Zeus Temple: Tickets and Tours

Eager to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of gods and legends? Book your Temple of Olympian Zeus tickets to witness a colossal tribute to the king of the Greek gods!

Nestled in the heart of Athens, this iconic temple took nearly seven centuries to complete and perfect blends Ancient Greek and Roman worlds. Don't just read about the ancient myths and legends—experience them!

Here's all you need to know about the Temple of Olympian Zeus, one of the most exciting attractions in Athens.

How much do Temple of Olympian Zeus tickets cost?

General admission Temple of Olympian Zeus tickets during the summer (April to October) cost €8, while the price of tickets during winter is €4. Combined 5-day tickets for the Acropolis & Slopes, Ancient Agora, Handrian's Library, Kerameikos, Aristotle's School and Roman Agora cost €30.

Who is eligible for discounts?

EU seniors over 65 and non-EU visitors aged 6 to 25 are entitled to a reduced ticket rate of €4 for the Olympian Zeus Temple. EU citizens up to 25 and non-EU visitors up to 6 years old can enter for free.

Is it possible to visit for free?

Yes, it is possible to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus on the following days:

• 6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)
• 18 April (International Monuments Day)
• 18 May (International Museums Day)
• Last weekend of September (European Heritage Days)
• 28 October (Greek National holiday)
• Every first Sunday (November to March)

Should you book in advance?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your Olympian Zeus Temple tickets in advance, to ensure that you visit on the day and time that you want. By doing so, you will save time, as you won’t wait in lines at the ticket office.

What are the best Temple of Olympian Zeus tours?

Self-guided Temple of Zeus Audio Tour

The most convenient and budget-friendly way to explore the Zeus Temple is with a self-guided audio tour. Aside from your ticket, these packages include an audio with fascinating details and information on the history and importance of the ruins.

Are there any combined tours including the Temple of Olympian Zeus and other attractions?

Ancient Agora, Zeus Temple and Keramikos Audio Tour

Set your own pace and take your time immersing yourself in the rich history of Ancient Athens with a combined audio tour of the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Necropolis of Keramikos. These self-guided excursions cost about €40 per person and include tickets to the three archeological sites, along with an audio tour full of historical context, information and anecdotal stories.

Private Acropolis, Zeus Temple and Athens City Tour

For a more in-depth journey into Ancient Greek history and how it continues to shape the Greek capital, consider a combined private tour that includes visits to the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, followed by a guided city tour of Athens. These tours cost around €385 for a group of up to 8 travelers and cover entrance fees, luxury transportation and the services of a knowledgeable local guide.

What will you see inside?

Inside the archaeological site of the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you will encounter the remnants of one of the largest temples built in Ancient Greece. Though originally designed to have 104 colossal columns, only 15 remain standing today, each with a height of about 17 meters.

The site was dedicated to Zeus, the chief of the Olympian gods, and its construction spanned several centuries, having begun under the Athenian tyrant Peisistratos in 550 BC, only to be completed by the Roman Emperor Hadrian in 131 AD.

In addition to the temple itself, the site features other ruins such as smaller temples, altars, and Roman-era baths. Close by is Hadrian's Arch, a Roman triumphal arch that once acted as a gateway between the old and new cities of Athens.

How to get there?

The Temple of Olympian Zeus is sandwiched between the Acropolis and the National Gardens, with the entrance located on Vasilissis Olgas Avenue. You can get to the archeological site by car and public transportation, with the Acropolis and Syntagma Square metro stations being a short walk away.

What are the opening times?

The Olympian Zeus Temple in Athens is open daily, and the opening hours change seasonally:

• Summer (April to October) 8 AM – 8 PM
• Winter (November to March) 8 AM – 5 PM

In early fall, the opening hours are reduced gradually:

• 1st to 15th September: 8 AM –  7:30 PM
• 16th to 30th September: 8 AM –  7 PM
• 1st to 15th October: 8 AM –  6:30 PM
• 16th to 31st October: 8 AM – 6 PM

Last entries are 30 minutes before closing.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Yes, the Temple of Olympian Zeus is wheelchair-friendly, however some sections of the archeological site may not be accessible to wheelchair users.

When is the best time to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus?

The best time to visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus is during spring (April to June) or fall (September to November), when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner. Mornings are ideal to avoid the heat and tour groups that usually arrive later in the day.

Which other attractions can be visited in Athens?

• Acropolis
• Ancient Agora
• Temple of Hephaestus

Travel tips

• Athens can be hot, especially in the summer. Carry water to stay hydrated during your visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven ancient paths.
• Use sunblock and carry a hat or an umbrella for sun protection.
• The Acropolis, Plaka, Monastiraki and other historical sites are nearby, making it convenient to explore more of Athens.