Guided Tours

Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora Guided Walking Tour

Erechtheion temple with Caryatids on the Acropolis in Athens, Greece.

Tour group with guide at Acropolis overlooking Athens, Greece.

Temple of Hephaestus surrounded by greenery in Ancient Agora, Athens, Greece.

Temple of Hephaestus interior with columns, Ancient Agora, Athens, Greece.

Explore at your pace

Choose your entry time, stay as long as you like

Guided tour

Join a 4-hour guided walking tour led by an expert archaeologist, exploring Athens’ most iconic landmarks in depth.

Ascend the scenic South Slopes of the Acropolis, where ancient theaters, shrines, and panoramic city views set the stage for your visit.

At the summit, stand before the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike as your guide explains their role in religion, democracy, and daily life.

Walk through the Ancient Agora, once the beating heart of Athens, where citizens voted, traded, and debated the ideas that shaped Western civilization.

Discover highlights like the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and artifacts that reveal both the brilliance and contradictions of early democracy.

Wireless headsets keep every word crystal clear—even in busy spots—so you won’t miss a single story or detail.

Entry to the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike

Entry to the Ancient Agora

4-hour guided tour with an expert English-speaking archaeologist

Access to the Temple of Hephaestus

Access to the Museum of the Ancient Agora in the Stoa of Attalos

Wireless headsets

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Transfers

Food and beverages

Personal expenses

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Explore Athens’ most iconic landmarks with an expert archaeologist on a guided 4-hour walking tour that takes you from the dramatic South Slopes of the Acropolis to the heart of ancient public life in the Agora.

Getting started

Meet your licensed guide at Porinou 5 Street, just a short walk from the Acropolis, 15 minutes before the tour begins. After a warm welcome and a preview of the day’s highlights, you’ll set off with your group, ready to hear every detail as history unfolds around you.

Where festivals began

Begin your ascent along the South Slopes, a quieter and more scenic route lined with olive trees and ruins of sanctuaries once dedicated to healing gods and local heroes. Here, your guide will explain the rituals and festivals that animated the slopes, from Dionysian theatre performances to processions that wound their way to the summit. As you climb, enjoy sweeping views of modern Athens spread out beneath the ancient rock.

Crowning temples of Athena

At the summit, stand before the Parthenon, the enduring symbol of Athens. Your guide will recount how this massive temple was built in less than a decade during the age of Pericles, its sculptures and friezes celebrating Athena, the city’s patron goddess. Nearby, visit the Erechtheion, famous for its elegant Caryatids, six sculpted maidens that bear the weight of its porch instead of columns. A short walk brings you to the Temple of Athena Nike, a graceful monument celebrating victory over Persia.

Along the way, your guide brings the stones to life with stories of battles won against Persia, rituals honoring Athena, and the pride Athenians felt in their democracy, showing how the Acropolis became a timeless symbol of faith, power, and civic identity.

The heart of Athenian life

Afterward, make your way to the Ancient Agora, where politics, commerce, and philosophy came together as citizens gathered to vote, trade, and debate. Your guide will point out the Stoa of Attalos, rebuilt to house a museum filled with artifacts that reveal the ingenuity of Athenian society. See ostraka used to vote leaders into exile, coins stamped with the city’s owl, and tools that reflect the lives of ordinary Athenians.

Sacred stones of the Agora

The highlight is the Temple of Hephaestus, one of the best-preserved temples in Greece, with its Doric columns still standing strong after 2,400 years. Dedicated to the god of metalwork and craftsmanship, it overlooked the workshops of potters and smiths whose creations fueled Athenian life. Your guide will also highlight monuments and statues that once decorated the Agora, from shrines to Hermes to honorific columns for statesmen, painting a vivid picture of a city where art, politics, and faith were inseparable.

Your guided journey ends at the entrance of the Ancient Agora. Before parting, your archaeologist guide will share personal recommendations for nearby cafés and tavernas, perfect spots to rest, reflect, and continue soaking in the spirit of Athens.

What to bring

Acropolis

Wear sturdy shoes, as the Acropolis paths are paved with marble that can get slippery in both dry and wet conditions.

Take a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen—the hill offers little shade and the sun can be intense.

Bring only small bags, since large ones are not permitted; backpacks may be inspected at the entrance.

Ancient Agora

Choose solid, comfortable footwear, as the ground is uneven and dusty during the summer.

Carry a refillable water bottle; there’s a fountain near the Stoa of Attalos where you can top up, especially useful in hot weather.

Bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, as shaded areas across the site are limited.

What’s not allowed

Acropolis

Flash photography and tripods are not permitted inside the site, and professional filming or photo sessions require prior permission from the Ministry.

Pets are not allowed, although certified service animals are welcome.

Eating and picnicking are prohibited on the archaeological grounds.

Smoking is strictly banned to protect the site and visitors.

Do not touch, climb, or sit on the monuments to avoid damaging the structures.

Ancient Agora

Flash photography and tripods are prohibited within the site, and professional filming requires prior approval. Staff may stop unauthorized tripod use.

Drone use is not permitted, as archaeological zones are protected areas that require special approval for aerial filming.

Pets are not allowed inside, though certified service animals are accepted.

Do not collect stones, pottery, or any remains, as all antiquities are legally protected.

Accessibility

Acropolis

The Acropolis has limited accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges. While there is an elevator near the South Slope entrance, its operation is managed entirely by the venue and may not always be available. Contact the site a day before your visit at +30 210 3214172 or +30 210 9238470 to confirm availability.

Paved pathways and ramps have been installed in certain areas, though some ancient surfaces remain uneven and may be challenging for wheelchair users.

Accessible restrooms are available near the entrance, and staff are trained to assist visitors with special needs.

Benches and rest areas are available throughout the site, though shaded spots are limited.

Tactile signage and audio guides are provided to support visitors with visual or hearing impairments.

Ancient Agora

There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance at Apostolou Pavlou by the Temple of Hephaestus, but inside the site, the uneven terrain, gravel paths, steps, and slopes make overall accessibility quite limited.

If you want to enter through the main entrance on Adrianou 24, we recommend bringing along a companion to help navigate the rough terrain. You can also communicate with the site staff at +30 210 3214824 or +30 210 3210180.

The Museum of the Ancient Agora, housed in the Stoa of Attalos, is fully accessible and includes step-free entry and an accessible restroom.

At the museum’s information desk, you will find tactile site plans and Braille brochures available in both Greek and English.

Additional information

Acropolis

The Acropolis Parthenon operates on a timed entry system, requiring visitors to book a date and time slot in advance.

Meet your licensed guide at Porinou 5 Street, just a 2-minute walk from the Acropolis Metro Station—arrive 15 minutes early for a smooth start.

With personal wireless headsets, you’ll hear your guide loud and clear throughout the tour, no matter the crowd or surroundings.

The Acropolis offers free admission on select days, including March 6, April 18, May 18, the last weekend of September, October 28, and the first Sundays from November to March.

Ancient Agora

Entry is only possible during your reserved time slot, with tickets valid from 15 minutes before until 15 minutes after the chosen time.

Arrive at least 30 minutes early to clear security, and keep in mind that entry closes 20 minutes before the site shuts.

You’ll receive your e-ticket and audio guide instructions by email; check your spam folder if needed.

Download your ticket and audio guide to your phone in advance for offline use, or print the ticket to present at the gate.

The audio tour works only on newer devices and is not compatible with Windows Phones, older iPhones (5/5C or earlier), older iPods, iPad 4th generation or earlier, or the first-generation iPad Mini.

If visiting between 8am and 9am, go directly to the Temple of Hephaestus for a quiet experience, then walk back down the Panathenaic Way to the Stoa of Attalos Museum later in the day, when the shade makes it more comfortable.

Concession eligibility

Acropolis

EU citizens aged up to 25 years receive free admission year-round upon presenting a valid ID or passport.

Non-EU citizens aged up to 25 years receive free admission year-round upon presenting a valid ID or passport.

Children under 6 years old, regardless of nationality, receive free admission with a valid identification.

Senior citizens aged 65 and over from EU countries qualify for a reduced admission fee upon presenting a valid identification card.

Persons with disabilities with a 67% disability or higher and one escort are entitled to free admission, regardless of nationality, upon presenting a valid ID or passport.

Greek unemployed citizens can avail of a concession by presenting their ID card along with a valid unemployment card or proof of recent renewal.

Greek families with multiple children can receive concessions if they present an ID card and a valid certificate of large family status issued by the Greek Supreme Confederation of Large Family Parents. If their children have disabilities, they must also present a Disability Certificate issued by the Disability Certification Center.

Ancient Agora

EU citizens under 25, including students, enjoy free admission year-round with a valid ID or passport, but must queue at the ticket office to collect a zero-value pass.

Non-EU citizens under 25 are entitled to discounted rates during the peak season (April to October) with a valid ID, and must also queue at the ticket office.

Children under 5 years old enter free of charge.

EU citizens over 65 qualify for discounted rates.

Non-EU citizens over 65 qualify for discounted rates during the peak season (April to October).

Persons with disabilities (67% or more) and one accompanying person are granted free admission with a Disability Card, ID, or passport.

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly.

Please arrive at the meeting point 15 mins before the scheduled time of your tour to avoid any delays.

Display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Meet your guide at Porinou 5.

Address: Athens, Greece,117 42.

Landmark: Find your guide at Porinou 5.

Get directions to the meeting point