Tour the Acropolis Without the Crowds: Pristine Parthenon Early Morning Acropolis Tour, Athens
Wondering how to tour the Acropolis, Greece, without the crowds?
Taking an early morning Acropolis tour is your chance to explore the Parthenon with fewer people. Take advantage of visiting during the early hours of the day to explore this iconic landmark at a more relaxing pace.
No trip to Athens would be complete without a visit to the Parthenon – it’s a must-see for any traveller! On my recent trip to the Greek capital, I took a morning tour to see it without the noise and bustle of other tourists.
Pristine Parthenon might just be the best Acropolis tour you’ll find. Read on to find out why.
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Why Take an Early Morning Acropolis Tour?
There has to be a pretty solid reason to make me haul myself out of bed anytime before 9 am – I’m naturally a night owl. A few things do entice me to get up early: when I have a flight to catch or I want to get out, explore and take photos before the crowds arrive.
Over a million people visit the Acropolis every year. It’s Greece’s most popular attraction.
Even outside of the peak season, the Acropolis can resemble an ant hill as tourist steam up and down it. The best way to avoid crowds is to get there early, and the most efficient way to do it is on an Acropolis early morning tour.
If you’re planning your Athens Acropolis visit, check out the Pristine Parthenon tour I did with the guys from Take Walks and find out what to expect.
TLDR: The Pristine Parthenon Tour is the best way to see the Acropolis without the crowds. Your guide and skip-the-line tickets for the Acropolis AND the Acropolis Museum are part of an all-inclusive price with no nasty hidden extras.
Click here to go straight to the official page for the Pristine Parthenon Tour.
I’ve partnered with Take Walks to bring you this travel guide. This article is based on the destination and experiences I took part in. All views and opinions are my own.
Guide to the Acropolis – What You’ll See on This Tour
During our Acropolis of Athens tour, we had the opportunity to see all the iconic landmarks with next to no crowds blocking our view. These are some of the ruins you’ll visit:
- The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
- The Propylaea
- Temple of Athena Nike
- The Parthenon
- The Erechtheum
- The Friezes from the Parthenon (in the Acropolis Musieum)
- The Original Caryatids (in the Acropolis Museum)
Pristine Parthenon: Tour the Acropolis Without the Crowds
After booking, my tickets were sent by email. The tickets have instructions about where to meet and the time – 7.15! For me, that felt like a deathly hour. Our meeting point was near the foot of Acropolis Hill where I joined our small group as we waited for our guide – group sizes are capped at 15!
One of the great things about Athens is that there are bakeries open at this time of the morning. I was able to pick up breakfast on the way to the meeting point and eat it while our licensed tour guide for the Acropolis explained to us how the tour would pan out.
Before the Tour
Our guide explained that the Acropolis and Museum Tour would last around 3.5 – 4 hours, starting with the Acropolis, to beat the crowds, and then moving on to the museum. We were then handed our audio sets, did a sound check and started our stroll to the main entrance.
The Acropolis opens its doors to visitors at 8 am and we wanted to be the first in. Because this was an Acropolis skip-the-line tour, our tickets fast-tracked us through the entrance – no queuing and waiting in line.
Beat the Crowds Tour of Acropolis
If you visit the Acropolis on a Sunday and arrive at 8 am, you’ll catch the tail end of the Evzones – the Presidential Guards – making their way back down from the Acropolis. Every Sunday they make their way to the top of the Acropolis to raise the Greek flag at sunrise.
Once through the gates, we made our first stop. Our Athens Acropolis tour guide stopped us next to the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.
The Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Built in 161 AD, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the most recognizable structures in the Acropolis. One of the most interesting facts is that it’s still in use today!
It was primarily used for music performances and theatrical plays – its use hasn’t changed much over the centuries.
The Ancient Greeks sure knew a thing or two about how to make a building that stands the test of time. Although it was renovated in the 1950s, despite centuries of erosion and degradation from natural elements, a substantial amount is still original.
The Propylaea
Our Acropolis walking tour continues through the main entrance – through a structure called the Propylaea.
The Propylaea is an enormous structure that has stood since 437 BC. Its purpose was to serve as a grand gateway to the sacred area of the Acropolis. It features marble staircases, porticos, and once would have been adorned with sculptures.
The Temple of Athena Nike
As you walk up the stairs and through the Propylaea, turn your head upwards and to the right. Here you’ll see the Temple of Athena Nike. This small temple was built on a platform near the entrance looking out upon the city of Athens and the sea in the distance.
It was built between 426-421 BC as a dedication to Athena Nike; the goddess of victory, and would have been covered with sculptures and friezes.
The Parthenon
No tour of the Acropolis of Athens would be complete without spending a decent amount of time perusing around the Parthenon. This, after all, is what most people come to see, and it didn’t disappoint.
The Parthenon is the largest and most well-known temple on the Acropolis of Athens. Construction began in 447 BC when the Athenian Empire was at its height. It’s approximately 30 metres wide and 69 metres long. It features 46 outer columns and 23 inner columns and once would have housed an inner temple.
Currently, the Parthenon is undergoing some substantial renovations which will hopefully preserve it for another few thousand years! Renovations started in 2017 and are set to be completed by Summer 2023.
On the outside, you can still see some of the decorative sculptures and friezes that would have adorned the upper part of the building. However, many of these have been lost over time – one of the most renowned cases was by Lord Elgin. He removed a large portion of the sculptures and took them to the UK in 1801. They are on display in the British Museum.
The Erechtheum
The final iconic building at the Acropolis was the Erechtheum. This building is instantly recognisable thanks to its north porch. It features six female figures known as Caryatids which support the roof.
These sculptures are thought to represent the priestesses of Athena or her maidens, and they have become the symbol for the city of Athens. The ones you’ll see at the Acropolis are reconstructions. The original ones have been moved into the Acropolis Museum to help preserve them.
The Erechtheum is believed to have been built between 421-405 BC. It was dedicated to both Athena and Poseidon.
Wander around to the back of this building to see the ancient olive tree. The legend goes that this was a gift from the goddess Athena. The ancient tree has miraculously survived for over 2,500 years!
Free Time at the Acropolis
We finished the main part of our walking tour of the Acropolis with an opportunity for some free time. We were given about 20 minutes to go back and explore the area on our own.
I took advantage of this time to wander around and go back to get more photos of everything we had seen. Even though it was still before 10 am, you could really feel the crowds starting to pick up.
Our group gathered back together. Walking back out through The Propylaea you could really see how many people were swarming in through the entrance. As much as I would have loved to have spent longer here, I knew I’d hate how busy it was at this point. Time to leave.
We exited through the main entrance where a snake-like queue had already started to form. I’m glad we got to experience the Acropolis in its relative quiet before the crowds arrived.
Guided Tour of the Acropolis Museum
The next part of our morning was a skip-the-line Acropolis Museum guided tour.
The Acropolis Museum is a state-of-the-art museum offering a great insight into the history of the Acropolis. It is home to many important artefacts discovered at the site, including the famous Parthenon Marbles.
We started on the 3rd floor. Here is where you’ll find the friezes from the Parthenon. They depict battles, mythological creatures and other scenes from Ancient Greece. Our guide explained in detail the history behind each of these friezes, giving us a better appreciation for them.
She then pointed out the differences in the colour of the stone. If they were a brownish colour, they were original pieces, if they were whiter, they were reconstructions taken from an original piece displayed somewhere else in the world. The gaps are where there is no record of the piece.
Even though they are thousands of years old, it was incredible to see how much detail was on the carvings. I took an arts-based degree, and even after my training, there’s no way I’d be able to produce anything as remarkable as these. They are incredibly beautiful pieces of artwork.
Another highlight was the original Caryatids which came from the Erechtheum. These are located on the 1st floor. Because you can be much closer to the sculptures in the museum compared to the ones in the Acropolis, you’re able to see the level of detail on each of the Caryatids. It’s astonishing to think these are thousands of years old!
Besides an abundance of other artefacts, the museum also featured so many digital and physical models of what the Acropolis would have looked like in its heyday. It would have been quite something to look at all those thousands of years ago.
Is the Early Morning Acropolis Tour Worth It?
Yes, especially if you’re not a fan of crowds, which the Acropolis has. Getting there early, as soon as the gates open, in my opinion, is the best way to visit the famous Greek landmark.
If you’re looking to book a skip-the-line Acropolis tour, then Pristine Parthenon by Take Walks not only offers that, but you also have a knowledgeable and official guide giving you tons of information about the site.
Why Pristine Parthenon Is the Best Guided Tour of Acropolis
If you’re still not convinced why I think this is one of the best Acropolis tours in Athens, here’s a rundown:
- Bookable online with instant confirmation
- Small group sizes: maximum of 15
- Fast track skip-the-line entry for the Acropolis
- Early entry tour of Acropolis and Parthenon
- No crowds
- Licenced expert guide
- Whisper system used to hear your guide better
- Fast track skip-the-line entry for the Acropolis Museum
- All-inclusive ticket with no hidden extras
Booking the Early Morning Guided Tour Acropolis, Athens
Booking this skip-the-line Acropolis of Athens tour is easy. The best way is to book directly through the official Take Walks website, skipping any third-party vendors.
Buying your ticket direct is how you can guarantee you get the best price, and more importantly an official ticket. When you come to book, they also have an on-screen calendar to show what their availability is for different days.
Tours are capped at 15 to ensure you have the best experience, however, if you’re travelling as a group of friends or a family, then book well in advance to ensure you can all get on the same tour.
The price you see on the screen is the final price you pay, and you won’t have any sneaky hidden extras on the day. Your ticket is even sent straight to your inbox, so you won’t have the hassle of finding somewhere to get it printed out.
Then all you have to do is turn up and enjoy. Simple!
Tips for Visiting the Acropolis
If you’re planning to visit the Acropolis, Athens here are some useful tips based on both of my visits to the site.
1. Arrive early – Crowds start to get big from about 10 am onwards, so get there as soon as the gates open. Ideally with a skip-the-line ticket to fast-track your way through.
2. Bring water – It can get very hot and humid in Athens during the summer months so it’s important to keep hydrated throughout the day. It’s quite an exposed site, so there aren’t many chances to get away from the heat. The great thing is that there’s an onsite water fountain to refill your water bottle.
3. Wear comfortable shoes – Even though there’s a main path, a couple of things to be aware of is that it’s slippery: the polished marble in particular. Make sure your shoes have a decent grip. There are also plenty of rocks to navigate through. My advice; don’t wear your high heels!
4. Don’t forget to look up – The ancient architecture is stunning and some of the best views aren’t always at eye level. The Parthenon still has plenty of detail at roof height.
5. Respect the rules of the site – Make you don’t go to off-limits areas. Some parts are cordoned off, partly because they are undergoing renovation and partly to protect the site from damage. There are plenty of guards around, so if you do step into an off-limit area, you can be sure to hear their warning whistle.
6. Dress appropriately – Although there is no strict Acropolis dress code – like the dress codes for visiting religious temples in Thailand – make sure you’re wearing something suitable. The site is exposed, so you’ll need a hat and sunglasses for sure. During the winter, it can get windy on top, so you’ll certainly need a jacket.
7. Make sure your camera is fully charged – You won’t want to miss out on taking some awesome pictures of the sights, especially if you’re there without the crowds!
The Best Acropolis Tour, Athens – FAQs
So, I’ve gone into detail about the best Athens Acropolis tour, and given you Acropolis tips and advice to help plan your visit. This section covers any other questions you might have about your visit.
Do You Need a Tour Guide for Acropolis?
No, you need to go on a guided tour. However, it is highly recommended to book a guided tour of Acropolis, Athens. They will help put everything you’re seeing into context.Â
Can I Do a Self Guided Tour of Acropolis?
Yes, you could opt to do an Acropolis self-guided tour. On my first visit to the site, this is exactly what I did because the focus of my visit at that time was to go at my own pace to take hundreds of photos.
However, the downside was that I didn’t have a clue what most of the stuff was that I was looking at. I knew I had a guided tour booked for later in the week, so I wasn’t too worried, but if you don’t plan on doing a guided tour then I recommend reading up on the site beforehand for a better overall experience.Â
Which Is the Best Acropolis of Athens Tour?
There are dozens of different tours available. Be sure to check what’s included – on some tours you have to pay extra for entrance when you arrive! Doing the Pristine Parthenon tour of Acropolis in Athens not only guaranteed early entry, but was an all-inclusive price, with a skip-the-line entry for the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.Â
Where Can I Buy Acropolis of Athens Tickets?
To make sure you’re buying legitimate Athens Acropolis tickets, I either suggest buying from the on-site ticket booth or the official Acropolis website. You can also buy them from reputable vendors, like the included ticket on the Pristine Parthenon tour I did.
If you’re buying tickets to Acropolis in Athens through a vendor, check that they are officially licenced to sell tickets and not a scam.Â
What’s the Difference Between Acropolis vs Acropolis Museum?
Your Acropolis tour tickets don’t automatically include entry to the Acropolis Museum. They are two different attractions.
The Acropolis is an ancient citadel that includes the ruins of several historic structures, including the Parthenon. The Acropolis Museum is more modern, and it showcases artefacts from the archaeological site at the Acropolis as well as other sites around Athens.
When Is the Best Time to Visit the Acropolis?
The Acropolis is a year-round attraction. However, the best time to tour the Acropolis and Parthenon is during the shoulder and low seasons – October and April. Aim to arrive early morning on a weekday for fewer crowds.Â
When Are Acropolis Visiting Hours?
The Acropolis hours vary depending on the time of the year although it opens at 8 am daily all year round.
Acropolis of Athens hours in the winter: 8 am – 5 pm (last entry at 4.30 pm)
Acropolis of Athens hours in the summer: 8 am – 8 pm (last entry at 7.30 pm)
Can You Visit the Acropolis at Night?
No, you need to plan your Acropolis Athens visit during opening hours. The site is closed at night. However, the whole of Acropolis Hill is illuminated at nighttime, so head to one of the nearby rooftop bars in Plaka to take in the view.
Is It Easy to Tour the Acropolis With Mobility Problems?
The Acropolis does have some facilities to make this site accessible for visitors with mobility issues. However, this particular Athens Acropolis tour took a route that would not have been accessible for a wheelchair user.Â
Now Go and See the Acropolis Without the Crowds!
If you’re in Athens, the Acropolis guided tour is a must.
Although you can visit the site at any time of day, because of the crowds, a lot of the charm is lost and it can feel like a wrestling match at times trying to see things.
On the Pristine Parthenon Tour, the Acropolis was pretty much empty – particularly at the beginning of the tour when the gates had just opened. As much as I dislike early starts, I know I dislike crowds more so it was 100% worth getting there before the chaos.
Enjoy the benefits of skip-the-line early access, with a knowledgeable guide. Now go and experience the best Acropolis guided tour for yourself.
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