Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
The Acropolis Museum of Athens, Greece, stands as one of the world’s great museums and houses a large portion of artefacts from ancient Greece. The first Acropolis Museum was established in 1865, and later, in 1888, more structures were built to accommodate the expanding collection after World War II. The present museum, designed by architect Bernard Tschumi in conjunction with Michael Photiadis, was completed in 2009. The collections vary from Greek Bronze Age to Roman and Byzantine Greece, thus portraying a very interesting and visually elegant voyage in time.
Quick Facts
Location: Athens, Greece
Timings: 8 AM – 8 PM (Tuesday to Sunday); 8 AM – 10 PM (Friday)
Entry Fees: ₹890 – ₹1334, Free for children below 5 years and students
How To Reach: By metro, bus, and taxi
Nearest Airport: Athens International Airport, 25 km
Nearest Metro Station: Acropolis Metro Station, 1 km
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location
Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons
The museum is situated in the heart of Athens, and its location is right on the southern slope of the Acropolis Hill. It lies along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street, and the roads connected to this street are Mitromara, Makrigianni, and Veikou.
How To Reach
Photo: Manfred Werner / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The nearest airport is Athens International Airport, which is 25 km from the museum. From there, you can either take the metro to the Acropolis station or travel by bus or taxi to reach the museum directly.
By Metro: Take Line 2 (Red Line) metro and exit at Acropolis Station. The museum is a 2-minute walk from the station.
By Road: The nearest bus stops are Acropolis or along Dionysiou Areopagitou Street. Also, taxis are available at every corner of the city of Athens.
Things To Do
1. Marvel At The Parthenon Gallery
Photo: Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons
The Parthenon Gallery is the undisputed highlight of the Acropolis Museum, which is beautifully designed and mirrors the original orientation of the frieze Parthenon. This gallery offers you a unique, embodied experience along the path of Parthenon’s sculptures and reliefs, where scenes of mythological battles, processions, and festivals are vividly depicted. The breathtaking floor-to-ceiling windows feature panoramic views of the actual monument, the Parthenon on Acropolis Hill.
2. Visit The Archaic Gallery
Photo: Tomisti / Wikimedia Commons
Visit the antique Greek treasures that open a window into life between the 7th and early 5th centuries BCE. The wide open space has brightly lit statues, pottery, and tools to display parts of daily life, thoroughly preserved and exhibited to show their historical significance. One thing distinguishing this museum from others is the natural light the gallery receives from the skylights illuminating the artefacts and softly casting shadows, which help to emphasise the minute details of the ancient sculptures.
3. Visit The Glass Floor Gallery
Photo: Peeperman / Wikimedia Commons
This unique glass floor gallery in the Museum is an attraction that allows you to view the ancient Athenian neighbourhood directly under your feet. As you walk through these translucent panels, you can see the excavation’s progress and pathways dating back to ancient times, as well as the remains of buildings thousands of years old. This gallery becomes a connection between ancient and modern Athens, giving the visitor a more direct view into the daily lives of people who walked along these ancient streets.
Places To Visit Near The Acropolis Museum
1. Acropolis of Athens
Photo: A.Savin / Wikimedia Commons
The hill of the Acropolis is the most prominent archaeological site in Greece and one of the monuments defining the heritage of classical Greece. These are the Parthenon, Erechtheion, and Temple of Athena Nike. Each carries a unique story, where the Parthenon represents the most majestic example of Doric architecture. It also shelters exquisite sculptures dedicated to the goddess Athena, who patronised the city. The Erechtheion place, renowned for its Caryatid statues, reflects another ancient Greek architecture combined with sacred function.
Timings: 8:00 AM – Sunset
Distance From The Museum: 800 m
2. Plaka District
Known as the “Neighbourhood of the Gods,” Plaka has its place in history, exuding charm with its winding streets, neoclassical buildings, and lively, welcoming atmosphere. The neighbourhood gives an admixture of traditional and modern experiences where you can find the quaint shops selling handcrafted souvenirs, discover art galleries, and be treated to the aroma of local tavernas serving authentic Greek delicacies. It is the perfect place to experience Athens culture with its charming cafes, street performers, and historic ruins while passing through the cobblestone alleys.
Distance From The Museum: 2 km
3. Temple of Olympian Zeus
Photo: Jebulon / Wikimedia Commons
The Temple of Olympian Zeus was the largest temple built in the ancient world. Only a few of the original columns remain standing, but you can get a sense of the magnitude and grandiosity that ancient Greek engineers undertook. This temple took centuries to construct, but the Roman Emperor Hadrian finally completed this monument. It remains one of the most incredible tributes to Zeus, the king of gods, standing between towering columns.
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM
Distance From The Museum: 1 km
4. Roman Agora
Photo: Berthold Werner / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Roman Agora was a site that the Romans commissioned in the 1st century BCE as an important public space in ancient Athens. Close to the Acropolis Museum, this historical site served as an important marketplace and centre for commercial activities because it attracted vendors, officials, and townspeople. Today, you can view the fascinating remains of columns, marketplaces, the incredible Tower of the Winds and the ancient version of a clock tower. A visit to the Roman Agora gives one a clearer insight into how Roman rule was influential over Athens but preserved its Greek heritage.
Timings: 8 AM – 3 PM
Distance From The Museum: 3 m
5. Gardens of Athens
Photo: George E. Koronaios / Wikimedia Commons
Queen Amalia ordered the National Gardens of Athens in the 19th century and comprises lush walking paths under trees, ancient ruins, and sweet water ponds. It’s a haven for rest and is much appreciated by locals and tourists. There are small zoos and children’s playgrounds with numerous botanical varieties from all over the world.
Distance From The Museum: 2 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Nguyễn Thị Minh Nghi / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
There are great choices of hotels in the area, whether luxurious or on a budget near the Acropolis Museum. For people looking for luxury, the AthensWas Hotel is an option with chic interiors, modern amenities, and stunning views of the Acropolis from private balconies and the rooftop. Another one of the handiest options is the Herodion Hotel, offering lovely roof dining with views of the Parthenon, comfortable rooms, and warm hospitality with high-quality service. Budget travellers can choose the Plaka Hotel in the historic Plaka district of Athens.
Where To Eat
Photo: AlexandraVeG / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
With floor-to-ceiling windows framing the magnificent Acropolis, this peaceful café is ideal for a mid-visit break while enjoying traditional fare like baklava and spanakopita. Another highly recommended restaurant is located opposite the road, Liondi Traditional Greek Restaurant, but with more classic Greek flavourings in souvlaki, moussaka, and tzatziki, where everything is prepared using fresh local ingredients. Yiasemi in the Plaka district offers a charming, simple experience by serving delicious coffee, light bites, and pastries on a romantic, vine-covered terrace with views of Plaka’s historic streets.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Ad Meskens / Wikimedia Commons
Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) is the best time to visit the museum when Athens gets pleasant weather and visitors are relatively scarce. At these times, the air is pleasantly mild, making it easier for visitors to explore the museum and also the historic sites nearby.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Rana Sawalha / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Tips For Travellers
- Remember to buy the tickets in advance.
- Consider your visiting time as you may visit the other attractions.
- Do not forget to enter from the south entrance.
- For your easy exploring wear comfortable clothing.
Visiting the Acropolis Museum takes you back into ancient Greece, with impressive structures combined with magnificent pieces of art on display. Tour the museum, which has stunning views of the ancient site. Whether you are a history buff or an explorer, this museum guarantees you an amazing trip regardless. Plan a trip with TripXL and explore the ancient ruins of the Romans and Greek heritage in Athens.
Cover Photo: Bandelmug / Wikimedia Commons
