Athens: Acropolis Visit and City Night Tour

Key Points

• Two-in-One Experience: Visit the Acropolis in the afternoon and enjoy a night city tour of Athens for a comprehensive visit.
• Affordable Price: The tour costs $51 per person for 5 hours of guided exploration.
• Guided by Licensed Spanish Guide: An official guide leads you through Athens’ highlights with engaging commentary.
• Visit Iconic Sites: From the Parthenon to the Panathinaiko Stadium, the tour covers major historical and modern landmarks.
• Flexible Timing: Departure times vary, with options for both afternoon and evening starts, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
• Requires Ticket Purchase: Visitors must buy their Acropolis tickets online in advance, with specific time slots for low and high seasons.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering the Acropolis in the Afternoon

The Acropolis is the centerpiece of this tour, visited during the less crowded afternoon hours. Starting from the south-east side, the official guide steers you away from the busy main entrance, making the experience more relaxed and enjoyable. The guide shares captivating legends and stories while leading you through the temples and monuments.

You’ll see the Parthenon, the most famous temple dedicated to Athena, along with the impressive Propylaea, the monumental gateway. The Theatre of Dionysus, which once hosted festivals for Greek gods, seats 17,000 spectators and highlights the site’s cultural significance. The Erechtheion, named after the demigod Erechtheus, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus are also included in this guided walk.

The tour continues with close-up views of the Caryatids, the artistic stone carvings that decorate the Temple of Athena Nike, the smallest temple on the site. After exploring the historic ruins, visitors enjoy free time to revisit favorite spots or explore the site at their own pace, making this a truly flexible visit.

Exploring Athens’ Modern and Classical Landmarks at Night

The evening segment begins at the National Library of Greece, one part of the striking neoclassical trilogy. From here, the tour takes you past the University and the Academy of Athens, showcasing the city’s neoclassical architecture. Syntagma Square follows, where the Greek Parliament building and the presidential guard are key sights during the day and in the evening.

Next, the tour reveals a hidden gem within the National Gardens, the Zappeion, an important site from the modern Olympic Games. The Panathinaiko Stadium, the first stadium used in modern Olympic history, offers a glimpse into the athletic past of Greece. The guide shares insights into how the stadium hosted the first modern Olympic Games in 1896.

Continuing the route, the Hellenistic ruins include Hadrian’s Arch and the Temple of Zeus, both of which add layers to Athens’ ancient story. The tour then visits Metropolitan Cathedral and Little Mitropolis, showcasing Greece’s religious architecture. The final stop is Monastiraki Square, bustling with activity, followed by the Greek Agora, which offers stunning views of the Acropolis at night.

Practical Details: Meeting Points and Timing

This tour departs from central locations depending on the time of day. The afternoon starts at the Acropolis metro station; travelers should arrive 10 minutes early to commence the visit. The evening tour begins at the National Library, located at Panepistimiou 32 in Athens.

The entire experience lasts 5 hours, with the afternoon tour focusing on the Acropolis and the night tour on the city’s highlights. Both routes end at the original meeting points, making logistics simple. The tour is guided in Spanish, with a licensed guide leading the groups.

The Acropolis Ticketing Process

Visitors are responsible for purchasing their tickets to the Acropolis online before the tour begins. The tickets are time-specific: 14:00-15:00 during the low season (November to March) and 17:00-18:00 during the high season (April to October). If tickets are unavailable online, the tour provider offers assistance at the ticket office, located less than 2 minutes from the South entrance.

It’s recommended to arrive early if tickets need to be bought in person, ensuring enough time to visit the site before the tour or free exploration begins. The ticket office location is provided via a link for easy access.

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What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes a licensed guide in Spanish, offering detailed commentary throughout both the daytime and night segments. However, entry tickets for the Acropolis are not included and must be purchased separately online.

The tour excludes food, drinks, baby strollers, high-heeled shoes, and baby carriages, which are not permitted during the site visit. The activity ends back at the initial meeting point, making it convenient for participants to plan their evening afterward.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

This experience does not accommodate wheelchair users, and the walking involved may be challenging for some. The tour emphasizes comfortable footwear and recommends arriving on time for seamless participation. The tour guide’s expert commentary adds depth to the visit, making it especially suitable for those interested in Greek mythology, history, and architecture.

Why This Tour Offers Good Value

At $51 per person, this combined experience provides excellent value for exploring both ancient and modern Athens within a single afternoon and evening. The guided commentary ensures you gain insights into the mythology, history, and architecture of the city, while the free time after the Acropolis visit allows for personalized exploration.

The flexible timing options and free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before add convenience and peace of mind. The small group size associated with licensed guides ensures personalized attention and an engaging experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour Most

This tour appeals to history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those eager to see Athens both day and night. It suits travelers who appreciate guided tours in Spanish and prefer a rundown of the city’s highlights. The activity is better suited for those comfortable walking and with no mobility restrictions, given the nature of the sites and logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets for the Acropolis separately?
Yes, tickets must be purchased online before the tour, for specific time slots based on the season.

What time does the tour start?
Start times vary; check availability for the afternoon or evening options.

Is the tour suitable for children or strollers?
No, baby strollers and baby carriages are not permitted, and the activity may involve significant walking.

What language is the guide in?
The guide speaks Spanish throughout both the day and night segments.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is 5 hours, including sightseeing and free time.

Does the tour include entrance fees?
No, tickets for the Acropolis are not included and must be purchased separately.

Are high-heeled shoes allowed?
No, high heels are not permitted during the site visit.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
No, it is not suitable for wheelchair users due to walking and site conditions.

Where does the tour meet for the afternoon and evening options?
The afternoon tour meets at the Acropolis metro station; the evening tour at the National Library at Panepistimiou 32.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, and water are recommended, but food and drinks are not allowed during the site visit.

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