Book your tickets for the Athens Acropolis

The Athens Acropolis has been inhabited since at least the 3rd millennium BC. It was in the 5th century BC, under the leadership of Pericles, that the site took on the form we know today. The Parthenon was built between 447 and 432 BC, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess of the city.

The word “acropolis” means “high city” in ancient Greek. Athens has made it the symbol of democracy and Western thought.

Over the centuries, the site passed through Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman occupation. In 1687, an explosion during the Venetian siege severely damaged the Parthenon, which had by then been converted into a powder magazine.

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Acropolis is today the subject of an extensive restoration programme still under way. Visiting the site means crossing 3,000 years of history in a single afternoon.

Tickets for the Athens Acropolis are available year-round, as the site is open almost every day, except on certain public holidays:

• January 1st
• March 25th
• May 1st
• Easter Sunday
• December 25th
• December 26th

Opening Hours:

• January 1 to March 31: 8am to 5pm
• April 1 to August 31: 8am to 8pm
• September 1 to September 15: 8am to 7:30pm
• September 16 to September 30: 8am to 7pm
• October 1 to October 15: 8am to 6:30pm\
• October 16 to October 31: 8am to 5:30pm
• November 1 to December 31: 8am to 5pm

2026 Admission Prices

• Full price: from €30
• Reduced price: €10 (students, seniors based on eligibility criteria)
• Free: under 25 for EU nationals, or under 18 for international visitors from outside the EU

Getting There

The main entrance is on the west side, at the level of the Propylaea. The nearest metro station is Acropoli (Line 2). The site is also accessible on foot from Monastiraki and Plaka in 10 to 15 minutes.

Please Note

The terrain is uneven and can be slippery in wet weather. Wear shoes with non-slip soles. There are no water points on the plateau — bring enough to stay hydrated.

The best time to visit the Acropolis is early in the morning, as soon as it opens at 8am. The light is ideal for photos, the temperature still manageable, and the crowds are thin. In July and August, the plateau is fully exposed to the sun by 10am — the heat can exceed 35°C with no shade.

Recommended duration

Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the archaeological site alone. If you add the Acropolis Museum — highly recommended — plan on a full half-day.

What to bring

• Plenty of water (no refreshment points on the plateau)
• Sunscreen and a hat, essential in summer
• Shoes with non-slip soles

With children

The main path is manageable with a sturdy pushchair. For children aged 6–7 and up, a family guided tour with storytelling makes the experience far more engaging than an independent visit.

The Acropolis is far more than just the Parthenon. Here are the highlights you won’t want to skip during your visit.

The Parthenon

A masterpiece of classical Greek architecture, built between 447 and 432 BC. Look closely at the subtle intentional curves of the columns — an optical tour de force designed to trick the human eye.

The Erechtheion and the Caryatids

This temple featuring six columns shaped as draped female figures is one of the most photographed on the site. The Caryatids visible here are copies — the originals are housed in the Acropolis Museum.

The Panoramic View

From the plateau, the 360° view over Athens, Piraeus, and the Aegean Sea on a clear day is worth the climb all on its own.

The Acropolis Museum

Opened in 2009, it houses the original Parthenon friezes and offers a direct view of the site through its glass walls. An absolute must-visit after exploring the archaeological site.