Everyone’s top destination in Athens is the world-famous Acropolis—the gorgeous set of ancient temples and monuments perched atop a fortified hill that gazes over all of Athens. Holding court over the center of Athens, visiting the Acropolis offers a captivating glimpse into the ancient world of Greek history and architecture.
But how do you make sure you get the most of your Acropolis visit? Well, we’ve gathered some information and compiled a list of visiting the Acropolis tips that will ensure that you fully enjoy every bit of this amazing site.
Secure your tickets in advance
One of our top visiting the Acropolis tips is to purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid long lines at the ticket booths. That way when you reach the site, you can breeze right past all the people waiting. The tickets have time slots for when you must enter, but do not have any limit on how long you may stay at the site. Mobile tickets are now available, so you don’t even have to worry about printing anything.
Time your visit wisely
The best way to make the most of out of a visit to the Acropolis is to avoid the crowds and the blazing heat. So our most important tip is to get there as early as possible. The site opens at 8:00am, so we suggest getting tickets for the first visitor slot, and being ready and in line at 8:00am.
Conversely, we’ve also had success with arriving in the late afternoon after most of the crowds have dispersed, around 4:00pm in the summertime. Just keep in mind that the last admission to the site is at 7:30 pm in the summer, and 4:30pm in the winter.
Enter via the south entrance
Shhh! Perhaps one of our best visiting the Acropolis tips is to take advantage of the secret side entrance. The main entrance is on the west slope of the rock beside the parking lot and tends to be more crowded, especially with tour groups.
We recommend entering via the lesser-trafficked south entrance (also known as the Dionysus Theater entrance), at the intersection of Thrasyllou street and the pedestrian street Dionysiou Areoparitou. There will be less crowding no matter what time of day you arrive. This entrance is right near the Acropolis metro station and the Acropolis museum and is easy to reach, it just involves a bit more of a walk inside the site to the actual rock of the Acropolis itself.
Wear comfortable clothing
Athens can be extremely hot, especially in the summer and there is absolutely no shade on top of the rock. Additionally, the paving is uneven and slippery so make sure to wear shoes with a good grip.
Packing list for visiting the Acropolis
- Light, breathable clothing
- A good sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Large water bottle
Accessibility in the Acropolis
The Acropolis involves some uneven terrain and many, many stairs. But there are some accessibility options.
There is an outdoor elevator available for people with reduced mobility, or for parents caring for two or more children individually. This elevator goes from the base of the site, up to the top. The path to this elevator is wheelchair-accessible, but does wind around the base of the hill for quite a while, making it not as accessible for those using crutches, canes, or other assistive devices without wheels.
Once you’re up to the top, the rock of the Acropolis itself has some paved pathways, but is not very accessible to those with reduced mobility.
Baby strollers may not be taken inside the Acropolis archaeological site, but can be held at the main entrance while you explore the site.
Learn from an expert
The Acropolis is not just the miracle of architecture that is the Parthenon, it is a massive archaeological site with dozens of structures and hundreds of years of history, built all on top of each other. There are some very good placards on site explaining the significance of the different temples and buildings, and detailing some of the excavation and restoration practices.
But there is simply too much to know about the Acropolis to take in from a casual visit, and an uninformed visitor can easily miss the significance of much of the site. Before you go, we highly recommend that you do a little research and plan out just what you want to see during your visit to the Acropolis.
Top sites to visit inside the Acropolis
- The Parthenon
- Erechtheion
- Temple of Athena Nike
- Propylaea
- Porch Of The Maidens
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus
We recommend getting an Acropolis guide book to make the most out of your day.
Visit the Acropolis Museum
The Acropolis Museum is just beside the archaeological site and provides additional context to the artifacts and history of the Acropolis. If you want to make the most of your day, we recommend visiting the Acropolis early in the morning, making a quick stop for lunch, then heading to the museum to get a full picture of the history and importance of this unique site.
Double check the opening hours
This is also one of our most important visiting the Acropolis tips: check the calendar before you go. Occasionally, the Acropolis hosts special events or is closed for maintenance. Additionally, the opening hours change in the winter as the sun sets earlier and earlier. Even if you don’t buy your tickets ahead of time, make sure you check for any updates or events happening during your planned visit.
Visit the Acropolis on a day with free entry
If you’re traveling on a budget, there are a few days a year where entrance to the Acropolis is free for all visitors. These days tend to be very crowded, but can be a great opportunity for travelers looking to pinch a few pennies.
Usually the Acropolis has free entry on:
- 6 March (Melina Mercouri Day)
- 18 April
- 18 May
- The last weekend of September
- 28 October
- The first Sunday of every month from November through March
A visit to the Acropolis is guaranteed to be a mesmerizing encounter with one of the wonders of the ancient world. That’s why it’s important to make sure you make the most of your visit with these tips.