Acropolis

The complex is one of the most visited attractions in Greece. Acropolis tours include most Athens city sightseeing outings and often visit the New Acropolis Museum and other ancient sites, such as Epidaurus, Cape Sounion, and the Temple of Poseidon. The best way to explore the ruins is on a guided city walking tour, taking in highlights including the Parthenon, Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike, and Erechtheion.

• Choose between a standard entrance ticket and a multi-attraction ticket that includes access to other sites.

• Admission lines can take up to two hours in peak summer, so it's best to book ahead.

• The site provides little shade—bringing sunscreen, a hat, and water during summer is highly recommended.

• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking over uneven ground.

• Most areas of the archaeological site are wheelchair-accessible. Find an elevator on the northwest side.

• Skip the line tickets are essential during the high season.

It's impossible to miss the Acropolis. You can see it from just about anywhere in Athens, and the easiest way to get there is on foot. The closest metro stations are Thesion, Monastiraki, and Acropolis. Ticket booths are on the north and south side of the foot of Acropolis Hill. From there it's a short walk uphill to the archaeological site.

The site is open year-round, but it can get extremely busy and hot in the summer months. Arrive just before opening or before closing to avoid crowds. Travelers on a budget might prefer to visit in winter, when ticket prices are up to 50 percent lower.

Find prime views of the Parthenon at the top of Mars Hill. You can also see the entire archaeological site from Filopappos Hill, just southwest of the Acropolis. Elsewhere, gaze over the Acropolis and the surrounding city from Mt. Lycabettus (Lykavittos), the highest point in Athens. The cliff top ruins are atmospheric at night—choose a rooftop bar or restaurant in central Athens for great after-dark views.

Yes, buy admission tickets to the Acropolis in advance to avoid waiting in long lines that can last hours at peak times. There’s also very little shade at the top. If you’re going as part of a guided tour, most include either standard or skip-the-line admission.

Yes, you can easily explore the Acropolis in one day. In fact, most tours of the Acropolis take around one hour. But it’s wise to budget two hours to account for the time you might spend waiting in line or walking uphill to the main site.

It’s wise to wear comfortable shoes and take plenty of sun protection, as there’s very little shade at the top. You should also take lots of water, but note that you won’t be able to bring food inside.

You should go to the Acropolis first thing in the morning, as soon as it opens. Visiting at this time means cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, and the light is often great for photography. It’s also a good idea to avoid visiting during the scorching summer months of July and August.

A standard Acropolis ticket includes admission to the Acropolis, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Theater of Dionysus. 5-day passes grant one-time access to the Ancient and Roman Agoras, Hadrian’s Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos, and Aristotle’s School (Lykeion).

The Acropolis is open daily from early morning to mid-evening from April to October, and from early morning to early evening from November to March. It’s closed on major public holidays. Last entry is half an hour before it closes.