If you do just one thing in Athens, make it a visit to the Acropolis. You don’t need to be a history buff to be blown away by it’s incredible architecture, ancient monuments, and epic panoramic views of the city. Attracting around 3 million visitors every year, it’s no wonder this iconic site is a must-see. I’ve been, I’ve explored, and now I’m sharing my top tips so you can get the most out of your visit.
TIP! The best time of year to visit is in the shoulder season, April, May and October. Summer is peak season and can get extremely hot, the Acropolis will close in cases of extreme heat to protect visitors.
TIP! Buy your ticket in advance to save time and guarantee your spot. Ideally, purchase tickets from the official site or if tickets are sold out, try a third party vendor like Get Your Guide – they’re a bit pricier but they do include an audio tour of Plaka AKA Athens Old Town.
TIP! If you can, book an 8am entry – you’ll beat both the heat and the crowds. Between 10 am and 2pm is the busiest window and then it quietens down again later in the day.
TIP! Plan to get there about 30 minutes early, even at 8am, lines can get long! Your ticket is good from 15 minutes before to 15 minutes after your chosen entry time, so you’ve got a little wiggle room.
TIP! If you don’t feel like paying extra for a tour, take a free audio tour of the site, we loved this one by Rick Steves. It lasts about an hour and really brings the history of the sites to life and adds so much context to what you see.
TIP! The popular combo ticket that used to be available for the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum and other archaeological sites are no longer available. You will need to buy ticket separate tickets for the Acropolis site and the Acropolis Museum.
TIP! Allow anything from 1-3 hours for your visit depending on how much you want to see and how interested in history you are.
TIP! Bring some water, (it’s the only drink that’s allowed) and eat before you go as no food is permitted on site.
TIP! Wear comfortable shoes – the ground is uneven and pack sunscreen as there is very little shade. There are toilets just beyond the entrance gates and some at the far end of the site. Remember to put the loo paper in the bin!
TIP! Make sure you phone is fully charged (or bring a battery pack,) you don’t want to miss out on these photo opportunities.
Visiting the Acropolis is an unforgettable experience, full of history, incredible architecture, and stunning views of Athens. I hope with these tips, you’ll be able to explore like a pro and really make the most of your visit.
Have you been to the Acropolis before? Got any tips to add? And if you haven’t been, is it on your travel list?
All admission fees were independently paid for and all opinions are my own.
