Theatre of Dionysus

The Basics

Visitors can climb up the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus and sit in the semicircle of marble seats ringed around the stage area. The theater once seated 17,000, and you can still see names of the important people inscribed on the throne-like seats in the front row.

Admission is included in your Acropolis admission ticket. Some choose to buy a combined ancient Athens admission ticket, while a skip-the-line ticket is a time-saver. Visit the theater independently, on a walking tour, or with a private guide as part of a broader tour of the Acropolis area, including the Parthenon and Erechtheion. Some tours also encompass the Acropolis Museum and other ancient Greek sites, including the Ancient Agora.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Theatre of Dionysus appeals to most Athens visitors, especially history buffs and theater lovers.

• There are no live performances here, but world-class performers have appeared on the stage of the Roman-era Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

• The Acropolis has a wheelchair-accessible entrance, reached by elevator and stair-climber, but uneven terrain presents challenges. There is no dedicated access to the theater, which occupies a steep slope.

How to Get There

The theater sits on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, below the citadel proper, an easy walk from many downtown Athens sights. Parking and driving within historic Athens is challenging. Instead, take the metro to Acropoli (Line 2), or ride buses including the 230 to the Apheteria stop.

When to Get There

The theater is open seven days a week from morning until evening, but closes afternoons in winter (November through March). Expect crowds on days when admission is free. For a quiet visit, try midweek, either early or late in the day.

Theater in Ancient Greece

The art of drama evolved from rituals in honor of the Greek god Dionysus, during which worshippers donned goat masks and danced. The classic works of ancient Greek drama, both tragedy and comedy, were first performed at the Theatre of Dionysus, including plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes. The all-male cast wore masks.

Ways to explore

Climb up the ruins of the Theatre of Dionysus and sit in the semicircle of marble seats ringed around the stage area, which once held 17,000 or more spectators.

Admission is included in your Acropolis ticket: Booking a skip-the-line ticket in advance is a real time-saver, particularly during high season. Visit the theater independently, on a walking tour, or with a private guide as part of a broader tour of the Acropolis area, including the Parthenon and Erechtheion. Some tours also encompass the Acropolis Museum and other ancient Greek sites, such as the Ancient Agora of Athens.

Accessibility

Wheelchair access is available to the stage level of the Theatre of Dionysus from the southern entrance to the Acropolis.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Water bottle, sunscreen

What to wear

The Acropolis’ rugged terrain makes comfortable shoes a must; don’t forget a hat in summer as the site is exposed.

Not allowed

Eating, drinking, smoking

Amenities

The Acropolis site has restrooms and a gift shop.

Address

The theater sits on the southern slopes of the Acropolis, below the citadel proper, an easy walk from many downtown Athens sights.

Driving

Parking and driving within historic Athens is challenging. If walking or public transportation are not for you, take a rideshare, hail a taxi, or hop on a tour.

Public transportation

The theater is a 5-minute walk from the Acropolis (Akropoli) metro station (Line 2).

Best times to visit

If visiting during the summer peak, book tickets for the morning or late afternoon, as heatwaves sometimes force closures of the Acropolis site during the hottest part of the day.

Best days to visit

Visit weekdays, if possible. Try to avoid visiting on weekends, public holidays, and free ticket days (unless your budget is tight), as these times are busiest. times.

Best months to visit

The Acropolis can be unpleasantly hot and crowded during the summer months. Opt for shoulder seasons—May and September—for warm temperatures but fewer crowds.

Special events

The theater does not host any special events; however, the Acropolis offers free admission on select days from March to October.