acropolis museum self guided tour

Essential Acropolis Self-Guided Walking Tour for 2024

Author’s Note: As a keen anthropologist, the Acropolis is my favorite place in Greece. I visit it every time I’m in Athens, so at least once but usually twice each year. I’ve read everything there is to read about its mythology and history. I’ve become an expert in visiting the Acropolis without the crowds!

If you’d like to see the Athens Acropolis site your way, without a group, and in your own time, then this essential self-guided Acropolis walking tour is for you!

I’ll show you the fastest way to gain entrance to the Acropolis with the least crowds, the main attractions, and explain its history and mythology so that you can better understand why you are looking at some of the most exciting ancient ruins in the world!

Is the Acropolis worth visiting?

Heck yes! UNESCO says that this ancient citadel and the monuments on the rocky outcrop in the center of Athens

are universal symbols of the classical spirit and civilization and form the greatest architectural and artistic complex bequeathed by Greek Antiquity to the world. UNESCO

The most significant of the monuments of the Acropolis were built by the great architect Pericles following the Greek victory over the Persians. They were built in the 4th Century B.C. but sustained incredible damage in several wars.

The monuments are some of the most significant ancient buildings remaining in the world, but they also tell the story of the Greek people of Atticus adopting the goddess Athena.

In fact, the monuments on the top of the Acropolis are monuments to Athena, in her different aspects.

That probably sounds a bit dry, but the Acropolis was, according to Greek mythology, the scene of an epic battle between the god of the sea, Poseidon, and Athena, the goddess of love.

The scars and scene of their battle is marked upon the outcrop.

The Acropolis monuments were also a big “we won, you lost” gesture to the Persians. They ushered in the Greek Golden Age.

I can’t think of another site where you can see so many UNESCO World Heritage-listed monuments that is the scene of some of the most important myths in Western history, and which you can see in a couple of hours!

Acropolis main entrance – the most impressive entrance

There are two entrances to the Acropolis. The main entrance takes you on a short path to the formal entrance of the site in Ancient times.

It is located on the western side of the Acropolis and you reach it by walking uphill from the metro or bus station.

You can get to the main entrance by walking about 12 minutes from the Monastiraki metro station.

If you prefer to catch a bus, Number 230 stops at the foot of Acropolis Hill. From here it takes about 6 minutes to reach the entrance.

There is an elevator 350 meters from this main entrance and there are golf carts that can be used to get around the Acropolis for mobility-impaired visitors.

The great thing about entering this way is that you see the site as it was designed to be seen by visitors to mighty Athens during the Classical Era.

But there’s always a downside! The Acropolis is one of the most visited sites in the world – millions of travelers each year trudge up the hill to admire the greatness that was Ancient Athens.

This means the queues can be terribly long.

If you’ve visited other great monuments in Rome, like the Eiffel Tower, for instance, you’ll know what it’s like to stand in the heat waiting to one day go through security!

If you are visiting in the middle of summer and after 9.30 am in the morning until about 4 pm, then if you choose to begin your tour of the Acropolis at the main entrance, you will need to wait quite a while to get in, even with a skip-the-line ticket.

There are 6 main sites to see at the Acropolis. If you begin at the main entrance, the order in which you’ll see these marvels are:

3, 4, 5, 6, 2, 1.

Acropolis side entrance – the quickest entrance

In this walking tour, I am starting from the side gate which is way less crowded and is the fastest way to get into the Acropolis.

The side entrance is across the pedestrianized road (Dionysiou Areopagitou) from the Acropolis Metro station and the Acropolis Museum. This south entrance leads to the first stop, the Theatre of Dionysus. It is often just called the “Theatre of Dionysus entrance.”

When to Visit: Acropolis New Opening Hours and Capped Ticket Sales

• November 1 to March 31: 8 am to 5 pm (last entry 4.30 pm)
• April 1 to October 31: 8 am to 7 pm (last entry 6.30 pm)

NOTE: As of mid-2023, the Acropolis is closed after midday on days when the temperatures are considered extreme. It sometimes reopens around 5 pm.

To decrease the number of people getting heatstroke in the queues, the number of tickets sold in summer has now been capped.

During the middle of summer, officials pass out water bottles and check on the well-being of people in the very long ticket queues.

Days when the Acropolis is closed

• New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
• Easter Sunday (Note: this is the Greek Easter Sunday which is NOT the same day as Easter Sunday in most other countries!)
• Christmas Day (Dec 25)
• Boxing Day (Dec 26)

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How to get the best tickets for the Acropolis, Athens

You’ve chosen an entrance to the Acropolis and a time to visit, so now you need a ticket that will get you inside the site quickly.

This is a fast and painless process so long as you don’t line up at the main site and hope to get in within a couple of hours!

The other way to get a ticket is to buy an Acropolis skip-the-line ticket online, download it to your phone, and show the electronic ticket when you line up at the ‘pre-purchased tickets’ queue.

Getting admission to the Acropolis in the least time possible is great, but so too is not having to ‘exchange’ your ticket voucher for a ‘real’ ticket.

It’s always the case that you have to trudge a long way back down the slope of the Acropolis to get to the booth where you exchange your online voucher for your ticket!

The best 3 Acropolis admission tickets are electronic skip-the-line priority access tickets with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time.

These are booked hundreds of times a day and have thousands of highly positive reviews. I have never had the slightest problem with any of them.

Acropolis online entrance ticket with Audio Guide

Cancellable up to 24 hours beforehand, download instantly, a skip-the-line admission ticket.

Acropolis Combo ticket with up to 6 other sites included

Such great value! I get one of these everytime I know I’m headed to Athens.

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum ticket

If you only have time for two things in Athens….

Map of Acropolis Site

Here is an Acropolis Map that shows you the 6 main points of interest along your route:

Stop 1: Theatre of Dionysus

Let’s get started! First stop – the place where Theatre was invented – the Theatre of Dionysus.

The theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus was first built as a dirt circle on the western side of the Acropolis.

Audiences sat on the hill and looked down on performances that were originally performed during the festival of Dionysus.

It is the oldest theatre in Greece. It became used after bleachers set up in the Agora for performances collapsed. That’s why the 70th Olympiad celebrations were held here in 499/496 BC.

The orchestra terrace was built in the second half of the sixth century BC and by the 4th century BC, under the Romans, it held 17,000 people.

One of the most impressive parts of the remaining theatre is the marble chairs!

Stop 2: Odeon of Herodotus Atticus

Continuing along the path upwards to the entrance of the Acropolis you come across the impressive Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

You can probably tell by the name that this is not an ancient Greek structure. Instead, it’s a Roman theatre that was built in 161 AD by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife.

An odeon has an enclosed roof and until it was sacked by the Heruli in 267 AD, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus had a wooden roof fashioned from Lebanese cedar.

There was once a three-story-high wall enclosing the Odeon.

The structure was restored in 1950 using the same Pentelic marble as was used to construct the Propylaia.

It has since hosted an annual Athens festival and has featured stars such as Maria Callas, Frank Sinatra, Nana Mouskouri, Sting, Elton Jon, Placido Domingo, Luciano Pavarotti, the Foo Fighters, and Florence and the Machine.

Stop 3: The Propylaia

The Great Propylaia is a monumental entrance gateway to the religious sanctuaries of Ancient Greece.

There was also sometimes a Lesser Propylaia as well (as at Eleusis, only a few kilometers away in the suburb of Elefsina).

The Propylaia is the entrance to the flat (well, flattish) summit of the Acropolis but don’t bound up the steps and past the columns or you’ll miss two of the best six things on the Acropolis!

This monumental gateway to the Acropolis was copied as a model for other Propylaia (or propylaea) in Greece. The massive outer columns are in the Doric style.

Doric columns are the plainest, thickest, and heaviest of the three classical Greek types of columns. That’s why you’ll most often find them on the outside and lower part of great monuments.

Doric columns have no base, are slightly wider at the bottom, are fluted or grooved, and have a simple slab at the top.

So in summary – they are the biggest ones the ancient Greeks used and when you see them, it means something monumental is being built!

Once past the massive Doric columns, you enter the entrance hall of the Propylaia and you’ll notice that the interior columns are different – these are the more delicate Ionic columns.

They are thinner than the outer Doric columns, and they have a base and a scroll ornament at the top. These columns support the weight of the roof. The roof was made of massive slabs of marble.

Originally there were great gates to the Acropolis that were a further fortification to stop invaders.

None of what you have just walked past was meant to be easy for intruders, and there was once a long ramp to the Propylaia (but now you can take the steps with a handrail!)

Related Myth: The legendary founder of Athens, King Theseus sailed to Crete to slay the Minotaur. Hi father, Aegeus, told him to hoist white sails if he was successful, but otherwise for the ship to sail under black sails.

Unfortunately, Theseus partied a bit too much on the way home and forgot to change the sails to white. When Aegeus saw the ship returning with black sails from the Propylaia, he threw himself off the Propylaia to his death!

Stop 4: The Temple of Athena Nike

When you reach the top of the steps of the Propylaia and turn to look out towards Athens, you’ll notice a very small temple on your left, jutting out from the Propylaia.

This is the Temple of Athena Nike.

Nike is the winged goddess of Victory and is an aspect of the goddess Athena.

This fusion of the two goddesses into one is displayed in the Temple of Athena Nike which warns foreigners to Athens that they are protected by a powerful and victorious goddess.

It was built in 402 BC using only Ionic columns which was a big deal back then and considered a huge architectural innovation. There was once a great winged statue of Athena Nike here.

Around the parapet were slabs of Pentelic marble about a meter high on which there were friezes.

There is a slab from the southern parapet in the Acropolis Museum that shows the goddess Athena unbinding her sandal before entering the Temple of Nike.

Stop 5: The Parthenon

The Parthenon is the most important surviving building of Classical Greece and one of the world’s most important cultural monuments and for this reason alone, it is worth trekking up to the top of the Acropolis.

It is one of Pericles’ monumental constructions to celebrate the victory over the Persians.

This magnificent monument was a Temple to Athena. An earlier Pre-Parthenon was demolished to make way for the new building which was originally a Treasury.

The Parthenon was built from 437 BC to 436 BC but it has had a terrible history of destruction and it’s a wonder it is still standing at all.

The Parthenon once held a colossal statue of Athena but over the centuries was converted into a Christian church and an Ottoman mosque.

In 1687 the Venetians fired upon the Parthenon, exploding an Ottoman stockpile of ammunition. This explosion did enormous damage.

In 1800-1803 Lord Elgin then removed some of the remaining sculptures which have infamously become known as the Elgin Marbles.

There are some wonderful decorative sculptures remaining on the Parthenon and they’re considered highlights of Greek Art.

This building symbolizes Western democracy and civilization and is surely a triumph of Ancient Greek civilization.

You will likely see scaffolding and other structures for protecting and renovating the ancient structure on your visit. Make sure to check out the Acropolis Museum for more treasures from the Parthenon.

Like the Temple of Nike and the Odeo of Herodes Atticus, you can’t go inside the Parthenon but you can see the remaining sculptures (apart from the Elgin marbles) at the Acropolis Museum.

Stop 6: The Erectheion

When I first visited the Acropolis, I was so excited to see the Parthenon, I didn’t give much attention to the Erectheion but that was a mistake!

This building bears the scars of the battle of the gods for the hearts of the Athenians.

There’s a hole in the roof of Erechtheion where, according to the legend, Poseidon’s trident was thrown from the sky to the earth.

The place where it hit the ground is a small well believed to spring salt water. You can see both of these places at the Erechtheion.

To the side of the Erechtheion – the side that faces the Propylaea – you’ll find the legendary olive tree that Athena created when the people of Athens chose her to be their goddess instead of Poseidon.

The building also has a ‘porch’ known as the Porch of the Caryatids.

A caryatid is a sculpture of a female that acts instead of a pillar or column, holding up a building. There is a piece of marble atop the heads of the figures called an entablature.

The caryatids on the porch of the Caryatids on the Erechtheion are, unfortunately, replicas. BUT you can see 5 of the six caryatids at the Acropolis Museum (see the section below).

The sixth caryatid can be seen in the British Museum – it was taken from the Acropolis by Lord Elgin early in the 19th century.

Caryatids were beautiful girls from the village of Caryae that became part of the town of Sparta. Their strength was said to be as great as their beauty.

They became associated with the cult of Athena and it is thought that is why they appear on the Erechtheion.

The caryatids on the Erechtheion porch are the most famous of the caryatids but there were also such female columns in ancient Delphi and even in Phoenicia.

So there you have it – the essential theatres, odeums, gates, monuments, and temples of the Acropolis of Athens!

Where to Next? The Acropolis Museum

If you are headed down to the Acropolis Museum, then retrace your steps past the Theatre of Dionysus. On leaving the site, head across Dionysiou Areopagitou Street to the Museum at No. 15.

I strongly suggest that after you visit the Acropolis, you visit the New Acropolis Museum which is dedicated to the Parthenon.

The “real” pieces that you see from the Parthenon and the Erechtheion are here. It is a spectacular building and provides a truly world-class museum experience.

A combined skip-the-line electronic Acropolis and Acropolis Museum ticket is better value than buying them separately, and much better than queueing to get into the Museum when you’ve just walked down from the Acropolis!

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Hi! I'm an anthropologist & history travel expert. I spend a part of each year in Greece, Italy, & Cyprus.

You can plan & book your next trip here while learning more about the cultures & histories of some of the world's most exciting destinations.

Acropolis Audio Guided Tours

Planning your Acropolis self-guided tour

Understanding the acropolis.

The Acropolis of Athens is a citadel that features some of the most influential architecture of Ancient Greece, such as the Parthenon , Temple of Athena Nike , Erechtheion , and Propylaea. The ruins offer a glimpse into the rich history and culture of the era. A self-guided tour empowers you to explore at your own pace, taking the time to absorb the significance and grandeur of each structure.

Choosing the right time to visit

The Acropolis has varying opening hours depending on the time of year. From April to October, it's open from 8 AM to 7 PM, while from November to March, the hours are 8 AM to 5 PM. Summer months can be very hot and crowded; visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon can provide a more comfortable and quieter experience.

Tickets and entrance fees

Purchasing an admission ticket ahead of time is advised to avoid long queues. Tickets can be bought at the main entrance, but one may also use the side entrance near the Acropolis metro station to save time. Regular tickets cost about €20 – keep in mind that the ticket allows entry to other nearby ancient sites as well.

Navigating the Acropolis Hill

Good walking shoes are recommended, as the terrain can be uneven around these historic ruins. Signs and information plaques along the way will aid self-guided explorers in understanding the historical context of each significant spot on Acropolis Hill .

Choose your audio guided Acropolis tour

South Slope of the Acropolis Audiovisual Self-Guided Tour

This self-guided tour offers an incredibly immersive experience of Ancient Greece, leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) technology to bring the rich history of the Acropolis and its surrounding ancient sites to life.

• Audio historical information
• Interactive easy to use map
• Immersive videos and 360 panoramic views

Best price:

Athens Acropolis Ticket with Optional Audio Tour & Sites

2 200+ reviews

Get e-tickets for Acropolis Hill & Museum, with options for more sites like the Ancient Agora & Temple of Zeus. Includes a time slot, email delivery, and self-guided audio tours.

• Acropolis entrance tickets
• Audio guide in English, French, German, Greek, Spanish and Italian

Acropolis & Parthenon Tickets with Optional Audio Guide

24 300+ reviews

Make the most of your time with skip-the-line entrance to the Acropolis. Immerse yourself in the rich history by discovering myths, anecdotes, and the political endeavors of ancient Athenians on an audio guided tour. Multi-attraction pass also available.

• Audio guide in English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Chinese

Athens Multi-Attraction Ticket Pass with Audio Tours

20+ reviews

Unlock the doors to several of Athens' iconic attractions with a multi-entry pass. Visit several of the city's most famous archeological sites at your own pace. Download the pass, which is valid for 5 days from the first use, to your phone and start exploring right away.

• Skip-the-line Acropolis access
• Admission to: Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus & Kerameikos
• Audio guide for all attractions in English, German, Italian, French and Spanish
• Free cancelation

Discovering the Acropolis with self-guided tools

Faqs and tips.

N°1 Acropolis

Self-guided tour.

Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Mythological Acropolis

• All chapters with offline use, maps and tips to explore Athens
• Snacks, Smartphone, Transportation and headsets
• Admission Ticket
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Athena Nike
• Entry/Admission - Erechtheion
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus, Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece Self-guided audio tours that let you immerse yourself in the stories of the places you visit, at your own pace, on your own terms. This is an audio tour experience. No tour guide will meet you, and No admission tickets are sold. Locate yourself in front of the Odeon of Herod Attics.
• The Porch of the Caryatids, Athens 105 58, Greece Locate yourself in front of the Erecton, in front of the Porch of the Caryatids.
• Wheelchair accessible
• Pushchair accessible
• Service animals allowed
• Near public transportation
• Infant seats available
• Transportation is wheelchair accessible
• Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Herod Atticus Odeon
• Erechtheion
• Temple of Athena Nike
• Acropolis Museum

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Odeon of Herodes Atticus Dionysiou Areopagitou, Athina 105 55, Greece Self-guided audio tours that let you immerse yourself in the stories of the places you visit, at your own pace, on your own terms. This is an audio tour experience. No tour guide will meet you, and No admission tickets are sold. Locate yourself in front of the Odeon of Herod Attics. See address & details
• Pass by Acropolis Museum
• 1 Temple of Athena Nike Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details
• 2 Eretteo Stop: 6 minutes - Admission excluded See details Pass by Herod Atticus Odeon Propylaea Parthenon Anafiotika Eretteo
• You'll end at The Porch of the Caryatids Athens 105 58, Greece Locate yourself in front of the Erecton, in front of the Porch of the Caryatids. See address & details

More to explore in Athens

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

Self-Guided Audio Tour - The Mythological Acropolis provided by SOUNDWALKRS - Athens

Athens: Acropolis Museum Ticket With Self Guided Audio Options

In the realm of cultural exploration in Athens, there lies a gem known for its profound historical significance and artistic treasures—the Acropolis Museum. Patrons now have the opportunity to enhance their visit with a self-guided audio option, providing an in-depth exploration of the museum’s rich collections and ancient artifacts.

But what sets this experience apart? A seamless blend of past and present awaits those who embark on this audio-guided journey, offering a unique perspective on the legacy of Greek civilization.

Just The Basics

• Priority access with skip-the-line feature for Acropolis Museum exploration.
• Extensive galleries showcasing Greek history, sculptures , and archaeological findings.
• Enjoy a self-paced tour with no time limit to immerse in Greek culture.
• Recommended to use headphones for an enhanced audio experience during the visit.

Here's some more nearby activities we've reviewed

• Athens E-Bike Small-Group Tour With Acropolis, Hadrians Arch (Mar )
• 3-Day Classical Greece Tour: Epidaurus, Mycenae, Nafplion, Olympia, Delphi
• Athens Airport Private Departure Transfer
• Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Ticket Details and Pricing

Discover the unbeatable ticket details and pricing options for the Acropolis Museum in Athens, starting from A$24.52 with a lowest price guarantee. Visitors can enhance their experience with audio guide benefits , offering in-depth information on exhibits.

The museum also provides package deals for those interested in a more comprehensive exploration. These deals ensure competitive pricing and value for money. Travelers can select their preferred date, check availability , and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience.

With duration options ranging from 1 to 8 hours, guests can enjoy the rich history and heritage showcased in the museum. The package deals cater to various preferences, making the visit both convenient and enriching.

Museum Overview and Experience

Enjoy the captivating world of the Acropolis Museum in Athens, where Greek history and heritage come to life through extensive galleries and up-close encounters with ancient sculptures and archaeological treasures.

The museum offers visitors a chance to get up close to artifacts that reveal the rich tapestry of Greek history. From stunning sculptures to significant archaeological findings, every corner of the museum tells a story of the ancient world.

Enjoy a self-paced tour with no time limit, allowing you to delve deep into the nuances of Greek history immersion . This experience provides a unique opportunity to appreciate the artistry and historical significance of these treasures in a setting that truly brings the past to life.

Tour Information

Explore the Acropolis Museum’s tour information to plan your visit seamlessly and make the most of your experience at this historical site in Athens. When visiting the museum, visitors can expect the following:

• Engage with self-guided audio tours for a personalized experience.
• Enjoy fascinating historical insights about ancient Greek artifacts.
• Discover hidden stories and details about the museum’s exhibits.
• Gain a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage preserved within the museum’s walls.

Additional Details and Accessibility

For visitors seeking comprehensive information on the Acropolis Museum’s facilities and services, detailed accessibility information is readily available to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for all guests. The museum provides confirmation upon booking, making it convenient for visitors to plan their trip.

Accessibility information caters to most travelers, with enhanced experiences suggested through the use of headphones. Different visitor demographics are accommodated through age-specific ticketing details, ensuring that everyone can fully enjoy the rich history and culture on display.

Cancellation Policy

Visitors to the Acropolis Museum can rest assured knowing that the cancellation policy offers a full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for trip planning. This policy allows visitors to make changes without worrying about financial implications, adding convenience to their experience.

Some improvements based on visitor feedback could further enhance this policy, such as providing the option for partial refunds for last-minute cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. Implementing a reminder system closer to the cancellation deadline could also help visitors remember to adjust their plans in time.

These small changes could make a big difference in visitor satisfaction and overall experience.

Reviews and Support

Amidst the diverse feedback from Viator and Tripadvisor travelers, the Acropolis Museum boasts a solid 4.0 rating based on 20 reviews, reflecting a blend of perspectives on the experience offered. Customers have praised the museum for its extensive galleries showcasing Greek history and heritage, as well as the up-close view of Greek sculptures and archaeological findings. While some reviewers appreciated the self-paced tour with no time limit, others highlighted the priority access with skip-the-line feature. In terms of support, the museum provides troubleshooting assistance promptly, ensuring a smooth visit for all guests. Below is a breakdown of customer feedback :

Booking Confirmation

Upon completing the booking process , guests receive a confirmation detailing their reserved ticket for the Acropolis Museum visit. The confirmation email provides essential information about the booking and serves as proof of purchase. This ensures a hassle-free entry to the museum and a seamless experience for visitors.

The inclusion of self-guided audio tour features enhances the exploration by providing in-depth insights into the exhibits and artifacts.

• Instant confirmation brings anticipation for the upcoming cultural journey.
• Clear instructions alleviate any concerns about the visit.
• Excitement builds as visitors envision seeing Greek history.
• The convenience of audio guides offers a personalized and enriching experience.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we have reviewed.

• Athens Electric Bike Small Group Tour
• Visit of the Acropolis With an Official Guide in Spanish
• Greek Cooking Class in Athens Including Rooftop Dinner With Acropolis View
• Athens 4-Hour Cooking Class With Central Market Visit
• The Ultimate Food Tasting Tour of Athens Greece-Small Group
• Acropolis & Acropolis Museum Private Tour With Licensed Expert

Directions and Accessibility

For travelers planning their visit to the Acropolis Museum in Athens, clear directions to the museum entrance and information on accessibility are essential for a smooth and enjoyable experience. The museum is located at the southern slope of the Acropolis hill, offering stunning views of the ancient citadel. Visitors can easily access the museum via public transportation or by walking from nearby attractions.

Upon arrival, guests can utilize audio guides for a self-guided tour, enhancing their understanding of the museum’s layout and the historical significance of its exhibits. The museum is designed to be accessible to most travelers, with ramps and elevators available for those with mobility concerns. Headphones are recommended to fully immerse in the audio guide experience, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Greek history and culture on display.

Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Athens International Airport to Pireaus Port By Minivan
• Full Day Private Tour to Mycenae & Nafplio.
• Athens Highlights and Sounio Temple Of Poseidon Private Tour
• Private Luxury Transfer From Athens Airport to Lefkada Marina
• Private Transfer From Athens Airport to Thessaloniki
• Full Day Private Tour From Athens to Corinth-Nafplio
• VIP VAN Athens Airport Transfer 1 – 8 Persons
• Virtual Greek Wine Tasting
• Private Full Day Peloponnese Tour
• Athens Airport Private Transfer
• Half Day Tour on Temple of Poseidon Sounio

Experience the wonders of ancient Greece at the Acropolis Museum in Athens with a self-guided audio tour. Enjoy the rich history and culture of this iconic site, explore its extensive galleries, and marvel at the stunning Greek artifacts and sculptures on display.

With priority access and skip-the-line features, a visit to the Acropolis Museum is a must for history enthusiasts and culture lovers alike. Book your tickets now and embark on a journey through time in this fascinating museum.

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• Peloponnese
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• Thessaloniki
• Castell de Castelldefels
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• Liberty Island
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• Acropolis Hill
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Explore Acropolis Hill

The Acropolis Hill, a timeless emblem of Greece’s ancient legacy, beckons visitors on a journey through history and architectural brilliance. Perched majestically in Athens, it stands as a symbol of democracy and Western civilization. Ascend this hallowed hill to encounter an extraordinary array of ancient wonders, including the iconic Parthenon, a masterpiece of Doric architecture devoted to Athena. As you wander among the awe-inspiring ruins, the Erechtheion, with its mesmerizing Caryatids and the Temple of Athena Nike, will leave you in awe of the ancient Greeks’ artistic prowess. Moreover, the Acropolis offers unparalleled panoramic vistas of Athens below, where the modern city blends harmoniously with its storied past.

Discover the magic of the Acropolis Hill with Clio Muse Tours.

Not to miss combos

Athens Ticket Pass: Acropolis & 6 Sites with Audio Tours

Acropolis Hill, Acropolis Museum & National Archaeological Museum: E-Tickets with Audio Tours

Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & 6 Archaeological Sites Tickets with free Athens City Audio Tour

Featured tours.

Acropolis Hill Self-guided Audio Tour on Your Smartphone

Why choose an e-ticket & self-guided audio tour bundle for the acropolis.

The self-guided audio tour will offer you both historical information and trivia about the site, as well as allow you to determine your own pace during the visit. That means taking your time to absorb the beauty and knowledge as well as pausing and resuming whenever and wherever you wish. Having a ticket beforehand will save you significant waiting time , because you will be able to enter through the automatic scanners instead of the ticket booth line.

How do I enter the Acropolis without waiting in line?

At both entrances you will find automatic scanners. Skip the ticket booth line and head directly for the scanners. Scan the QR code of your ticket directly from your phone’s screen and you may enter.

What is the duration of the self-guided audio tour of the Acropolis?

Depending on your pace, you may need 1.5 to 2 hours. You may stay for as long as you like on the site. Note that once you exit, you cannot re-enter with the same ticket.

Which Acropolis attractions does your self-guided audio tour cover?

Among others, our team has created stories about the:

• Theatre of Dionysus
• Odeon of Herodes Atticus
• Temple of Athena Nike

What is the best time to take the Acropolis self-guided audio tour?

Taking into consideration the high temperatures and the hot greek sun, you may start your visit either early in the morning or early in the afternoon after 5pm. In general you may find it best to avoid rush hours, in order to better enjoy the site.

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Acropolis and museum guided tour.

• Inclusions/Exclusions

• Visit the most important landmarks of Athens; Acropolis Museum, Parthenon, Erectheion, Temple of  Athena Nike, Propylaea 
• Enjoy a guided tour with an experienced state-licensed guide
• Discover all about the history of this ancient city
• Acquire Insider background information, anecdotes and historical knowledge
• Take in stunning panoramic views
• 2-hour private guided tour to the Acropolis
• 2-hour private guided tour to the Acropolis Museum
• Hotel pick-up (for hotels within walking-distance from the tour’s location)
• English-speaking state-licensed "Insider" guide
• Entry fees to Archeological site(s)
• Hotel drop-off 
• Personal expenses
• Prices vary according to group size
• The tour is available on a private basis which allows further customization
• Since this is a walking tour you will need to be wearing comfortable shoes, a hat and sun-block
• Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and lots of energy!
• We offer only private tours . No mixed groups
• We are absolutely flexible. Our tours can be customized to your wishes
• Special requests are always welcome. We love to tailor holidays
• All of our tours are designed and operated by our company
• Our state-licensed “Insider” guides are thoroughly selected and trained , each one of them expert in his field
• We always select the most suitable state-licensed “Insider” guide who matches your profile and interests

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

A great way to see the acropolis.

"If you are considering a tour company for a visit to Greece, we highly recommend Athens Insider. They arranged five activities for us, and we enjoyed every one of them. They took excellent care of us, both in preparing for the trip and during the different excursions."

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Amazing tour of acropolis and museum.

"We booked private 4 hour tour to get an immersive look at history and temples atop Acropolis. Our guide Zakia met us at 9 am and we spent 2 hours exploring the architecture and the temples of the Acropolis before moving onto the superb museum where the ancient artifacts are laid out really well and just fascinating. Zakia was friendly individual really passionate and [...]"

Must have Nota to guide you!

Nota is an archeologist who grew up in Athens and is very knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture. She was considerate of of needs and we really enjoyed our 6 hours with her. We learned so much more than we ever would have in days on our own. She met us at our hotel and finished in the Plaka with an easy stroll home. You should have sturdy walking shoes for all tours in Athens. Marble is very slippery! And take a snack with you as we didn't have lunch to 2:30 after a 9:00 am start.

A 10 out of 10 day!!!

On a recent trip to Greece, my daughter and I were lucky enough to have a personalized tour that included a visit to the Acropolis Museum, and a delightful wander through the surrounding area of Plaka/ Monastiraki/ Syntagma. Our tour guide, Anthea, was a mine of local knowledge - from the best shops in the Flea Market, to the little local tavern with a traditional home cooked menu...wow! [...]''

Exceed our expectations!!

Forget the impersonal long bus tours and sign up for this personalized unique view of Athens!! Anthia, who knows EVERYTHING about the history of Athens, also has a personal knowledge of the culture, people and back streets of Athens. Recommend doing the evening tour (6-10pm) due to the heat. We saw all the historic sights, Anthia took us to a local coffee shop and bargaining with merchants. Beautiful person inside and out, we developed a friendship in just 4 short hours! Definitely wear your walking shoes...ask for modified tour if you can't walk 3-4 miles in one night...would highly recommend!!!

Personalized service at it's best!

We booked two tours through Athens Insider's website before we left for our trip- private 4 hour of the Acropolis and museum, and the food of Athens tour. We enjoyed both tours and were so charmed by the guides, their knowledge and warm attention that we booked 2 more. It was so interesting seeing Greece through the filter of these enthusiastic, educated, local young people. Professional, flexible and very organized Anthina was able to set up tours at the last minute AND give us other helpful tips for the areas we visited. Felt like we had friends and family showing us around their country.

Great tour with the kids

We had a wonderful tour with Marialena this morning, a half-day tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. First of all, when we arrived in our hotel, we were pleasantly surprised to find a little welcome bag demo Athens Insiders! Such a nice touch. This morning, Marialena picked us up at our hotel and spent a great half-day with us. She told great stories, really engaged the kids (ages 9 and 5), and made it an unforgettable experience. We also added on the iPad virtual reality experience at the Acropolis, which the kids loved. Great tour - highly recommend! 

Fantastic way to see & taste Athens in 2 days!

We did the Acropolis tour with Helen & Yannis the driver! Excellent knowledge of the history, museums, & culture of Greece/Athens! Would highly recommend - don't forget comfortable shoes and sunscreen... The second tour, Flavors of Athens, was with George- a professional chef who took us to the BEST little specialty shops, restaurants, & markets...all the time answering questions about cooking, recipes, everyday Greek life, and much more. Superb! Don't miss out on these great tours!

Excellent tour of Acropolis

Our family of five met Vivian who toured us through the Acropolis and the museum. She was very knowledgeable in the archeology, art and history of Greece. The kids really connected with provided access to iPads that imaged the buildings, inside and out, as they looked when used (picture). Her enthusiasm was contagious. She adeptly avoided crowds and found us shade when presenting information. We walked 4+ miles in total. Juice break included and appreciated. Highly recommended.

Great way to experience The Acropolis and surrounding area

This was an excellent tour of The Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the surrounding area. It is a lot of walking, but the pace was manageable. Angela was our guide and was extremely knowledgable and kind. We highly recommend this tour as a great way to experience some amazing history in Athens.

Excellent Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour

While we could have opted to do this ourselves, we went with Athens Insiders and definitely made the right choice. The booking was easy, we were collected at our hotel and experienced a wonderful few hours touring the acropolis and acropolis museum. We got so much more out of the experience than doing ourselves.

Informative, well paced tour!

Had a great tour with Eleni of the acropolis and museum. It was well paced & very informative. I appreciated that we were able to customized our tour and adjust the times to fit with our tight schedule. Eleni was awesome and knew the ins and outs of greek history and mythology. Would definite book Athens insiders again! Can be pricier because all tours are customized and private but very worth it!

Outstanding Tour of Acropolis and Museum

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum with Marilena. It was wonderful to bypass the line. She was so informative and friendly. Highly, highly recommend!

Guided tour of the Acropolis and the Museum

Visit very well commented in French by Petros who was able to make us discover all the facets of the site and make us understand the museum as well in its collections as in its architecture. Thank you also to Mariliza for its efficiency in the organization. for his seriousness

EXCELLENT !!!

Hi, I visited this beautiful museum for the second time last week. It is rightly considered one of the richest in works (most of which are very ancient and well preserved) to be admired. Absolutely not to be missed and photographed room by room. The Top, for me, is the huge statue of Zeus and the hall full of wonderful busts!

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The tour you’ve picked goes well with:

Stavros niarchos foundation cultural center visit, in the steps of athenian democracy guided tour, panoramic tour of athens.

Acropolis Athens Greece

Herodus Atticus Acropolis Athens Greece

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• Tour Account ›
• Travel Forum ›
• Travel Forum
• To the East
• Touring the Acrop...

Touring the Acropolis with a guide - yes or no?

Do you recommend touring the Acropolis and other associated sites with an experienced guide, or just taking a guidebook and doing it yourself? My girlfriend & I are visiting in 2 weeks and can't decide if we should sign up with one of the walking tours or not. Is it really worth the money?

I'll start the voting. No, it's not worth it. You'll be fine with a good guidebook and your own instincts.

A good-and current-guidebook will go a long way to providing a general overview of facts but a well-educated tour guide will be able to provide better historic, political and anthropological perspectives. It really depends on how much detail you're after.

I didn't use a guide, and don't think it's really worth the money to get one (I also felt the same way about Ephesus). I had a good guidebook and researched the historic sites beforehand, so I don't feel like I missed anything.

For first-timers, the Rick Steves new guide Athens & the Peloponnese is the ticket. Costs $20 or so,... but a licensed guide tour = 30+€ each. The Steves' guide has a step-by-step approach that is helpful ("stand here, and look to your left, you will see a hole in the wall.."). NOTE:you should follow up your Trip up the ROck with a visit to the wonderful New Acropolis Museum... and Rick's Book is very scanty on this (it was on press when it opened). However, they give you a good folder at the opening (AND you can "lurk" and listen to guides addressng groups). Best strategy; go EARLY to Acropolis, it opens at 8 am... crowds start arriving at 9:30. Then walk down... either through Agora, or down through the Theatres ... go to the Museum, on the pedestrianized walkway just south of Acropolis. It has a lovely terrace restaurant looking up at Parthenon for nice Reasonable lunch.

I am with Lee. Nothing like to good guide to provide insight and answer questions. We have done it both ways but will always opt for a guide if available. There is a limit to what a guidebook can include and almost unlimited what a guide can say. Last time in Athens we used Athens Walking tours or something similar to that. Well worth the money. Think about, you have traveled thousands of miles to get there, spent hundreds of dollars, and at the last minute you want to save 10 or 15 dollars by just reading a guide book????

I toured without a guide and I didn't feel a guide would have been worthwhile, just get a good guidebook. Be super carefully when walking at the sight the marble is badly worn and very slippery.

See the Acropolis with as much information as you can afford. If a guidebook is your limit then that is the way to go. If you can afford a qualified guide I feel sure that one can expand your experience. Sometimes you can share the cost with fellow travelers.

I find it interesting that someone who has never used a guide is quick to say that a guide is not worth it. The one thing that I haven't tried that might be a fair substitute for a guide is an ipod cast. But will take make the argument that a guide book or even a ipod cast cannot answer questions.

EDIT: For my part, I have used guides in the past, which is why I don't use them now. I like the freedom of exploring ancient sites on my own, with my own thoughts and reflections. A guide intrudes on that and disturbs my peace. I can tune out the crowds, but it's hard to tune out someone jabbering away at me. It is also because I am a very visual person as are a lot of other people. It is easier for me to comprehend the the written word over the spoken word. ...edited due to confusion on my part. :)

The controversy over using a guide or not is a matter of affordability, and that differs widely. For some people, €28=30 for a 3.5 hour tour, along with about 15 other people, led by a reputable licensed-guide (the athenswalkingtour.com package) is fine, and worth it. Others cannot afford this. Still others find it "Worth it" to hire a licensed guide at 50-€100 per hour (shared by 3-4 people), and are at the income level where this is deemed very affordable. So... people who are upper income and want a private guide shouldn't judge others who have to scrimp. All I would say is ... if you want to get the most out of it as a D-I-Y, prepare prepare prepare. IT will make the experience much more meaningful.

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