Looking for an Acropolis tour in Athens? I don’t think you can beat this Acropolis and Acropolis Museum tour!Â
I booked it for my first morning in Athens, expecting a useful introduction to the city’s most famous sight. But the tour ended up being one of my favorite experiences in Athens! I loved exploring the Acropolis with an archaeologist guide because I learned so much about the ancient city along the way. I booked the option that included a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum, and I’m so glad I did.
In this review, I’ll share exactly what the tour was like to help you decide if it’s right for you. I’ll share the best bits, downsides, and everything you need to know before booking.
My Itinerary on the Tour
Meeting point and ticket collection
Okay, first things first, I definitely recommend booking the Acropolis and Museum tour with tickets included, rather than the tour-only option. It made my whole morning so much easier, especially since the Acropolis can get very busy!
The ticket situation at the Acropolis entrance looked chaotic, but because I booked this tour with tickets, I just collected them from the tour office beforehand and followed my guide – easy peasy.
I booked the 9 am tour, and Viator recommended arriving 40 minutes beforehand, so I got to the meeting point at around 8:20 am. To be honest, you probably don’t need to arrive quite that early, but it actually worked out really well for me! I was first in the queue to redeem my ticket, and because the groups leave as people arrive, we ended up being one of the first groups to enter the Acropolis that morning – always a bonus at a popular ancient site!
First stop: Entering the Acropolis
Getting into the Acropolis early was one of the biggest benefits of this tour. Because our group was among the first to head inside, the lower slopes were still relatively quiet, which made the start of the visit much more enjoyable. Now, I’ll be honest, the top of the Acropolis gets busy no matter what, but our guide, Chrysa, confirmed that the morning tours still tend to be much calmer than the afternoon ones.
Second stop: Ancient ruins and history on the way up
As we made our way up the Acropolis, Chrysa stopped at different ruins along the way and gave us much more context for what we were seeing. We saw the remains of the first hospital in Athens and learned more about its history as a city-state. I especially enjoyed learning about the rivalry between Athens and Sparta, which got surprisingly petty when it wasn’t violent!
Chrysa also shared a lot of little details about modern-day Athens that I probably never would have picked up on by myself. One that stuck with me was the discussion around building heights in Athens and the new Ellinikon development on the Athens Riviera. Chrysa was very clearly not a fan of the tower being built there, which made this part of the tour particularly funny!
Third stop: Odeon of Herodes Atticus views
On the way up, we stopped for an amazing view over the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, which was easily one of the most beautiful sights on the tour for me! Chrysa also shared more about its history with us, but I was most interested to learn that artists still perform here to this day. Coldplay, Elton John, and Sting have all played here. Seeing a concert here is now on my bucket list – maybe next time I’m in Athens!
Fourth stop: The Parthenon and the top of the Acropolis
There were long queues to get to the very top of the hill, and this is where having Chrysa as a guide really helped. Without her, I think I would have gotten overwhelmed by the heat and the crowds, but she showed our group where to go and kept an eye on everybody to make sure we were all okay. We got up there way faster thanks to her!
And at the top, the queueing was definitely worth it. I mean, it’s quite something to see the Parthenon with your very own eyes! I was also fascinated to learn that the Parthenon took just eight years to build, but its restoration has taken over 50 years – in fact, it’s still ongoing today.
Fifth stop: Acropolis Museum
After visiting the Acropolis, we headed down to the Acropolis Museum, which was another huge highlight for me! We had skip-the-line entry, so we breezed past the queues, and once inside, we had a quick break to grab coffee and use the bathroom.
The museum itself was fascinating, but I don’t think I would have appreciated it half as much without a guide! Chrysa was so knowledgeable and taught us about everything from ancient wedding rituals to the evolution of sculpture. In fact, that was my favorite part of this tour, and I loved seeing how the figures became more lifelike as artists learned how to create more natural poses and a better sense of movement.
This is another reason I’d strongly recommend booking the version of the tour that includes both the Acropolis Museum tour and your museum ticket. I would have missed so much context if I’d simply wandered around by myself!
Sixth stop: The Caryatids and museum highlights
One of the museum’s most iconic parts is the original Caryatids from the Acropolis! The figures you see outside at the Erechtheion today are replicas because the originals were moved inside the museum to protect them from pollution. Well, minus the one that got shipped over to the British Museum, anyway!
I loved learning about how the Caryatids were restored. It took around four years to clean them, using a laser similar to the technology used for tattoo removal! Unlike some earlier exhibits, you can take photos here, so this is a great spot to snap a few.
Another unexpected highlight was the detailed Lego model of the Acropolis, donated by the University of Sydney. Look closely, and you’ll even spot Lego Elton John performing at the ancient theatre, a nod to his real concert there in 2000. It was such a fun little detail to find!
After the tour: Ancient ruins underneath the museum
As we bade goodbye to Chrysa, she advised us that we could use our museum tickets to visit the basement level independently. When the ground was being cleared to build the museum, they discovered remains of the ancient city below, dating back to around 4000 BC! I definitely recommend taking the time to go and check it out, because it was so cool to see the contrast between the ancient ruins and the sleek, modern museum above. Plus, it’s included, so you might as well!
What I Loved About This Tour
The guide was an archaeologist
Chrysa, my guide, had studied archaeology for 10 years, and that really showed! She knew so much about the Acropolis, Ancient Athens, the museum exhibits, and the restoration work. It made the tour feel much more focused and engaging than just walking around and trying to glean information off of signs.
It made a busy site much easier to navigate
The Acropolis can feel chaotic, especially with the queues and crowds. Having my tickets arranged in advance made the morning feel a lot smoother, but I was especially glad to have a guide to help me navigate the crowds on the way up to the top of the hill. I’m sure that we got up there twice as fast as we would have without Chrysa!
The early start was worth it
I’ll admit it, I’m not the keenest early riser! So when I found out I had to get to the tour office 40 minutes before my scheduled 9 am start time, I groaned a little. However, it was so worth the early start because my group was one of the first of the day to enter the Acropolis, which meant fewer crowds and much better photo opportunities.
The museum added so much context
I’m so glad I booked the Acropolis Museum as well as the site itself, because it was a huge highlight of my tour. I loved seeing the original Caryatids and learning about ancient Greek rituals, and seeing the evolution of sculpture right before my eyes! The ruins in the basement were really cool, too.
Tickets were included and pre-arranged
I saw a lot of confusion at the Acropolis entry gates for people who hadn’t sorted their tickets ahead of time. However, since I was on a tour, everything was pre-arranged, which made things much less stressful! This is especially helpful if you’re visiting Athens between May and October, when the site is extremely busy – though it’s never exactly quiet.
Free cancellation
I booked this tour through Viator, which allowed me to stay flexible. That’s something I always really appreciate when I’m traveling, because it delivers so much peace of mind and helps negate any pre-trip anxiety!
What I Didn’t Like About This Tour
Limited shade, even in the morning
Even though I got to the Acropolis early, there was still very little shade around. To be honest, I expected this, so I came prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water – just make sure that you do the same! I also wore a light but long-sleeved shirt to protect me from the sun, which helped a lot. (As a redhead, I need to be careful!)
You do need to arrive early
Viator recommends arriving at the tour meeting point 40 minutes ahead of your booking time, which made my 9 am tour feel very early! However, it definitely worked out in my favor. By getting there at the recommended time, I was first in line to redeem my ticket and got into one of the earliest departure groups. Plus, earlier means cooler, so it made the experience a lot more comfortable!
The Acropolis can still feel crowded
By picking the first tour slot of the day, I managed to miss a lot of the crowds, but the Acropolis was still really busy near the top of the hill and around the Parthenon. That said, this is one of the most famous sights in the world, so crowds are pretty much unavoidable!
Fortunately, having a guide made the busiest parts feel much less overwhelming. She knew where to go and how to keep the group moving, which made the whole experience much easier to enjoy.
It’s a fairly long tour
I got to my tour meeting point at 8:20 am, and by the time it wrapped up and I had explored the museum basement, it was around 2 pm, and I was quite tired! That said, I thought it was totally worth it because I saw SO many of Athens’ most iconic ancient sites and explored the museum in detail. The time went by super quickly!
Would I Recommend This Tour?
Absolutely yes! The Acropolis is THE most important place to visit in Athens, as it’s home to the Parthenon, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Erechtheion. Doing this tour made it so much easier to understand this ancient complex and its fascinating history!
I did this tour on my first morning in Athens, and I’m so glad that I did. It gave me a fantastic foundation for the rest of my trip, and knowing I had already seen and learned about the city’s most famous highlight felt good. For the rest of my Athens itinerary, you can check out this post.
I also really think it’s worth booking the version with tickets and the museum visit included, because I feel like I got the full Acropolis experience this way. The museum is honestly one of the most impressive that I’ve ever visited, so it’s not to be missed!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
Other Activities to do in Athens
There’s more to do in Athens after you see the Acropolis. Here are a few of the best things that I did in Athens, although the list could go on and on! I recommend booking these activities early, as they often sell out weeks (or months) in advance. Personally, I reserved my tours about three months in advance.
- Go on a food tour – I LOVE Greek food, so joining this food tour was high on my Athens bucket list, and it didn’t disappoint! My guide led me around the vibrant Psyri neighborhood and introduced me to everything from traditional coffee and spoon sweets to keftedes and the most amazing feta and honey pie! I was stuffed by the end – but that’s what you want in a food tour, right?
- Spend a day on the islands – If you’re not heading to the islands after your time in Athens, you can still experience their beauty on this full day cruise. You’ll sail around the Agistri, Moni, Aegina islands while enjoying delicious food and unlimited drinks – opa!
- See the Temple of Poseidon at sunset – I am SO glad that I did this sunset tour of the Temple of Poseidon! It was absolutely incredible. Watching the sunset over this beautifully preserved ancient temple (and the gorgeous surrounding coastline) was truly an experience that I will never forget. Plus, having transportation and a local guide made visiting super easy, and we even stopped at a local beach club on the way there!
- Take a scenic bike tour of Athens – If you’re short on time in Athens, this bike tour is the perfect way to cover a lot of ground in just a few hours. You’ll visit ancient sites like the Panathenaic Stadium and the Roman Agora, and you can opt to include the Acropolis as well! It’s such a fun and efficient way to see Athens.
- Learn Greek mythology – For a unique sightseeing experience, book this Greek mythology tour! You’ll see some of Athens’ most famous sites, but learn the mythological history associated with them. This is great for history and literature lovers, or anyone who is keen for a new experience!
Related Read: Need a few more activities to add to your agenda? See my absolute favorite things I did in Athens here!
Where to Stay in Athens
There are a ton of different areas you can stay in Athens, but I was keen on being close to the historic sights! Plus, when there are dozens of hotels with views of the Acropolis from your room, how could you pass that up?
Below, I’ve listed three awesome accommodation options for every budget so you can have a comfortable stay in Athens.
Luxury – $$$
If you’re looking for a luxury stay, Electra Metropolis is the best option. Located in central Athens, you’re meters from the top city and historic sights. The hotel provides the finest quality, from the rooftop infinity pool to its atrium and fresh food restaurants. You can expect the same high-class luxuries in the rooms, whether you have a classic double room or an Acropolis view suite.Â
Standard rooms get as low as €250, but high-end suites can reach €700+. Check availability and reserve this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
You don’t have to break the bank to get stunning views from your bed! The Elia Ermou Athens Hotel is a moderately priced option with modern and comfortable rooms, and a fantastic location. You can see the famous Acropolis from some rooms and from the restaurant, and you’re within walking distance to all of Athens main attractions.Â
Room prices range from about €160 to €400 and can be booked on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay that still feels fun and central, YellowSquare Athens is a great choice. It has a social feel without being a full-on party hostel, and there’s a big lounge downstairs with beanbags, a co-working space, and a yoga/workout studio, but the best part was definitely the rooftop bar, which had amazing views of the Acropolis!Â
Dorm beds start from around €25 per night and private rooms start from €100. Book your stay here!
For more options, check out all the hotels in Athens here!
Related Read: For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotels in Athens, check out our detailed Where to Stay guide here!
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
Ready to hit the road and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms?
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Thanks for reading!
The Acropolis is a must-visit for anyone passing through Athens, and booking this amazing guided tour makes it all the better! Hopefully, you found my review helpful and can be well prepared to visit this ancient site.
Before you go, check out all of our Greece travel blogs! Whether you’re sticking to the mainland or doing some island hopping, we’ve got guides to help you plan. Here are a few related blogs you might be interested in. Cheers!
How to Spend THREE DAYS in Athens: 3-Day Itinerary
My Favorite Santorini Food Tour – Honest Review
Where to Stay in Naxos, Greece: 4 Best Areas & Hotels
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