Acropolis

Acropolis showing a small town or village, mountains and heritage elements
Acropolis showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and night scenes
Acropolis showing heritage architecture, heritage elements and a ruin
Acropolis featuring heritage elements, a ruin and a temple or place of worship
Acropolis


The crowning glory of Athens is one of the surviving masterpieces of Greece’s Golden Age.

The Acropolis dominates the modern skyline of Athens, reminding visitors of the city’s ancient past at every turn. Its architectural masterpieces date from the 5th century BC, crowned by the elegant columns of the Temple of Athena Nike and the world-famous Parthenon.

No visit to Athens is complete without climbing to the top of the “sacred rock”, especially since the opening in 2009 of the new Acropolis Museum, which has brought a new focus to the site. The award-winning museum houses around 4,000 priceless artifacts found on its slopes and dating from the Bronze Age to the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The building itself straddles an important archaeological site, which can be viewed through transparent floor-to-ceiling windows.

The climb to the top of the Acropolis is fairly steep and sensible shoes are recommended, as well as sun protection and a bottle of water. However the view from the summit is well worth the effort. Absorb the atmosphere of an ancient civilisation as you wander among the soaring columns of its sacred temples and theatres and admire the statues of gods and goddesses, kings and mythical beasts.

The original entrance, the Propylaea, was closely guarded to prevent unwelcome visitors from gaining access to the inner sanctuary, and the monumental proportions of this ancient gateway are still daunting even today. From here you are free to explore at will, but be sure to leave time for the most important buildings – the Temple of Athena Nike and the Parthenon, which have been the focus of an ambitious restoration project using the latest technology and employing original techniques and materials to reverse the effects of time and poorly executed past restorations.

Refreshments are available on site, or bring your own and enjoy the views from one of the park benches surrounding the main site. The admission fee covers all the buildings and guided tours are available for an extra charge. Avoid the crowds and the hottest part of the day by arriving early.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Holiday & seasonal tours

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Reviews of Acropolis

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
234
5 - Excellent 75%
4 - Good
67
4 - Good 21%
3 - Okay
11
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Wear shoes with a good grip

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

A combined ticket costing E30 gives access to the Acropolis and 6 other historic sites - good value.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Go early in the day to beat the crowds. Also check website, as some days it is free to enter. We didn't know this, but lucky for us when we visited it was free to enter. Take water and wear sensible flat shoes.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

MArble is very slippery so wear sensible shoes! I landed on my jacksie!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

€20 to go to the top, but you can get a nice view walking around..its not as high as you think!

Popular places to visit


Top Acropolis Hotel Deals

Grand Hyatt Athens

Grand Hyatt Athens

5 out of 5
115, Syngrou Avenue, Athens, Attica
Grand Hyatt Athens
The Stanley

The Stanley

4 out of 5
1 Odisseos Str., Athens, Attiki
The Stanley
Divani Palace Acropolis

Divani Palace Acropolis

5 out of 5
19 25 Parthenonos St, Athens, Attiki
Divani Palace Acropolis
Electra Metropolis Athens

Electra Metropolis Athens

5 out of 5
15 Mitropoleos Street, Athens, Attiki
Electra Metropolis Athens
Royal Olympic Hotel

Royal Olympic Hotel

5 out of 5
28-34 Athanasiou Diakou Str, Athens, Attiki
Royal Olympic Hotel
Athens Studios

Athens Studios

3A Veikou St, Makrigyianni, Athens, Attiki
Athens Studios
Nur Edge Aparthotel - Acropolis Skyline

Nur Edge Aparthotel - Acropolis Skyline

23-25 Ermou, Athens
Nur Edge Aparthotel - Acropolis Skyline
Ermou 26 Hotel

Ermou 26 Hotel

26 Ermou, Athens
Ermou 26 Hotel
Apollo Palm Hotel

Apollo Palm Hotel

3 Kranaou, Athens
Apollo Palm Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Acropolis

Exploring the Acropolis offers a wealth of activities, including vibrant shopping experiences, guided tours, and scenic walking routes. A notable highlight is the 'Athens by Foot' initiative, which invites visitors to discover the city's rich history and culture on foot, providing an immersive way to appreciate the ancient site and its surroundings.

Shopping

Monastiraki Flea Market, a vibrant public market just 644m from the Acropolis, offers an eclectic mix of treasures. Nearby, Kolokotroni, located 805m away, provides a family-friendly shopping atmosphere. Little Kook, also 644m from the Acropolis, is perfect for unique gifts and has a whimsical charm.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant sports atmosphere at Spyros Louis Olympic Stadium, located 8.0km from Acropolis. For relaxation, indulge in soothing treatments at the Turkish Baths, just 322m away. Enjoy cultural entertainment at the Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music, situated 1.1km from the Acropolis.

Adventure

At Pedion Areos Park, located 3.2km from Acropolis, enjoy outdoor activities amidst lush greenery. For thrill-seekers, SUP Alimos, situated 8.0km away, offers exciting underwater sports. Meanwhile, onAqua Sports Park, 14.5km from the Acropolis, promises a fun-filled day with water attractions for the whole family.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife at the Theatre of Dionysus, just 161m from the Acropolis, where culture and romance intertwine. For a unique evening, visit the National Observatory of Athens, 805m away, offering captivating entertainment under the stars.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Acropolis

Acropolis, Athens, offers a wealth of cultural experiences for every type of traveller. Explore iconic sites such as the Acropolis itself, the Acropolis Museum, and charming piazzas, alongside historic churches. Whether you're seeking family-friendly activities or a deeper cultural immersion, the area surrounding the Acropolis caters to all interests, ensuring a memorable visit in this ancient city.

  • Syntagma Square: This vibrant piazza is the heart of Athens, offering a blend of culture and city vibes. The square is a great spot for people-watching and is surrounded by charming cafes and historical buildings, making it a perfect place to relax after exploring the Acropolis.
  • Acropolis Museum: Just a short walk from the Acropolis, this modern museum showcases artefacts from the ancient site. With its stunning architecture and rich displays, it provides an immersive experience into the history and culture of ancient Greece.
  • Ermou Street: A bustling shopping street, Ermou Street is lined with popular boutiques and international brands. Its lively atmosphere makes it a great place to experience the city's vibrant urban life while indulging in some retail therapy.

Best time to go to Acropolis

The best time to visit Acropolis is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January49.1°F (9.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
March54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April60.3°F (15.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May69.3°F (20.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June77.4°F (25.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly High
July82.8°F (28.2°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August82.2°F (27.9°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighAverage
September75.6°F (24.2°C)No RainSunnyModerately HighSlightly High
October66.7°F (19.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November59.7°F (15.4°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Acropolis

To save money on your visit to the Acropolis, consider travelling during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance typically yields the best rates, particularly on Tuesdays. Use Expedia's search tools to filter by budget and preferences, and look for last-minute deals or package options that combine flights and activities. Public transport is budget-friendly, and many attractions offer free entry on certain days, which can further enhance your savings while exploring Athens.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Acropolis are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Acropolis about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Acropolis is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Acropolis is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type—by selecting the Eco-certified filter, for instance, you’ll be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save some money by combining your hotel reservation near the Acropolis with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.