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.
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Acropolis Walking Tours
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.
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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 **
Find out more here: Interesting facts about the Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens.
Purchase Tickets and Skip The Line
If you would prefer not to take a private tour, but instead want to explore the site at a more leisurely stroll, you may want to choose a self-guided option.
Book your tickets ahead of time, choose from an audio tour, or opt for a skip the line ticket which you can book online.
Take a look here: Skip the Line Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tickets
More Historic Sites in Athens
If you are planning what to see and do in Athens, keep in mind that it i s much more than just the Parthenon and Acropolis! Here's some of the other archaeological sites and points of interest you can visit while in the city:
- Ancient Agora and Museum
- Roman Agora
- Hadrian's Library
- Hadrian's Arch
- Panathenaic Stadium
- Mars Hill (Areopagus)
Take a look at my itinerary for seeing Athens in 2 days for more details on trip planning!
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.
FAQ About the Athens Acropolis
Readers planning to visit the Acropolis archaeological site in Athens often ask questions similar to:
Do you need a tour guide for Acropolis?
You don't need to take a guided walking tour around the Acropolis in Athens if you prefer to enjoy the archaeological site at your own pace. Try taking a guide book with background information if you visit on your own in order to better appreciate some of the monuments and history.
Can you walk around the Acropolis?
Yes, you can walk around the fascinating ruins of the Acropolis once you have paid to enter the archaeological site. Remember that the Acropolis is more than just the Parthenon – there are the north and south slopes, and outstanding areas such as the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Should I buy Acropolis tickets in advance?
There is normally a very big queue at the ticket office for the Acropolis I suggest you book Acropolis tickets online and in advance using Get Your Guide in order to save time.
How much is Acropolis ticket?
The standard entrance ticket costs for just the Acropolis are €20 from 1 April to 31 October, and €10 from 1 November to 31 March. Concessions are available, and there are also some free entrance days each year.
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– Dave Briggs Dave is a travel writer living in Athens, Greece. In addition to creating this travel guide about the best Acropolis tours, he's also written hundreds more travel guides about exploring Greece. Follow Dave on social media for travel inspiration from Greece and beyond: