The 10 Best Museums in Athens

The ancient city of Athens laid the foundations of democracy and Western culture and today remains one of the world's cultural beacons, largely thanks to its immense historical heritage. You can discover part of this heritage in the Greek capital's museums, which cover a wide range of topics and different ways of approaching them.

Among the best things to do in Athens are visiting the exhibitions at the Acropolis Museum, discovering the interactive displays at the Museum of Illusions, seeing the ancient works at the Museum of Cycladic Art and exploring the comprehensive exhibition at the Hellenic Motor 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 artefacts and works of art from the Acropolis of Athens. This museum, which also offers panoramic views of the ancient city, has a large number of sculptures, reliefs and archaeological objects that bear witness to the historical and cultural context of classical Athens.

Among the most outstanding pieces you can discover in the museum are the friezes of the Parthenon, the sculptures of the Caryatids of the Erechtheion and the figures of the Gallery of the Metopes. These works provide a comprehensive overview of 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 academic research and fosters a greater appreciation of Greece's cultural heritage. If you get tickets for the Acropolis of Athens, you can combine both visits to get a comprehensive overview of the ancient city.

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

Interesting details

• Price: from £10 for adults.
• Location: Dionysiou Areopagitou 15, Athens.
• Opening hours: every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is one of the most important 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 dating from the Neolithic period to the Roman era.

In this museum, you can find renowned sculptures such as the Ephebe of Kritios and the Mask of Agamemnon, as well as collections of pottery, jewellery, weapons and tools that offer a complete picture of everyday life in ancient times. You can also discover Minoan artefacts, including frescoes from the village of Akrotiri, the epicentre of Minoan civilisation.

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

You can get there on your own by public transport or on the best tourist bus routes in Athens, as the hop-on hop-off tours include a stop at this site.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately £10 for adult admission.
• Location: 28is Oktovriou 44, Athens.
• Opening hours: every day from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m.

Greece is made up of more than 6,000 islands, including the Cyclades in the Aegean Sea. These islands were inhabited in ancient times by a civilisation that produced 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, one of the most popular museums in Athens.

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

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

Details of interest

• Price: Approximately £10 for adult admission.
• Location: Neofitou Douka 4, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 17:00.

If you want to enjoy a different experience in Athens, you can visit the Museum of Illusions, which offers an interactive setting that combines art, science and fun through a series of optical illusions and visual effects that will leave you breathless. This museum was designed to challenge visitors' perceptions with exhibits that play with the laws of optics and visual psychology, with a focus on hands-on experience.

The themed rooms and exhibits at this museum include optical illusions, distortion cameras and 3D effects. Highlights include the mirror maze, the 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 are travelling with children or if you are planning to visit Athens during the winter, when the weather can be a little cold and indoor options are more appealing to tourists.

Interesting details

• Price: from £17 for adults.
• Location: Astiggos 12, Athens.
• Opening hours: every day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The Hellenic Motor Museum is a fascinating place 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 motorcycles, illustrates the evolution of the industry in Greece and around the world.

The museum also features some fascinating interactive exhibits, such as a Formula 1 simulator similar to those used by professional drivers during training and an amphitheatre where you can enjoy artistic performances and temporary exhibitions. This exhibition is included in the Athens Pass tourist card.

Details of interest

• Price: Admission for adults costs approximately £11.
• Location: Ioulianou 33, Athens.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

If you are curious to see one of the most impressive private collections in the world, don't miss the Benaki Museum, founded in 1930 by the billionaire philanthropist Antonis Benakis. This museum is distinguished by its extensive collection from prehistory to the contemporary age, providing a comprehensive overview of Greek cultural heritage.

Located 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 offers visitors the chance to explore an exhibition full of religious objects, textiles, jewellery and furniture from different periods.

The collection is organised into several thematic sections, such as ancient Greek art, the Byzantine era, Islamic art and modern history. Also noteworthy are the Byzantine and post-Byzantine art exhibitions, which mainly feature liturgical objects, as well as a rich collection of folk art and objects from everyday life in Greece throughout the centuries.

Details of interest

• Price: from £12 for adults.
• Location: Koumpari 1, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 to 18:00.

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

The museum's history reflects Greece's evolving interest in its cultural heritage and its commitment to preserving its past. Initially founded to commemorate the Greek War of Independence, the museum has expanded its focus to also cover 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, you cannot miss this museum, which is essential for understanding the evolution of Greek history and its impact on culture and national identity.

Interesting details

• Price: from £15 for adults.
• Location: Stadiou 13, Athens.
• Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 16:00.

If you want to see one of the most fascinating exhibitions in the Greek capital, then you can't miss 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 located in the Iliou Melathron mansion, and inside you can explore a collection of over 600,000 coins, medals and stamps.

In the rooms 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 a deep understanding of how coins were not only a means of exchange but also a reflection of the culture and political power of different eras.

In addition, not far from this site, you can also visit the National Archaeological Museum, the Athens Academy building and the National Garden, a peaceful green oasis that stands out mainly for its Christmas decorations. So, if you are planning to visit the Greek capital in December, you can marvel at the seasonal decorations that make Athens a magical place every year at Christmas.

Interesting details

• Price: from £6 for adults.
• Location: El. Venizelou 12, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm.

If you are a military history buff, this is the perfect exhibition for you. The Athens War Museum offers an extensive collection of weapons, uniforms, flags, maps, documents and other military items covering the various wars in which Greece has been involved.

Among the most notable objects are 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 war planes, tanks and military vehicles that are on display in its outdoor area, providing a complete and unmissable visual experience.

Visiting the War Museum in Athens 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 exhibitions, as well as the presentation of historical objects, make this visit a truly impressive experience.

Details of interest

• Price: from £6 for adults.
• Location: Rizari 2-4, Athens.
• Opening hours: every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens is over 100 years old and is housed in a picturesque building that reflects the historical and artistic wealth of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods. 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 of 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, providing visitors with a comprehensive overview of Christian artistic evolution on the peninsula.

Thanks to its strategic location in the city centre, close to the Byzantine and Christian Museum, you will find several additional attractions nearby. Just a few minutes' walk away, you can visit the National Garden of Athens, Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament. One of the best ways to get to this site is to opt for one 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 for adults.
• Location: Leof. Vasilissis Sofias 22, Athens.
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Monday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.