Acropolis

Acropolis showing landscape views, mountains and forests
Acropolis featuring heritage elements, a ruin and heritage architecture
Acropolis showing a ruin, heritage architecture and heritage elements
Acropolis showing heritage elements, a temple or place of worship and building ruins
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.

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


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Things to do near Acropolis

Acropolis, Athens, offers a wealth of activities for visitors, including vibrant shopping opportunities, guided tours to explore its rich history, and leisurely walks through the picturesque surroundings. The area seamlessly blends ancient heritage with modern culture, ensuring an engaging experience for all. Whether you're admiring the iconic Parthenon or browsing local boutiques, there's something to captivate every traveller in this historic site.

Shopping

In Acropolis, enjoy the vibrant Monastiraki Flea Market, just 644m away, perfect for unique souvenirs. Nearby, Kolokotroni offers a charming shopping area 805m away. Little Kook, also 644m away, is ideal for delightful gifts with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the invigorating atmosphere at Spyros Louis Olympic Stadium, where sports enthusiasts gather. Unwind at the nearby Turkish Baths, indulging in relaxation and wellness. For a touch of culture, visit the Theocharakis Foundation for the Fine Arts & Music, enjoying captivating performances in a vibrant setting.

Adventure

Pedion Areos Park is an outdoor haven located 3.2km from Acropolis, offering lush green spaces for picnics and leisurely strolls. For thrill-seekers, SUP Alimos, 8.0km away, provides exhilarating paddleboarding experiences. OnAqua Sports Park, 14.5km from Acropolis, is perfect for family fun with its adventurous water attractions.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting nightlife at the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, a stunning theatre just 161m from the Acropolis, offering cultural performances. Alternatively, enjoy the starry skies at the National Observatory of Athens, 805m away, or catch a show at the Theatre of Dionysus, also 161m distant.

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

Find the best attractions near Acropolis

Whether you seek cultural enrichment, family experiences, or simply wish to explore the vibrant city life, Acropolis in Athens offers a wealth of attractions. Discover the iconic temples, relax in picturesque piazzas, and visit charming churches, all of which provide a fascinating glimpse into Greece's rich heritage. This area promises an unforgettable experience for every type of traveller, making it a must-visit destination during your holiday.

  • Syntagma Square: This lively piazza is the heart of Athens, located 805m from the Acropolis. Experience the vibrant atmosphere, where locals and tourists mingle, and enjoy the stunning views of the Greek Parliament and surrounding gardens. The square often hosts cultural events and is a great spot for people-watching.
  • Parthenon: Standing majestically at the Acropolis, this iconic temple is a symbol of ancient Greece, located right at the site. The Parthenon showcases exquisite Doric architecture and intricate sculptures, offering a profound glimpse into Athenian culture and history.
  • Acropolis Museum: Situated 483m from the Acropolis, this modern museum houses a wealth of archaeological treasures, providing a fascinating insight into ancient Greek life. Its glass floors and stunning exhibits create an immersive experience for history enthusiasts.

Best time to go to Acropolis

The best time to visit Acropolis can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Acropolis falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Acropolis falls in January, 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 during your visit to the Acropolis, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices drop. Booking a month in advance can yield the best rates, especially on Tuesdays, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Utilize Expedia's tools to filter hotels by budget and eco-certification, and consider last-minute deals for additional savings. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can further reduce costs. Additionally, explore free attractions in the area and take advantage of public transport for affordable travel around 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: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your options based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will reveal sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the most affordable prices and offers, sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation for the Acropolis with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia