The Acropolis of Athens is the crown jewel of Ancient Athens, and is one of the best known historical landmarks of Europe. Every year, masses of tourists descend upon the city of Athens for a chance to visit this ancient, yet enduring citadel.
Location of the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis sits on a flat topped rock some 490 ft above sea level in the the central area of the city. It is a 15 minute walk southwest from Syntagma Square.
To get here from Syntagma Square, walk down Vasilissis Sofias Avenue (Λεωφόρος Βασιλίσσης Σοφίας) until just after the imposing Hadrian’s Arch on your left (on the other side of the road), and turn right on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street (Οδός Διονυσίου Αρεοπαγίτου). Walk straight down Dionysiou Areopagitou and you will then reach the South Slopes of the Acropolis of Athens; Walk further on and you’ll reach the turn to the Western Slopes.
There are 2 entrances to the Acropolis – via the Western Slopes, or the South Slopes.
The Western Slopes
The “main” entrance to the Acropolis of Athens is on the Western Slopes, with the entrance proper located just off Theorias Street – a branch off from Dionysiou Areopagitou. This entrance leads directly up the stairs to the Propylaia, the monumental main entrance to the Acropolis proper.
Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/QnLAPVeJsQrWsZRc8
The area just before the ticket gates is also where you will find the Areopagus – Entrance is free and it’s open 24/7.
The South Slopes
The entrance on the South Slopes on the southeastern corner of the Acropolis is technically the “side entrance”. I actually prefer this entrance because the path brings you past the ruins of other buildings that were built on the South Slopes. It’s a bit of a reminder that the Acropolis is more than just the hilltop, and gives you time to build the anticipation and appreciation as you make your way slowly up the path to the steps of the Propylaia.
There is a ticket counter manned by staff at the South Slopes, and also some automated ticket vending machines conveniently next to a National Bank of Greece ATM.
Google Maps link: https://goo.gl/maps/s8yPJadY29s6fca6A
Public Transport connections
The best public transport connection to the Acropolis is via the Akropoli (Ακρόπολη) station of the Athens Metro.
Akropoli Metro station is served by Line 2 (Red) of the Athens Metro. The exit to Makrygianni Street (Oδός Μακρυγιάννη) provides a direct access to the South Slopes – simply take the escalator up to ground level and walk straight ahead.
Disabled Access
An inclined lift is available for use by visitors with disabilities. The lift is located on the northern face of the Acropolis.
The excellent local website Athens by Locals recommends that visitors who need the lift call one day ahead to arrange for use of the lift.
Contact No. (as recommended by Athens by Locals): +30 210 3214172 or +30 210 9238470
Google Maps coordinates: 37°58’20.9″N 23°43’34.0″E
Opening Hours
| Period | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| 1 April – 31 October (Summer) | 8:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| 1 November – 31 March (Winter) | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
Ticket Prices
| Ticket type | Period | Price (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Single Entry | 1 April – 31 October (Summer) | 20.00 |
| 1 November – 31 March (Winter) | 10.00 | |
| 5 Days Combo Ticket | All year round | 30.00 |
| Non-EU citizens (6 – 25 years old) | 1 April – 31 October (Summer) | 10.00 |
| Senior Citizens (65 years and above) from Greece, EU Member States, and the European Economic Union | 1 April – 31 October (Summer) | 10.00 |
| Teachers on visits from primary to tertiary education institutions. | 1 April – 31 October (Summer) | 10.00 |
| Parents accompanying visits from primary school witin the EU and EEA. | 1 April – 31 October (Summer) | 10.00 |
You can buy your ticket from the following places:
- Ticket Counters at the Acropolis entrances;
- Online from the official Hellenic Heritage E-Ticket site; and
- One of the many official partner ticket websites online, but these come with a slight markup.
Free entry into the Acropolis of Athens
The Acropolis is free to enter for all on the following days:
- 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
- 18 April (International Monuments Day)
- 18 May (International Museums Day)
- The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Day)
- 28 October (Oxi Day | Ημέρα του όχι)
- Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st (Winter Months)
Designated categories of visitors are allowed free entry into the Acropolis throughout the year. Here is a partial list:
- EU citizens under 25 years old;
- People over 25 years old enrolled in secondary education in the EU and EEA;
- Visitors less than 5 years old (from all countries);
- People with disabilities, and their escorts, of 80% degree of disability
- Teachers from within the EU on educational visits for primary, secondary, or tertiary education;
- Unemployed Greek citizens / People claiming Social Solidarity Income;
- Greek families with 3 or more children
- Single parent families; and
- Refugees.
For a full list and more information, visit Archaeology Travel’s excellent page on visiting the Acropolis. I usually include a link to the Ministry of Culture & Sport’s Odysseus portal for archaeological sites, but it doesn’t seem to be working now.
Remember to bring along the supporting documents you need to prove your eligibility for the free tickets.
Should I buy the 5 days €30.00 Combined Ticket?
You have the option of buying a €30.00 combined ticket valid for 5 days. This gives you access to 7 sites: The Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Kerameikos, Hadrian’s Library, Aristotle’s Lykeion, and the Temple of the Olympian Zeus.
I personally think this is more useful in the summer months, instead of the winter months when there are already discounted tickets. Buying individual tickets also means you get to pick and choose which sites to visit, instead of feeling obliged to visit all 7 sites after spending €30.00. Ultimately, though, it’s up to you.
You can buy the Combined Ticket at the ticket counters of any of the above sites.
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