Things to Do in Athens Greece: Acropolis and Parthenon
- Laura
- 14 hours ago
- 7 min read
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A visit to the Acropolis and Parthenon was #1 on Randy and my list of things to do in Athens Greece. The ancient citadel, considered to be the birthplace of democracy, proved to be all we had hoped. The hilltop sanctuary offered an impressive collection of ruins and breathtaking city views. On our early morning visit, we felt the weight and the wonder of this historic site.
The Acropolis complex is home to the Parthenon. The Doric temple is revered the world over as an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece. Other temples at the site that you won’t want to miss include the Erechtheum, Propylaea, and Temple of Athena Nike.
ATHENS GREECE TOURS
WHAT ARE THE ACROPOLIS AND PARTHENON
The word Acropolis comes from a Greek word meaning “highest point.” The Acropolis of Athens is an ancient fortress built on a rocky hill overlooking Athens, Greece. The citadel once served as a religious center, and symbol of Athenian grace and greatness. Its temples and monuments have influenced art and architecture world-wide for thousands of years.
The Parthenon is a monumental building erected on the Acropolis during the Golden Age of Athens (447-432 BC). The treasury temple was dedicated to Athena (patron goddess of Athens). The structure is regarded as a masterpiece of classical Greek architecture.
WHERE ARE THE ACROPOLIS AND PARTHENON
The Acropolis and Parthenon are located in the historic center of Athens, Greece. The site is easily accessed on foot, metro (use the Acropoli or Monastiraki stations), or bus. The Acropolis sits on a small peak with a flat top overlooking the city of Athens and Aegean Sea.
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HISTORY OF THE ACROPOLIS OF ATHENS
The Acropolis of Athens was built over several centuries. It dates back to fortifications constructed by the Mycenaeans in the Bronze Age. Later, in the 5th century BC, the site’s most significant structures were built during the Golden Age of Athens.
During this period, the Athenians were establishing a system of democracy. Guided by the statesman, Pericles, the site’s most important monuments were erected. These included the Parthenon, Erechtheum, and Temple of Athena Nike. In this era, the Acropolis served as the Ancient Greece’s main political, administrative, and religious center.
Subsequent conquests led to changes at the Acropolis. The Romans erected the Temple of Agustus. Later regimes established churches, mosques, government buildings, and military bases at the site. In more recent centuries, the Acropolis was systematically looted. Since the establishment of the Greek state in the 1800s, the country has worked to preserve the site.
FUN THINGS TO TRY IN ATHENS
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE STATUS
The Acropolis of Athens has been acknowledged as the greatest architectural and artistic complex given to the world by Ancient Greece. The campus gave birth to the concepts of democracy, philosophy, theater, and freedom of expression and speech. For these reasons, the Acropolis has attained UNESCO World Heritage Status for outstanding universal value.
ACROPOLIS TOURS
Acropolis tours are Athen’s most popular excursion. The site gets very crowded – year round. The large compound is an active archaeological dig, and has many restoration projects taking place (expect to do a lot of walking over uneven surfaces). Signage is sparse.
A knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of the site. On our early morning tour the sun was scorching, and our guide knew the best shady spots to grab to maximize comfort. When booking a tour, do so through a reputable company (we like GetYourGuide or Viator), with a fair cancellation policy. For this site we also recommend “skip-the-line” tickets.
Try one of these Acropolis tours:
ACROPOLIS MAP
Things To See in Athens Greece: Acropolis & Parthenon
Propylaea
A long cobblestone road leads up a hill to the Propylaea entrance. Visitors then climb upward on a series of stairs and landings to enter the complex. With massive columns towering above you, the effect is gloriously humbling.
The Propylaea is the gateway to the Acropolis complex. The entryway serves as a grand introduction to the citadel. The Propylaea is adorned with a series of graceful marble columns that signify the transition from everyday life into the divine.
Parthenon
The world-famous monumental temple was built between 447 and 438 BC and dedicated to the goddess Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin). The structure’s main purpose was to display a huge gold and ivory statue of Athena, and serve as the city’s treasury.
The Parthenon was designed to show-off the affluence and might of Athens at the height of its power. The structure’s marble columns and horizontal lines were built to convey a sense of harmony and perfection. Much of the temple was destroyed in a gunpowder explosion in 1687. Considered a masterpiece, the Parthenon is one of the most emulated buildings in the world.
DAY TRIPS FROM ATHENS GREECE
Erechtheum
The Erechtheum, aka the Erechthion, was built between 421 and 405 BC. It served as the main religious center of the Acropolis complex. The temple was dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. Its distinctive Caryatid porch (sculpted female figures) is famous for its exquisite detail and beautiful classical architecture.
Odeon of Herodes Attiucus
The regal theater of Odeon of Herodes Atticus sits on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. Built in 161 CE, the 5,000 seat theater was a memorial to the wife of Roman Senator, Herrods Attiucus. The theater is still in use today for festivals and concerts.
Temple of Athena Nike
The temple of Athena Nike, sometimes called the “pearl of the Acropolis,” for its elegant design, is the smallest temple at the Acropolis site. Completed in the year 420 BC, the temple is dedicated to Athena Nike (Athena as the goddess of victory).
Theatre of Dionysus
The Theatre of Dionysus is located on the south slope of Acropolis Hill. Constructed in the 6th century BC, the stadium is thought to be the birthplace of Greek drama. In its heyday, the open-air venue hosted plays by Sophocles and Euripides. The structure could seat thousands.
Acropolis Museum
The striking Acropolis Museum features soaring glass windows against a backdrop of the Acropolis archaeological site. The museum houses artifacts taken from the Acropolis and Parthenon (find 3 original Caryatid statues here). The structure is packed full of over 4.300 relics.
Rock of Areopagos
After exiting the Acropolis complex through the Propylaea and descending the road to the parking lot, look for a stone staircase that leads to the top of a rocky hill. If you climb the Rock of Areopagos, you will be rewarded with great views of the Acropolis, Plaka, and Monastiraki. It’s a great final look at Acropolis Hill.
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ACROPOLIS TICKETS AND OPENING HOURS
Acropolis Tickets
You can buy tickets at the Acropolis entry gate. They often sell out, so advance booking is recommended. Tickets are timed-entry to manage the crowds. However, wait times are still commonly 1-2 hours to enter the site (30 minutes with skip-the-line tickets).
The basic adult ticket with audio guide (2025) is $36 Euros; with optional fees for guided tours and admission to the Acropolis Museum.
Acropolis Opening Hours
Between April and October general opening hours are 8am to 8pm. Between November to March general opening hours are between 8am to 5pm. Check website for specific days.
Entry Tips
To avoid the worst of the crowds and heat, plan to visit the Acropolis between 8-10 am in the morning. As a second choice, visit two hours before closing.
There are two main visitor entrances: the Propylaea and by the Theatre of Dionysus. The Dionysus entrance is less crowded; the Propylaea entrance is more impressive visually.
Be aware you must go through a security check to enter the site. Only small bags are allowed.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Plan to spend 2 hours exploring the site. Add on extra time if you are visiting the museum, and for time spent waiting in line (see wait times above).
Wear sunscreen, breathable light colored clothes, a hat, and sturdy shoes.
Restrooms are located by the site’s entries, behind the Parthenon, and at the museum.
English is widely spoken at the site. All staff we encountered were English-speaking.
Accessibility: There is an elevator to the hilltop site for the mobility impaired. However, the rocky site would be challenging to navigate with a wheelchair, walker, or stroller.
HOTELS IN PLAKA DISTRICT ATHENS
The lovely neighborhood of Plaka sits below the northeastern slope of Acropolis Hill. Visitors can walk from the Plaka District to the Propylaea entrance. If you are staying in the Athens, we suggest finding accommodations in pedestrian-friendly Plaka. Here, you will find a wealth of traditional tavernas, specialty shops, and markets.
Try these hotels in Plaka district Athens:
Acropolis Stay: Budget friendly, short walk to major sites
Plaka Hotel: Budget friendly, short walk to major sites
The Athens Gate Hotel: Rooftop Dining with Views of Acropolis
Herodion Hotel: First-class hotel with pool and hot tub
Read our article on things to do in Plaka.
BEST TIME TO GO TO ATHENS GREECE
Shoulder season (April, May, June, September, and October) is the best time to go to Athens. During these months the weather is warm and sunny, the bougainvillea are in bloom, and the crowds are not at peak level.
We hope you get to visit this legendary site, Laura and Randy
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