The necessary Acropolis checklist in 5 steps
The Acropolis is the name of the hill on which ancient Athens was founded (akro means edge, polis is the city). When the first inhabitants left the top and moved to the foothills of the Acropolis, temples and sanctuaries were erected. The most famous of all is the Parthenon temple, dedicated to the ancient goddess of war, Athená – the patron goddess of Athens city.
Tickets to the Acropolis Hill & Slopes
Your entrance ticket to the Acropolis includes all the monuments on top of the rock and its slopes. For the full Acropolis experience, you should combine your visit to the archaeological site with the stunning Acropolis Museum. This is where all the finds from the Acropolis are housed! Check the different options & find the online e-ticket links HERE
Entering the site
There are two entrances to the Acropolis rock: the main one which is in the west, and the side entrance (known as Dionysus Theatre entrance), which is located in the south-east. Using the Dionysus Theatre entrance you have the opportunity to see the Dionysus Theatre –the oldest theatre in Europe, the Thrasylus sponsor’s monument, the Eumenes Stoa, and the Asclepius Sanctuary – the world’s first hospital!
Visiting the stunning Odeon of Herodes Atticus
From here, you continue your way to the top passing from the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This is an ancient amphitheatre that is still in use for musical and theatre performances in the summer. Every summer, world-famous singers, bands, and musicians perform here, if you get a chance to find tickets for any venue it will be a lifetime-memory opportunity (the acoustics of the theatre are impeccable). Any time of the day you visit, do not miss a photo opportunity here. The view is stunning!
Admiring the Propylaea & the Erechtheion (where the Caryatids are!)
As you continue upwards, you arrive at the so-called Propylaea, the impressive marble main entrance gates to the monuments of the Acropolis. Apart from the Parthenon, you will see other temples too such as the Erechteion, the Temple of Athena Nike, and the Sanctuary of Artemis. Do not miss the beautiful Caryatids at the Erechteion temple. These sculpted female figures serve as columns supporting the temple and are considered ancient masterpieces.
Book a guided visit to fully appreciate what you admire
To make the most out of your visit to the Acropolis, we recommend our Private Family Guided Tour to the Acropolis. This tour takes you along the famous monuments of the Acropolis and its foothills. Travel with your kids back in time and explore the Acropolis in an engaging and storytelling way.
We have also designed Mythology Tours in the Acropolis inspired by Percy Jackson. There are private and small group options. Click here for more information: Mythology Tours inspired by Percy Jackson.
Start your Acropolis journey NOW by contacting the Kids Love Greece team HERE!
Families should know
- Avoid visiting the Acropolis at noon, especially during the summer months as there is no shade
- During summer, it can get very busy at the Acropolis
- Bring water (other drinks are not allowed inside the Acropolis), sun cream, and light-colored hats, and wear sturdy shoes (the Acropolis marble flooring is slippery)
- There is no parking at the Acropolis. It is wise to use public transport
- The entrance ticket to the Archaeological site of the Acropolis includes the monuments on the Acropolis and its slopes
- Strollers are not allowed on the Acropolis. You can leave the baby stroller in the storage room, located next to the First Aid station at the site’s entrance, and pick it up upon completion of your visit/tour. We highly recommend you bring along a baby carrier to use during your tour.
- For prompt information about the timetable and tickets please follow THIS link
Best season to visit
- All
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