For those planning a visit to Athens, The Acropolis is likely to be top of your travel itinerary list. This UNESCO World Heritage site dates back thousands of years & remains one of the world’s most popular attractions to this day. Capped at 20,000 visitors a day, The Acropolis remains a popular destination for tourists around the world. We’ve put together a handy guide to help you get the most from your visit, (more details below).
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The Parthenon at The Acropolis
A Guide To The Acropolis; Tips & Tricks
1. If there is one-takeaway from reading this guide, please ensure you arrive early to beat the crowds. This can’t be overstated as, no matter what time of the year you are planning to visit, seeing The Acropolis ahead of the crowds is an absolute must. Now capped at 20,000 visitors a day, The Acropolis becomes busy very quickly. Trying to get a step ahead can be tricky. With the doors opening at 8am each day, during peak times, I would suggest arriving at 7.30am to be near the front of the queue.
2. Tickets are now issued in time ticket slots so best to book your tickets for The Acropolis in advance to avoid disappointment. I’ve heard enough tales of people arriving in good time, but without tickets, then having to stand in line for the first available timed ticket slot to become available. In that heat, it can quickly become all too much.
3. Make use of the lesser-known entrance that can be found at the south of the site. Make your way to the ticket office located on Dinysiou Aropagitou Street, (close to the Acropolis Museum) where you’ll find the queue much shorter than that found at the main entrance on Rovertou Galli Street. The main entrance tends to be used by the tour groups as it is located next to the coach park so quickly becomes the busier option.
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View of the Acropolis in Athens
The Acropolis in Athens Guide; Tips To Beat The Queues
4. Pack for the heat; with temperatures reaching as high as 40 degrees in the height of summer, here’s another good reason to enjoy The Acropolis during the cooler start of the day. Don’t forget to pack a water bottle for the strenuous climb to the top, (they do have water bottles in vending machines if needed). No food is permitted at the site and bags are searched.
5. Worth investing in some good footwear as the uneven stones can quickly become slippery underfoot.
6. As you make you way through the ticket entrance, head straight to the top of the site to reach the Parthenon. Those around you will tend to stop along the route, listening to audio guides and taking their time to reach the pinnacle. Particularly for those of you who managed the early start, then you’ll in for an amazing treat with unrestricted views of The Acropolis and its surrounding area. Taking in the breathtaking beauty before you, you will actually see the crowds beginning to weave below you as they too make the climb to the top.
7. Once you’ve drunk in your views and enjoyed the peaceful start, then retrace your steps to the beginning to begin your tour – you’ll be amazed at how different the Parthenon looks and feels upon your second trip to the top when it is heaving with visitors.
8. There is limited on-site signage available so for a more in-depth understanding then worth downloading an audio tour. With a wealth of audio tours available, you’ll find some are free of change, others require a small fee. There are a limited number of in-person tour guides available but they are on the pricey side.
The Acropolis Museum Restaurant
The Acropolis Museum
1. There is an off-site Acropolis Museum, probably about a 10 minute walk from the main attraction, and requires a separate ticket.
2. Primarily built to house the disputed Parthenon Marbles, it’s currently filled with artifacts & interpretation aids to help give you an understanding of the history of The Acropolis. If you’re planning to undertake both sites, we suggest starting with The Acropolis and then moving onto the museum later in the day.
3. Look out for the QR codes as you enter the museum that offers a free highlights tour around the museum.
4. End you visit at the museum’s restaurant located on the top floor that offers spectacular views of The Parthenon. It’s not the cheapest option if you’re planning on dining there but we opted for coffee instead and enjoyed our drinks with a view.
The Acropolis Museum in Athens
The Acropolis; Free & Discounted Entry
1. The Acropolis offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month from November to March. For those looking for a budget trip to Athens then this is for you but be warned you won’t be the only person with this idea for assume it will be a crowded experience.
2. Non EU students can pick up a 50% discount off standard ticket prices although this option is not available online and has to be purchased on the day where you will be asked to provide valid ID.
3. Visit off season and you can also enjoy discounted entry to The Acropolis that also offers a quieter experience. The off-peak season runs from 1 November through to 31 March each year.
More information available from The Acropolis Tickets.
