Acropolis opening hours
Today opening hours (May 2026): the Acropolis of Athens is open 8:00 am – 8:00 pm daily, with last entrance at 7:30 pm. This summer schedule runs from April through August, then closing time shortens through September and October to a winter close of 5:00 pm (November–March). The site shuts only on January 1, Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday, and December 25.
What time does Acropolis open by season?
If you’re planning a visit to the Acropolis of Athens, it’s important to know the opening and closing hours so you can plan your trip accordingly. The site welcomes visitors year-round, but the hours of operation may vary depending on the season, so make sure to check the schedule and secure your Acropolis admission tickets in advance.
| Period | April – August |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday – Sunday |
| Hours | 08:00 am – 08:00 pm |
| Last Entrance | 07:30 pm |
| Period | September 1st – 15th |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday – Sunday |
| Hours | 08:00 am – 07:30 pm |
| Last Entrance | 07:00 pm |
| Period | September 16th – 30th |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday – Sunday |
| Hours | 08:00 am – 07:00 pm |
| Last Entrance | 06:30 pm |
| Period | October 1st – 15th |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday – Sunday |
| Hours | 08:00 am – 06:30 pm |
| Last Entrance | 06:00 pm |
| Period | October 16th – 31st |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday – Sunday |
| Hours | 08:00 am – 06:00 pm |
| Last Entrance | 05:30 pm |
| Period | November – March |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday – Sunday |
| Hours | 08:00 am – 05:00 pm |
| Last Entrance | 04:30 pm |
Important notice: people who have selected the last slot of the day will be able to enter during the first 30 minutes of the selected slot.
Days the Acropolis is closed
The archaeological site remains shut to visitors on three dates each year.
- January 1 (New Year's Day)
- Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday (date varies, usually April or May)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
Museum opening and closing times
Acropolis Museum has completely different opening and closing times. While the archaeological site keeps things relatively straightforward, the museum adjusts its hours based on both the season and the day of the week.
| Season | Summer (April 1 – October 31) |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Last Entry | 4:30 pm |
| Season | Summer (April 1 – October 31) |
|---|---|
| Days | Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Last Entry | 7:30 pm |
| Season | Summer (April 1 – October 31) |
|---|---|
| Days | Friday |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Last Entry | 9:30 pm |
| Season | Winter (November 1 – March 31) |
|---|---|
| Days | Monday – Thursday |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Last Entry | 4:30 pm |
| Season | Winter (November 1 – March 31) |
|---|---|
| Days | Friday |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 10:00 pm |
| Last Entry | 9:30 pm |
| Season | Winter (November 1 – March 31) |
|---|---|
| Days | Saturday – Sunday |
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm |
| Last Entry | 7:30 pm |
Official museum closing days
Official museum closing days
The museum closes its doors completely on just five days throughout the year. Mark these dates in your calendar if you’re planning your visit:
- January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- Orthodox Easter Sunday (the date varies each year, usually falling in April or May)
- May 1 (Labor Day)
- December 25 (Christmas Day)
- December 26 (Boxing Day)
The museum shop will close on January 7, 2026.
Museum reduced hours days
Beyond full closures, the museum operates on a shortened schedule during certain holidays:
| Date | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Christmas Eve (December 24) | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| New Year's Eve (December 31) | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Orthodox Good Friday | 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm |
| Orthodox Holy Saturday | 9:00 am – 3:00 pm |
Notice how Good Friday actually opens later rather than earlier? This aligns with the religious observances taking place throughout Greece on that day.
Days with free admission
Looking to save some euros? The museum offers free entry to everyone on four specific dates throughout the year:
- March 6 (Melina Mercouri Day, honoring the culture minister who championed the museum’s creation)
- March 25 (Greek National Holiday)
- May 18 (International Museum Day)
- October 28 (Greek National Holiday, known as “Ohi Day”)
Today's Parthenon hours
Today the Parthenon and the wider Acropolis archaeological site are open from 08:00 to 20:00. Last admission to the Sacred Rock closes at 19:30, and the site fully clears by 20:00.
May falls inside the summer season defined by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture (1 April – 31 October), which fixes the full twelve-hour daily window for the Acropolis. The schedule covers every monument on the citadel: the Parthenon, the Erechtheion and its Caryatid porch, the Propylaea, and the small Temple of Athena Nike, as well as the South Slope archaeological zone, which contains the Theatre of Dionysus and the exterior of the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
Is the Acropolis and the Museum open on Sundays?
Yes. Both the Acropolis archaeological site and the Acropolis Museum operate on Sundays throughout the year, with Orthodox Easter Sunday as the single annual exception when both venues close completely.
Best time to visit the Acropolis
The best daytime to visit the Acropolis of Athens is early in the morning, right after it opens, or in the late afternoon, a few hours before it closes. Visiting at these times will allow you to beat the crowds and enjoy the site with fewer people around, which can make your visit more peaceful and enjoyable.
In terms of months, the shoulder season of April to May and September to October are ideal. If you prefer warmer weather and longer hours of daylight, the summer months of April to October are a good time to visit. The longer opening hours during the summer allow you to visit the site during the cooler morning and evening hours when temperatures are more comfortable.
Another aspect to consider is the weather. The shoulder seasons of April to May and September to October are the most comfortable times of year to visit the Acropolis. It’s not too hot outside, and there are fewer people.