Without a doubt, the Acropolis of Athens is the main attraction for tourists visiting the Greek capital, as thousands flock to this ancient site every year to take a step back in time. If you’re visiting Athens, a stop at the Acropolis should definitely be on your must-do list! Here are some tips for making your trip to the Acropolis something you’ll never forget.
1. Arrive early (or late)!
Considering that the Acropolis of Athens is the most-visited attraction in Greece, it goes without saying that it can get quite crowded rather fast. It’s best to get there as soon as the gates open in the morning so that you can beat the crowds and explore the Acropolis at your own pace. It’s also advisable to visit early in the day in the warmer months to avoid the intense heat and midday sun. Alternatively, you could also visit the Acropolis towards the end of the day, after the crowds have left. There’s no better place to watch the sunset over Athens!
Opening hours:
April-August 08:00-20:00
September 1-15 08:00-19:30
September 16-30 08:00-19:00,
October 1-15 08:00-18:30
October 16-31 08:00-18:00,
November-March. 08:00-15:30
Closed on January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26.
2. Get your tickets
Tickets for the Acropolis cannot be purchased online and are only sold at the ticket offices on site. You can buy tickets at the two gates into the Acropolis, and be aware that there are separate lines for paying by cash or by card. A general ticket costs 20€, but there are 10€ tickets available for Greek citizens, seniors, and students. Free admission is granted to various people meeting the requirements, of which more information can be found here.
A basic ticket gets you access to the North and South Slopes and is good for one day. If you want more time to explore, you can buy the special ticket for 30€ and is valid for 5 days. With this ticket you can enter the Acropolis, Ancient Agora of Athens, Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, Hadrian’s Library, Kerameikos, Museum of the Ancient Agora, North slope of the Acropolis, Olympieio, Roman Agora of Athens, and South Slope of Acropolis.
3. Go prepared
Since the Acropolis of Athens spans several monuments, it’s easy to spend hours or even a couple of days seeing everything that there is to see. That said, it’s best to properly prepare for a day of sightseeing and exploring:
- Make sure that you bring sunscreen and anything else you might need to protect yourself from the sun and heat, as it can be hard to find shade.
- Bring plenty of water, especially in the warmer months to stay hydrated and cool.
- Put some snacks in your bag to keep you going throughout the day, even more so if you plan on visiting for longer periods.
- Lastly, make sure that you wear comfortable shoes that are suitable for walking and a bit of climbing.
4. Visit the Acropolis museum
To see even more artefacts and ancient pieces, in addition to learning the history behind the Acropolis, you should visit the Acropolis Museum. Here you will learn a bit about the Parthenon, as well as see relics from the Parthenon up close, such as sculptures and art pieces. The museum is housed in a modern video that integrates videos and digital media into their exhibits. A ticket is only 5€, with select discounts available for eligible persons. Not to mention that the museum offers a nice, cool sanctuary on a hot day, as the building is equipped with A/C!
Address: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15
Opening hours:
Summer season hours (1 April – 31 October)
Monday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (last admission: 3:30 p.m.)
Tuesday – Sunday 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
Friday 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (last admission: 9:30 p.m.)
Winter season hours (1 November – 31 March)
Monday – Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission: 4:30 p.m.)
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (last admission: 9:30 p.m.)
Saturday – Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
5. Take the time to enjoy yourself
The Acropolis is huge so you need time to really enjoy it and see the sights. Don’t rush through it just to get through it and say that you saw it. If you’re going to the Acropolis of Athens, give yourself time to marvel at the architecture and be in awe of the ancient wonders. Take the time to gaze at the Parthenon, explore the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and climb the monument of Agrippa. The Acropolis truly is the gem of Athens, so make sure you really make the most of your experience!
See more: How to Experience Athens in 48 Hours
Where to Find the Tastiest and Best Gyros in Athens
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The Top 4 Ancient Ruins in Athens You Can’t Miss
The ancient world of Athens is waiting for you to explore it, so come stay with us at Olala Homes! Our stylish and comfortable apartments serve as the perfect base for all of your adventures in Athens!
