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If you're planning a trip to Athens, the Acropolis is one of the must-see attractions in the Greek capital. In this guide, I'll tell you everything you need to know about Athens Acropolis tickets: ticket types, prices, where to buy them, and how to get a free ticket.
All the information is based on my own experience visiting the Acropolis several times during my years living in Greece.
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Acropolis Tickets
1. General Admission
General admission to the Acropolis costs €30 per person.
Inside the Acropolis archaeological site, you can visit the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
🔹 Where to buy tickets:
- Online, through the official website.
- At the Acropolis ticket offices.
If you've already decided when to visit, buying your ticket online is the most convenient option, especially if you're traveling during peak season. This way, you can skip the ticket office queue and head straight in with your ticket.
Since April 2025, the old combined ticket, which allowed visitors to explore the Acropolis and other archaeological sites in Athens, is no longer available. Tickets must now be purchased separately.
2. Reduced Admission
Reduced admission costs €15, which is half the standard ticket price.
🔹 This ticket is available to:
- People aged 65 and over from Greece or other European Union countries, between October 1 and May 31. You must present an ID card or passport showing your age and country of origin.
- Parents accompanying school groups on primary school visits from European Union or European Economic Area countries.
- Teachers accompanying educational visits from primary, secondary, or higher education institutions in countries outside the European Union.
🔹 Where to buy tickets:
If you're eligible for this rate, you can select the reduced ticket during the online booking process. When entering the site, you'll need to present documentation proving that you meet the requirements. You can also buy your ticket directly at the Acropolis ticket office.
3. Free Admission
Free tickets are also available to certain groups, including:
- Children and young people up to age 25 who are citizens of the European Union, upon presentation of an ID card or passport.
- Children under 18 from countries outside the European Union, upon presentation of a passport.
- People with disabilities (at least 67%) and one accompanying person, regardless of nationality.
- Students over 25 enrolled in certain secondary education or vocational training programs in Greece, the European Union, or the European Economic Area.
- Teachers and students taking part in educational visits from institutions in the European Union or European Economic Area.
- Unemployed people in Greece.
- Other groups, including journalists, tour guides, ICOM or ICOMOS members, and certain professionals working in cultural heritage. You can find the full list here.
🔹 Where to get it:
You can get your free ticket through the official website or request one at the ticket office. In either case, you'll need to provide proof that you meet the requirements.
4. Free Admission Days
There are also specific dates when admission to the Acropolis is free for everyone.
🔹 The free admission days are:
- March 6, in memory of Melina Mercouri.
- April 18, International Day for Monuments and Sites.
- May 18, International Museum Day.
- The last weekend of September, as part of European Heritage Days.
- October 28, Greece's national holiday.
- The first and third Sundays of each month between November and March.
The first and third Sundays of each month between November 1 and March 31.
🔹 Where to get it:
In this case, you must go to the ticket office to get your ticket. There's no way to book it in advance.
⭐ In my guide to Free Museum Entry Days in Athens and Greece you can find all the details.
5. Acropolis Guided Tour
The Acropolis guided tour is one of the experiences I've enjoyed most in Athens, and I recommend it if you're passionate about ancient Greek history. That way, you won't miss any of the details about the Acropolis's main monuments.
I took this guided tour, which includes the entrance ticket, lasts two hours, and is led by an official guide. The guide not only knew all the details but also made the experience really entertaining.
Athens Acropolis Opening Hours
Opening hours vary depending on the time of year:
| Period | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| April 1 to August 31 | 08:00 – 20:00 |
| September 1 to 15 | 08:00 – 19:30 |
| September 16 to 30 | 08:00 – 19:00 |
| October 1 to 15 | 08:00 – 18:30 |
| October 16 to 31 | 08:00 – 18:00 |
| November 1 to March 31 | 08:00 – 17:00 |
The last entry is allowed 20 minutes before closing time.
Opening hours may also change due to restoration work or temporary closures during periods of extreme summer heat. So, I recommend always checking the Greek Ministry of Culture's official website before your visit to confirm the opening hours for your chosen date.
In my experience, Google Maps doesn't always show the latest opening hours.
Acropolis Closing Days
The Acropolis closes on certain public holidays throughout the year. The main closing dates are:
- January 1
- March 25
- Orthodox Easter Sunday*
- May 1
- December 25
- December 26
* Keep in mind that Orthodox Easter (the one celebrated in Greece) doesn't always fall on the same date as Catholic/Western Easter. The two dates can be anywhere from one to five weeks apart.
There may also be occasional unexpected closures for safety reasons, due to weather conditions, or because of other circumstances.
So, if your trip coincides with a Greek public holiday, I recommend checking that the Acropolis will be open before planning your visit.
FAQs
1. Do I need to book my Acropolis ticket in advance?
You don't have to buy your ticket in advance, but it's recommended if you're traveling during peak season, especially in summer and around Easter.
Buying your ticket online ensures you get a ticket for your preferred date and time. Plus, you'll avoid the ticket office queue.
2. Can I always buy tickets at the ticket office?
Not necessarily. The Acropolis has a daily limit of 20,000 visitors, and entry is organized into time slots, with a capacity of between 3,000 and 6,000 people per slot.
You'll usually be able to buy a ticket at the ticket office, but on busy days, there may be no availability for your preferred time, meaning you'll have to wait for a later slot.
That's why I recommend buying your ticket in advance once you have your itinerary clear.
3. How many entrances does the Acropolis have?
Two. The main entrance and the South Entrance, the latter being a well-kept secret that many tourists don't know about.
In my article Tips for Visiting the Acropolis of Athens (and mistakes to avoid), you'll find more details about how to get to the Acropolis and about this access.
4. Does the Acropolis ticket include the Acropolis Museum?
No. Tickets for the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum are sold separately.
The Acropolis Museum is very close by and is an excellent complement to your visit to the Acropolis. It gives you a closer look at the sculptures and objects discovered at the site.
5. How long can I stay inside the Acropolis?
As long as you like.
For a typical visit, allow around 1.5 to 2 hours. But if you take your time exploring, you might need longer.
6. What happens if I arrive late?
It hasn't happened to me personally, but some relatives arrived about 20 minutes after their scheduled entry time and were still allowed in. I think they were just lucky!
In any case, I wouldn't count on it. If your ticket has a specific entry time, it's best to arrive a little early, as staff may refuse entry if you're late.
7. Can I change or cancel my ticket?
The official website allows changes up to 2 hours before your visit, but cancellations are not accepted.
8. Does the Acropolis ticket include all the monuments?
Yes, your ticket gives you access to the entire Acropolis archaeological site, including the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike.
Final Thoughts
I hope this article about Athens Acropolis tickets helps you find the right ticket for you and plan a hassle-free visit to the city's most iconic landmark.
I’ll leave you with a quote:
«Architecture is the least corruptible witness of history.»
Octavio Paz
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
Hi, I’m Andrea, creator and author of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I write about Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. I’m a full-time traveler, passionate about good food, and always looking for new adventures.