The Acropolis of Athens is the largest architectural complex in ancient Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
The Acropolis dominates the entire city of Athens as it was built on a rocky promontory 156 meters high above sea level and 140 meters wide, overlooking the valley of Ilissos.
What we can still admire today -the Parthenon, the Erechtheion, the Temple of Athena Nike, to name a few- is the work of the greatest craftsmen and engineers of the time.
The best time to appreciate the Acropolis at its best, is definitely in the early morning time when you can get around well without too many crowds (also avoiding the strong heat in the summer time), or in the late afternoon when the red and orange colors of the sunset envelop the temples and the city of Athens.
Below you will find all the information for visiting the Acropolis of Athens with children.
Acropolis of Athens with children: what to see
One enters the Acropolis through the Beulé Gate, a Roman-era arch added late and probably connected to the Propylaea (large complex of stairs leading to the various monuments) by a marble staircase in an attempt to protect the site. It is named after the archaeologist who discovered it in the 19th century.
Dominating the Acropolis is undoubtedly the Parthenon, an unsurpassed model of classical art completed in 438 B.C. It is the monument that, more than any other, represents the splendor of ancient Greece. What remains today is the result of a siege by the Venetian army that caused it to explode in 1687 (the Ottomans used the Parthenon as a secret ammunition depot). In any case, the Parthenon remains an architectural marvel and, perched on the sacred hill, still proudly displays itself to the world’s population.
North of the Parthenon is the Erechtheion with its famous Caryatids, holding up the portico with their heads. What you will see are plaster casts of the original statues that are housed in the Acropolis Museum. The Erechtheion, built simultaneously with the Parthenon, is a temple dedicated to Athena and Poseidon. South of the Erechtheion is the Old Temple of Athena.
At the side of the Propylaea, is the perfectly preserved Temple of Athena Nike. It is dedicated to the goddess Athena Nike (the personification of victory).
Finally, at the southern base of the hill is the Theater of Dionysus, built to host the Great Dionysia or festivals celebrated in honor of the god.
Athens Acropolis with kids: skip-the-line admission ticket
The cost of the entrance ticket is 20.00 euros; my advice is to buy the cumulative ticket with 6 other monuments at the price of 30.00 euros because it saves a lot of money and also allows you to skip the line in fact you can go directly to the Acropolis avoiding the queues at the ticket office. There are different types, from just skip-the-line ticket to ticket with guided tour. You can take a look by clicking below 👇
Museum of Acropolis
The Acropolis Museum collects all the material found during the excavations. Inside, you can get information about the history of the various finds and the area itself, and although with children it is not very easy to wander around the museums, devote a moment to the Parthenon Gallery where the sculptures recounting the procession of the Dionysian Feasts on the Panathenaic Way are on display. For skip-the-line admission to the Acropolis Museum – Click here.
Acropolis of Athens with kids: informations
For those traveling with small children, it is important to know that it is forbidden to go up to the Acropolis with a stroller. You can put the baby in a baby carrier or backpack. If you arrive with the stroller, you can leave it in a secure storage room and pick it up after the visit.
At the Acropolis, children, in addition to admiring the majesty of the monuments, can run around and move freely (always respecting other people) so it is a visit that you can very well do with toddlers.
It is important not to let children touch the monuments or ruins: the natural oils on their skin, could be extremely harmful to the archaeological remains.
How to get to the Acropolis in Athens
To reach the Acropolis, one must venture along the pedestrian walkways that rise from the neighborhood of Thisio and Makrianni overlooked by divarsi bars and restaurants.
From the gate at the base of the promontory, one must climb a flight of steps to reach the entrance to the archaeological site.
As mentioned earlier, the best times to avoid the oppressive summer heat and tour groups are early morning or late afternoon.
A good pair of sneakers or otherwise comfortable shoes are recommended, no high heels.
Where to sleep in Athens
The best area to stay in Athens is definitely the center so the Plaka and Monastiraki neighborhoods, with Acropolis and main attractions within walking distance.
Plaka Hotel – very central location with outstanding views of the Acropolis, connecting family rooms and excellent breakfast at a really great price! Book here.
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▶ Athens with kids: what to do and what to see
▶ Meteors
Interested in a printed travel guide to Athens? Click on the link👇
