How to Visit the Acropolis: Tickets, Tours, Tips & the Best Time to Go

1. Tickets: Where & How to Book

Yes, you need a ticket to enter the Acropolis. There are two great ways to book:

➤ Official Ticket Site

You can buy tickets directly from the official Greek e-ticket platform. This is the basic option — entry only, no guide — and you’ll need to choose a time slot in advance.

Important: In busy seasons (spring to autumn), time slots can sell out fast. Book early!

➤ Skip-the-Ticket-Line Entry with a Guided Tour

For a smoother, richer experience, we recommend joining a guided tour with skip-the-ticket-line access — while brief security checks may still apply, your guide uses that time to begin the tour with fascinating insights, so not a moment is wasted.
Not only do you avoid the general queues, but a licensed local guide brings the ruins to life with stories, myths, and history you’d miss on your own.

 Book your Acropolis Tour with Skip-the-Line Access
✔️ Skip-the-ticket-line entry
✔️ Small group tours
✔️ Licensed English-speaking guides
✔️ Great for all ages

You can explore the Acropolis on your own, of course — but if you want to truly understand what you’re seeing, skip the lines, and experience it like a local, a guided tour is the way to go.

2. When’s the Best Time to Visit?

Timing is everything! The Acropolis can get very crowded and very hot — especially between 10:00 AM and 2:30 PM.

Early Morning (7:45 AM Tour)

This is the best time to visit — before the crowds and tour buses arrive. Athens Walking Tours offers an exclusive First Access Acropolis Tour, starting at 7:45 AM, from May to October.

This tour lets you enter the Acropolis before the general public. It’s peaceful, cooler, and perfect for photos.

Book the First Access Acropolis Tour

 Late Afternoon

Another good option is visiting about 2 hours before closing, when the light is softer and the crowds have started to leave.

3. Are There English-Language Tours?

Yes! Our guides are fluent in English (and other languages upon request). A guided tour is the best way to truly understand the monuments and stories behind them.

Whether you’re a history buff or a first-time visitor, the experience is far more rewarding with a knowledgeable local guide.

Prefer a private experience? Book a Private Acropolis Tour in any language

Which Entrance Should You Use?

There are two entrances to the Acropolis:

• Main Entrance (Dionysiou Areopagitou Street): Where most visitors go — and often where the long lines are.
  
• South Entrance: A hidden gem that’s less crowded and more scenic. You’ll walk past the Theatre of Dionysus, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and other beautiful monuments on your way up.
  

Pro Tip: Most of our guided tours begin at the South Entrance for a better experience.

4. What to Bring with You

To stay comfortable and prepared, here’s what you’ll need:

Comfortable Shoes – The ground is uneven, rocky, and often slippery.
Water Bottle – Especially in summer (no shops or fountains inside).
Sun Protection – Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are a must.
Camera or Phone – You’ll want to capture those views.

Note: The Acropolis allows small bags and essential personal items, but large backpacks, food, and drinks (except for water) are restricted to protect the site and its monuments. The size limit for bags is not specified on the official website, so it’s best to pack light and not risk being denied access or charged extra.

Make Your Visit Unforgettable

• Book your ticket or guided tour in advance
• Choose early morning or late afternoon
• Wear comfy shoes & bring water
• Skip the ticket lines with a guided tour
• Start from the South Entrance if possible for a more scenic and less crowded route
• Pack light and prepare
• Bring curiosity!

Make your visit smooth, smart, and unforgettable. Book your tour with Athens Walking Tours — local experts trusted by thousands of travelers every year.

Book Your Acropolis Tour Now See you at the top of Athens!