Acropolis

The Acropolis was the main sanctuary of ancient Athens, and the buildings you see were raised in the fifth century BC under Pericles. You enter from the west, climb to the Propylaia gateway and pass the small temple of Athena Nike before reaching the Parthenon. The Erechtheion stands on the north side, with its porch of caryatids. Restoration work is still going on, so scaffolding is often part of the view. Most visitors need about two hours on the rock, plus the queue.

What to look for

• The Parthenon
• The Propylaia gateway
• The caryatid porch of the Erechtheion
• The view over the rooftops from the edge of the rock

Opening hours

From 1 to 15 October the site opens 08:00 to 18:30, and from 16 to 31 October 08:00 to 18:00. Winter hours from 1 November are 08:00 to 17:00, and summer hours are 08:00 to 20:00 with a gradual cut from 1 September. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Closed on 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25 December and 26 December. Entry is free on 6 March, 18 April, 18 May, the last weekend of September and 28 October.

Source: Hellenic Ministry of Culture (Odysseus), checked October 5, 2026

Tickets and booking

Adult ticket €30. The standard adult ticket is 30 euros and the reduced ticket is 15 euros. It covers the rock and its slopes. The Acropolis Museum sells its own separate ticket.

Tickets are sold at the gate and on the Ministry of Culture e-ticketing service. The queue grows from mid morning, so buy online before you go and arrive at opening.

Getting there

Take Metro line 2 to Akropoli, then walk 10 to 15 minutes along the pedestrian street and round the base of the rock to the main entrance on the west side.

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Tip

Be at the gate at 08:00, or come for the last hour before closing. The polished marble is slippery, so wear shoes with grip.