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Travel bucket list idea:

Last updated: 28 May, 2023
Expert travel writer: John Malathronas

You can’t visit Athens without visiting the Acropolis. It is the city’s iconic citadel and world-famous landmark that won’t fail to amaze even the most jaded traveller.  

‘Acropolis’ translates broadly from the Greek words ‘highest point’ or ‘extremity’. The site contains half-a-dozen buildings, mostly built from 500 BC to 450 BC on the orders of the powerful statesman Pericles, during the so-called ‘Golden age of Athens’. Pericles wanted to beautify, glorify and protect the city. 

The Pathenon 

A marble jigsaw made of 70,000 pieces, this 2,500-year-old temple dating back to 438 BC was dedicated to the goddess Athena. It dazzles with perfect symmetry and awe-inspires with its ancient grandeur, even when it’s crawling with tourists. It’s the most important surviving building of Classical Greece and a symbol of the nation. 

The Erechtheion 

On the north side of the complex, this Temple of was also dedicated to the goddess Athena, and was built to house the statue of Athena Polias. More famously today, it’s home to the ‘Porch of the Maidens’, featuring six sculpted female figures. 

While you’re there 

Just below the Acropolis complex on the eastern side, the Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient amphitheater also built in the 6th century BC. With a capacity of 17,000, it was the largest theatre in Athens and operated continuously for 1,000 years, until it was abandoned. 

On the southwest slope of the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus dates back to 161 AD – thus it was added later than the original Acropolis. It was built by wealthy Roman citizen Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife. Today is it used to host performances, notably during the Athens Festival.

Odeon of Herod Atticus

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

The empty Odeon of Herodes Atticus Roman theatre on the Acropolis

This Roman-era Odeon was built by a wealthy private citizen Herod Atticus in memory of his wife in 161 AD and originally served as an indoor venue for 5,000 people. It was restored in the 1950s and is used for music and theatre performances throughout the summer.

Adult price: £17

Best for ages 13+

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Theatre of Dionysus

Athens, Central Greece, Greece

The Theatre of Dionysus visible from above

Just below the Acropolis complex, an ancient amphitheatre was the largest theatre in Athens with a capacity of 17,000. First built in the 6th century BC, it operated continuously for 1,000 years, until it was abandoned.

Adult price: £10

Best for ages 18+

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Price from: £9
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 7+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

The main entrance and ticket booth are situated above the junction of pedestrianised Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou streets, a fairly stiff climb up the pine-clad foothills of the Acropolis.  

You can also access the Acropolis on foot via Plaka.  

To appreciate the temple’s extraordinary construction and colourful history, hire a guide to take you around – signage is minimal and the stories of these buildings are fascinating. Either way, allow around three hours to take it all in. There are local guides around the entrance, or book on an organised tour. 

To complete the experience, stop by the Acropolis Museum before or after (at the bottom of the hill, exit near the Theatre of Dionysus); this has the statues and artifacts from inside the Acropolis Buildings, plus explanations and short films.  

It’s a good idea to take a bottle of water, especially during the summer. Eating is not allowed on the site. 

When to do it

The site is open all year-round, seven days a week. Athens and the Acropolis are at their loveliest (sunny without being sweltering) in spring and autumn – if you can avoid the heat of July and August.  

Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. The Acropolis is glorious at dusk, but the site closes early in the afternoon from October to April. The whole site is exposed to the elements, so avoid rainy and very windy days. 

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Acropolis of Athens Afternoon Walking Tour

Athens

Acropolis of Athens Afternoon Walking Tour
This walking tour offers you the opportunity to explore the Acropolis Monuments in the afternoon (morning departure available too). Whether you arrive in Athens in the afternoon or want to visit the Acropolis when the weather is more relaxed, and the crowds are starting to wane, this tour is for you. This unique and leisurely evening tour takes you to the glorious Parthenon, and you will get to enjoy the landmark monuments of the Greek capital in a new light.

Price: €32

Min age: 1

Rating 4.72 / 5 [1066 ratings]

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Acropolis Morning Walking Tour(Small Group)

Athens

Acropolis Morning Walking Tour(Small Group)
All our guides are licensed, many of them are also professional archaeologists or historians. Besides that, the guests will not have to stand in a long queue to purchase their tickets, because our guides will have already taken care of that. The walking pace during the tour is slow and every time adjusted to the needs of the guests. Moreover, frequent stops for bathroom and water are made. Lastly, our expert guides are aware of all the shady spots, as Athens can be very hot and sunny, especially in the summer.

Price: €32

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [76 ratings]

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Acropolis monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum

Athens

Acropolis monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum
Behold the beginnings of Western civilization with an experienced licensed tour guide on a 4-hour walking tour of this UNESCO Heritage site. Remarkable history unfolds as you stroll by the Parthenon and other monuments of the Acropolis; visit the New Acropolis Museum to gawk at ancient statues. Walk over the glass floor of the state-of-the-art Museum and watch under the remains of Ancient Athens. Head up with your tour guide to the glass Parthenon room and finish the tour with the superb and classic perfect collection while admiring the views of the Acropolis. This is a skip-the-line tour. We will make sure you will not have to wait in long lines. The walking tour is made with an experienced licensed tour guide. The meeting point is in our offices by the Acropolis (60 meters walk from Acropolis metro station). We provide free WiFi at the meeting point, WC, and an air-conditioned waiting lounge. You can also safely leave your luggage or bags and pick them up after the tour.

Price: €35

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [823 ratings]

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Acropolis Walking Tour, Including Syntagma Square & City Center

Athens

Acropolis Walking Tour, Including Syntagma Square & City Center
One for all you history buffs! Discover Athens' ancient history on this fascinating city walking tour with an expert local guide! Venture inside the ancient Acropolis of Athens — a UNESCO World Heritage site — and discover just how this ancient monument towers above the city below. You'll also see such sites as the Greek Parliament House and Syntagma Square in the heart of central Athens. All entrance fees are at your own expense. Please be aware that even with our skip-the-ticket-line service, there might be some waiting time required for security checks. This is because visitor numbers can fluctuate unpredictably at the sites throughout the day. The typical waiting time falls within 0 to 10 or 30 minutes, though on rare occasions, it might be longer. 

Price: €47

Min age: 0

Rating 4.67 / 5 [384 ratings]

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Acropolis of Athens and Acropolis Museum Tour

Athens

Acropolis of Athens and Acropolis Museum Tour
Delve into the fascinating world of Ancient Greece on a 3-hour walking tour of the Acropolis of Athens and the New Acropolis Museum. With an expert guide, discover the UNESCO-listed archaeological site and visit world-famous monuments including the Parthenon, Propylaea gateway and the Temple of Athena Nike. Absorb jaw-dropping views of Athens from the acropolis’ summit, and learn about the evocative ruins. Then, enjoy a guided tour of the New Acropolis Museum, where glass floors reveal excavation sites. Entrance fees not included. please be aware that even with our skip-the-ticket-line service, there might be some waiting time required for security checks. This is because visitor numbers can fluctuate unpredictably at the sites throughout the day. The typical waiting time falls within 0 to 10 or 30 minutes, though on rare occasions, it might be longer. 

Price: €56

Min age: 0

Rating 4.65 / 5 [779 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Athens

Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Travel back in time on a 4 hours Skip-the-line informative and fun tour to the most significant monument in Athens. This tour is guided by an English speaking field expert and licensed tour guide. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis of Athens through a journey into history, mythology and storytelling. The tour continues with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which has been ranked among the top Museums in the world. All the original surviving masterpieces from the temples of the Acropolis are displayed with the use of natural light. Excavations are also visible under glass floors and walkways.

Price: €59

Min age: 0

Rating 4.89 / 5 [324 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis museum walking tour

Athens

Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis museum walking tour
Explore the Acropolis Monuments in a small group tour. Visit the state-of-the-art Acropolis Museum and enjoy a unique and personalized time of the landmark monuments of the Greek capital. 

Price: €60

Min age: 0

Rating 4.87 / 5 [135 ratings]

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The Acropolis, Athens Walking City Tour and Acropolis Museum

Athens

The Acropolis, Athens Walking City Tour and Acropolis Museum
The Ideal Combination Tour! See the city center including two top sights in just a few hours. At the Acropolis of Athens, you’ll explore the Parthenon which is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. Then, you’ll dive deeper into its worldly significance at the Acropolis Museum where marble masterpieces tell a story on their own.  Please be aware that even with our skip-the-ticket-line service, there might be some waiting time required for security checks. This is because visitor numbers can fluctuate unpredictably at the sites throughout the day. The typical waiting time falls within 0 to 10 or 30 minutes, though on rare occasions, it might be longer. 

Price: €67

Min age: 0

Rating 4.77 / 5 [389 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum In a Cultural Guided Walking Tour

Athens

Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum In a Cultural Guided Walking Tour
Join a small group to enjoy a detailed walking tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Priority tickets to the Acropolis and the Museum are included to help you get in faster! Walk with your guide through Greek architecture, mythology, and history as they stroll between sites in and around the Acropolis rock.  Complete your visit to the Acropolis, and then head to the Acropolis Museum to enjoy its impressive array of artifacts and its stunning architecture. See the excavations as you walk on the Museum's unique layout.   Enjoy learning about treasures from ancient Greek civilization with a professional local guide.

Price: €79

Min age: 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [767 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Explore the Acropolis & Museum Private Tour with a Local Guide

Corinth

Explore the Acropolis & Museum Private Tour with a Local Guide
There's plenty to see inside and outside of the Acropolis and the museum. And with a ticket, you're set to enjoy this attraction to the max. So, don't wait long to enter this attraction - there's no time to lose with this private tour! Your local guide will leave no details behind. Check out the Theatre of Dionysis, Herodion theatre, plus the many treasures that can only be found in this worldwide-known attraction. With a local guide by your side, you get the ins and outs, answers to your Acropolis and the museum questions, and a different and personalized perspective of the attraction. Withlocals Private Tour™ is one of Withlocals' signature tours available in major cities worldwide. We work with passionate local guides who earn a fair fee. We support local economies by only offering local products and preventing over-tourism with only small non-intrusive groups. Our tours are carbon-neutral and away from the standard tourist routes.

Price: €144

Min age: 11

Rating 4.90 / 5 [329 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Athens:Half day tour to Acropolis and the must-see historical sites and downtown

Athens

Athens:Half day tour to Acropolis and the must-see historical sites and downtown
Visit Athens! Ancient Athens is one of Europe’s oldest cities, one with a continuous history whose beginnings can be traced some 5,000 years ago. That makes it not only one of the oldest cities in the world, but also the cradle of Western culture. The Greek capital is known as the cradle of democracy. Ancient Athenians have nurtured and advanced science and art and provided the basis for western culture. Athens is an open-air museum, so plan your tour ahead and spend your available time wisely. - Explore Athens in a private vehicle - Free Wi-Fi onboard - Discover the highlights and secrets of Athens from our drivers - We want our customers and their families to always feel safe. - On the Fly Decision Makers - Stress-free - Every tour and itinerary we present is unique. - The pace of travel will be relaxing.

Price: €150

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [51 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Tour with Licensed Expert

Athens

Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Tour with Licensed Expert
In the company of a Professional Licensed, Archaeological guide experience the Acropolis with its iconic Parthenon and temples, the Theater of Dionysus, and the New Acropolis Museum. Exclusive and dedicated to your group alone, your private guide will bring to life the pinnacle of the classical Greek period along with its associated masterpieces housed in the nearby Museum for a once in a lifetime experience. Flexible booking Options exclude the Museum to offer the following additional choices: ACROPOLIS ONLY, for a focused 2-hr expert tour of this site only; ACROPOLIS & ANCIENT AGORA, for a combined 3-hr tour of the Acropolis and Ancient Agora; CITY TOUR LUXURY VEHICLE, for a 4-hr city sightseeing tour of the wider Highlights including return transfers from the Cruise Ship Port or central Athens Hotel.

Price: €154

Min age: 0

Rating 4.88 / 5 [175 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Athens Private Walking Tour: Acropolis monuments, Plaka and local food

Athens

Athens Private Walking Tour: Acropolis monuments, Plaka and local food
Enjoy a  tour of Acropolis monuments and the city center of Athens with your private licensed tour guide. Your licensed tour guide will meet you in a central location of your choice, and you will start the tour of the landmark of the Greek capital. After you walk to the magnificent Acropolis and Parthenon, Erechtheum, Propylaeum Gates, the temple of Nike, you visit the historical neighborhood of Athens, Plaka, with its picturesque streets and beautiful neoclassical balconies. Finish your tour by visiting the culinary back roads of the city, enjoying some of the most famous delicacies of the country, such as pies, souvlaki, deserts, and local coffee—a proper local lunch. This tour is made with a licensed guide who walks with you in the archeological areas and monuments and has a certification and license.

Price: €180

Min age: 0

Rating 4.93 / 5 [29 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Acropolis Of Athens & Acropolis Museum Skip The Line Private Guided Tour

Athens

Acropolis Of Athens & Acropolis Museum Skip The Line Private Guided Tour
Travel back in time on an informative and fun tour of the Acropolis of Athens & Acropolis Museum of Athens. Be guided by a field expert and licensed tour guide. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage site through a journey into history, mythology, and storytelling. Acropolis is one of the world's most instantly recognizable landmarks and the star attraction of ancient Athens. Continue with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which has been ranked as one of the top museums in the world.Visit the new Acropolis Museum. You get to admire stunning Archeological Sites. Skip the lines to the Acropolis of Athens. Discover the first theater of humanity at Theater of Dionysus. Listen to the histories of all the ancient monuments from licensed guide. Avoid missing all the hot spots and gain insight you'd miss alone. 100% personalized tour. No prearranged fixed tour. Visit the new Acropolis Museum.

Price: €195

Min age: 4

Rating 4.79 / 5 [53 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Mythology Tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

Athens

Private Mythology Tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
Indulge in a fully personalized mythological tour around Athens' key historical monuments. With the help of your licensed guide, you will time-travel to ancient Athens and unravel the captivating myths that shaped the history and the religion of this ancient city. Pick the order you want to see the sights in, as you have full control of your itinerary!

Price: €215

Min age: 0

Rating 4.94 / 5 [19 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Half Day Athens Private Tailor-Made City Tour (Skip the line of Acropolis)

Athens

Half Day Athens Private Tailor-Made City Tour (Skip the line of Acropolis)
Whether you want a tour of the highlights of the city of Athens or you want to get under its skin and visit all of the museums and attractions, we can fill the itinerary your way. We offer a customizable private tour that allows you to create an itinerary that perfectly matches your interests and preferences. Our official guide will provide a stress-free travel experience by offering a variety of options for your tour. With our skip-the-line access to the must-see Acropolis, a global symbol of classical spirit and civilization, you won't have to wait in long queues. Additionally, we now offer an extended program that includes an extra three hours of exploration with a visit to the Temple of Poseidon on Cape Sounio. By choosing the extended option you'll get to enjoy a scenic drive along the Athenian coastline, which includes passing by numerous beaches, a stop at the stunning Lake Vouliagmeni for a photo opportunity and a carte-postale-worthy photo stop next to the temple.

Price: €280

Min age: 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [127 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Tour: Athens City Highlights Including the Acropolis of Athens

Athens

Private Tour: Athens City Highlights Including the Acropolis of Athens
Explore Athens with a private guide on a 4-hour tour, and discover the UNESCO-listed Acropolis of Athens, Temple of Zeus, Panathenian Stadium and more! After admiring the downtown city sights, watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Athens National Gardens, and take a walk up the slopes of the city’s famous Acropolis. See the Parthenon and other intriguing monuments, learn about the Greek gods, and visit the Acropolis museum.

Price: €345

Min age: 0

Rating 4.84 / 5 [110 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Athens

Central Greece, Greece

Athens parthenon lit up at night

Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.

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