Price of Tickets to Visit the Acropolis in Athens Increases by 50%
The price of a ticket to visit the Acropolis in Athens has increased by 50%, with entry to this famous archaeological site now costing €30.
Acropolis ticket price
The Acropolis in Athens, one of the most-visited sights in Greece, has raised its ticket price by 50%.
A full-fare entrance ticket to the Acropolis for an adult, previously priced at €20, will now cost €30.
Greek daily newspaper Kathimerini described the increase as “modern prices” for an “ancient site”, although tourists interviewed by the paper expressed understanding of the reasoning behind the high ticket price.
Tourists from Singapore visiting Athens told Kathimerini that “there’s no alternative” and “you simply have to accept it”.
Reasons of the price increase
Since the Acropolis had already introduced timed entry tickets to prevent overcrowding at the archaeological sites on the rocky outcrop above Athens, with slots during the high tourist season often selling out in advance, the price increase is not intended to combat overtourism and is unlikely to deter tourists.
Rather, the Acropolis price increase is part of a reform by the Greek Ministry of Culture to align ticket prices at historical sites across the country with those in other European countries.
The extra funds raised will contribute to the maintenance and preservation of these sites, as well as to improving the tourist infrastructure.
Discounted tickets
Discounted entry tickets to the Acropolis are still available, with senior citizens aged 65 or older from Greece or another EU country eligible for a reduced €15 ticket.
Visitors from an EU country under the age of 25, as well as non-EU citizens under 18, can visit the Acropolis for free.
Please note that even if you are eligible for free admission to the Acropolis, you must still reserve a time slot in advance.
You can buy your Acropolis ticket and reserve a time slot for your visit on the Hellenic Heritage website, the official site of the Greek Ministry of Culture, where you can buy online tickets for archaeological sites across the country.
If you want to learn more about the history of the Acropolis and get a glimpse of what a visit to this Athens sight is like, read my article detailing my own experience visiting the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum.
Free entrance to Greek sights
A few days each year, people of all ages and nationalities can visit the Acropolis and many other Greek museums and sights for free, without needing an entry ticket.
These free admission days are 6th March (Melina Mercouri Day), 25th March (Celebration of the Greek Revolution of 1821, a national holiday), 18th May (International Day of Museums), and 28th October (Ochi Day, another national holiday).
Conclusion
If you plan to visit Greece, keep in mind that the Acropolis ticket price has increased by 50%, with a standard entry ticket now costing €30.
The Greek government decided to increase the ticket price to bring the admission fees of archaeological sites and museums across the country more in line with those in other European countries, with the additional income intended to help preserve these historic marvels of ancient Greece.
Discounted or free tickets are still available for young people and seniors, and on certain Greek national holidays or observances, anyone can visit the Acropolis for free.
