Acropolis Museum: hours, tickets and the best time to avoid crowds
Quick answer
Acropolis Museum tickets cost €20 (€10 reduced), and entry is free for children under 6 and EU citizens under 25. In summer it opens 9:00 to 20:00, and until 22:00 on Fridays. The best time to avoid crowds is opening time on a weekday with a pre-booked ticket.
Hours and prices checked on · Official website
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Hours and closures
Hours vary between the summer schedule (1 April to 31 October) and the winter one (1 November to 31 March). Monday is usually the shortest day and on Fridays the museum stays open until 22:00, with the Acropolis lit up behind the glass. Last entry is roughly 30 minutes before closing. It is normally closed on 1 January, 1 May, Orthodox Easter Sunday and 25 to 26 December; confirm the calendar on the official site before you go.
Price and free entry
General admission is €20 and reduced is €10. Children under 6 and EU citizens under 25 enter free with ID. The museum also holds a few free-entry days per year; even then you need to book a time slot. The ticket is not part of the Acropolis ticket: they are two separate tickets.
- Buy only on the official portal; resold tickets cost more.
- Tickets are named with a date and time; arrive about 10 minutes early.
- Carry ID if you claim a reduced or free rate.
Best time to avoid crowds
- Weekdays at 9:00: the quietest moment.
- Friday evening: livelier, but the Parthenon Gallery fills at sunset.
- Avoid Sunday mornings and 11:00 to 14:00 in summer, when tour and cruise groups arrive.
- Pair it with the Acropolis on the same day: climb the hill early and save the museum for the afternoon.
What costs extra
The second-floor cafe-restaurant is priced like a tourist restaurant and has a good view of the Acropolis. Temporary exhibitions are often included in general admission, but confirm on the site. With the AnyArt app you can hear the story of each piece without renting an audio guide.
Frequently asked questions
What time does the Acropolis Museum open?
At 9:00 on the usual schedule. It closes at 20:00 in summer and 22:00 on Fridays; in winter it closes earlier Monday to Thursday.
When is the Acropolis Museum free?
Always for children under 6 and EU citizens under 25; also on a few designated holidays. Check the official site.
Can I buy tickets on the day?
There is a ticket desk, but the safest option is to book online with a date and time, especially in summer.
Is a Friday night visit worth it?
Yes, the museum is open until 22:00 and it is a calm way to see the lit-up Acropolis.
How long should I allow?
2 to 3 hours including the Parthenon Gallery.