Nestled on Acropolis Hill is the Parthenon, a temple constructed in the late 5th century BC, dedicated to the Greek Goddess Athena Parthenos, known as ‘Athena the Virgin.’
It resembles the Doric peripheral temple style, consisting of a rectangular floor plan and columns located on both the front and sides of the structure.
Despite enduring numerous battles and adversities, the Parthenon stands as a paramount symbol of classical Greece.
What makes this historical landmark particularly intriguing is its multifaceted history, having served as a royal treasury, church, and mosque over time.
So, if you’re on a tour of Athens, don’t leave the city without exploring the Parthenon.
This article covers everything you must know before booking tickets for Parthenon in Athens, Greece.
Table of contents
What to expect at Parthenon Athens
Prepare to be mesmerized by the Parthenon’s classical design, meticulously crafted from pristine white marble.
The temple’s traditional architecture features low steps encompassing each side, while a portico of Doric columns on a platform forms the perimeter.
Notably, the exterior boasts 46 columns, while the interior houses 19 columns.
The inner chamber, known as the cella, is adorned with intricate, horizontal decorative bands called friezes.
Significant restoration efforts have been undertaken since 1975 to preserve the Parthenon’s historical splendor, ensuring its timeless grandeur is maintained.
Recommended Reading: Acropolis of Athens and Acropolis Museum
Where to book tickets
Tickets for Parthenon Athens are available online or offline.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the attraction’s ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets, during peak days they may sell out. Booking early also helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Parthenon Athens booking page, choose your desired date and time, and the number of tickets.
Upon payment, the tickets will be emailed to you.
Ticket printouts are not required.
On the day of your visit, show the e-ticket on your smartphone at the entrance for admission.
Also, bring your official IDs.
Parthenon Athens ticket price
The cost of tickets for the Parthenon tour depends on whether you book a shared or private tour with or without entry tickets.
For a combined guided tour including entry tickets to the Parthenon, the ticket price for adults aged 18 years and above, as well as children between six and 17, is set at €99.
The shared, guided tour without entry tickets costs €59 for both adults and children.
If you book a private guided tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, you pay €650 per person for the ticket.
Parthenon Athens tickets
If you’re planning to visit the Parthenon in Athens, we’ve got a few ticket suggestions for you.
While you can purchase tickets solely for the Parthenon, it is advisable to opt for a combined ticket that includes Acropolis Hill, the Parthenon, and the Acropolis Museum, given their close proximity within walking distance.
Another option to consider is a combo ticket that takes you to 6 archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora, the Roman Agora, the Temple of Zeus, and Aristotle’s School, among others.
Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour
Travel back in time on a guided tour to the Acropolis Hill, and the Parthenon and Acropolis Museum.
You can choose from a private or shared guided tour.
If you select a shared guided tour without tickets, you’ll have to purchase the tickets at the meeting point or online before the tour.
Ticket Prices
Shared Guided Tour with Entry Tickets
Adult Ticket (18+ years): €99
Child Ticket (6 to 17 years): €99
Shared Guided Tour without Entry Tickets
Adult Ticket (18+ years): €59
Child Ticket (6 to 17 years): €59
Private Guided Tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum: €650 per person
Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
Grab this ticket and embark on a walking tour of the Acropolis and the Parthenon with an expert guide.
See the Dionysus Sanctuary, the Erechtheion, the Propylaea gateway, the Temple of Athena Nike, and most importantly, the Parthenon.
From your guide, learn about the excavation, the citadel, temple, and how the places were slowly ruined by subsequent battles.
Tourists have two options available: they can either book a tour inclusive of entry tickets that provide access to both Acropolis Athens and the Parthenon, or choose a tour without entry tickets, offering access solely to the Parthenon.
It is up to you whether you want to buy entry tickets for the tour in advance or not.
If you choose to purchase tickets on the day of the tour, carry cash and pay it to the tour guide at the meeting point.
Ticket Prices
For EU Citizens: Guided tour including entry tickets
Adult Ticket (25 to 64 years): €68
Senior Ticket (65+ years): €55
Youth Ticket (6 to 24 years): €35
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
For Non-EU Citizens: Guided tour including entry tickets
Adult Ticket (25 to 64 years): €68
Senior Ticket (65+ years): €68
Youth Ticket (6 to 24 years): €35
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
For EU Citizens: Guided tour without entry ticket: €35 per person
For Non-EU Citizens: Guided tour without entry ticket: €35 per person
Acropolis and 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket
Make your Athens tour more exciting by booking this combo ticket, which grants access to the following landmarks of the city:
- Acropolis
- Ancient Agora
- Roman Agora
- Temple of Zeus
- Aristotle’s School
- Hadrian’s Library
- Kerameikos Ancient Cemetery
On this self-guided audio tour, explore all the sites at your own pace.
You can pick from two options, one that includes audio guides for all the attractions and the other that provides audio guides for only three attractions: the Acropolis and Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, and Plaka Old Town).
Ticket Prices
Acropolis & 6 Archaeological Sites Combo Ticket & Audio Tour
Adult Ticket (6+ years): €36
Infant Ticket (up to 5 years): Free
Combo Ticket to 6 Attractions with 3 Audio Guides: €52 per person
Save time and money! Discover Athens effortlessly with the Athens Pass, your ticket to the city’s top attractions. Gain easy access to the Acropolis Museum and the Acropolis & Archaeological Sites by simply presenting your pass. Enjoy an insightful City Tour of Athens with an audio guide app at your fingertips for all the essential information.
How to reach Parthenon Athens
The Parthenon stands on the Acropolis of Athens.
Address: Athens 105 58, Greece. Get Directions
You can reach the Parthenon via public transport or personal vehicle.
By Subway
The nearest metro station to the temple is Acropoli, within 10 minutes walking distance.
By Bus
The Akropolē bus stop is hardly a 3-minute walk away.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on Google Maps and get started.
Click here to view the nearby car parking lots.
Parthenon Athens timings
The Parthenon in Athens is open year-round, 24 hours a day.
Visitors usually take a guided tour of the temple which usually starts at 8 am.
For most tours, you can pick a time slot that works best for you.
How long does the tour take
The Athens Parthenon tour lasts about 60 minutes.
If you’re walking fast, you can wind up the tour in less than 30 minutes.
Best time to visit Parthenon Athens
The best time to visit the Parthenon is at 8 am when the tour starts.
The temple gets extremely crowded between 10 am and early afternoon, so it’s better to visit during the early hours of the day to avoid crowds.
Consider visiting on weekdays to enjoy a smooth and serene tour, as queues tend to lengthen during weekends and school holidays.
FAQs about the Parthenon in Athens
Here are some questions visitors usually ask before visiting the Parthenon Athens.
Tourists can buy tickets for Parthenon Athens online or at the venue, on the day of their visit. For the best experience we suggest you book your tickets online, in advance.
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, apply sunscreen, and don a hat for your visit to the Parthenon, as the tour involves a considerable amount of walking on a rough and uneven surface.
Opt for the side entrance of the Parthenon, as it offers convenient access to the temple, in addition to the main entrance known as Propylaea.
Absolutely! Opting for a guided tour not only provides valuable insights into the site’s history and significance but also allows you to efficiently explore every aspect of the temple in a shorter duration. With a guide, there’s no need to search for information online, as they will expertly handle all aspects of your visit.
Popular attractions in Athens