The Acropolis of Athens opens daily at 8 am. However, it follows seasonal hours, catering to visitor comfort and daylight variations.
In the summer season (April to October), the Acropolis opens its doors early at 8 am and welcomes visitors until 7.30 pm.
This extended time allows you to explore the sprawling complex leisurely, especially during the longer daylight hours.
During winter (November to March), the Acropolis maintains its 8 am opening time but closes slightly earlier at 5 pm due to shorter daylight hours.
It’s crucial to remember that the last entry to the Acropolis is 30 minutes before closing time.
Keep in mind a slight variation during September and October. Due to the shortening of daylight hours, the closing time progressively decreases every two weeks by 30 minutes in October.
Refer to the table below for specific dates:
| Dates (September & October) | Closing Time | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 15 September | 7.30 pm | 7 pm |
| 16 to 30 September | 7 pm | 6.30 pm |
| 1 to 15 October | 6.30 pm | 6 pm |
| 16 to 31 October | 6 pm | 5.30 pm |
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Acropolis Hours At Glance
For a quick reference, here’s a summary of the operating hours of the Acropolis:
| Season | Opening Hours | Closing Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (1 Apr – 15 Sep) | 8 am | 7.30 pm |
| Mid-September | 8 am | 7 pm |
| Early October | 8 am | 6.30 pm |
| Late October | 8 am | 6 pm |
| Winter (1 Nov – 31 Mar) | 8 am | 5 pm |
Days the Acropolis Remains Closed
While the Acropolis welcomes visitors year-round, there are a few specific days when it is closed. Be sure to plan your trip accordingly:
- New Year’s Day – 1 January
- Greek Independence Day – 25 March
- May Day – 1May
- Easter Sunday
- Christmas – 25 & 26 December
Reduced Hours
The Acropolis also observes reduced opening hours on certain occasions:
- Christmas Eve (24 December): Open from 9 am to 3 pm.
- New Year’s Eve (31 December): Open from 9 am to 3 pm.
- Orthodox Good Friday: Open from noon to 6 pm.
- Orthodox Holy Saturday: Open from 8 am to 3 pm.
Free Entry Days
While the Acropolis offers a captivating experience year-round, there are specific days when you can explore its majesty without paying an entrance fee.
Here’s a breakdown of these free entry opportunities:
| Category | Free Entry Days | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | First Sunday of every month (November – March) | This is a popular option, so expect larger crowds. |
| National Holidays | Specific national holidays | – 6 March (Melina Mercouri Remembrance Day) – 18 May (International Museum Day) – Last weekend of September (European Heritage Days) – 28 October (Oxi Day) |
| Other | Occasional special events | Evening events or cultural performances might offer free entry on specific dates. Keep an eye on the official website for announcements. |
Acropolis Museum Hours
The Acropolis Museum offers flexible opening hours to accommodate visitors of all schedules, whether you prefer an early morning visit or an evening exploration.
Here’s everything you need to know about the museum’s operating hours:
Summer Hours (April to October)
| Day | Timing | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9 am to 5 pm | 4.30 pm |
| Tuesday to Thursday | 9 am to 8 pm | 7.30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am to 10 pm | 9.30 pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 9 am to 8 pm | 7.30 pm |
Winter Hours (November to March)
| Day | Timing | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 9 am to 5 pm | 4.30 pm |
| Friday | 9 am to 10 pm | 9.30 pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 9 am to 8 pm | 7.30 pm |
Important Note:
- The gallery clearance begins 15 minutes before closing time, so plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your time exploring the exhibits.
- During the August full moon and the European Night of Museums, the Acropolis Museum extends its hours until midnight, providing a unique opportunity to experience the museum and enjoy the moonlit Acropolis at night.
Archaeological Excavation Hours
During the summer season, the Archaeological Excavation beneath the Acropolis Museum welcomes visitors from 9 am to 5 pm on Mondays, with the last entry permitted at 4.30 pm.
From Tuesday to Sunday, the excavation site remains open until 8 pm, allowing visitors to explore until 7.30 pm.
As for the winter months, the excavation hours remain consistent throughout the week, from Monday to Sunday, operating from 9 am to 5 pm, with the last entry also at 4.30 pm.
Whether you’re visiting in the warmer or cooler months, these excavation hours offer ample opportunity to delve into the rich history beneath the Acropolis Museum.
How Long Does it Take to Visit Acropolis?
The time you allocate for exploring the Acropolis of Athens largely depends on your preferences and the depth of experience you seek.
For a quick overview, an hour might suffice, allowing you to skim through key areas like the Parthenon while capturing some snapshots.
However, for a more immersive visit lasting 1-2 hours, you can delve deeper into the architectural marvels, appreciate intricate artwork such as friezes and statues, and leisurely explore the site.
Expect to queue briefly for closer views of certain highlights.
For those desiring a thorough exploration lasting 3 hours or more, ample time is available to examine each structure and monument meticulously.
Additionally, consider visiting the nearby Acropolis Museum (requiring a separate ticket) to delve further into the historical context and view artifacts.
Guided tours offer enriched insights amidst the panoramic vistas of Athens, allowing for reflection and appreciation of its historical significance.
Ultimately, you can tailor your visit duration, ensuring an enriching experience aligned with your interests and curiosity.
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Contents
FAQs
What are the regular opening hours of the Acropolis?
The Acropolis follows seasonal opening hours:
– April to October: Opens daily from 8 am and closes at 7.30 pm.
– November to March (except Sundays): Opens daily from 8.30 am and closes at 3.30 pm.
Is there a specific time when there are fewer crowds?
Generally, the Acropolis experiences fewer crowds:
– Early mornings (right after opening): Aim for shortly after opening times to encounter the fewest visitors.
– Weekdays: Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends, excluding the first Sunday of the month during the off-season (free entry).
– Late afternoons (before closing): Crowds might start to thin out closer to closing times, but keep last entry times in mind.
What is the last entry time for the Acropolis?
The last entry times for the Acropolis depend on the season:
– April to October: Last entry is at 7 pm.
– November to March (except Sundays): Last entry is at 3 pm.
How long does it typically take to visit the Acropolis?
The time you spend at the Acropolis depends on your interests:
– Quick visit (1 hour): A rushed visit through the main areas like the Parthenon is possible.
– Standard visit (1-2 hours): This allows you to appreciate the architecture, artwork, and explore at a leisurely pace.
– In-Depth visit (3+ hours): Consider this for a more comprehensive experience, including the Acropolis Museum (separate ticket).
What is the best time of year to visit the Acropolis in terms of weather?
For pleasant weather:
– Spring (April-May): Comfortable temperatures for exploring outdoors.
– Fall (September-October): Offers a balance of good weather and potentially smaller crowds compared to summer.
Is there a free entry day for the Acropolis?
Yes, the Acropolis offers free entry on the first Sunday of each month during the off-season (November-March). However, expect larger crowds due to this free access.
Are there separate opening hours for different areas within the Acropolis?
No, the entire Acropolis follows the same opening and closing hours based on the season and specific holidays.
However, the Acropolis Museum hours vary. Take a look at the Museum hours here.
Can you visit the Acropolis at night?
The Acropolis itself is not open for nighttime visits. However, spectacular nighttime views of the Acropolis are possible from various spots in Athens, like Philopappou Hill.
Is the Acropolis open on holidays?
The Acropolis is closed on specific holidays:
– 1 January
– 25 March (Greek Independence Day)
Easter Sunday
– 1 May (Labour Day)
– 25 & 26 December (Christmas)
Featured Image: Pat Whelen / Pexels
