What to bring

Acropolis Museum:

• Come prepared with a valid photo ID or student card for potential discounts on ticket prices.
• To avoid connectivity issues, download your audio tour beforehand. Personal earphones are recommended for an enhanced experience.
• Avoid any inconvenience by carrying cash or a bank card if you plan to visit the gift shop or café.
• Wear comfortable closed shoes suitable for walking through museum halls and nearby archaeological sites.

An extra layer, like a light sweater or scarf, is advisable as air-conditioned galleries can be cooler than outside temperatures.

Acropolis:

• Ensure you have your printed or digital ticket ready for entry at the gates.
• Your own earphones will enhance the audio guide experience.
• Carry some cash or a card for small purchases after exploring local kiosks.
• Avoid discomfort by wearing sturdy footwear appropriate for uneven terrain and marble steps.

Protect yourself from sun exposure with essentials like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated in the heat.

What’s not allowed

Acropolis Museum:

• No flash photography, tripods or professional filming equipment; non-flash photos are permitted except in the Archaic Gallery.
• Oversized bags and bulky items should be left at the ground-floor cloakroom.
• Foods and drinks aren't allowed inside (plain drinking water is an exception).

Pets, other than certified service animals, are not permitted in the museum.

Acropolis:

• Drones, tripods, or professional-grade cameras require special authorization for use on site.
• Larger bags and suitcases must be stored elsewhere as they can't be brought inside.
• No animals are allowed except certified guide dogs.

Smoking and chewing gum are prohibited within the area.

Accessibility

Acropolis Museum:

• The museum is fully accessible for wheelchair users, with ramps at all entrances and elevators to every floor. Wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge from Visitor Services or Information Desk.
• Accessible restrooms are available throughout the venue.

Welcome guide dogs; Braille materials in Greek and English are provided for visually impaired visitors at the Information Desk.

Acropolis:

• Mobility accessibility is limited. An elevator near the South Slope entrance requires prior confirmation by calling +30 210 3214172 or +30 210 9238470 a day before your visit to ensure it's operational.
• The site has uneven terrain with few paved paths, so assistance might be needed; both visitors and their escorts can enter for free upon showing valid documentation.
• Accessible restrooms are located near the Acropolis Museum and main entrances.

Rest spots and benches are scattered throughout, though shaded areas remain scarce.

Additional information

• To gain entry at both sites, scan your mobile or printed ticket directly at their respective entrance gates.
• If you're joining a guided walking tour, ensure to arrive early (10-15 minutes) and meet the guide at Athenian Tours office on Mitsaion 2, 11742 Athens, close to the Acropolis entrance.

Group tours are limited to 22 participants with free headsets for groups larger than eight; guides may adjust site visit order for comfort.

Acropolis Museum:

• Avoid crowds by visiting right when it opens at 9am or in the late afternoon (2pm-3pm), especially during June to August. Expect a short security screening wait of about 5-10 minutes, which can extend up to 15 minutes in summer.
• There's an alternative entrance leading directly to exhibition areas; ticket validation machines are on the ground floor here.

The museum offers free admission on March 6 (Melina Mercouri Day), March 25 (National Holiday), May 18 (International Museums Day), and October 28 (National Holiday).

Acropolis:

• A timed entry system is in place for the Acropolis and Parthenon; book your slot ahead of time. Arrive at least 30 minutes early to enter up to 15 minutes before or after your booked time.
• Mandatory security checks are expected, with average wait times around 20-30 minutes—up to 1-2 hours during peak summer months (June-August).
• For quicker access and less crowded entry, use the south entrance near Dionysus Theater, conveniently close to metro and museum.
• To prevent congestion, start with Parthenon before visiting Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, etc.

The Acropolis site is free on March 6 (Melina Mercouri Day), April 18 (International Monuments Day), May 18 (International Museums Day), the last weekend in September (European Heritage Days), October 28 (National Holiday) and first/ third Sundays from November to March.

Concession eligibility

Acropolis Museum:

• EU residents aged 25 or under get free entry with a valid ID/passport.
• Children up to age five can enter for free with proof of age.
• Non-EU visitors aged 6-25 receive reduced admission by showing passport details confirming their age and nationality.
• Elderly EU residents over 65 qualify for discounted tickets using an ID or passport.

Individuals with disabilities (80%+) along with one companion are granted free entry with official documentation.

Acropolis:

• EU citizens up to age 25 can enter for free by providing proof of ID/passport.
• Non-EU visitors aged 6-25 also qualify for free admission with a valid passport showing their details.
• Children under six, regardless of nationality, are admitted without charge if they provide proof of age.
• Elderly EU residents over 65 get reduced tickets upon presenting valid identification.
• Visitors worldwide with disabilities rated at or above 67%, along with one escort, receive free entry using proper documentation.
• Greek nationals who are unemployed can obtain concessions by showing both a valid unemployment card and ID.

Families in Greece with several children may get discounts when presenting a family certificate and an ID; if the children have disabilities, also present a Disability Certificate from the national center.