Acropolis Museum

Completed in 2009, this archaeological museum has one of the best displays of Greek antiquities in the world.

TravelCurious Tip

If you’re feeling peckish, check out the museum restaurant – it has some superb local dishes and isn’t too expensive.

Located on the south-eastern slope of the Acropolis, on the site of the ancient road that originally lead to the summit, the Acropolis Museum houses some of the most intriguing Greek antiquities ever discovered. Frequently described as one of the best museums in the world, this is one not to be missed.


Controversial Beginnings

Even when you are approaching it, the museum is impressive. Its large metal-and-glass modernist structure was controversial during the building process, as many believed that its design was ill-suited to an ancient site like the Acropolis. However, construction pushed ahead, and when the museum finally opened in 2009 it was to widespread critical and public acclaim.


A Vast Collection

Today, the museum showcases nearly 4,000 historical artefacts. The first collection you will see is the Gallery of the Slopes of the Acropolis, which contains various items from everyday pots to objects used by bizarre religious cults. This gallery also affords intriguing views of an ancient neighborhood, the ruins of which can been seen through the plexiglass floor. The Archaic Gallery is striking in its simplicity; its high ceiling is supported by thick pillars without ornamentation, and the dozens of statues on display are made all the more striking as a result. The Parthenon Gallery displays a short film about the ancient temple – essential viewing for those about to see the building itself.

Also on show in the Acropolis Museum are later pieces, dating from the 5th century BC to the 5th century AD. Here you can see portraits and statues of great philosophers, statesmen and famous mythological figures. While these later pieces are not the focus of the museum, this gallery will certainly give you a sense of the importance and breadth of ancient Greek culture.


Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Athens
Parthenon
Crowning the Acropolis hill, the sublime marble columns of the Parthenon form the most recognisable monument in Athens.
Erechtheion
This temple across from the Parthenon is famous for its Caryatids, the six larger-than-life female columns which support its roof.
Theatre of Dionysus
One of the earliest preserved theatres in Athens, this space was used during festivals to honour the wine god Dionysus.
Plaka Neighbourhood
Like a village in the city, Athens' charming old town is known as the Neighbourhood of the Gods.
Dionysiou Areopagitou Street
Walk along the pedestrian street of Dionysiou Areopagitou and have magnificent views of the Acropolis.
Anafiotika
Populated with small, cubic houses in Cycladic style, this beautiful tiny neighbourhood is part of the historical Plaka area.

Related Tours

The Greek Essentials: Private Full-Day Tour of Athens Highlights
If you only have a short amount of time in Athens and want to see as much as possible in one day, this full-day private tour is the perfect option for you! You will visit the Greek Essentials, including Parthenon, Acropolis hill, New Acropolis Museum, the Plaka neighbourhood, the Ancient Greek Agora & the Olympic Stadium.

On your all-inclusive, private full-day tour of Athens you will:

  • Admire the Parthenon’s remarkable design, learn about the uses of Acropolis Hill over the centuries, and cross through Acropolis propylaea gate, as the ancients would have done in procession centuries ago;
  • Enjoy a comprehensive tour of Greece's most iconic archaeological site, including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysus, where classical works by the most famous Greek poets were first performed in the 5th Century B.C.;
  • Walk through the charming Plaka district, with its famed white staircases, cafes and terraces and see the Lysicrates Monument;
  • Admire the Tower of the Winds and Roman Agora and marvel at Hadrian's Library;
  • Explore Ancient Greece's economic and political centre at the Greek Agora;
  • Admire the Temple of Hephaestus, known to be the best-preserved ancient Greek temple in the world, and is even older than the Parthenon;
  • See the Stoa of Attalos, the beautifully reconstructed Ancient Greek Portico, once an ancient shopping mall;
  • See the Parthenon Marbles up close in the New Acropolis Museum on the Museum's top floor, as you admire breathtaking views over the monument itself;
  • End the tour at the famed Olympic Stadium (Panathenaic Stadium), the only stadium in the world built entirely of marble and home to the first modern games in 1896.

With your expert guide, you will discover the city’s most important cultural sites, including the colossal remains of the Temple of Zeus and the Acropolis, a UNESCO world heritage site. On the plateau of the Acropolis, you will find the awe-inspiring heights of the Parthenon pillars, gaze on the beautiful female forms of the Caryatid columns, discover some of the earliest theatres known to man and enjoy panoramic views over the city. 

Your guide will explain the central role these monuments, and more, played in classical society and immerse you in the myths and legends of Ancient Greece. You will also wander through the Agora, the heart of classical Athens. Once a bustling marketplace, in these now peaceful ruins you’ll walk in Socrates’ footsteps amongst classic temples and Byzantine churches, learning how Athens became the birthplace of democracy.

On your way to lunch at a place recommended by your local guide, explore bustling Plaka, the oldest district in the city. Sometimes called “the neighbourhood of the gods”, Plaka is known for its winding alleyways and scenic shopping. 

After finishing lunch, escape the heat of the day with a visit to the spectacular (and air-conditioned) New Acropolis Museum. Here you will learn firsthand the artistic wonders that once adorned the monuments of the Acropolis. 

Finally, you will also visit the stunningly marbled Panathenaic Stadium. Constructed for the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, this immense structure is a strong reminder of the continuing legacy of ancient Athens in the modern day. 


This tour includes the "combo ticket" that will give you skip-the-line access to the Roman Agora, Kerameikos site & Museum, Lykeion Gymnasium, Hadrian's Library and the Temple of Olympian Zeus during in the 4 days following your tour.
The Acropolis of Athens & New Acropolis Museum: Private Tour
Immerse yourself in the Acropolis of Athens, a UNESCO world heritage site and the city's most important cultural site on this private half-day walking tour. On the plateau of the Acropolis, you’ll find the awe-inspiring heights of the Parthenon pillars, gaze on the beautiful female forms of the Caryatid columns, discover some of the earliest theatres known to man and enjoy panoramic views over the city. 

On your private walking tour, you will:

  • Climb to the summit of the Acropolis and learn why it was a symbol of democracy, freedom and Greek culture;
  • Learn about all the ways Acropolis Hill has been used over the centuries;
  • Walk through the Acropolis propylaea gate, the grand entrance to the Parthenon built around the natural entrance to the plateau of the Acropolis;
  • Admire the Parthenon, one of the most famous buildings of ancient Greece and was constructed in the fifth century BC;
  • Have a comprehensive tour of Greece's most iconic archaeological site, including the Odeon of Herodes; Atticus and the Theatre of Dionysos, where classical works by the most famous Greek poets were first performed in the 5th Century B.C; 
  • See firsthand the famed Erechtheion temple, the most complex building on the Acropolis;
  • Admire views over the Modern Athens skyline and the Ancient Greek Agora, an open space for public gatherings;
  • Enjoy a guided tour in the New Acropolis Museum, famed for its architectural design, exhibition experience and incredible collection which houses exceptional artifacts from this historic site;
  • See the Parthenon Marbles up close on the Museum's top floor, as you admire breathtaking views over the monument;
  • End the tour in the Museum to continue exploring at your own pace. 

Come explore the Acropolis of Athens, the ancient Greek citadel that dominates the skyline of Athens. 

Built on a rocky outcrop above the city, it contains the remains of several ancient buildings of great architectural and historical significance, the most famous being the Parthenon.

 This private tour offers you access to one of the most important historical sites in Europe with a private tour guide, where you will visit all major monuments and learn about their rich history where democracy was born.

Your guide will explain the central role these monuments, and more, played in classical society, and immerse you in the myths and legends of Ancient Greece.

Your tour will also take you to the spectacular New Acropolis Museum where you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with the artistic wonders that once adorned the monuments of the Acropolis.  

When your tour ends, you can stay in the museum to explore at your own leisure. 
Athens Famous Landmarks & Hidden Gems: Private Walking Tour
Experience the glorious ancient city of Athens, one of the world’s best-preserved ancient cities, where venturing off the tourist drag is near impossible without a passionate, knowledgeable local guide. Enjoy the major landmarks, the hidden gems and a local coffee and pastry on us! 

On your private walking tour of Athens, you will:

  • Enjoy this fascinating orientation tour of the highlights and hidden gems of Athens with a private guide;
  • See the highlights of the historical centre in a matter of hours, including Athens Cathedral;
  • Explore the shops and bars of the famous Monastiraki area;
  • Watch the Changing of the Guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier;
  • Enjoy a coffee and traditional Greek pastry at a local bakery;
  • See some of Ancient Greece's most iconic sites, including Hadrian's Library, Arch, and the Roman Agora;
  • Wander through the charming Plaka district, with its white staircases, cafes, and terraces;
  • End your tour outside the legendary Acropolis Museum, where you can continue to explore at your own leisure. 
Named after the goddess Athena, Greece’s capital is one of the world’s oldest cities, with a history spanning over 3,400 years, and human settlements believed to date back to the 11th millennium BC. Today, the city packs a heady punch of fascinating ancient history, and hip, gritty neighbourhoods all overlooked by the iconic Acropolis.

Enjoy meaningful insights from a local Athenian as you wander around the buzzing historic centre. As you explore the famed shopping street, Pandrossou Street, your guide will give you invaluable recommendations for the artisanal shops, and authentic restaurants - many of which are hidden in plain sight. 

On your walking tour, you’ll see several of the city's major attractions, including Hadrian’s Library, the Roman Agora, the Tower of the Winds, and the Lysicrates Monument, and hear their fascinating stories from your guide. You will be taken to one of the oldest bakeries in Athens, where you can enjoy a coffee and a traditional Greek pastry on us - while jotting down more expert recommendations for food! 

Your tour ends in front of the incredible Acropolis Museum - one of the most important museums in the world with art history stretching back 2400 years. It was ranked the 11th best museum in the world, and you are welcome to explore at your own pace. 
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