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No trip to Athens is complete without a visit to the legendary Acropolis of Athens—and a well-organized, Athens Acropolis tour is one of the best ways to experience it!
I know that choosing the right tour can feel overwhelming—I felt the same way before booking ours. That’s exactly why I put together this guide. I spent hours comparing tours, reading reviews, and researching every detail so that you don’t have to.
After all that digging, I booked what turned out to be the perfect tour for our group: the Acropolis Monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum, and we had the best time!
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly what to expect from an Acropolis walking tour, share practical tips on how to prepare for your tour, including what to wear (especially if you’re visiting in September like we did), and provide an honest review of our experience.
Whether you’re traveling solo, tagging along with friends, or planning a girls’ getaway, this guide is your shortcut to a stress-free, unforgettable Acropolis experience. Now, let’s get started!
What is the Acropolis of Athens?
Before we dive into tour options, here’s a quick overview of the Acropolis of Athens—because even if it’s on your bucket list, the details might still be a little fuzzy.
The Acropolis of Athens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the most visited historical landmarks in the world, and one of the best things to do in Athens.
The word “Acropolis” literally means “high city” in Greek, and the name is fitting, since the Acropolis of Athens sits on a rocky hill high above the city.
Built during the Golden Age of Athens around 447 BCE, the Acropolis was dedicated to the city’s patron goddess, Athena, and served as the city’s religious and cultural center. More than 2,500 years later, it still stands as a powerful symbol of democracy, art, and ancient Greek civilization.
Why Book an Acropolis Guided Tour?
If you’re asking, “Can’t I just explore the Acropolis on my own?”—sure, you can. But if you’re anything like me, you want more than just a photo op—you actually want to understand what you’re looking at and to have an experience that’s meaningful and effortless. And, an Athens Acropolis tour provides exactly that!
Here’s why an Acropolis guided tour is 100% worth it (especially if it’s your first time in Athens):
- Get the full story: A certified local guide brings centuries of history and mythology to life through storytelling. You’ll learn things that you wouldn’t get solely from reading signs or listening to an app and actually understand what makes this iconic site so special.
- Save time with skip-the-line access: The Acropolis of Athens is one of the most-visited historical landmarks in the world and attracts more than 2 million visitors each year. Most guided tours include skip-the-line entrance tickets, which is a game-changer, especially during peak season. We visited in September, which is still a busy time in Athens, and didn’t have to wait in line at all!
- Find the best photo ops: Your guide will know where to stand, what angle to shoot, and when to snap. This is perfect if you want those iconic Parthenon shots without the guesswork.
- Reduce decision fatigue: An Athens Acropolis tour provides access to all of the key stops. You won’t have to stress about trying to figure out what to visit first, download maps, juggle apps, or read any signs (unless you want to).
A Broad Recommendation: If you’re a planner who loves a well-paced itinerary, local insight, and making the most of your time when visiting new places, an Acropolis guided tour is perfect for you!
The Best Acropolis Tour for First-Time Visitors
After hours of research, I booked the Acropolis Monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum. And, it ended up being one of the highlights of our week-long Greek trip!
In addition to all the perks I mentioned in the last section, here’s why we loved this specific tour:
- We booked the earliest time slot (8:00 am), which meant fewer crowds and cooler temps.
- Our small group (<20 people) provided a more personal experience (and meant that I could keep up with our tour guide even while stopping to take a million photos along the way).
- Our knowledgeable, passionate guide shared lots of stories about the Acropolis and made learning the history fun. I can’t rave about her enough; I truly think she was an absolute gem and one of the best tour guides we’ve ever had!
- The tour included an optional Acropolis Museum add-on, which we booked for an additional fee—and all agree was totally worth the extra cost.
- Audio headsets are provided, which always makes a big difference when trying to hear your guide in a crowded area.
A Broad Recommendation: Though the tour includes audio headsets, I recommend bringing your own wired headphones for better sound quality. The ones provided only come with a single earbud, and I hear better with two (though Tim didn’t have any trouble hearing with the ones provided).
If you want a stress-free, culturally-rich experience that covers the major highlights without feeling rushed, this is the Athens Acropolis tour to book.
What You’ll See on Your Athens Acropolis Tour
After meeting up with your group at the designated starting point, you’ll walk the short distance to the base of the Acropolis, where you’ll begin your tour.
From there, you’ll start the gradual climb up to the top of the Acropolis of Athens—but don’t worry, there are plenty of stops to catch your breath and to take in all the historical sites along the way.
Here are some of the highlights from our Athens Acropolis tour, listed in the order we experienced them:
The Theatre of Dionysus
Considered the birthplace of Western drama, the Theatre of Dionysus is an ancient open-air theater that once hosted plays by Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes.
The Temple of Athena Nike
The tiny yet elegant Temple of Athena Nike was built around 427–424 BCE and dedicated to Athena Nike, the goddess of victory.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
An incredible Roman-era theater, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus was built by Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife and is still used for performances today—how neat is that?! It’s also an epic photo spot, as you can probably tell from my photo.
The Propylaea
Built in a Classical Doric style, the Propylaea is the grand gateway to the Acropolis. These imposing marble gates were designed to impress—and they still do.
This is one of the most dramatic entrances of any historical site we’ve ever visited, and we all loved photographing it from different angles.
The Erechtheion
Dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon, the Erechtheion is a unique temple that was built between 421-406 BCE. It’s known for its Porch of the Caryatids, which features six sculpted female figures serving as columns.
Five of the originals are in the Acropolis Museum (one of the many reasons to add this on to your tour!), and the sixth is in the British Museum in London.
The Parthenon
Last but not least, the Parthenon is the centerpiece of the Acropolis of Athens and is considered a masterpiece of Doric architecture. It once held a gold-and-ivory statue of Athena Parthenos, the goddess of wisdom and war, and is even more impressive in person than in the photos!
A Broad Recommendation: Maybe it’s just me, but I was confused about what the Acropolis actually was before our 3 days in Athens. The names “Parthenon” and “Acropolis” are sometimes used interchangeably, but the Parthenon is just a part of the Acropolis—not the whole thing. The Parthenon is also often confused with the Pantheon (and I can understand why), but nope, that one’s in Rome!
Stunning City Views
If all of this wasn’t cool enough, the top of the Acropolis offers sweeping views over Athens, including Mount Lycabettus and the Aegean Sea in the distance—what a great way to start your morning in Athens!
What to Wear on Your Acropolis Tour
We visited Athens in September and found the weather warm but manageable. Here’s what I recommend wearing to strike the perfect balance between cute and comfy:
- Lightweight, breathable clothes: I wore this Matcha Green Halter Top with jean shorts, and the color contrast was great for photos!
- Supportive sneakers or sandals: My waterproof Vessis were perfect for our Athens Acropolis tour. I also like my NAOT Sabrina sandals, which I’ve worn all over Europe, but I’d definitely avoid flip-flops for this tour.
- Optional light jacket: I packed this Panadila Women’s Waffle Knit Jacket for cooler mornings and evenings in Greece, and it matched most of my outfits (though I didn’t need it much).
- Hat + sunglasses: One or both of these is a must. I like this Wide Brim Straw Panama Roll Up Hat and these polarized sunglasses.
- Secure purse or belt bag: Crowded tourist areas like the Acropolis are notorious for pickpocketing. Wear your cross-body purse, money belt, or fanny pack in front of you and make sure it’s zipped at all times.
Tips for Booking Your Athens Acropolis Tour
Here are some important things to keep in mind when booking your Athens Acropolis tour:
- Book early, especially for morning time slots or if you have a larger group like us.
- Choose small group or semi-private tours for a better experience.
- Always read the reviews to make sure the tour aligns with your needs and interests.
- Double-check inclusions, as some tours charge extra for entrance tickets or museum add-ons (this one does, but they’re totally worth the extra cost!).
- Bring your ID or passport, as it may be required at some entry points.
- Tip your guide! €5–10 per person is typical in Greece and always much appreciated.
General Tips for Visiting the Acropolis
Here are a few more tips to ensure that your visit to the Acropolis of Athens is a success:
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler temperatures, better lighting for photos, and fewer crowds.
- Bring plenty of water. Athens has clean, drinkable tap water, and there are fountains along the way, so bring a reusable water bottle if you have one.
- Bring snacks. The tour is around 4 hours long, and you might get hungry after climbing up that hill. Plus, I’m a weirdo and pack snacks for every flight, excursion, day trip, you name it, and definitely ate a few during this tour!
- Wear sunscreen, especially if you’re visiting the Acropolis in the summer.
- Don’t forget your camera. The Acropolis is a bucket-list attraction, and you’re probably going to want to take a ton of photos! I don’t recommend using a tripod, as there will be lots of people walking around, and it could get knocked over or stolen.
Add-On Option: The Acropolis Museum
If you have time, the Acropolis Museum is definitely worth a visit too—especially when paired with your Athens Acropolis tour.
The Acropolis Museum is located in the Makrygianni neighborhood, just a short walk from the Acropolis of Athens, and your guide will lead the way.
Once on site, your guide will continue your tour through the first part of the museum, leaving you to explore on your own afterwards (for as long as you wish).
Here’s what to expect during your Acropolis Museum visit:
- More than 4,000 ancient artifacts from the Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece, including the original Caryatids and the Parthenon frieze
- Pottery, tools, and inscriptions that provide a glimpse into everyday life in ancient Athens
- A glass floor with views of a preserved ancient Athenian neighborhood, complete with homes, streets, and baths—how cool!
- A café with awesome Acropolis views, which is perfect for lunch or a midday snack. We had lunch here, and everything was yummy
Final Thoughts: Is an Acropolis Tour Worth It?
A thousand times yes! A well-curated Athens Acropolis tour doesn’t just show you ancient ruins—it transports you back in time. With the right guide, you’ll see the past through a richer, more connected lens—and you’ll save yourself a ton of time, energy, and decision fatigue in the process.
We had the best experience with our Acropolis Monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum, and I hope that you will too!
Have any questions about the Acropolis of Athens, this Acropolis tour, or our experience? Leave a comment below, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
XOXO Sara at Travel A-Broads
Sara is the founder of and voice behind Travel A-Broads, a travel blog designed to empower women to explore the world boldly and safely.
A Sr. Manager of a Data Engineering team (aka math nerd) by day and travel enthusiast by night, Sara shares practical tips, curated itineraries, and inspiring stories from her adventures across 5 continents and 28+ countries and helps curious, independent women plan smarter, travel farther, and feel more connected along the way.
Read more about Sara’s journey here, and start planning your next adventure today!