When people mention “the Acropolis,” they mean two separate locations: the archaeological site and the Acropolis Museum, each with independent opening hours.
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.
| Period | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| April – August | Monday – Sunday | 08:00 am – 08:00 pm |
| September 1st – 15th | Monday – Sunday | 08:00 am – 07:30 pm |
| September 16th – 29th | Monday – Sunday | 08:00 am – 07:00 pm |
| October 2nd – 15th | Monday – Sunday | 08:00 am – 06:30 pm |
| October 16th – 31st | Monday – Sunday | 08:00 am – 06:00 pm |
| November – March | Monday – Sunday | 08:00 am – 06:00 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.
It’s important to note that the Acropolis is closed on certain holidays, including Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday.
Now, the Acropolis Museum follows a completely different rhythm. 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 | Days | Opening Hours | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (April 1 – October 31) | Monday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | 4:30 pm |
| Summer (April 1 – October 31) | Tuesday – Thursday, Sunday | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm | 7:30 pm |
| Summer (April 1 – October 31) | Friday | 9:00 am – 10:00 pm | 9:30 pm |
| Winter (November 1 – March 31) | Monday – Thursday | 9:00 am – 5:00 pm | 4:30 pm |
| Winter (November 1 – March 31) | Friday | 9:00 am – 10:00 pm | 9:30 pm |
| Winter (November 1 – March 31) | Saturday – Sunday | 9:00 am – 8:00 pm | 7:30 pm |
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:
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.
Looking to save some euros? The museum offers free entry to everyone on four specific dates throughout the year:
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.
The Acropolis of Athens during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset gives a stunning shot. The colors and textures of the historic structures are enhanced by the gentle, warm light that prevails at these times. Additionally, the crowds are usually smaller during these times, which allows for better photo opportunities without other people in the background.
Early morning is also a great time for photos, as the light is still soft and the crowds are smaller. You can capture stunning shots of the Acropolis against a blue sky, with fewer people around to disrupt the scene. However, if you want to capture photos of the site with clear blue skies, midday can also be a good time. Just be prepared for larger crowds and the challenges of working with harsh light.
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