Acropolis
#5 in Best Things To Do in Athens
Details
- 4.0Value
- 4.0Facilities
- 5.0Atmosphere
While there are many more acropoleis (the plural of "acropolis," in case you're wondering) in Greece, it's this one in central Athens that garners the most attention. In fact, it's routinely referred to simply as "The Acropolis." The site is an elevated, flat-topped rock with an assortment of monuments and ruins built between 510 and 400 B.C., including the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike and the Erechtheion.
Travelers say the hike to the Acropolis is just as memorable as the sites it holds. If you're going to try it, many suggest beginning your trek in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak temperatures and crowds. For the best photos and views, arrive shortly before sunset. Visitors with mobility issues will have access to an elevator; however, some travelers noticed others struggling to move wheelchairs around the property, which lacks ramps and has gravel pathways, so allow extra time when using a wheelchair.
The Acropolis is open every day (excluding Greek public holidays like Independence Day, May Day and Christmas) between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Standard tickets cost 20 euros ($22) per person and provide one-day access to all of the site's attractions. Unified tickets – which include five consecutive days of expedited access (one entry per site) to the Acropolis, the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos and Ancient Agora – cost 30 euros ($32.50) each. Waived admissions are offered on March 6; April 18; May 18; the last weekend of September; October 28; and the first Sunday of November, December, January, February and March. On-site facilities are minimal, but there are a few refreshment stalls and bathrooms, as well as a gift shop by the entrance closest to the Acropolis Museum. You can park in the Acropolis' lot for a fee, but spaces are limited. Several bus stops and metro stations – Acropoli, Monastiraki, Thissio and Sygrou - Fix – sit within walking distance. For more information about the Acropolis, visit the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports' ODYSSEUS website.
More Best Things To Do in Athens
#1 Acropolis Museum
As its name suggests, the Acropolis Museum – which resides in central Athens' Makrigianni district – houses various archaeological findings from the Acropolis. Key exhibits include a relief of Athena Nike, several carved statues from Erechtheion and a gallery with various Parthenon artifacts.
Many previous travelers said the Acropolis Museum was one of the best museums they'd ever visited, citing the property's displays as the perfect complement to the Acropolis' ruins. Another plus: the museum's design. Several visitors raved about the attraction's construction, especially its glass floors that offer a peek at the ruins situated beneath the building.
Explore More of Athens
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
Recommended
The Best Travel Backpacks for 2020
Lyn MettlerNovember 25, 2019
30 Top Wellness Retreats
Kyle McCarthyNovember 21, 2019
30 Fun All-Inclusive Family Vacations
Holly JohnsonNovember 14, 2019
5 Ways Cruise Lines Are Becoming More Environmentally Friendly
Gwen PratesiNovember 12, 2019
11 Unique and Quirky Cruise Destinations
Christine SmithNovember 12, 2019
The 2020 Best Cruise Lines for Families
Nicola WoodNovember 12, 2019
The Top Pyramids in Mexico to Visit
Lyn MettlerOctober 28, 2019
30 Top Babymoon Destinations, Trips and Ideas
Gwen PratesiOctober 15, 2019