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Book Delphi Archaeological Site & Museum Tickets

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Delphi, Greece | The “Navel of the World” in Ancient Greece

When you think of Delphi, the first thing that comes to mind is the Oracle of Delphi, ancient Greece’s most famous Oracle. Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassus, it was considered the center of the world, drawing people from far and wide. Today, with its picturesque ruins of temples, treasuries, a stadium and a theater, Delphi is one of the world’s best-preserved archaeological sites and holds UNESCO World Heritage status.

If you want to know more about Delphi tickets, the opening hours, how to get there, what to see, and more, you’ve come to the right place.

Why visit Delphi

Why Visit Delphi
  • Journey back in time: Explore Delphi’s temples, treasuries, theater, and stadium, all built over  2,500 years ago. Visiting it feels like stepping into a living history book. 
  • Home of the Oracle: Delphi’s fame comes from being the seat of the Oracle of Delphi. The high priestess Pythia channelled Apollo’s prophecies that influenced the fate of empires. People from all corners of the ancient world were drawn here for prophetic guidance.
  • Ancient treasures at the museum: At the Delphi archaeological museum, you’ll find artifacts excavated from the ruins on display. You can see the famous bronze Charioteer of Delphi, the Kouroi of Kleobis and Biton, and the friezes of the Siphnian Treasury.
  • A glimpse into Greek mythology: From Zeus marking Delphi as the center of the world to Apollo slaying Pytho, the serpent that guarded Delphi, to claim the site for his own sanctuary – myths and legends abound here. If you’re interested in Greek mythology, don’t miss this place, even though it’s mostly in ruins now.

Know before you book your Delphi tickets

  • Delphi has an extensive 2,500-year-old history and is steeped in intricate Greek mythology. Taking a ​guided tour will significantly enhance your visit with nuanced insights into its culture and customs, architecture, and the myths surrounding the Delphi ruins.
  • If you’re staying overnight in Delphi, you can opt for the ​Delphi archaeological site and museum tickets with audio guide and visit the sanctuary early next morning when it opens. You’ll have the entire site virtually to yourself and you’ll be able to take stunning photographs of the ruins.
  • Consider booking a ​VR guided tour of Delphi. With its unique 360º and 3D reconstruction technology, you’ll experience Delphi like the Ancient Greeks did. A thrilling experience for visitors of all ages – especially given that very little of it remains!

Your Delphi tickets explained

Delphi archaeological site tickets

If you want to explore at your own pace

Go for: Standard entry tickets
Duration: Flexible
Transfers included: No
Guide: Optional audio guide in English

  • Standard entry tickets give you direct access to the Delphi archaeological site and the museum. You can choose your preferred date and time slot while booking your tickets online.
  • Your ticket includes an audio guide in English that takes you through the Temple of Apollo and the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, among other monuments.
  • These tickets are ideal if you are staying overnight in Delphi, and want to explore the other historical towns in the region.

Recommended ticket:

  • Delphi Archaeological Site & Museum Tickets with Audio Guide
Delphi archaeological museum tickets

If you want to explore in depth

Go for: Full-day guided tours
Duration: 10 hours
Transfers included: Yes
Guide: Expert English-speaking guide

  • Take a comprehensive tour of Delphi and its various attractions with a knowledgeable guide who will explain the site’s historical significance in ancient Greece, its rich mythology, and architecture.
  • Depending on the ticket you choose, you can experience the archaeological site through a virtual reality device with immersive 3D and 360º reconstruction technology or opt for a lunch of local delicacies.
  • Enjoy round-trip transfers from Athens in an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring your travel is comfortable and convenient.

Recommended tickets:

  • From Athens: Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum Day Trip with Entry Tickets & VR Headsets
  • From Athens: Full-day Guided Tour of Delphi Site & Museum with Optional Lunch

What to see at Delphi

Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia Delphi
Sacred Way Delphi
Temple of Apollo
Theater of Delphi
Ancient stadium of Delphi
Delphi Archaeological Museum
Athenian treasury
Omphalos
Castalian Spring
Polygonal Wall
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Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia

Start with the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the first temple pilgrims saw when they visited the site from the east road. Its highlight is the 4th-century-BCE Tholos of Delphi, a circular structure with three tall standing Doric columns.

Sacred Way

Follow in the footsteps of the Ancient Greeks as you walk along the Sacred Way. This path leads to the Temple of Apollo, which all pilgrims took. It is lined by various monuments and treasuries honoring the Greek gods.

Temple of Apollo

Explore the Temple of Apollo, the shrine around which Delphi was built. This was where the Oracle of Delphi made her prophecies. The ruins that you see today are from the 4th century BCE.

Theater of Delphi

Beyond the Temple of Apollo, you can see the theater of Delphi where the ancient Greeks held plays and performances during festivals and the Pythian Games. From the top of the theater, you get an idea of how vast it is – it could seat up to 5,000 spectators!

Ancient stadium of Delphi

Take the path further up the rocky hillslope to the ancient stadium of Delphi, where the Pythian Games (equivalent to the ancient Olympic Games) were held every four years. This grand arena, which could seat up to 7,000 people, is one of the most well-preserved ancient Greek stadiums.

Delphi Archaeological Museum

The Delphi Archaeological Museum, located adjacent to the ruins, was established in 1903 and houses artifacts excavated from the site. Prominent among these are pediments from the Temple of Apollo and Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia, the Charioteer of Delphi, the Sphinx of Naxos, the ivory-and-gold chryselephantine statues, and the frieze of the Siphnian Treasury.

Athenian treasury

The Athenians built their treasury at Delphi to honor Apollo after their victory over the Persians at the Battle of Marathon in the 5th century BCE. Built to resemble a temple, it was decorated with friezes and metopes, and used by pilgrims to store offerings and dedications.

Omphalos

The sacred Omphalos was a carved stone which was believed to be dropped at Delphi by Zeus to mark it as the center of the world. It means “navel of the world”, a sign of the immense significance of Delphi in the ancient world.

Castalian Spring

Visit the Castalian Spring, where the Oracle of Delphi cleansed and purified herself before making her prophecies. Pilgrims and visitors also stopped here to wash and quench their thirst before going up to the temple complex.

Polygonal Wall

The Polygonal Wall is one of the architectural highlights of the Temple of Apollo. Characterized by perfectly interlocked irregularly shaped stones, the wall was built in the 6th century to support the temple during its second construction.

Plan your visit to Delphi

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Delphi archaeological site
  • April 1 to August 31: 8am–8pm
  • September 1 to 15: 8am–7:30pm
  • September 16 to 30: 8am–7pm
  • October 1 to 15: 8am–6:30pm
  • October 16 to 31: 8am–6pm
  • November 1 to March 31: 8:30am–3pm

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time

Closed on: January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, Labor Day (May 1), December 25 & 26

​Delphi opening hours >

Delphi Archaeological Museum
  • April 1 to August 31: 8am–8pm
  • September 1 to 15: 8am–7:30pm
  • September 16 to 30: 8am–7pm
  • October 1 to 15: 8am–6:30pm
  • October 16 to 31: 8am–6pm
  • November 1 to March 31: 8:30am–3pm

Last admission: 20 minutes before closing time

Closed on: January 1, March 25, Easter Sunday, Labor Day (May 1), December 25 & 26

​Delphi opening hours >

Address: Delphi 330 54, Delfi 330 54, Greece

​Find on map

How to get to Delphi:

  • By bus: KTEL intercity bus from Liosion Station (Terminal B), Athens
  • Nearest station: DELFOI bus station, Delphi
  • By car or taxi: The distance between Athens and Delphi is about 180 km.
  • Nearest Parking: Free street parking is available in Delphi town or at the Sanctuary of Athena Pronaia parking lot.
  • Day trips: Full-day guided tours of Delphi from Athens, which include round-trip transfers
  • Meeting point: Central locations in Athens or hotel pick-ups
  • Drop-off point: Delphi archaeological site and museum
How to get to Delphi
Best time to visit Delphi

Weekdays vs weekends: To explore Delphi without the crowds, avoid weekends and visit on weekdays in the morning.

Best time of the year: It’s best to visit Delphi during the off-peak season in April, May, September, and October (spring and autumn). These months see fewer crowds and better weather than the peak season, which falls during the hot Greek summer.

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Delphi Archaeological Museum

  • The museum is fully accessible by wheelchair, including elevator access and a specially designed wheelchair-accessible route. 
  • It has a designated restroom and parking spaces for people with disabilities.
  • It also offers pamphlets in Braille for those who are blind or have visual impairments.

Delphi archaeological site

  • The archaeological ruins are situated on a hill slope, with various structures located at different levels. The path is steep and uneven, with rocky steps. This makes it difficult for wheelchair users to navigate the site. 
  • There is a special vehicle available that takes visitors with mobility issues up to the Temple of Apollo. You need to inform the authorities at least 7 days before your visit to be able to access it.
  • Information panels in Braille are located throughout the archaeological site at the different monuments.
Available Facilities in Delphi

Restrooms: Visitor restrooms are available at the Delphi Archaeological Museum, but there are no restrooms at the archaeological site.

Photography: You’re allowed to take pictures and videos of the ruins at the archaeological site and the exhibits in the museum. However, you’ll need to get permission in advance for commercial photography or videography.

Audio guides: Most Delphi tickets include audio guides in English. Depending on the ticket you choose, audio guides in other languages, such as French, German, Spanish, and Italian, are also available.

Tips to Note When Visiting Delphi
  • Your tour of the Delphi ruins will involve a lot of walking on steep paths up and down the hillside. Wear comfortable shoes with a good grip so that you can explore with ease.
  • The ruins are spread across an open mountain slope with very little shade. Carry a bottle of water, which you can refill from the water fountain at the ticket booth near the archaeological site. Also carry sun protection.
  • If you’re visiting Delphi in the low-season winter months (November to March), arm yourself with an umbrella or a rain jacket as it tends to rain.
  • Hotels in Delphi town can easily fill up, particularly in the peak season. Choose to stay at Arachova, located just 20 minutes away, instead. This small ski resort town has plenty of hotels to choose from.
Where to Eat in Delphi

Taverna Vakhos: Enjoy authentic traditional Greek food with magnificent views of the Gulf of Corinth from its windows. Order local favorites like Greek salad, stuffed cabbage leaves, peppers stuffed with feta cheese, lamb chops, baklava, and bread and olive tapenade, at ​Taverna Vakhos.

Taverna DION: A highly recommended dining spot, ​Taverna DION specializes in Greek dishes like spanakopita, moussaka, souvlaki, bifteki gemisto, and pork steak. Apart from its attentive service and friendly staff, this vibrant restaurant is also known for its fantastic local cheeses.

To Patriko Mas: If you fancy delicious food accompanied by great local wines, head to ​To Patriko Mas, a Greek Mediterranean restaurant located at the end of Delphi’s main street. Try the fresh bread with tzatziki, traditional spinach pie, slow-cooked venison and noodles, and country lamb, as you enjoy fantastic views of the valley.

Most restaurants in Delphi offer plenty of vegetarian and vegan options on their menus as well.

Attractions Near Delphi

Explore beyond the Delphi archaeological site & museum

European Cultural Centre of Delphi

European Cultural Centre of Delphi

Located in Delphi town, the European Cultural Centre of Delphi organizes programs like theater, music, dance, and visual arts performances, as well as holding art exhibitions. It is also home to a sculpture park with works by leading Greek artists like George Zongolopoulos, Lydia Venieri, Costas Varotsos, and Vlassis Caniaris.

Arachova

Arachova

A quaint mountain village just 12 km from Delphi, Arachova is a popular ski resort and winter destination. Apart from its stunning mountain landscapes, it has many historical monuments like the famous Clock Tower and medieval churches, and a thriving nightlife.

Hosios Loukas Monastery

Hosios Loukas Monastery

Hosios Loukas is a 10th-century Byzantine walled monastery located near the scenic town of Distomo, about 25 km from Delphi. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it is famous for its art and architecture, including its domed church, frescoes, and golden mosaics depicting scenes from the life of Christ.

Frequently asked questions about Delphi tickets

Are Delphi Archaeological Museum tickets separate from the Delphi archaeological site tickets?

Your Delphi tickets include access to both the museum as well as the archaeological site. You don’t have to purchase them separately.

How long should I allocate for a visit to Delphi?

You can explore the Delphi ruins and the archaeological museum in one day. However, if you plan to explore the other towns in the region, like Arachova or Galaxidi, you can stay in Delphi overnight.

What is the best way to get to Delphi?

Delphi is accessible from Athens by bus and car. Driving down or taking a taxi is the most convenient way since you can visit on your own schedule. If you cannot drive or don’t want the hassle of dealing with transportation, you can book a full-day guided tour of Delphi from Athens, which includes round-trip transfers.

What should I wear when visiting Delphi?

If you’re visiting during the spring, summer, or autumn seasons, wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy shoes. Carry a light jacket, as the weather can get chilly. During the low-season winter months, wrap up well in warm clothing and carry an umbrella or a rain jacket as the region sees rain and snow during this time of the year.

Is Delphi wheelchair accessible?

The Delphi Archaeological Museum is entirely accessible by wheelchair, including elevator access. The Delphi ruins, however, are located on the side of a mountain, with steep climbing paths and stone steps to access them. Wheelchairs are not suited to navigate this rugged terrain.

Are there restrooms available at Delphi?

You can use the visitor restrooms at the Delphi Archaeological Museum. There are no restrooms at the archaeological site.

Can I store my luggage or personal belongings somewhere while visiting Delphi?

There are no luggage storage facilities at the Delphi site or the museum. It’s best not to carry big bags or suitcases when you visit Delphi.

Are pets allowed at Delphi?

Except for guide dogs and service dogs, no animals are allowed at the Delphi site or the museum.

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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.