An Acropolis guided tour is the ideal way to appreciate the most famous site in Athens. Choose an Acropolis tour which also includes the Acropolis museum, and you'll get a deeper insight into Athens and ancient Greece.
The Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is the ancient citadel in Athens that looms high over its center. It's the most famous landmark in Athens, and one of the most important ancient sites in the western world.
The collection of buildings and temples at the top of the Acropolis such as the Parthenon has earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and it is now one of the most visited monuments in Greece.
Acropolis Tour
Whilst you can easily visit without a guide, an Acropolis guided tour does offer many advantages. A guide can show you the best ways to skip the queues, point out significant buildings and areas you might easily miss, and fill in any gaps in your knowledge as they lead you around.
In my opinion, combining this with a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum provides the maximum value.
** Look at an Acropolis Guided Tour – Click Here **
Acropolis Guided Tour
Guided tours of the Acropolis and Museum are normally between 3 and 4 hours in length, with the time split reasonably evenly between the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. Tours begin at the Acropolis and then finish in the museum.
Most of the tours require that you buy your own ticket, which is pretty standard. This is actually a good thing, as it gives your the opportunity to purchase a multi-site ticket for ancient Athens, which is useful if you plan to spend 2 days or more in Athens.
Other tours offer a ‘skip the line' option. If you've only got limited time in Athens, then this might be a good Acropolis tour option.
** Look at an Acropolis Guided Tour – Click Here **
Approaching the Acropolis
As you enter the complex and begin to walk up the hill, your guide will point out the main features such as the Theatre of Dionysus, and the Dionysus Sanctuary.
They will also explain all about the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and how it is still used today during the summer months for select outdoor concerts and festivals.
** Look at an Acropolis Guided Tour – Click Here **
On Top of the Acropolis
Once at the top of the hill, the extra benefits of a guided Acropolis tour become apparent. The guide will explain all about the important buildings such as the Propylaea gateway, Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike and of course the Parthenon.
This temple was dedicated to the Goddess Athena, and is thought to be one of three points of a ‘Sacred Triangle' of ancient Greek temples. The other two temples making up the triangle are the Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, and the Temple of Aphaia in Aegina.
There are also some incredible views to be enjoyed out over the city of Athens. It's easy to imagine how in command of their world the ancient Athenians must have felt when they stood here more than 2000 years ago.
Once you have taken all the photos of the Acropolis you desire, your guide will then lead you on to the next stop on the tour which is the Acropolis Museum.
** Look at an Acropolis Guided Tour – Click Here **
The Acropolis Museum
The new Acropolis Museum has been rated as one of the best museums in the world. Despite this, a guide is all but essential in order to best make sense of what is on display.
Whilst everything is beautifully laid out, it does need some explanation. This is where your tour guide will be invaluable.
The time inside the museum normally lasts between an hour and an hour and a half, and if you take the morning tour, it will set yourself up nicely for lunch.
Take my advice though – Don't eat in the restaurants near the Acropolis museum, but instead head for Plaka where there's some lovely little restaurants.
** Look at an Acropolis Guided Tour – Click Here **
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Day Trips from Athens
Thinking of staying longer in Athens, and are looking for some day trips to take? Take a look here for the most popular day trips from Athens.
You can also find plenty more things to do with these city sightseeing tours of Athens.
kimberly says
Hello Dave:
Greetings from Canada.
I will be in Athens on June 10. Can you please advise if there is an afternoon guided tour of the Acropolis Museum? All guided tours of the Acropolis Museum start in the morning which is not suitable for me as I only arrive Athens before noon.
Thank you so much in advance. I look forward to hearing from soon.
Regards,
Kimberly
Dave Briggs says
Hi Kimberly,
Apologies for the delayed reply – I just came back from trekking in Nepal!
You’re right – Most of the tours seem to be in the morning.
I did find a couple you might be interested in though:
1. Acropolis Museum Afternoon Tour (choose the 4pm option)
2. Acropolis of Athens and New Acropolis Museum Tour (Choose the 1.45 pm option)
Hope that helps! Enjoy your time in Athens 🙂