At some point, plenty of us have pictured ourselves in the ancient era of the Greeks. Simply walking in their footsteps, wondering how times would have been. Well, now is the time to live the fantasy again, when you’re about to visit the Acropolis! With every step, history comes alive. From the Parthenon to the intricate carvings on the temples, you can experience a world where mythology and reality meet. Every stone has a story to tell, and every pillar echoes the voices of the past. That’s why planning your visit to Acropolis should be more than just checking a destination off your list. Here’s everything you need to know before you visit the Acropolis in Greece!
Before you visit
👍 Who will like the Acropolis the most? Is it accessible to everyone?
- The Acropolis is for everyone! From kids to adults, the grandeur of the monuments is something everyone should explore in Athens. People love watching Greek mythology in movies and it has such an immense impact on the audience through fantasy fiction like Wrath of the Titans & Percy Jackson. This is truly the best opportunity to learn more and explore historical landmarks that are usually limited to motion pictures.
- The Acropolis is also accessible and friendly even for visitors with disabilities, who need wheelchair assistance.
🏛️ Best time to visit
You can visit the Acropolis any time of the year. But the Spring season (March-May) and part of the Autumn season (Sept-Oct) are considered the best times to visit based on the weather being pleasant. Plus, the crowds are manageable too!
⌚ Opening hours
From Jan 1 - March 31:
Wednesday to Monday: 8:30am - 3:30pm
Tuesday: 1pm - 8pm
From April 1 - Oct 31:
Wednesday to Monday: 8am - 8am
Tuesday: 1pm - 8pm
From Nov 1 - Dec 31:
Monday: 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday: 1pm - 8pm
🛈 Tips
- Wear comfortable and breezy clothes, there’s a lot of walking to do.
- You can buy skip-the-line tickets to avoid waiting in queue to enter the Acropolis.
- You can opt for an audio-guided tour or guided tour experience based on your preference. Click here to buy audio-guided tour tickets and guided tour tickets.
- Arriving early by the time the Acropolis opens is the best way to explore the monuments by avoiding large crowds.
- Eating is not allowed within the premises of the Acropolis. But you’re always welcome to have a hearty meal before or after your exploration at nearby cafes and restaurants.
- Visitors are allowed to carry water bottles to stay hydrated. Beverages aren’t allowed to be carried inside to prevent littering.
Tickets
Getting there
🚗 By Car:
The Acropolis is just about 2.8km from Syntagma Square. You can get to Acropolis by car if you take a private taxi, if you’ve booked it for the whole day!
There are a couple of parking facilities nearby in the Koukaki area -
- Metropark Athens - Open on all days of the week from 7:30am to 1:30 am on Monday to Thursday and open 24 hours from Friday to Sunday
- Parking Siggrou 32 - Open on all days till 6pm
🚇 By Metro:
Nearest stop: Acropolis metro station
If you choose to take the metro, hop on the M2 (Red line) from Syntagma Square and get off at the Acropolis metro station which is just a station away! It’s a quick ride and then a 2-minute walk to the monument.
🚌 By Bus:
Nearest stop: Akropolē
The following buses head to the Acropolis, so make sure to look out for these bus numbers: 230, 035, 040, 550, A2.
By taking bus no. 230, you can get off at the Akropole bus stop and walk to the Acropolis, which would take about 3-5 minutes!
But if you’d like to directly get off at the Acropolis - 035, 040, 550, and A2 is your go-to.
🚎 By Trolley Bus:
Nearest stop: Makrygiannē, Gargaretta
The Acropolis is accessible by the Trolley Bus as well. You can take Lines 1,5 & 15 from Syntagma Square and get down at Makrygiannē or Gargaretta. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk!
🚋 By Tram:
Nearest stop: Leoforos Vouliagmenis
Last but not least, reaching the Acropolis by Tram! Take tram line 6 for a 12-minute ride from Syntagma Square to Leoforos Vouliagmenis, followed by a 7-minute walk to the Acropolis.
What to see at Acropolis
Once you arrive at the Acropolis, the Propylaea is the first thing to explore! While it’s a huge entrance to the actual landmark, spend a few minutes exploring the intricate details of this majestic gate.
This small temple situated on the southeast corner at the entrance served as a first line of defence in case of an invasion! Another interesting fact to note is that entrance to this temple was forbidden. Only the high priestess was allowed to enter and carry out rituals to please the Goddess!
The most recognised monument from Greece - Parthenon! The temple was constructed to pay respect to Athena, the goddess of war. While playing a significant role in Greek mythology, the Parthenon can be found in mentions everywhere such as the Trojan War. Furthermore, the temple has also stood the test of time over natural calamities and invasions over centuries.
The Erechtheion is a temple named after the mythical king and hero of the Acropolis - Erechtheion! What makes this temple from the rest is that it houses 4 different shrines under the same roof. The shrine of Athena is located in the upper half and the shrines of Poseidon-Erechtheus, Hephaistos and Boutes are in the lower half.
Amenities and Accessibility
- Restrooms: Restroom facilities are available at the Acropolis.
- Dine: Exploring the Acropolis may take up a few hours. Once you’re done, there are many cafes and restaurants nearby to grab a bite. Here are some of the places you can dine at - Acropolis Museum Cafe and Restaurant, Aspro Alogo (White Horse), Geros Tou Moria restaurant, Electra Roof Garden and Maiandros Restaurant.
- Elevator: Visitors who are wheelchair-bound or have any other physical disabilities can explore the Acropolis too! They can make use of the elevator and get to the top of the Acropolis. It is recommended to inform the authorities in advance.
- Wheelchair accessibility: There are wheelchair-friendly routes at the landmark.
- Golf cart: Anyone with a walking disability can make use of the golf carts to reach the citadel.
- Audio-guided tours:If you’d like to explore the Acropolis on your own without the help of a guide, you can always opt for an audio-guided tour and explore the landmark at your own pace.
- Parking: There are parking facilities available nearby if you’ve hired a private taxi to explore the Acropolis and the rest of Athens.
Nearby Attractions
The Acropolis Museum showcases impressive exhibits like the Parthenon friezes and the Caryatids. The best part: the museum is also home to a glass floor that allows visitors to see the excavation site beneath the building.
The Ancient Agora of Athens is a historical site that was once the heart of the city. It was a gathering place for Athenians for a wide variety of activities, including politics, commerce, and socializing.
The Temple of Olympian Zeus is a breathtaking structure that was once one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Although it's not fully intact, the remaining columns and ruins are still an impressive sight.
The National Archaeological Museum contains exhibits that span from prehistoric times to the late Roman Empire. Visitors can see a wide range of artifacts, such as intricately decorated pottery, stunning sculptures, and even the iconic Mask of Agamemnon.
