Visit the Acropolis: insider tips to help you plan

Picture Athens and it’s highly likely that the Acropolis will come to mind. It is, after all, one of the most important architectural and cultural structures in the world. But I have to admit, when I was planning to visit the Acropolis on my trip to Greece, I was a bit overwhelmed with the amount of information and tips, specifically about getting the tickets, the best time to visit, if I should go to the Acropolis Museum first, and whether I should get a guided tour or not. 

So here are all the answers and the necessary insider tips for visiting the Acropolis of Athens, organised below in the most efficient way for a seamless experience. 

Facts about the Acropolis of Athens

• An acropolis is a citadel, and literally means the highest point in a city. There are many acropoleis in Greece, but the most famous one is the Acropolis of Athens.
• The Acropolis of Athens was built in the 5th century BCE.
• You might often hear the Acropolis and the Parthenon used interchangeably. Here’s the breakdown:
  • The Acropolis is an ancient Greek monumental complex sitting on top of a hill in Athens. The whole archaeological site is the Acropolis.
  • The Parthenon is one of the temples that forms part of the Acropolis, and is the most popular one. 
• The main structures that are part of the Acropolis are the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erechtheion, and the Parthenon, though you will also pass the impressive historic Theatre of Dionysus as you head up to the Acropolis site. 
• The Acropolis is a symbol of Greece and the most recognisable symbol of Athens, representing Greek culture and civilisation, democracy, art, and philosophy. 

When is the best time to visit the Acropolis?

• The best months to visit the Acropolis for mild weather are April, May, October, and November.
• Avoid summer (May to August) at all costs, because it’s the most crowded and the heat can be unbearable.
• Avoid visiting in the middle of the day, especially in the warmer months, as it can be quite sunny and bright. We visited in late afternoon at the end of October, and it was very warm (and crowded).
• It’s best to visit the Acropolis Museum first to soak up some knowledge and get a better understanding of the Acropolis’s importance, and then head to the Acropolis in the afternoon.
• Note that despite all these tips, there’s no guarantee of avoiding crowds, as the Acropolis is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world. 

Insider tips for visiting the Acropolis

1. Visit the Acropolis Museum first

Most people visit the Acropolis site in the morning, then the museum in the afternoon. I visited the museum first to learn as much as possible about the site and history. I definitely recommend visiting the museum prior to the archaeological site. 

Here’s what you need to know about the Acropolis Museum:

• It’s located at the foot of the Acropolis, and you can easily walk from there directly to the Acropolis’s main entrance on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street.
• There are a LOT of artefacts at the Acropolis Museum. It will take all day to see every single item. Spend time at a few specific spots instead of trying to see it all. 
• Highlights at the Acropolis Museum:
  • Ancient artefacts found on the hill (section at the entrance of the museum)
  • All the original Caryatids (except one, in the UK)
  • Parthenon Gallery and short films about the Acropolis on the top floor
• You don’t need a guided tour of the museum. Just download Rick Steve’s free app and listen to the audio as you explore the museum. 
• You can buy your museum ticket directly on the museum’s site or at the entrance.

2. Buy your ticket online

There are two lines at the Acropolis: one to purchase tickets for those who haven’t bought a ticket yet, and one for the entrance to the Acropolis for those who already have a ticket. If you didn’t purchase your ticket online and intend to buy at the entrance, this means you’ll need to wait in both lines, so it’s best to buy your tickets online. 

3. Don’t choose the last time slot for the Acropolis

I made the mistake of choosing the last time slot for the Acropolis, thinking it would be a bit less crowded. Not only was it still crowded, but we had very little time to explore, as they start ushering people out 15 minutes before closing time. This means we only had 45 minutes there, and it wasn’t enough as we were listening to the audio guide and trying to absorb every little detail.

4. Don’t linger on the Parthenon

While the Parthenon is the most popular temple at the Acropolis, take the time to visit other ruins like the Erechtheion, and soak in the views of Athens from up top. We lingered too long at the Parthenon and ran out of time fast, as we were there just before closing time and were forced to leave 15 minutes before they closed. 

Steps to visit the Acropolis

• Buy tickets online or book a guided tour with entrance tickets so that you don’t need to wait in 2 lines (the ticket-buying line and the entrance line) before entering
• Choose your entry gate
  • The main entrance is at Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
    • This is the closest entrance to the Acropolis Museum
    • This entrance is usually busier
  • The side entrance is near the Ancient Theatre of Dionysus
    • This entrance is often less crowded
    • It’s the best option if you’re coming from the Plaka or Koukaki neighbourhoods
• If you’re going alone rather than with a tour or guide, have your audio tour ready to start as soon as you scan your ticket to enter
• Start your walk up. It will take about 10 minutes to reach the Acropolis.
• On the way to the Acropolis, you will walk through the following areas and temples
  • Theatre of Dionysus (the world’s first theatre). This is not part of the Acropolis site, but is right before it, and is an ancient ruin. 

• Odeon of Herodes Atticus: this is a Roman amphitheatre still used for concerts today, right by the Theatre of Dionysus. 

• The Acropolis
  • Propylaea (this is the grand entrance with tall columns)

• Temple of Athena Nike (you can only see this from down below, by the Propylaea)
• Parthenon (the iconic centrepiece)

• Erechtheion & Caryatids (as interesting as the Parthenon, if not even more beautiful)

• Viewpoints overlooking:
  • Mount Lycabettus
  • The Agora
  • The Temple of Olympian Zeus

Where to get the best view of the Acropolis?

There are two main spots to see a panoramic view of the Acropolis, and they’re both free.

1. Filopappou Hill (Philopappos or Mousson hill)

Philapapppos Hill is open 24/7 and is where you’ll get the most magnificent panoramic view of not just the Acropolis, but also of Athens. It’s best to go right before sunset to see the Acropolis glow in the light. 

It can get crowded as it’s large space, you will rarely feel cramped. Crowds of tourists also mean it’s quite safe these days, as there are plenty of people looking for the same views. Just don’t linger too long after the sun sets, just to be safe. 

How to get to the viewpoint on Philopappos Hill: 

• There are a few entrances, and the walk uphill takes 15 minutes. 
• The most popular way up is from Apostolou Pavlou
  • Walk 600 meters from the Acropolis museum or the Acropolis metro stop, towards the entrance of the Acropolis. Keep walking past the Acropolis and turn left to enter the park
• The viewpoints over the Acropolis are at the Philopappos Monument. Alternatively, you can look for “viewpoint Philopappos Hill” on Google Maps. 

2. Areopagus Hill

Right past the Acropolis, there is a set of stairs leading to a small hill, Areopagus Hill. You’ll have a much closer look at the Acropolis, though not quite as panoramic as from Philapappos Hill. This place gets crowded and cramped, with no space to move or walk freely. The rocks are also very slippery, and at times you’ll need to use your hands to climb.

Note: it seems the pathway with the stairs is now closed, likely due to excavation. You can still get here from Apostolou Pavlou Street, close to Thision Open Air Cinema. 

Safety tips for visiting the Acropolis

• Wear comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
• Don’t bring bulky or heavy bags. Pack light for the day out
• Wear sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses, especially if you’re going in the warmer months
• Bring a reusable water bottle filled with water to stay hydrated

Where to stay when visiting the Acropolis

If you only have a few days to explore Athens, it’s best to stay near the Acropolis and main sights to avoid spending too much time getting around. 

The best neighbourhoods for conveniently located accommodations are 

• Plaka: a historic area and Athens’ oldest neighbourhood, with lots of restaurants and ancient ruins. See accommodations in Plaka.
• Anafiotika: located above Plaka, this is a small neighbourhood close to the hill of the Acropolis, with whitewashed houses and narrow streets. See accommodations in Anafiotika.
• Koukaki: the best area for trendy bars and cafes, full of life and energy. See accommodations in Koukaki.
• Makrygianni: upscale boutiques and restaurants, close to the Acropolis Museum. See accommodations in Makrygianni.

FAQs for visiting the Acropolis

1. Is the Parthenon part of the Acropolis?

Yes, the Parthenon is an ancient temple and one of the main attractions of the Acropolis archaelogical site in Athens. 

2. What are the main things to see at the Acropolis?

There are four main ruins to see at the Acropolis:

• Propylaea
• Temple of Athena Nike 
• Parthenon 
• Erechtheion & Caryatids

You will also see the ancient ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus and the still functioning Roman amphitheatre, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, on the way up to the Acropolis. 

3. Is it better to buy tickets to the Acropolis on site or beforehand?

While you can buy on site easily, it’s best to buy online beforehand to avoid having to wait in 2 lines. 

4. Should I visit the Acropolis Museum before or after the Acropolis?

It’s best to visit the Acropolis Museum before the Acropolis, to get a better understanding of the archaeological site and history. This way, you can also schedule your visit to the Acropolis in the afternoon, avoiding the midday heat.

5. How long do I need to visit the Acropolis and the museum?

You will need about half a day at the museum to explore thoroughly, and a few hours at the Acropolis if you do a guided tour, whether it’s with an app or a tour guide. If you rush a bit, you can do both in half a day, but it’s not recommended as it will be very tiring and feel rushed.