Museum Tickets and Tours in Athens

The millenary city of Athens forged the foundations of democracy and Western culture and today persists as one of the world's cultural beacons, largely thanks to the immense historical heritage it treasures. Part of that heritage can be discovered in the museums of the Greek capital, which deal with a wide range of themes and different ways of dealing with them.

Among the best things to do in Athens are visiting the displays at the Acropolis Museum, discovering the interactive exhibits at the Museum of Illusions, learning about the ancient works at the Museum of Cycladic Art and touring the comprehensive exhibition at the Hellenic Automobile Museum.

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

Among the most outstanding pieces that you can discover in the museum are the Parthenon friezes, the sculptures of the Caryatids of the Erechtheion and the figures of 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 custodian 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 for 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.

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

Details of interest

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

The National Museum of Archaeology of Athens is one of the foremost institutions in the preservation and study of Ancient Greece, being 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, jewelry, weapons and tools that offer a complete picture of daily life in antiquity. On the other hand, you can also discover Minoan artifacts, including frescoes from the village of Akrotiri, the epicenter of the Minoan civilization.

If you plan to visit Athens in summer, I recommend combining the tour of the museum with a walk through Areos Park, one of the most famous in the city, which is located 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.

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately 12 euros for adult admission.
• Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athens.
• Hours: daily from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

Greece is composed of more than 6000 islands and among them are the Cyclades, in the Aegean Sea. These islands were inhabited in ancient times by a civilization that generated a great artistic wealth, 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 stylized 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.
• Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

For a different experience in Athens, you can choose to visit the Museum of Illusions, which offers an interactive staging that combines art, science and fun through a series of optical illusions and visual effects that will take your breath away. This museum was designed to challenge attendees' perception with exhibits that play with the laws of optics and visual psychology, and with a focus on hands-on experience.

Themed rooms and exhibits at this museum include optical illusions, distortion chambers and 3D effects. Highlights include the mirror maze, 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 get a bit chilly and indoor options gain ground in tourists' consideration.

Interesting details

• Price: from 17 euros for adults.
• Location: Astiggos 12, Athens.
• 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 center 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 motorcycles, illustrates the evolution of the industry in Greece and the world.

The museum also features some very 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 amphitheater where you can attend artistic shows and temporary exhibitions. This exhibition is included among the attractions of the Athens Pass.

Interesting details

• Price: Admission for adults has an initial cost of approximately 11 euros.
• Location: Ioulianou 33, Athens.
• 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 can't miss the Benaki Museum, which was founded in 1930 by billionaire philanthropist Antonis Benakis. This museum is distinguished by its extensive collection from prehistory to the Contemporary Age, providing a complete overview of the Greek cultural heritage.

Housed in an elegant neoclassical building in the center 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 opportunity to explore an exhibition filled with religious objects, textiles, jewelry and furniture from different periods.

The collection is organized in several thematic sections, such as ancient Greek art, the Byzantine era, Islamic art and modern history. Also of note are the Byzantine and post-Byzantine art exhibits, which mainly display liturgical objects, as well as a large collection of folk art and objects of daily life in Greece over the centuries.

Details of interest

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

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

The museum's history 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 address medieval and modern history as well. Located in Plaka, it is one of the best things to do in this neighborhood.

If what you want is to know the history of Ancient Greece in its full context, you can't miss this museum, which is essential to understand the evolution of Greek history and its impact on culture and national identity.

Details of interest

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

If you want to know one of the most fascinating exhibits of the Greek capital, then you can not miss the Numismatic Museum of Athens, dedicated exclusively to the study and exhibition of coins, medals and objects related to monetary history. Inaugurated in 1834, the museum is located in the Iliou Melathron mansion, and inside the museum you can explore a collection of more than 600,000 coins, medals and stamps.

In the halls of the Numismatic Museum you will encounter 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, which will give you a deep understanding of how coins were not only a means of exchange, but also a reflection of the culture and political power of the different eras.

In addition, within walking distance from this site you can also visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Athens Academy building and the National Garden, a tranquil green oasis that stands out, mainly, for its Christmas decorations; so if you plan to visit the Greek capital in December you can marvel at the seasonal ornamentations, which makes every year Athens at Christmas a magical place.

Details of interest

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

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

Among the most outstanding objects are the 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 on display 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 artifacts, make this visit an impactful experience.

Details of interest

• Price: from 6 euros admission for adults.
• Location: Rizari 2-4, Athens.
• Hours: daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

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 view of 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 from the period of the Byzantine Empire to the Renaissance years, providing visitors with a comprehensive view of Christian artistic evolution on the peninsula.

Also, due to its strategic location in the center of the city, near the Byzantine and Christian Museum you can find several additional attractions. 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.
• Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.