seekholidays.co.uk See deals
Landmark · Greece

Acropolis Tickets & Guide 2026 | Parthenon, Athens

The Acropolis hill with the Parthenon on top, seen across olive trees from Philopappos Hill
Photo: A.Savin, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

By Emma · Updated · 2 min read

TL;DR
  • Book a timed slot online, especially from April to October
  • Go at opening time or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds
  • Wear shoes with grip, as the marble is slippery
  • Add the Acropolis Museum, at the foot of the hill
Type
Landmark
Where
Greece
Time needed
2-3 hours (half a day with the museum)
Admission
about €30 (2026) with timed entry, book ahead

The Acropolis of Athens is a limestone outcrop rising about 150m above the city, crowned with temples built mainly in the 5th century BC under the statesman Pericles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is the symbol of classical Greece and the first stop for most visitors to Athens on a trip to Greece.

What you'll see

  • The Propylaea, the monumental gateway you climb through to reach the summit.
  • The Parthenon, the great Doric temple to Athena, completed in 432 BC. Restoration work is ongoing, so expect some cranes and scaffolding.
  • The Erechtheion, famous for its porch of six Caryatids. The ones you see are copies; five originals are in the Acropolis Museum and one is in the British Museum.
  • The Temple of Athena Nike, a small, elegant Ionic temple on the edge of the rock.
  • The Theatre of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the southern slope.

From the top, the views stretch across Athens to Lycabettus Hill and the sea at Piraeus.

Practical information

  • Tickets: about €30 for adults in 2026, with timed entry slots that limit numbers. Buy on the official Hellenic Heritage ticketing site and check current prices before you go. Reduced or free entry applies to some groups, including under-25s from the EU.
  • Getting there: Akropoli metro station (red line 2) is a few minutes' walk from the main entrance. The south-eastern entrance near the Theatre of Dionysus is often quieter.
  • Best time to go: at opening time or in the last couple of hours before closing. From June to August there is almost no shade and the site can close temporarily during heatwaves.
  • Access: there is a lift for visitors with reduced mobility; check availability ahead.

Visit the Acropolis Museum separately (it has its own ticket). The top floor displays the Parthenon frieze in its original layout, with glass walls looking straight up at the temple.

For more Greek trips, see our guides to Crete, where you'll find the Minoan palace of Knossos, and Santorini.

Where is Acropolis?

Open in OpenStreetMap · 37.97167, 23.72611

Frequently asked questions

How long do you need at the Acropolis?

Two to three hours covers the summit and slopes at a relaxed pace. Add two hours for the Acropolis Museum.

Do I need to book Acropolis tickets in advance?

It is strongly recommended. Timed slots can sell out in peak season, and booking online saves queuing at the ticket office.

What should I wear?

Comfortable shoes with good grip, a hat and sunscreen. Bring water; there is little shade on the hill.

Written by

Emma City breaks & deals editor

Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.

More from Emma

Opening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.