Entrance

Entrances to the Acropolis of Athens

There are two entrances to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece: the main entrance, to the west of the site, and the southern side entrance, also known as the Dionysus Theatre entrance.

There are ticket offices at both entrances if you need to purchase tickets or exchange vouchers for tickets.

In this article, you will learn more about the two entrances into the Acropolis complex in Athens.

Popular Options for Visiting the Acropolis of Athens 🏛️
— Acropolis timed-entry ticket with optional audio guide
— Combined pass for the Acropolis plus up to 5 other famous archaeological sites
— Acropolis Guided Tour (including the Parthenon)
— Guided tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum, which houses significant artifacts

Main Entrance to the Acropolis, Athens

The main entrance to the Acropolis of Athens is on the west side of the complex and is accessed from Rovertou Galli (see map). You will enter the complex through the majestic Propylaea.

This is the entrance to choose if you want to feel the awe of entering the ancient complex through the impressive main gateway.

As the principal entrance into the Acropolis complex, the main entrance tends to be quite crowded, especially in high season, with very long lines.

There are two lines, one for visitors who arrive with pre-booked online tickets, and the other for visitors that need to buy tickets or exchange vouchers for tickets (for example, if you are visiting with children that are allowed free entry).

Even with pre-booked tickets, in high season, during the day, you may wait in line for several minutes. Without pre-booked tickets, you could be looking at queuing for an hour to two hours.

Arrive early in the day, at opening time, or later in the afternoon, towards closing time, to minimize your wait time.

The main entrance at the Acropolis has, aside from the ticket desk, storage for bags, restrooms, food and drink purchase options, and a gift shop. Disabled access is available at the main entrance.

Southern Entrance (Dionysus Theatre Entrance) to the Acropolis in Athens

The southern entrance to the Acropolis, also known as the Dionysus Theatre Entrance, was a much lesser known or used entrance to the Acropolis, but has in recent years become more popular and hence more congested.

Located near the Dionysus Theatre in the southeastern part of the complex, the side entrance to the Acropolis is accessed via Dionysiou Areopagitou and the south slope of the Acropolis (see map).

If you arrive via this side entrance, you can visit sites like the Dionysus Theatre and look out over the Odeon of Herodes Atticus before climbing up to the main part of the Acropolis.

While you may encounter lines at the Dionysus Theatre Entrance to the Acropolis, they will usually not be as long as the lines at the main entrance. Even so, arriving early or late in the day is advisable, especially in high season.

The southern entrance to the Acropolis offers a ticket office, plus restrooms, a tourist information counter, and a shop selling food and drinks.

Which entrance to the Acropolis of Athens should you choose?

Quite honestly, you should choose the entrance that is nearest to you, especially if you visit early or late in the day, when crowds are less of an issue.

Here are some other tips for choosing between the two entrances to the Acropolis of Athens:

If you visit during the day (mid-morning to mid-afternoon), the side entrance on the southeast may be less congested.

Early riser? Being at the main entrance to the Acropolis at opening time will most likely allow you to view the major sites in the complex, including the Parthenon, when they are less crowded. The major sites at the top of the hill are closer from the main entrance through the Propylaea.

Arriving late in the day? Start at the southeast entrance, making sure you have enough time to explore the complex. You’ll be at the hilltop towards closing time, when the major sites will be less crowded, and also have the chance to see the sun set.

The accessible entrance is on the west side of the complex, just to the north of the main entrance to the Acropolis. Also, if you have arrived with a stroller, or you need to check bags or backpacks, you should arrive at the main entrance.

If you want the full experience of entering the Acropolis complex through the majestic Propylaea, pick the main entrance but arrive at opening time or a couple hours before closing for fewer crowds.

Planning to visit the Acropolis Museum right after your visit to the Acropolis? Start at the main entrance, the Propylaea, and exit via the southeast entrance, from where the museum is a 3- to 4-minute walk.

Want to end your visit to the Acropolis with a fantastic view of the complex? Enter through the southeast entrance and exit via the main entrance, from where you can head to the top of Mars Hill (Areopagus Hill) for a picture postcard view of the Acropolis.

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