for a great view of the illuminated Acropolis.
- Things to do in Olympia
- Things to do in Santorini
- Things to do in Izmir
- Things to do in Kusadasi
- Things to do in Selçuk
- Things to do in Kos
- Things to do in Bodrum
- Things to do in Marmaris
- Things to do in Ohrid
- Things to do in Rhodes
- Things to do in Sarigerme
- Things to do in Pamukkale
- Things to do in Peloponnese
- Things to do in Cyclades Islands
- Things to do in Aegean Coast
- Monastiraki
- Temple of Hephaestus
- Psiri
- Adrianou Street
- Agora of Athens
- Church of Panagia Kapnikarea
- Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (Mitropoli)
- Erechtheion
- Anafiotika
- Parthenon
- Dora Stratou Greek Dances Theater
- Plaka
- Theatre of Dionysus
- National History Museum (Ethnikó Istorikó Mouseío)
- Kotzia Square (Plateia Kotzia)