The iconic ancient citadel containing the Parthenon and other ancient Greek monuments, plus the Acropolis Museum.

About Acropolis Area

The Acropolis is the defining symbol of Western civilization — a limestone plateau rising 150 meters above Athens, crowned by the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Built primarily in the 5th century BC under Pericles, these marble temples represent the pinnacle of Classical Greek architecture and are visible from almost everywhere in the city.

The area immediately surrounding the Acropolis is where ancient and modern Athens blend most beautifully. The south slope holds the Theater of Dionysus (birthplace of European drama) and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which still hosts concerts during the Athens Festival each summer. The pedestrianized Dionysiou Areopagitou walkway along the south base is considered one of the most scenic urban promenades in Europe.

The New Acropolis Museum, opened in 2009, is a masterpiece of modern architecture housing artifacts from the Acropolis excavations, including the Caryatids and sections of the Parthenon frieze (the museum continues to advocate for the return of the Elgin Marbles from London). The museum\'s glass floor reveals an archaeological excavation beneath the building, while the top-floor Parthenon Gallery offers direct sightlines to the real Parthenon.

Nearby Landmarks

Parthenon Acropolis Museum Theater of Dionysus Areopagus Hill Plaka

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €40 flat rate
Time 35-55 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost €30-40
Time 35-55 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (Metro Line 3 + Line 2)

Cost €10
Time 45-50 minutes
Frequency Every 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Metro Line 3 to Syntagma. Transfer to Line 2 (Red Line) one stop to Acropoli station. Exit and you are at the base of the Acropolis. The Acropolis Museum is steps away.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €40 flat rate 35-55 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare €30-40 35-55 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train €10 45-50 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After the metro closes (11:30 PM, later on weekends), the X95 bus runs 24/7 to Syntagma, from where it's a 15-minute walk to the Acropolis area hotels. The Acropolis closes at sunset, but the illuminated view from the surrounding neighborhoods is spectacular at night. Makrygianni and Koukaki neighborhoods at the base of the Acropolis are popular for hotel stays.

Luggage Tips

Do not attempt to visit the Acropolis site with luggage — there is no storage. Check into your hotel first or use luggage storage at Syntagma/Monastiraki stations. The walk from Akropoli metro station is uphill and the last section to the Acropolis entrance involves stairs and rocky paths. Travel light for the visit itself.

Accessibility

The Acropolis has a wheelchair-accessible elevator on the north slope (near the main entrance). The pathway to the Parthenon is paved but uneven in places. The Acropolis Museum is fully wheelchair accessible. Akropoli metro station has elevator access. The pedestrianized Areopagitou walkway is smooth and flat. Wheelchair users should enter via the northeast path.