The Acropolis of Athens is one of the Greek capital's top attractions. Nothing beats walking among the remains of the Parthenon and other ancient structures and enjoying the city views from the top of limestone rock it assumes. Since this UNESCO site is so popular among travelers, tourist crowds tend to swell. And with the Acropolis of Athens information by Top Travel and Tours, you'll be able to organize a visit without a hitch.
So read on to learn:
- What opening times and ticket prices are
- How much time to plan for a visit
- When to arrive to avoid long queuing
- And more
Acropolis of Athens Basic Information (Tickets and Times)
| Acropolis of Athens Opening Times | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 April–31 August | 8:00–20:00 | Last admission is 30 minutes before the closure | ||
| 1 September–15 September | 8:00–19:30 | |||
| 16 September–30 September | 8:00–19:00 | |||
| 1 October–15 October | 8:00–18:30 | |||
| 16 October–31 October | 8:00–18:00 | |||
| 1 November–31 March | 8:00–17:00 | |||
| Athens Acropolis Ticket Prices | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | 1 April–31 October | 1 November–31 March | Notes | |||
| Full Price | €20 | €10 | Adults | |||
| Reduced Price | €10 | €5 | Non-EU residents between 6 and 25, seniors (65+) from the EU, EEU and Greece, students | |||
| Free Entry | / | / | Visitors under 25 from the EU, children under 5, people with disabilities | |||
| Free Admission for Everyone | April 18, May 18, European Heritage Days (the last weekend in September), October 28 | March 6, every first Sunday of the month | / | |||
Extra Athens Acropolis Information (Queues, Duration, etc.)
As already mentioned, the Acropolis of Athens is a bustling site. Thus, you may need to practice prudence and be strategic to have a pleasant tour of the Greek capital's top tourist attraction. To that end, refer to the following Acropolis of Athens information and try to act accordingly, when applicable.
How Long May I Stand in Line to Enter the Attraction?
The answer to this question depends on the season and the time of day. While the following points aren't the general rule of thumb, they may give you valuable insights.
- The winter season (November-March) is the "low season" for visiting the Greek capital's Acropolis. Even so, you may need to queue for a few dozen minutes to enter.
- In summer (April-October), lines are typically long, starting from the morning. As a result, you may spend up to a few hours queuing. To minimize waiting, you should arrive early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
- Furthermore, you'll need to purchase a ticket at a kiosk if you don't order it online. In this case, you will wait in two lines - to buy a ticket and at the Acropolis's entrance. Note that an online ticket doesn't necessarily get you by the queue at the entrance.
- To avoid waiting in lines altogether, secure a skip-the-line ticket or join a guided tour.
How Much Time Should I Spend Visiting the Athens’ Acropolis?
| Acropolis of Athens Visiting Times | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tour Type | Duration | Notes | ||
| Quick | 1 to 1:30 hours | These times don't include waiting in lines to gain access. Also, you'll need to walk uphill to reach the top of the rock. Allow between 10 and 20 minutes, in general, depending on your age and stamina. | ||
| Average | 2 to 4 hours | |||
What Are This UNESCO Site’s Highlights?
- Propylaea is a monumental entrance to the archaeological complex, located on the west side. The front row of the gateway consists of the remains of six Doric columns, while remnants of Ionic pillars are behind them.
- Parthenon is a Doric temple and the principal Acropolis's landmark, featuring the peripteral style. Its columns are nearly 11 meters (35 feet) tall, slightly bending toward the center of the building. This ancient place of worship has 17 pillars lengthwise and eight widthwise.
- Erechtheion is an Ionic structure famed for its Caryatides (female statues). However, original figures are on display in the nearby Acropolis Museum and the British Museum in London. Moreover, the stories bring Greek deities Zeus, Athena (after whom the city is named), and Poseidon in relation to the temple.
- Lastly, you can enjoy views of the capital of Greece and its surroundings from the Acropolis of Athens. Among everything else, you will see Dionysus Theater, Ancient Agora, Mount Lycabettus, and the Aegean Sea.
What Are Top Recommendations for Visiting the Site?
- Since the shade is scarce, apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and carry a lot of water, especially during warmer months.
- Also, pay attention to marble stairs, which may be slippery.
- If you decide to buy a ticket on-site, seek out the booth at Dionysus Theater. Lines are shorter there than at the main entrance on the western side of the hill.
Did you find the Acropolis of Athens information useful? Let us know in the comments and drop us a message if there is something else you would like to know.
