Visiting the Acropolis in Athens in 2024.
Is visiting the Acropolis of Athens on your travel bucket list? If not, then it should be!
The Acropolis Age is a fascinating period in ancient history that has captivated historians and archaeologists for centuries. This era is marked by the construction of the Acropolis, a monumental complex of buildings and temples in Athens, Greece.
As one of Europe’s most famous historical landmarks, The Ancient Greek ruins take you on a journey back through time to Ancient Greece. The three thousand year old ruins sit high and mighty on top of the Attica plateau, overlooking the Greek capital.
Without doubt, visiting the Acropolis is a highlight on any visit to Athens and a must on your travel itinerary. During your visit to the number one attraction in Greece, you can expect yourself to fully immerse in the fascinating Greek mythology, whilst admiring the spectacular scenery and awe inspiring ancient architecture.
In this guide, we'll explore the history, culture, and mysteries of the Acropolis Age, and uncover the secrets of this remarkable period in human history, while giving you all the information you need to plan the perfect Athens day trip, including some top tips to save money, skip the lines and avoid the tourist traps.
My visit to the Acropolis in Athens.
What is the Acropolis Age?
The Acropolis Age is a period in ancient Greek history that spans from the 5th century BCE to the 4th century BCE. It is characterized by the construction of the Acropolis, a complex of buildings and temples located on a hill overlooking Athens. The Acropolis was built during this time as a symbol of Athenian power and wealth, and it remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Greece today. The Acropolis Age was also a time of great cultural and artistic achievement, with many of the world's most famous works of art and literature being created during this period.
General information about your visit to the Acropolis in Athens.
Each year around three million global tourists flock to Athens to visit the Acropolis along with the other ancient sights. This means that Greece’s number one day trip can get very busy at peak times. Some general information is listed here to help you plan your day better.
Opening Hours.
The Acropolis’ opening hours vary slightly depending on the season.
Peak season: 1st April - 31st October.
8am - 7pm.
Off season: 1st November - 31st March.
8am - 5pm.
Acropolis 2023 - Costs and tickets.
The cost of entry at the Acropolis differs depending on the season:
Peak season - (1st April - 31st October) - €20.
Off season - (1st November - 31st March) - €10.
You can purchase your Acropolis tickets on the day at the ticket office at the gate. You may face some long queues, especially during peak summer months.
If you would prefer to be organised and plan ahead, you can purchase you tickets online here.
If you are planning on visiting the Acropolis and Acropolis museum, then it is recommended to buy a joint ticket.
Please note - Purchasing your tickets online does not allow you to skip the queue to enter the Acropolis site, unless you buy a ‘skip the line ticket’.
How does free entry sound?
If you are visiting Athens during one of Greece’s designated open days then you are in luck - as it is free entry to all archaeological sites, monuments and museums throughout Greece!
Schedule is as follows:
6th March - Melina Mercouri Remembrance Day.
18th April - International Monuments Day.
18th May - International Museums Day.
The last weekend of September - European Heritage Days.
28th October - Oxi Day.
The first Sunday of each month between 1st November until 31st March.
The different sights.
Which sights are included with your Acropolis ticket?
Your day exploring the mythological masterpieces around the Acropolis include:
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A typical Greek Doric building complex that functioned as the monumental ceremonial gateway to the Acropolis of Athens.
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An Iconic ancient religious temple the Athenians built for the Greek goddess Athena. The Parthenon is a temple and the Acropolis is the hill the Parthenon is located.
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Built into the northern wall of the Acropolis by Themistocles, circa 478 BC. There is still mystery around its nature, name, reconstruction and life duration.
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Famous for its complexity and for the exquisite perfection of its details, the distinctive architecture is one of a kind. Some say that the temple was erected in honour of the legendary king Erechtheus.
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The temple has been around since 420BC and was the earliest fully Ionic temple on the Acropolis. It is positioned on a steep bastion at the south west corner. The temple is a symbol of victory!
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Built on the south slope of the Acropolis hill, the ancient theatre will have hosted a maximum of 25,000 spectators regularly until the conquest of Greece by Sulla and the partial destruction of Athens in 86 BC. It has been decaying ever since.
You are allowed to take photographs for personal use in the majority of places in and around the Acropolis.
Restoration works.
Something to consider when visiting the Acropolis, is the ongoing restoration works. Unfortunately, this means some areas may be closed off and construction cranes may photobomb your pictures.
The works on the Acropolis began in 2017 and has been an ongoing project, with an expected end date being June 2023.
The main objectives of restoring the Unesco world heritage site (since 1987) are:
Stabilising the walls to prevent current or future structural problems.
Fixing rocky slopes throughout the archaeological site.
Providing visitors with some educational materials into the antiquity of the monuments and their construction.
Protecting the ancient sites from climate change damage in the future.
Adding some technological innovations to the Acropolis experience.
Refreshments.
If you walk down to the ancient Agora when you have finished exploring, you will find some nice traditional Greek restaurants. You will also find stalls selling cold drinks and ice creams on the way. The perfect way to cool down after a historic day.
If you are hungry whilst on the archaeological site, you will find a restaurant in the Acropolis museum. This can get busy in peak months but a great way to break your day trip up.
Getting the train from Athens airport.
How to get to the Acropolis in Athens?
As the Acropolis is the number one attraction in Greece, it is very popular with tourists. As well as being the centrepiece of the Greek capital, the ancient monument has its own Metro stop called ‘Acropoli’. This makes the metro a very convenient method of transport.
Metro.
The ‘Acropoli’ station is around a two minute walk from the southeast entrance of the Acropolis.
If you want some exercise in the Greek sun, or want to take a less crowded trip to the Acropolis in peak summer months then another option is the ‘Monastiraki’ station. This is around a fifteen minute walk.
You need to take the blue line ‘M3’.
The ‘Thissio’ station is also around a fifteen minute walk away which is on the green line.
Transport around Athens is very modern, with regular trains on the metro service. If you are on a short layover, or the Acropolis is first on your Athens agenda then it takes around 45 minutes from the airport.
From the airport, take the blue line to ‘Syntagma’ station, before transferring to the red line towards ‘Elliniko’ destination. You will only be on the metro for one stop on the red line. You need to get off at ‘Acropoli’.
Bus.
The closest bus stop to the Acropolis is ‘Akropolē’, which is around a ten minute walk away from the ticket office. You should take bus 230.
The ‘Makriyianni’ bus stop is also close by and is served by many bus routes (24, 40, 126, 134, A2, A3, A4, and 57).
If you are travelling directly from Athens International Airport, then you need to take the ‘X95’ bus to ‘Syntagma’ station. From here you will have around a 15/20 minute walk to the Acropolis.
Car/Taxi.
Taxis are a popular method of reaching the Acropolis and won’t cost much. You can expect it to take around 30 mins from the airport. You can also rent a car at Athens International Airport, if you want to explore more of Athens and its surrounding areas.
You will find some free parking on the street in the Koukaki area.
Always remember to allow some time for delays due to crowds and queues during peak times!
Map showing the Acropolis in relation to Athens International Airport.
From Acropoli metro station, it is a short walk up the hill to the Acropolis entrance.
Walkway to the Acropolis in Athens.
When is the best time to visit the Acropolis in Athens?
As you would expect with any world famous landmark, when you visit, it can be a significant factor on how enjoyable your experience is. The Acropolis is subject to very large crowds and some over-tourism at peak times.
The busiest months are between June - August. You can expect to be queuing for long periods and will struggle to get your postcard snaps!
These are the months (especially on afternoons) when cruise ships are in town, so the famous Greek wonders are swamped with global tourists. Even if you have a skip the line ticket, you can still expect significant waiting times to enter through the Propylaea.
For a more enjoyable day trip to the Acropolis, the best months to visit are between March - May or September - November. There are not as many crowds, and the weather in these months is a lot more manageable, meaning you can take a nice walk around the ancient sites without worrying about burning your skin.
You will also find better deals for accommodation around Athens.
Regardless of which month you choose to visit Greece’s number one tourist spot, the best time to visit is always as early as possible. It is advisable to arrive 15/20 mins before opening time to have a nice serene and peaceful morning delving into Ancient Greece’ past.
If you want the best sunset spot in Athens, then visit around an hour before closing. This gives you the opportunity to watch the sunset, alongside the mighty Acropolis overlooking the capital!
How long do you need at the Acropolis?
There is no such thing as a speedy trip to the Acropolis due to the amount of sights to see, however, if you are in a hurry you can see the most popular sights in around 60-90 mins (including entering time).
History enthusiasts are more likely to want to spend a whole morning or afternoon admiring the vast history and culture on display.
Most tours with a guide will last a couple of hours minimum.
Is the Acropolis Museum worth visiting?
If you want to make the most of your day at the ancient Greek archaeological site, then visiting the Acropolis museum should be a must on your itinerary. You can admire the works of 4250 statues, statuettes & sculptures depicting Ancient Greece, dating back over 2000 years!
The three floored museum is ranked the 11th best museum globally, and each floor offers different tales and artefacts about how the ancient Greeks lived.
Acropolis Museum opening times:
Winter
Monday to Thursday: 9 am - 5 pm
Friday: 9 am - 10 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9 am - 8 pm
Summer
Monday: 8 am - 4 pm
Tuesday - Sunday: 8 am - 8 pm
Friday: 8 am - 10 pm
Tickets cost €13 for a single museum entry, however, a combi ticket will cover you for both the Acropolis site & museum, so this is the best option for tourists who want the full experience.
If you are under 25 or are a student you will get you half price entry into the museum. You will need proof of age/student status.
Modern Acropolis museum nearby Archaeological sights, offering a unique juxtaposition of Modern & Ancient Greece.
A large quantity of the precious artefacts were excavated from around Acropolis and the Parthenon. Some of the notable world famous artefacts are:
Athena Nike Temple. Parapet. South slab. The "Sandalbinder".
On the first floor you will find a slab which is said to have been part of the Temple of Athena Nike back in 1835, when it was found near the temple.
Head of Alexander The Great.
As the original work of Leochares, this classic sculpture was found in 1886 near the Erechtheion on the Acropolis. It is regarded as one of the most impeccable works of art in history.
Relief of the "Pensive Athena".
As an example of the so-called ‘Severe style’, this fascinating sculpture shows Athena wearing a Corinthian-type helmet holding a spear - a symbol of ancient Goddess warriors. The artefact was found in two pieces in 1888.
Once you are finished admiring the ancient artefacts and learning about the fascinating history of ancient Greece, you can dine with a view. The Acropolis Museum restaurant will provide you with the best view in Greece - Unbeatable views of the Acropolis!
Theatre of Dionysus at the Acropolis.
Tips for a more enjoyable day at the Acropolis.
You want to make the most of your day at the Acropolis, so follow these tips to make you day an unforgettable experience:
Don’t use the main entrance.
Visitors can enter the archaeological site through two entrances.
The main entrance can get very busy in peak times, especially when large bus tours arrive, creating very long queues!
The southeast entrance is next to the other ticket office on Dionysiou Areopagitou very close to the Acropolis Museum. Using this entrance will make for a much more efficient entry with shorter lines and less drama!
Wear suitable clothing.
The weather on your trip can be significantly different depending on which month you visit, so it is best to be prepared!
In the peak summer months, you may struggle for some shade so bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses.
If you visit during the winter it can be a very different experience. Perched on top of the hill it can get cold, wet and windy! Some warm clothes and a raincoat might just save your bucket list day trip!
Visit the main Acropolis first.
Everyone wants that perfect postcard snap or Instagram post, so a little hack is to head straight to the top ASAP. This way you will have the Parthenon to yourself for your pics and a bit of peace. You can then check out the other buildings on the way back down.
Be prepared for exercise.
There is no way around the fact that you will be doing some exercise due to the hilly location that the Acropolis sits upon. In peak summer months the temperature can reach mid-high 30°C’s, and there are a large number of steps to ascend.
Bring water with you!
There is a water fountain or two around but with large crowds, you may struggle to get some water often and easily.
Be mindful and respectful.
Remember, the Acropolis is an archaeological site which has been around for thousands of years, so the stones and marbles are under protection, to preserve the future of the ancient site. It is a punishable offence to climb or stand on any of the sites.
Also, make sure you wear appropriate clothing as it is considered a sacred site!
The Acropolis sites are now accessible for visitors using wheelchairs. There are wheelchair friendly elvators and access points throughout.
View of Athens from the Theatre of Dionysus.
The best tours and guides for a day trip to the Acropolis.
The Acropolis is a must visit on any Athens itinerary and is fascinating to explore at your own leisure, however, for travellers that prefer a more rigid trip or want to gain a deeper understanding of the ancient history of Greece, then a guided tour may be your best option!
Here are some of the top tours and most popular Athens day trips:
3-Hour Athens Sightseeing & Acropolis Including Entry Ticket.
An ideal day trip for first time visitors to Athens as you will get to visit the Panathenaic Stadium (first modern Olympics took place here), the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the ancient sights at the Acropolis. This tour includes transport in an air conditioned bus. Book your tickets here.
Acropolis: Guided Walking Tour with Entrance Ticket.
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this tour. Spend an hour and a half with a very knowledgeable guide getting insights into ancient Greece, before having some free time at the end of the tour. This tour also includes a skip the line ticket, very valuable in peak times. Book here.
Athens: Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket.
This tour is a great option for visitors who only have a short time in the Greek capital. This pre-booked combo ticket gives you skip-the-line access to all seven of Athens' top archaeological sites. Book your combo ticket here and go and uncover Greeks ancient past!
Athens Half-Day Private City Tour.
Do you want a more comprehensive experience at one of the world’s greatest archaeological wonders? This tour will give you five hours exploring intriguing Athens. You will also get a hotel pick up and drop off. Grab your spot here.
View of Athens city from the Acropolis.
Where to stay near the Acropolis in Athens?
Arriving early to the Acropolis is a great way to avoid the crowds in peak summer months. Staying nearby the Greek wonder is very advantageous.
Here are a selection of some nearby hotels which are highly rated:
Greek flag at the Acropolis in Athens.
Brief summary of my day trip to the Acropolis in Athens.
I visited the Acropolis during December so I avoided the crowds and tourist traps. This made for a very enjoyable day as the weather was still warm and pleasant. The hot weather is one of the main draws of Greece though, so the majority of visitors will visit between May-September. Depends what type of trip you want?
If you plan ahead and follow the key tips, you are sure to have a great day ticking off your bucket list destination!
Enjoy your historic day trip in Ancient Greece!