Everyone visiting Athens wants to climb the Acropolis. That amazing citadel at the heart of the Greek capital with the remains of spectacular temples, the most well known of which is the Parthenon. Tickets for the Acropolis can be booked in advance, online as a single entry or a combination ticket that included other ancient sites. Skip-the-line tickets and a variety of guided walking tours are also available.
Information in this article was last updated on 27 October 2019
Contents
1. Ticket Prices for the Acropolis Only 2. Multi-site or Combination Ticket 3. Acropolis Museum 4. Who Qualifies for Free/Reduced Entry? 5. Buying Tickets for the Acropolis Online, in Advance 6. Are there Long Queues for the Acropolis? 7. Avoid the Queues with a Guided Tour 8. Avoid the Queues with Skip-the-Line Tickets 9. Are Athens City Passes Worth it? 10. Where are the ticket Offices for the Acropolis? 11. Acropolis Opening Hours 12. What Sites Are Included in the Special Package Ticket?
Contents
1. Ticket Prices for the Acropolis Only
2. Multi-site or Combination Ticket
3. Acropolis Museum
4. Who Qualifies for Free/Reduced Entry?
5. Buying Tickets for the Acropolis Online, in Advance
6. Are there Long Queues for the Acropolis?
7. Avoid the Queues with a Guided Tour
8. Avoid the Queues with Skip-the-Line Tickets
9. Are Athens City Passes Worth it?
10. Where are the ticket Offices for the Acropolis?
11. Acropolis Opening Hours
12. What Sites Are Included in the Special Package Ticket?
This page provides all the ticketing information for the Acropolis, and the multi-site combination ticket. Follow this link for information about the best guided tours of the Acropolis and Athens > >
1. Price of Tickets for the Acropolis Only
From 1 April to 31 October, Summer Tickets Cost €20 per adult.
From 1 November to 31 March, Winter Tickets Cost €10 per adult.
Children under 18 (with proof of ID) enter for free, students and others (scroll down for the full list) pay €10 for their tickets in summer (discounted to €5 during winter).
Entry to the Acropolis not only gives you access to the ancient citadel (where you can see the Parthenon and the Erechtheion) but also the North and South slopes, where you can look into the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and explore the Theatre of Dionysus - amongst other features.
2. Multi-site or Combination Ticket
If you are also going to be visiting some of the other main archaeology sites in Athens, then I recommend getting yourself a Combined or Special Package Ticket. This is an 'official' ticket - in that it is produced and sold by the Greek Ministry of Culture, the body that manages these sites. For this reason the ticket is only available for purchase at the entrance to each of the participating sites, or on the Ministry of Culture and Sports website (link below).
The cost of the combination ticket
is €30 per person,
all year round,
there is no winter discount
is €30 per person,
all year round,
there is no winter discount
If you buy the combo ticket at the Acropolis, this is what you get (ticket is pictured to the right of the photograph). The other sites then stamp the back of the ticket - as you are only allowed in each of the participating sites (listed at the bottom of the ticket and on this page) once over 5 consecutive days. If you buy your ticket at one of the other sites, you still get the old ticket, a central image with stubs that are removed at each site you visit.
For €30 ticket-holders get entry to the Acropolis (the Parthenon and the Erechtheion) with its North and South Slopes, as well as some of the other main archaeological sites in Athens (such as Hadrian's Library, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, Archaeological Site of Lykeion, see full details below). There are museums in the Ancient Agora and the Kerameikos cemetery, and these are included in the entrance ticket for these sites.
Please note:
If you want to visit one or more of the associated sites, and are not visiting the Acropolis, there are individual entry tickets for these sites (prices and other details for each are below). If you do not intend to visit the Acropolis, but do want to visit all other sites - you would save 6€ by buying a multi-ticket.
Multi-Site Ticket in Winter
To make entry to the archaeological sites cheaper for local residents, the Greek government recently passed a law by which entry to all sites and museums run by the Ministry of Culture would be reduced by 50% during winter (i.e. 1 November to 31 March). This does not apply to the combined or multi-ticket, which remains €30 throughout the year. Consequently, during winter it is cheaper to buy your tickets individually at the ticket office to each site than purchase a multi-ticket.
3. Acropolis Museum
The special ticket does NOT include the Acropolis Museum, or any other museum in Athens. Entry fees to these museums are not expensive. For an additional €3, buy a Skip-the-Line Ticket for the Acropolis Museum with Audio-Guide >>
4. Who Qualifies for Free/Reduced Entry?
A number of people qualify for a 50% reduction/free admission, so be sure to have valid ID/passport/student ID if you are:
Reduced Entry
► Students of Universities and Higher Education and Technological Institutions from non-EU countries
► Seniors citizens 65 years and older from Greece and EU Member States
► Parent chaperones on educational visits of primary education schools
Free Entry
► Children under 18 years of age
► Students of Universities and Higher Education and Technological Institutions of EU countries
► Teaching staff accompanying pupils/students at all educational levels
► Unemployed people with valid unemployment card
► Disabled persons (minimum degree of disability: 67%) and their assistants
► Journalists
► Members of the Chamber of Fine Arts of Greece, as well as equivalent bodies of other EU countries
► Tourist guides
► Holders of an ICOM-ICOMOS membership card
► Members of Associations of Friends of Greek Museums and Archaeological Sites
► Official guests of the Greek State
Please Note:
If you are booking online (a step-by-step account is given below) and are eligible for a reduced or free ticket, make this choice while booking your ticket. A voucher will be sent via e-mail. Take this voucher to the ticket office of the site you are visiting, and with proof of eligibility you will be given your ticket.
Free Entry for All
During designated Open Days all visitors have free access to all archaeological sites, monuments and museums in Greece. These days are: 6 March (Melina Mercouri Remembrance Day), 18 April (International Monuments Day), 18 May (International Museums Day), the last weekend of September (European Heritage Days), 28 October (Oxi Day), the first Sunday of each month from November 1st to March 31st.
No way to book online - just show up.
Top Tip: Having read reports and seen photographs of the Acropolis on 'Free Entry for all' days, I would not waste my time. Or go very early or late. There are always a lot of people taking advantage of the free entry.
5. Can I Buy a ticket for the Acropolis online, in advance?
Yes, as of 2018 it is possible to buy tickets online for the Acropolis, both single entry tickets and combination tickets. But be advised, buying a single entry or combination ticket online only enables you to avoid having to queue for tickets at the ticket office. You do not get to skip-the-line to enter the Acropolis. To avoid that queue, you have to purchase a skip-the-line ticket or take a guided tour.
Buying your tickets online does not give you any special privileges - you join the queue along with everyone else to enter the site.
Visit the official e-ticketing service of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports.
Currently it is only possible to buy tickets through to the end of October. For ticket purchases for your trip in winter (1 November 2019 to 31 March 2020), you will have to try again from 1 November when the ticket pricing changes.
PLEASE NOTE
7 April 2019 - In the last week I have had two emails from people saying they made an error in buying their tickets (both entered the wrong dates). And these are not the first. They wrote to the department selling the tickets. And the response was an emphatic - 'tough luck, read the Terms & Conditions'. They will not refund tickets bought in error. So that means if your plans change, you can not change your tickets either. So 1) be careful entering the dates/number of tickets you want, and 2) be sure you have the final date.
For these reasons, I strongly recommend buying a ticket from a vendor (see the links in the 'Skip-the-line' section below). You *can* cancel your purchase up to 24 hours in advance, and get a full refund. How can these vendors get a refund and you can't? Quite simply, they are buying in bulk. In my opinion, based on the feedback I get, a few Euros is worth it.
If you are sure, however, and you are careful - the following is a step-by-step guide to assist you through the process, taking you from the Greek language landing page to the final page in the process.
Step One: click on the EN to change the website to English.
Step Three: click on the white arrow in the location box, and then click on ATTICA.
Step Five: a SELECT THE DATE box will appear bottom left, click the box to open the calendar. Choose your date.
Step Seven: this is where you choose the type of ticket you want, and how many. Take note of the restrictions below the box.
Step Two: Click on the Visitors banner.
Step Four: a box to the right will open that allows you to choose the site you want to visit. Click ACROPOLIS AND SLOPES.
Step Six: the option to choose a time will appear below the calendar. You need to choose the correct date, but not the correct time. Then click continue.
6. Are There Long Queues at the Acropolis?
At some of the smaller sites that are included in the Combination Ticket, the queues might not be that long. At the Acropolis, however, the queues can be long - and not only during the summer months. You can either avoid these queues by taking a guided tour or buy a skip-the-line ticket.
Buying a combination ticket online does not let you skip-the-line for entry to the Acropolis, you only get to avoid the queue for tickets at the ticket office.
Queue at the Acropolis ticket office, around 9.35 am on 27 April 2018.
Queue at the main entrance to the Acropolis, around 9.30 am on 27 April 2018.
7. Avoid the Queues with a Guided Tour
For €39 you can buy a ticket for the Acropolis and a Welcome talk online. This ticket includes entry to the Acropolis, allows you to skip any queues, and a 30 minute introductory talk by a local guide. After the talk skip any queues and enjoy one of the most amazing archaeological sites in Europe! This is a very popular tour and is often sold out well in advance.
If you want more than a 30 minute talk, it is possible to choose from a number of tours (they vary in length, and what sites are included on the tour). Taking these does allow you to skip the lines, but entry fees are not included (the reason being some people might already have a multi-site pass, or be eligible for discounts). For example, a two hour afternoon guided tour of the Acropolis costs €40.
A popular option, suited to those who want a guide of some kind but not a guided tour with a person, is the skip-the-line ticket with audio tour. For an additional cost of €9.50, you can buy a skip-the-line ticket that comes with an audio tour of the Acropolis. All you need is your own smartphone, with headphones. You get to avoid any queues, and an audio tour of the Acropolis with supporting information and an interactive map that you can access without requiring an internet connection. This is available for both Android and iOS devices, but only available in English. Click here for More Information & Further Details >>
By far one of the most popular tickets, and I think the best value and so the tour I recommend for throughout the year is the five hour tour of Athens, the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum. For only €69 you get a guided tour (available in English and Spanish) with an actual person not an audio-guide, of Athens (visiting the Panathinaikos Stadium, the Royal gardens and the former Royal Palace), the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. Entries to both the Acropolis and the museum are included in the price of the tour (€68)! And, this certified walking tour can be booked online here.
With a choice of over 60 ticket and guided tour options, see our recommendations for the Best Acropolis Tours and Skip-the-Line Tickets.
8. Avoid the Queues with Skip-the-Line Tickets
Buying genuine Skip-the-Line Tickets for the Acropolis is possible, and can be done quite easily and safely online.
For an additional cost of €5 you can buy a skip-the-line ticket (so €25 as opposed to €20). This is only available for a single entry ticket to the Acropolis and its North and South Slopes.
Besides being able to avoid standing in a queue, you can also cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance. So, if you find you have made a mistake with your dates (this happens - I get emails about it) or your plans change, you can get a full refund as long as you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. There is *no* refund for such errors or changes of plans if you buy your tickets on the official website. You need to decide whether the time saved and peace of mind is worth €5 - only you can make that decision.
There is no guided tour included. No audio tour. Nothing. Just a straight-forward skip-the-line ticket.
How It Works
Once you purchase your ticket on the GetYourGuide website, a voucher will be emailed to you. Take this voucher to Key Tours, the local supplier - located at 26 Athanasiou Diakou street next to the Royal Olympic Hotel - about three minutes walk from the Acropolis Metro Station. Here you will be given your ticket - you will not be required to pay any further booking fee. Then head to the South Entrance of the Acropolis (Dionysus Theatre) - not even 400 metres away - and bypass the queues.
The email, and link below, also includes details of the opening hours of the supplier and the Acropolis.
Click here for More Details and to Book Your Ticket Online >>
9. Are Athens City Passes Worth it?
There are a couple of city passes available. Full disclosure: I have not tried and tested any of these. But just doing the maths, none of them add up for me. First, most attractions are already quite cheap. Second, and more importantly, you would be hard pushed to do everything, or enough, in the time allotted before you start making a savings. Because of the 50% reduction in ticket prices during winter, I would not even consider these passes from 1 November to 31 March.
There is the Athens Museum Unlimited Pass, which gives you three days access to 15 different museums and galleries, including the Acropolis and the new Acropolis Museum. Others include the Museum of Cycladic Art and the Museum of Islamic Art. For only €55- I think that is a bargain! Follow this link for More Details and to Book Online.
10. Where are the ticket Offices for the Acropolis?
If you have not purchased a ticket in advance, online and you are happy to take your chances, you will need to buy a ticket at the site ticket kiosks.
The main ticket office for the Acropolis is below the main entrance to the Acropolis itself. During winter months queues at the Acropolis are not big, you will probably wait at most 20 to 30 minutes at busier times and on the weekends. During summer, it is another story - so follow these tips if you want to avoid the 2-hour plus queues.
This is also where you can purchase the special package ticket. But bear in mind that the special ticket is also on sale at the entrances to each of the participating archaeology sites. So in summer, if you want to avoid the queues at the Acropolis ticket office, go to one of the other sites listed below (there are never long queues at these sites). Buy the special ticket there, you will pay the same price, ie. €30. You will then be able to enter that site and visit the Acropolis when it suits you, without having to wait in any queues. Once purchased, the multi-site ticket is valid for five days.
There is also a ticket kiosk at the entrance near the Theatre of Dionysus. The queues here tend not to be as long as those at the main entrance.
11. Opening Hours for the Acropolis and other Archaeological Sites
During summer months (starting 1 April) the archaeological sites are open daily from 8:00 am until 19:00 pm. During the winter months between 8:00 am and 17:00 pm.
The Greek capital has so much more to offer visitors than spectacular ancient ruins. As a start, there are over 70 museums and art galleries, catering to all ages and interests. But, besides ancient history and culture, Athens has a lot to offer visitors who know what they are looking for.
Get More Information and Many More Tips in the Athens City Guide >>
12. What Sites Are Included in the Special Package Ticket?
The Acropolis
The sacred rock in the city of modern day Athens is one of the most well known archaeological sites in the World, and the most visited attraction in Athens. For ancient Athenians, it was the most important religious centre. Although occupied since the Neolithic, it was not until the 11th century BC that the Acropolis became the home of the cult of Athena. The monuments we visit today are much more recent, dating to the 5th century when Athens was at the height of its power. There are a number of religious buildings on top of the Acropolis, the most iconic of which is the Parthenon. The other well known structure is the Erechtheion.
Single Entry: €20 (reduced €10)
North & South Slope of the Acropolis
While most visitors to the Acropolis head straight for the top, there is much to see on the Northern and Southern Slopes of the Acropolis. The buildings on the slopes of the Acropolis reflect the religious and cultural importance this area had in Athens during the Archaic and Classical periods. Besides the relatively well preserved Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus, both slopes have a number of sanctuaries, churches and sacred caves. There are two separate entrances, the two slopes are joined by the Ancient Peripatos Street, so both the north and south slope count as a single site.
Entry to the North and South Slopes is included with entry to the Acropolis, ie €20 (reduced €10)
Ancient Agora
For Athenians, the Agora was not just a market place where they came daily to buy food and goods, it was also the political and judicial centre of the city. There are remains of many ancient temples, but it is the exceptionally well-preserved Temple of Hephaistos that catches everyone's eye. The reason it is has survived so well is because it became a church in the 7th century AD. There are great views over the Agora to the Acropolis from the temple. The Entry to the Agora includes entry to the Museum of the Ancient Agora - housed in the restored Stoa of Attalos, which has a vast and impressive collection of artefacts.
Single Entry: €8 (reduced 4€)
Hadrian's Library
Built in 132 Ad, Hadrian's Library was a gift from the Roman Emperor Hadrian, hence its name, to the people of Athens. Hadrian was an ardent cultural Hellenophile, and he did much to leave his mark here. Today we enter the site from the west at the imposing Pentelic marble façade, with its monumental Corinthian propylon, or gateway. The library was a rectangular peristyle structure with an interior courtyard, 122 by 82 metres. The 'library' where the papyrus books were stored is on the eastern side. A small onsite exhibition room houses a colossal statue of Nike and some other artefacts recovered.
Single Entry: €4 (reduced €2)
Roman Agora
Not far from the Ancient Agora is the 1st century BC Roman Agora. An inscription on site lists Augustus and Julius Caesar as donors for its construction, don't miss this on your way in. The agora was a large courtyard surrounded by stoas, shops and other commercial buildings. Just beyond the agora, but within the boundary of the site as it is today are the remains of the public toilets and the octagonal Tower of the Winds, built for astronomical purposes housing a hydraulic clock. The tower has some exquisite carvings that depict the 'eight winds'.
Single Entry: 8€ (reduced €4)
Kerameikos
On the northwestern fringes of the ancient city of Athens is Kerameikos. As the name suggests this was an area that was once inhabited by potters. But it is also the site of the oldest and largest Attic cemetery. Walls surround an enormous archaeological site that has a wide range of ancient funerary monuments and structures, from a tumulus mound to family tombs and individual columns. On site, and included in the entry fee is the Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos. The museum houses the artefacts recovered from archaeological excavations, and are displayed to show the changing funerary practices in ancient Athens.
Single Entry: €8 (reduced €4)
Olympieion
The main attraction of the Olympieon is the colossal Temple of Olympian Zeus - one of the largest temples in the ancient world. Despite its size, you can not gaze at this monument through the fence, you have to stand at the foot of these massive columns (16 of the 104 are still standing) to appreciate just how big they are. Beyond the area of the enormous temple are the the remains of other urban structures, including a Roman bath house, various residences, a 5th century basilica, and remnants of the city's fortification wall. Just outside the site, next to one of the busiest streets in Athens is Hadrian's Arch.
Single Entry: €6 (reduced €3)
The Archaeological Site of Lykeion
During recent rescue excavations the remains of an ancient palaestra were discovered. This was the legendary Gymnasium of Lykeion (Lyceum). Historical sources suggest this area was an idyllic grove, it is best known to us as the location of Aristotle's school of philosophy. The name comes from the sanctuary of Apollo Lykeios, which was built sometime before the gymnasium. But sadly this temple was not found during the archaeological investigation of this site. For visitors today a surface area of 0.25 hectares (50 x 48 m.) has been exposed, revealing part of the palaestra where athletes trained in wrestling and boxing.
Single Entry: €4 (reduced €2)
Unless you have mobility issues, if you are relatively fit, all of the sites are within walking distance of each other. The Olympieon is the only site on the south side of the Acropolis away from the Acropolis. But, it is not that far from the Acropolis Museum - which is just opposite the entrance to the South Slopes of the Acropolis and the Theatre of Dionysios. All the other sites are to the north of the Acropolis. And all but the cemetery site of Kerameikos are close to each other. Kerameikos is not that far to walk from the Thesseio Metro Station.
Being in the centre of Athens, there are many restaurants and cafés, as well as street vendors selling refreshments, close to the sites - and not all seem to be taking advantage of tourists.
Pressed for time? If you are relatively fit I suppose you could visit all sites in one day, but it would be a long day and a bit of a rush. But it would be a great day!
Activities, Guided Tours & Other Things to Do in Athens
While getting yourself to all of the above archaeological sites is easy and straightforward, sometimes, just sometimes a guided tour is a great idea. And of course there is so much more to see and do in Athens than this list of amazing sites. There is the obvious option of a half-day sightseeing tour of the highlights of Athens, morning or afternoon - you choose. For something really different see the Acropolis of Athens by Segway on a 2-hour tour, led by a local guide! Or experience the beauty of Athens by night with dinner and folklore show. Escape the city for a peaceful break and a luxury, day cruise with lunch. If gastronomy is your thing, treat yourself to a Greek Food and Wine Tasting, or go one step further with a Greek Cooking Class in an Athens Taverna. These are just a few of the many activities available to visitors, just have a look at this more complete list of things to do in Athens, which includes some great ideas for day-trips out of the city.
Archaeology Travel Tip - Accommodation in Athens
During my stay in Athens, I was a guest of the 4* Herodion Hotel. The view on to the Acropolis from the roof top terrace (on which meals are served) and bedrooms on the northern side of the hotel is any archaeology traveller's dream! After a day walking the streets of this ancient city, getting into bed and dozing off with a light up Parthenon in sight is quite magical. The hotel is literally a stone's throw from the Acropolis Museum, so take advantage of the late night openings. The Herodion is also ideally situated for easy, walking access to all the best sites and museums in central Athens, and the metro for those that are further away. Their in-house map of the city centre is one of the best I saw.
Booking.com
I have 12 and 15 years sons and we are from Egypt
So are they going to have free tickets?
According to the official website:
Young people up to the age of 18 get free admission.
So yes Sora, I think your two sons go free!
Greetings to Egypt!
Thomas
Hey
I’m an 18 year-old secondary school student from Poland. Do you think I’ll be eligible for free ticket if I show ISIC card at the cash desks?
Hey Jak
The guidelines say free for young people up to the age of 18. I think that includes people who are 18. So, yes I believe you will get in for free with your ISIC card. They are mean if they don’t ;-)
Enjoy!
Thank You for your informative site.
Do you know:
How far in advance can I buy an Acropolis combined ticket online?
I was practicing using your instructions, no problem, trying to buy a ticket for April. But the system would not accept April dates. It did accept March dates.
Actually the date I want is 12 September 2019 for the acropolis combined ticket.
Do you know when September dates will be available for online Acropolis purchase?
How far in advance can you buy Acropolis tickets?
Thank you, With appreciation, JoAnn Balzer
Dear JoAnn
Thank you for your kind words. And excellent question.
The reason you can not buy tickets for April to October now is because during those months the ticket price is different to now (summer price versus winter price). And the web designers have just not managed to work out how you (and many others) can buy tickets now but pay the summer prices.
I am not sure when that will get resolved as this website only came into being in September 2018. I can not believe that anyone will only be able to buy tickets for April to October 2019 from 1 April. So I will keep an eye out on this issue and keep you all updated.
Aaaah Athens in September …
Hello,
I will be travelling on my own to Athens next week and I will stay 7 days.
I like to visit the museums and archeological sites on holiday and I can read that you advise to take the Athens Museum unlimited pass at 55 euro for 3 days.
I was disappointed to see that the most famous one, the archeologic museum, was not included in the list !
In the description, they speak about “Acropolis (visit also Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Areopagus, Theater of Dionysus).
So this means that the main archeological sites in Athens are also not included in this pass.
As the Acropolis is included in both (athens museum unlimited pass and the combo ticket) do you think it’s better to buy the museum pass and buy for the other archeological sites separately or to buy the combo ticket and buy for some museums separately ?
I know that the Athens city pass exist but it cost 112,90 euro and is only valid for 3 days, too expensive for what you can get.
Thanks for your answer.
Hello Olivier,
Yes, I agree it is odd that the National Archaeological Museum is not included in the Unlimited Pass. But it is still quite cheap – €10
Remember, the cost of visiting all the sites on the combo ticket excluding the Acropolis is €36. So buying a combo ticket would save €6 – helps with the National Archaeological Museum!
If you buy the combo ticket and the Museum Unlimited Pass, that is 85 Euros – not only you could visit the Acropolis twice (experience it at different times), and you could spread out your visits over your 7 days better, as you would not buy them both on the same day. As long as there are enough museums you want to visit besides the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum (€25), the Unlimited Pass would be value for money. How about: Museum of Cycladic Art, Museum of Greek culture, Museum of Islamic Art to start with. And there is the Hop-on-Hop-Off bus – a great way to see the city from an open air bus.
I hope that helps
Thomas