Museum Tickets and Tours in Athens

The ancient city of Athens forged the foundations of democracy and Western culture and today remains one of the world's cultural beacons, largely thanks to its immense historical heritage. Some of this heritage can be discovered in the Greek capital's museums, which cover a wide range of subjects and different ways of dealing with them.

Some of the best things to do in Athens include visiting the displays at the Acropolis Museum, discovering the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Illusions, seeing the ancient works at the Museum of Cycladic Art and exploring the comprehensive exhibition at the Hellenic Automobile Museum.

One of the most important collections in Athens is the Acropolis Museum, which houses a fascinating exhibition dedicated to the preservation and display of artefacts and works of art from the Acropolis of Athens. This museum, which also allows you to enjoy panoramic views of the ancient city, offers a wealth of sculptures, reliefs and archaeological objects that bear witness to the historical and cultural context of classical Athens.

Among the highlights of the museum are the Parthenon friezes, the sculptures of the Caryatids of the Erechtheion and the figures from the Gallery of the Metopes. These works provide a comprehensive insight into the art and architecture of ancient Greece, showcasing the mastery of sculptors such as Phidias and Praxiteles.

The historical importance of the Acropolis Museum lies in its role as a repository and reference point for the study of classical Greek history and culture. By bringing these key pieces together in one place, the museum facilitates scholarly research and fosters a greater appreciation of Greece's cultural heritage. If you get tickets to the Acropolis of Athens, you can combine the two visits to get a comprehensive overview of the ancient city.

And because it closes after sunset, this museum also offers one of the best things to do at night in Athens.

Interesting details

• Price: from 10 euros for adults.
• Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 8.00 pm.

The National Museum of Archaeology in Athens is one of the foremost institutions for the preservation and study of Ancient Greece and is considered one of the most important museums of its kind in the world. Founded in 1829, it houses an exhibition of objects ranging from the Neolithic period to Roman times.

In this museum you will find renowned sculptures such as the Ephebe of Kritios and the Mask of Agamemnon, but also collections of pottery, jewellery, weapons and tools that offer a complete view of daily life in Antiquity. On the other hand, you can also discover Minoan artefacts, including frescoes from the village of Akrotiri, the epicentre of the Minoan civilisation.

If you plan to visit Athens in summer, I recommend combining the museum tour with a walk through Areos Park, one of the city's most famous parks, which is located just a few streets away. There you can enjoy the warm summer weather and the dense vegetation.

You can reach this site on your own by public transport or also on the itineraries of the best tourist buses in Athens, as the hop on-hop off tours include a stop at this site.

Interesting details

• Price: Approximately 12 euros for adult admission.
• Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athens.
• Opening hours: daily from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Greece is made up of more than 6000 islands and among them are the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. These islands were inhabited in ancient times by a civilisation that generated a wealth of art, especially during the Neolithic period and the Bronze Age. You can discover all this heritage at the Museum of Cycladic Art, which is one of the most popular museums in Athens.

Here you will find a collection of marble figures dating from around 3000 BC or 2000 BC, known for their stylised and abstract forms. These sculptures, often in the form of human figures, are remarkable examples of Cycladic art and have been the subject of numerous interpretations of their function and significance in the society of the time.

In addition, the museum houses pottery, metal objects and tools that provide context about the daily life and cultural practices of the ancient Cycladic communities.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 12 euros for adult admission.
• Location: Neofitou Douka 4, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

For an experience with a difference in Athens, you can choose to visit the Museum of Illusions, which offers an interactive stage show that combines art, science and fun through a series of breathtaking optical illusions and visual effects. This museum was designed to challenge the visitor's perception with exhibits that play with the laws of optics and visual psychology, and with a focus on hands-on experience.

The museum's themed rooms and exhibits include optical illusions, distortion chambers and 3D effects. Highlights include a mirror maze, an altered gravity room and perspective illusions that allow visitors to take fun and surprising photographs.

The Museum of Illusions is an ideal place to include in your itinerary if you plan to travel with children or if you plan to visit Athens during the winter, when the weather can be a bit chilly and indoor options are gaining ground in tourists' consideration.

Useful details

• Price: from 17 euros for adults.
• Location: Astiggos 12, Athens.
• Opening hours: daily from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm.

The Hellenic Automobile Museum is a fascinating site dedicated to the history and evolution of the automobile in Greece. Located in the centre of Athens, the museum houses a large collection covering a wide range of vehicles, from the first models to arrive on the Greek peninsula to contemporary luxury and sports cars.

The more than 300 vehicles on display allow you to review the development of automotive design and technology over the decades. The collection, which includes classic models, racing cars and vintage motorbikes, illustrates the evolution of the industry in Greece and the world.

There are also some interesting interactive exhibits, such as a Formula 1 simulator similar to the one used by professional Formula 1 drivers during their training sessions and an amphitheatre where you can attend artistic shows and temporary exhibitions. This exhibition is included among the attractions of the Athens Pass.

Useful details

• Price: Admission for adults starts at approximately 11 euros.
• Location: Ioulianou 33, Athens.
• Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

If you are curious about one of the most impressive private collections in the world, you should not miss the Benaki Museum, which was founded in 1930 by billionaire philanthropist Antonis Benakis. This museum is distinguished by its extensive collection from prehistoric to contemporary times, providing a comprehensive overview of Greek cultural heritage.

Housed in an elegant neoclassical building in the centre of Athens, the Benaki Museum is known for its commitment to the preservation and promotion of Greek heritage, but also because it gives visitors the chance to explore an exhibition filled with religious objects, textiles, jewellery and furniture from different periods.

The collection is organised in various thematic sections, such as ancient Greek art, Byzantine era, Islamic art and modern history. There are also exhibitions of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art, mainly liturgical objects, as well as a large collection of folk art and objects of everyday life in Greece over the centuries.

Details of interest

• Price: from 12 euros for adults.
• Location: Koumpari 1, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm.

Housed in the former Greek Parliament building, the National History Museum of Athens houses exhibitions ranging from the classical period to the contemporary period. The most prominent rooms contain objects from the Greek War of Independence, military uniforms, historical weapons and important documents illustrating crucial moments in national history.

The history of the museum reflects the evolution of Greece's interest in its cultural heritage and its commitment to the preservation of its past. Initially founded to commemorate the Greek War of Independence, the museum has broadened its focus to also address medieval and modern history. Located in Plaka, it is one of the best things to do in this neighbourhood.

If you want to learn about the history of Ancient Greece in its full context, a visit to this museum is a must. It is essential for understanding the evolution of Greek history and its impact on culture and national identity.

Useful details

• Price: from 15 euros for adult admission.
• Location: Stadiou 13, Athens.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am to 4.00pm.

If you want to see one of the most fascinating exhibits in the Greek capital, then you must visit the Numismatic Museum of Athens, dedicated exclusively to the study and exhibition of coins, medals and objects related to monetary history. Opened in 1834, the museum is housed in the Iliou Melathron mansion, and inside the museum you can explore a collection of over 600,000 coins, medals and stamps.

In the halls of the Numismatic Museum you will find Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman coins that will allow you to follow the development of the economy and trade throughout history.

Each piece on display is accompanied by detailed information about its origin, use and historical context, giving you an in-depth understanding of how coins were not only a medium of exchange, but also a reflection of the culture and political power of the different eras.

Within walking distance of this site you can also visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Athens Academy building and the National Garden, a tranquil green oasis that is mainly noted for its Christmas decorations, so if you plan to visit the Greek capital in December you can marvel at the seasonal ornamentation that makes Athens a magical place every year at Christmas time.

Details of interest

• Price: from 6 euros admission for adults.
• Location: El. Venizelou 12, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

If you are a military history buff, this is the place for you. The Athens War Museum offers an extensive collection of weapons, uniforms, flags, maps, documents and other military items covering the different military conflicts in which Greece was involved.

Highlights include weapons used during the Persian Wars, the battles of the Greek War of Independence in the 19th century and the two World Wars. In addition, the museum houses a collection of warplanes, tanks and military vehicles that are displayed in its outdoor area, providing a complete and unmissable visual experience.

Visiting the Athens War Museum is an educational and moving experience, especially for those who wish to understand Greece's role in world military history. The combination of indoor and outdoor exhibits, as well as the presentation of historical artefacts, make this visit an impactful experience.

Details of interest

• Price: from 6 euros for adults.
• Location: Rizari 2-4, Athens.
• Opening hours: daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.

The Byzantine and Christian Museum of Athens is over 100 years old and is housed in a picturesque building that reflects the rich history and art of Byzantine and post-Byzantine times. Its collection is one of the most comprehensive in the world in terms of Byzantine and Christian art and offers an in-depth insight into the cultural and religious development in the region.

In this museum, which is also one of the most visited in the Greek capital, you can explore an extensive collection that includes sacred art, frescoes, sculptures, manuscripts and liturgical objects. These pieces cover the period from the Byzantine Empire to the Renaissance years, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Christian artistic evolution on the peninsula.

Also, due to its strategic location in the city centre, several additional attractions can be found near the Byzantine and Christian Museum. The National Garden of Athens, Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament are just a few minutes' walk away. One of the best ways to get to this site is to opt for some of the best bike tours in Athens, which usually include a stop in the garden area.

In addition, the National History Museum and the Benaki Museum, both located nearby, complement the cultural experience with an additional perspective on Greek history and art.

Details of interest

• Price: from 4 euros admission for adults.
• Location: Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.