Visiting The Acropolis of Athens – The Only Guide You Need
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There’s no doubt that visiting the Acropolis is an essential part of any trip to Athens.
For ancient history buffs, visiting the Acropolis of Athens could even be the sole reason for planning a trip to the Greek capital.
Whether the Acropolis is the only ancient site you’ve added to your itinerary or just one stop on your quest to explore the best archaeological sites in Greece, this is the only guide you need to read to prepare for a seamless and eye-opening visit.
Where Is The Acropolis?
The emblematic Acropolis is situated in the heart of Athens. It’s built on a rocky hill overlooking Plaka, the Old Town of Athens.
What Is The Acropolis of Athens?
Acropolis is the Greek word for citadel. The Acropolis of Athens was a complex of sacred buildings constructed in the 5th century BC. It was built on a rocky hill with a flat top and featured ancient temples, sanctuaries, statues, and monuments.
The most famous building on the Acropolis of Athens is the Parthenon. Apart from the monuments atop the hill of the Acropolis, the archaeological site also includes the South and the North Slope of the Acropolis.
Timeline of The Acropolis of Athens
Although the area of the Acropolis had been inhabited since the 3rd millennium BC, the Acropolis of Athens turned into an exclusively religious center in the 8th century BC, during the Archaic Period.
It was then that a small temple dedicated to Athena Polias was constructed on the site of a pre-existing Mycenaean Palace that was used as an administrative center for the city of Athens.
In this way, any other functions except for religious ones were removed from atop the ancient citadel.
Polias was one of several nicknames attributed to Goddess Athena, alluding to her role as patroness of Athens – Polis is the Ancient Greek word for city.
In the 6th century BC, more sacred buildings were constructed on the Acropolis. A bigger Temple of Athena Polias replaced the small one, while Hekatompedos Temple was built where the Parthenon now stands.
During the Persian Wars, the Acropolis of Athens was destroyed. However, Pericles, a great Athenian politician and general, promoted the arts and came up with an architectural project that was meant to bequeath the masterpieces of the Acropolis to humankind.
The 5th century BC is known as the Golden Age of Pericles, as his vision to rebuild the city with great monuments made Athens famous throughout the entire ancient world.
Renowned architects and sculptors, such as Mnesicles, Ictinus, Callicrates, and Phidias, left their mark on the Acropolis of Athens, which was embellished with their masterpieces, such as the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
In Byzantine Times, the Parthenon was turned into a Christian church, while during the Ottoman occupation, it was a mosque.
The Acropolis of Athens has been damaged several times throughout the centuries, most notably when the Venetians blew it up in the 17th century and when Lord Elgin removed structural parts of the monuments in the early 19th century.
Why Is The Acropolis Important?
The grandiose complex of the Acropolis epitomizes the splendor of Classical Greek art and architecture. Despite wars, fires, earthquakes, and, most of all, the relentless passing of time, the monuments of the Acropolis still stand after 25 centuries.
Moreover, the Acropolis is where the foundations of modern societies were set, as here, notions such as democracy, philosophy and freedom of speech were born.
Theater was also born in the Acropolis. At the on-site Theater of Dionysus, the masterpieces of Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes were performed for the first time.
Is The Acropolis Worth Visiting?
For the grandeur of its monuments and everything they stand for, the Acropolis is well worth a visit. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, the Acropolis has been an archaeological site since 1834, attracting people from all over the globe ever since.
The Acropolis isn’t just the ultimate symbol of the city of Athens and the entire country of Greece. It’s a panhuman emblem of innovation and mastery, an archaeological complex that never fails to amaze with its size, beauty, and symbolism.
FAQs About Visiting The Acropolis of Athens & Its Slopes
How long does it take to visit the Acropolis & the Acropolis Slopes?
It takes three hours to fully enjoy the monuments of the Acropolis and the South Slope. Currently, the North Slope of the Acropolis is closed until further notice.
Is visiting the Acropolis on a guided tour recommended?
If you’re visiting Athens for the first time and want to dive into Ancient Greek history quickly, we recommend joining a guided tour of the Acropolis.
On the other hand, if you want to explore the Acropolis site at your own pace, the walking route we’re recommending below will help you make the most of your visit.
Where is the entrance to the Acropolis?
There are two entrances to the archaeological site of the Acropolis. The south entrance is on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street near the New Acropolis Museum. The main entrance is on Theorias Street at the west of the Acropolis.
Is the Acropolis accessible?
If you have mobility issues, keep in mind that the path to the top of the Acropolis is quite uphill. However, the Acropolis itinerary we recommend below follows a gentle uphill route starting from the South Slope.
For wheelchair users, the top of the hill is now accessed by an elevator that can be reached via the main entrance of the Acropolis. Once at the top of the Acropolis, the main sights, like the Parthenon and the Erechtheion, are accessible via wide concrete paths.
Wheelchair users can’t get directly from the South Slope to the Acropolis, as recommended in our walking route below. That’s because there are steps between the two. That said, the South Slope is accessible for wheelchair users if you enter through the South Entrance.
Is there a metro station near the Acropolis?
Yes, Acropolis Metro Station (Red Line 2) is a few steps from the south entrance of the Acropolis.
Are there any toilets or other facilities at the Acropolis of Athens?
Toilets are available at the top of the Acropolis Hill in the building that used to house the Old Acropolis Museum.
A snack shop is outside the main entrance, but remember that eating and drinking coffee or other beverages except water is prohibited inside the Acropolis.
We traced three vending machines selling bottled water inside the archaeological site of the Acropolis.
One is at the South Slope near the Theater of Dionysus, the second is at the south side of the Parthenon, and the third is near the main entrance. Trust us, you will need water at some point.
Is the Acropolis of Athens included in the Athens Combo Ticket?
Yes, the Acropolis of Athens is included in the Athens Combination Ticket, along with six other historical sites in Athens. For more details about the archaeological sites included, read our detailed Acropolis Combined Ticket guide.
Are there any restaurants near the Acropolis?
Yes, there are plenty of restaurants in Plaka, north of the Acropolis. One of our favorites is Dioskouroi.
What is the best time to visit the Acropolis of Athens?
The best time to visit the Acropolis is during the low season between November and April when the weather isn’t as unbearably hot as in the summer months. Even then, though, the Acropolis can be very crowded, especially at weekends.
If you’re visiting the Acropolis in the summer, book an early morning time slot to avoid the crowds and scorching heat.
What To See at The Acropolis & Its Slopes – Walking Route
We love archaeological sites in Greece but, sadly, not all of them are easy to navigate. First of all, there isn’t always a clear route to follow. Moreover, not all areas have informative signs and, when they do, sometimes these signs use difficult terminology.
Also, on-site maps often include monuments or points of interest that are no longer visible – because they’re either destroyed or covered by the modern city.
This section is meant to help you navigate any ancient site in Greece by providing a tested-by-us walking route of the most important monuments that you can actually see – rather than just imagine.
Furthermore, we replace the original scientific terms (here in brackets) with simple translations in English when necessary and provide context in cases where informative signs are scarce or non-existent.
When visiting the Acropolis, you shouldn’t just see the monuments atop the hill but those at the South Slope, too. The North Slope is currently closed for restoration works. Therefore, it’s not included in this itinerary.
The archaeological site has two entrances, but our walking route starts from the south entrance, also known as the side entrance of the Acropolis. This way, you’ll see the attractions of the South Slope first, and after a gentle climb, you’ll continue to the top of the Acropolis.
Acropolis of Athens Map
South Entrance
The entrance has turnstiles next to the ticket booth, and your bags will be checked once you’re inside. You cannot bring a drone, food, or any other drink but water.
South Slope of The Acropolis
Shed of Exhibits
Once inside the archaeological site of the South Slope of the Acropolis, walk to a shed with marble findings on your right-hand side.
Most of the exhibits were found at the on-site Theater of Dionysus, but what drew our attention was a marble seat, probably from the Panathenaic Stadium.
Ancient Roads & Church of Saint Paraskevi
The path that starts from the south entrance is actually an ancient road that meets another one a few steps away, near the ruins of St. Paraskevi Church. The latter is a small Basilica built in the late Byzantine Times.
Across the road from the church ruins, you can see the remains of a roadside Shrine and the Precinct Wall of the nearby Sanctuary of Dionysus, the God of Wine.
Ancient Street of Tripods
Outside the portico of the Sanctuary of Dionysus, you’ll see a marble sign indicating the ancient Tripod Street.
Tripods in Ancient Athens were the prizes won during the Theatrical Competition that took place at the nearby Dionysus Theater. Imagine that this ancient street was lined with such tripods. We could say it was similar to the Walk of Fame in Holywood.
The tripods were bronze, so none have survived today. However, they were placed on marble monuments commissioned by the theatrical performances’ sponsors as a way to commemorate the win.
These monuments are called Choragic or Choregic. The words Choragic and Choregic derive from the Greek word Choregos, which means sponsor. The Choragic Monument of Lysicrates in Plaka is a fine example of this type of structure and one of the best that survived to this day.
Sanctuary of Dionysus
Make a stop in front of the ruins of the Sanctuary’s Portico (Propylon). The Sanctuary of Dionysus is the oldest monument on the South Slope.
The Sanctuary was founded in the 6th century BC, and the Great Dionysia was celebrated there. This was an ancient festival dedicated to Dionysus, which included dances and dramatic performances.
The Sanctuary featured a temple from the 6th century BC, a later temple next to the old one, and a colonnade (Stoa). You can walk around to see the ruins of all of the above.
Theater of Dionysus
The complex of the Sanctuary of Dionysus also featured a theater. The latter is considered the first theater in the world. However, you can see earlier theater forms when visiting Knossos or the Minoan Palace of Phaistos in Crete.
Disguised as satyrs wearing animal masks, the followers of Dionysus danced in a circular way during the Great Dionysia, marking the birth of the theater. The Theater of Dionysus hosted performances for about 1000 years, from the 6th century BC to the 6th century AD.
What you see today are the ruins of the Roman Period. Initially, the theater was just part of the Dionysus Sanctuary, with seating along the slope. Throughout the centuries, the theater became an emblematic monument with a marble auditorium and a majestic stage.
A few years ago, you could sit at the marble seats or walk around the stage, but now you’re not allowed to do either. But you can still look at the inscriptions on the front row seats, which were reserved for prominent Athenians.
Choragic Monument of Thrassylos
Above the Theater of Dionysus, you’ll see an impressive monument at the opening of a cave. It commemorates Thrassylos, the sponsor of the winning theatrical performance of his time. This monument isn’t accessible to the public.
Choragic Monument of Nikias
As you walk the uphill path to the Acropolis, you’ll see the ruins of another sponsor’s monument on your left-hand side, one with an interesting story to tell.
This monument was disassembled, and its pieces were used to build the defensive wall of Athens after the Heruli invasion in the 3rd century AD. The marble part with the monument’s inscription mentioning Nikias as the winner was found built in the west gate of the defensive wall.
Colonnade of Eumenes (Stoa of Eumenes)
Right next to the Nikias Monument are the ruins of a colonnade. Built in the 2nd century BC, the colonnade was a gift from the King of Pergamon, Eumenes II. Among its surviving parts is the retaining wall with the arches that supported the ancient promenade above the collonade.
Sanctuary of Asclepius
Once at the ancient promenade (Peripatos) above the Colonnade of Eumenes, stop at the ruins of the Sanctuary of Asclepius or Asklepios. As Asclepius was the healing god in Ancient Greece, worshippers flocked to the Sanctuary to be cured.
The Asclepieion, as the Sanctuary of Asclepius is also called, was founded by the Athenian Telemachus in 420-419 BC. It featured a 1st-century-BC temple, a Doric Colonnade (Stoa), a later Roman Colonnade (Stoa) to the east, and an Ionic Colonnade (Stoa) to the west.
Patients were healed in the Doric Colonnade using the sleeping method. Asclepius would come into their dreams and cure them. The Roman Colonnade was added later to host the increasing number of pilgrims, and the Ionic Colonnade was the guest house for priests and visitors alike.
The Doric Colonnade also included the Sacred Spring, water from which was used for the healing procedure, and the Sacred Vothros, which was a well for sacrifices. Nowadays, you can’t see either. What you can see are the restored parts of the Temple of Asclepius.
Bronze Foundry
A few steps from the Sanctuary of Asclepius, you’ll come across two of the four pits that were used to cast bronze statues. However, there isn’t much to see as one of the pits is buried in the ground, and the other is protected under a shed.
Odeon of Herodes Atticus
After the Bronze Foundry, instead of following the uphill path that leads directly to the Acropolis, climb the stairs on your left to enjoy the best view of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus first.
Also known as Herodeum in Modern Greek, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a Roman theater built in 161 AD. Herodes Atticus, a prominent Athenian, built the Odeon in memory of his wife, Appia Annia Regilla.
Herodeum isn’t open to the public for visits, but it hosts concerts and plays during the Athens & Epidaurus Festival in the summer. If you can, don’t miss the chance to watch a live performance in this stunning venue.
The Acropolis of Athens
Monument of Agrippa
After a short uphill walk, you’ll reach the top of the Acropolis Rock. The walking path from the South Slope brings you to the grand staircase where the Monument of Agrippa once stood. Today, only the tall Pedestal of the monument remains.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa was the son-in-law and general of the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus and a benefactor of the city of Athens.
Before climbing the main entrance steps, you can look to the right for a sneak peek of the Temple of Athena Nike.
Acropolis Main Entrance (Propylaia)
Constructed in the 5th century BC during Pericles’ extensive building project, the monumental entrance of the Acropolis had two wings. One was for accessing the Temple of Athena Nike, and the other was for accommodating worshippers.
Shrine of Athena Hygieia & Hygieia
Once you’ve crossed the entrance, you’ll see the remains of a Shrine dedicated to Athena Hygieia and Hygieia, daughter of Asclepius, at your right-hand side. Hygieia is the Greek word for health.
There, you’ll notice a cylindrical marble base of a statue honoring a man who died during the construction of Propylaia. According to a different theory, it may be linked to the plague that struck Athens during the Peloponnesian War in the 5th century BC.
Temple of Athena Nike
Follow the newly paved main path and turn right to see the Temple of Athena Nike from a distance. From this vantage point, you can admire the Temple’s east frieze, which depicts the Assembly of The Olympian Gods.
This small Temple was also constructed according to Pericles’ building project in the 5th century. Goddess Athena Nike, representing Victory (you guessed it right, Nike is the Greek word for victory), protected Athens by ensuring victories in battles.
Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia
Right before you reach the Parthenon, the on-site map indicates the location of the Sanctuary of Artemis Brauronia, a virgin goddess who protected pregnant women.
The Sanctuary was established in the 6th century BC, well before the construction of the Parthenon. It functioned as a branch of the main sanctuary in Braurona, one of the twelve cities of Ancient Attica on the region’s east coast.
The Sanctuary featured a colonnade (Stoa), which unfortunately hasn’t survived. Findings from the Sanctuary, including the goddess’ favorite curly-haired bear, are now exhibited at the Acropolis Museum.
The Parthenon
Constructed in the 5th century when Pericles rebuilt the Acropolis after the Persian Wars, the Parthenon is the ultimate highlight of the Acropolis. The imposing Doric Temple was dedicated to Athena Parthenos (Virgin).
Ictinus and Callicrates were the architects of the Temple, while the renowned sculptor Phidias decorated it. Phidias also sculpted the golden and ivory statue of Athena that once stood there.
Using classical elements, like symmetry and proportion, the Parthenon is a symbol of perfection and a visual reminder of human ingenuity.
Throughout the centuries, the Parthenon was converted into a Christian church and a mosque, and it was blown up and destroyed little by little.
Also, in the early 19th century, Lord Elgin removed sculptures that played a structural role in the Temple. Today, these parts are exhibited at the British Museum in London.
Temple of Rome & Augustus
A few steps east of the Parthenon are the ruins of the Temple of Rome and Augustus. Built in the 1st century BC after Octavian was proclaimed Augustus, this is the only Roman Temple on the Acropolis Rock.
The Temple was dedicated to Octavian Augustus even though Athens had supported his opponent, Marcus Antonius, during the Roman civil wars. This temple served as a clear effort to make amends with the victorious Octavian.
Acropolis Viewpoint
At the east edge of the Acropolis Hill, the Acropolis Viewpoint offers stunning panoramic vistas over Athens. Some attractions you can see from up there are the Athens Temple of Olympian Zeus, the Panathenaic Stadium, and Lycabettus Hill.
However, this isn’t only a viewpoint but also a site of historical significance. It was there that two Greek men, Manolis Glezos and Lakis Santas, took down the Nazi flag that was placed on the Acropolis during the Nazi occupation in 1941.
Erechtheion
Named after the mythical king Erechtheus, this gorgeous Temple embodies the spirit of Ancient Athens. The story behind it is the best way to narrate the ancient city’s rich history.
Erechtheion was built in the 5th century BC, and was the last monument to form part of Pericles’ grand building project.
It was constructed to house several sacred elements of the ancient city of Athens, such as the tombs of the mythical Athenian Kings Erechtheus and Cecrops.
Erechtheion also commemorates the contest between Athena and Poseidon, the two Ancient Greek gods that fought for their right to call this magnificent city their own. The contest involved the two gods offering a special gift to the city.
Poseidon struck his trident on the ground, and a saltwater spring started flowing underground. On the other hand, Athena planted an olive tree. She was the winner, and the city was named Athens after her.
Apart from the tombs of the above-mentioned mythical kings, Erechtheion was where those three sacred symbols – the trident mark, the saltwater spring, and the olive tree – were kept, rendering it the most quintessentially Athenian of all ancient temples on the Acropolis.
When visiting the Acropolis, Erechtheion’s beautiful Porch of The Maidens is one of the prettiest things to see. It features six exquisite female statues known as Caryatids.
These elegant statues aren’t there just for decoration, though. They serve as columns to support the porch above the Tomb of Cecrops.
However, these statues are replicas. Five of the original Caryatids are now displayed at the Acropolis Museum, with the sixth currently housed at the British Museum in London, a result of Lord Elgin’s removal of artifacts from the Acropolis in the early 19th century.
Old Temple of Athena
Right next to the Porch of the Maidens, you’ll see the foundations of the Old Temple of Athena that Erechtheion was built to replace.
The Old Temple of Athena was built in the 6th century. It was dedicated to Athena Polias and housed the wooden cult statue of Goddess Athena, the so-called Xoanon. The latter was used during the procession of the Panathenaea Festival, an important ancient festival in Athens.
Marble pieces from the Temple were used to construct the north wall of the Acropolis after the Persian Wars.
Pandroseion
Follow the path to the other side of Erechtheion, where Pandroseion used to be. Pandroseion was a Sanctuary dedicated to Pandrosos, daughter of the mythical King of Athens, Cecrops.
The Sanctuary included the sacred marks left from the battle between Athena and Poseidon – the trident mark, the saltwater spring, and the olive tree – before Erechtheion was constructed to house them.
The olive tree you see there today was planted in the 20th century as a tribute to the original sacred tree planted by Goddess Athena herself.
Statue of Athena Promachos
Before you exit the Acropolis via the main entrance, stand in front of the Pedestal where the imposing bronze Statue of Athena Promachos used to be.
It might take a while to detect, but it’s worth a stop, as this gigantic Statue was one of the most important in the Acropolis. It depicted Athena as a Goddess of War, hence the nickname Promachos, which is the Ancient Greek word for someone fighting on the front line.
The Statue of Athena Promachos was created by the famous sculptor Phidias, who also decorated the Parthenon. It was cast at the Bronze Foundry you saw before at the foot of the Acropolis after the victory of Athens during the Persian Wars in 480-479 BC.
The Statue was part of the Panathenaea Festival. On the last day of the festival, a model ship carrying a robe started from Kerameikos, crossed the Ancient Agora of Athens via the Panathenaic Way, and ultimately led to the Acropolis.
The Statue of Athena Promachos was then dressed in this robe (Peplos) as part of this sacred procession.
If you visit the Kerameikos Archaeological Site, you’ll have the opportunity to see the Pompeion, where the Panathenaea Procession started.
West Gate or Beulé Gate
Descend the monumental staircase of the main entrance and cross the West Gate of the Acropolis towards the exit of the archaeological site. The West Gate was one of the two gates of the Wall that was constructed in the 3rd century AD.
The Fortification Wall was either constructed during Emperor Valerian’s reign or after the devastating Heruli invasion in 267 AD. If you visit the Ancient Agora of Athens, you’ll see part of the same Late Roman Fortification Wall along the Panathenaic Way.
The Gate was named after the French archaeologist Beulé, who revealed it.
North Slope of The Acropolis
Unfortunately, the North Slope of the Acropolis will be closed for restoration works until further notice. However, after you exit the Acropolis archaeological site, turn right to walk along Theorias Street for a sneak peek of the North Slope.
Acropolis of Athens Opening Hours
During the winter period:
November 1st to March 31st: 8 AM to 5 PM
During the summer period:
April 1st to August 31st: 8 AM to 8 PM
September 1st to September 15th: 8 AM to 7.30 PM
September 16th to September 30th: 8 AM to 7 PM
October 1st to October 15th: 8 AM to 6.30 PM
October 16th to October 31st: 8 AM to 6 PM
On January 1st, March 25th, May 1st, Greek Easter Sunday, December 25th, and December 26th, the Acropolis of Athens is closed.
Acropolis Ticket Prices
The full ticket price is 20 EUR. From November 1st to March 31st, a general admission ticket costs 10 EUR instead. The Acropolis of Athens is one of the seven archaeological sites included in the Athens Combined Ticket.
Free entry is available on the following days, but expect long lines and a lot of people: March 6th, April 18th, May 18th, the last weekend of September, October 28th, and the first Sunday of each month from November to March.
How To Get To The Acropolis of Athens
Situated in the heart of Athens, the Acropolis is easily accessible on foot. If you use public transport, Acropolis Metro Station (Red Line 2) is a short walk from the south entrance of the Acropolis.
The closest bus stop to the main entrance is where Apostolou Pavlou Street meets Dionysiou Areopagitou Street.
Where To Stay in Athens Near The Acropolis
The best area to stay near the Acropolis is Koukaki, especially if you’re planning to visit the Acropolis Museum, too. One of the best hotels in the area is Herodion Hotel, a family-run boutique hotel with an unmatched location and splendid views from its rooftop.
Things To Do Near The Acropolis
To complete your journey into the history of the Acropolis and its wonders, a visit to the nearby Acropolis Museum is essential.
Among many exhibits, you’ll see the original Caryatids, the ruins of the Temples of the Archaic Period, and, of course, the original metopes and friezes of the Parthenon.
If you’re visiting the Acropolis in the summer, check if the Odeon of Herodes Atticus hosts a theatrical play or concert to attend.
A few steps from the main entrance to the Acropolis is Areopagus Hill, an ancient court that offers stunning views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens.
One of our favorite things to do near the Acropolis of Athens is to stroll through Plaka, the Greek capital’s quaint Old Town, home to two more ancient sites worth checking out: Hadrian’s Library and the Roman Agora of Athens.
Similarly, one of the best things to do near the Acropolis is to walk to the nearby Philopappos Hill to explore the ancient ruins of Pnyx while taking in the best panoramic views of the Acropolis.
The Acropolis of Athens is the most prestigious archaeological site in Greece. It’s also the most popular by far.
No matter its notorious crowds and ever-present scaffolding, though, the Acropolis is a constant reminder of human intellect and wisdom and the ultimate symbol of democracy.
This is why visiting the Acropolis should top the bucket list of any Ancient Greek history buff. Do you agree? Join our Ancient Greece Facebook community and let us know.
