Museums in Athens
Athens has some of the best museums in Greece, and most of the collection sits within reach of the city center. The Acropolis Museum, built on the south side of the Acropolis, holds finds from the rock itself. The National Archaeological Museum adds artefacts from across Greece, from prehistory to late antiquity. A smaller museum in Piraeus rounds out the picture.
Places to go
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum holds Greek antiquities from prehistory to late antiquity, gathered from sites across the country. It sits in Exarcheia, a short trip from the center of Athens.
Archaeological Museum of Piraeus
Small museum in central Piraeus with Mycenaean to Hellenistic pottery and the bronze statues found near the harbor in 1959. A good indoor stop in central Piraeus.
Hellenic Maritime Museum
The Hellenic Maritime Museum sits on the waterfront at Akti Moutsopoulou and covers Greek naval history. Ship models, old charts and seascape paintings line its rooms.
Acropolis
The Acropolis is the ancient citadel above central Athens, with the Parthenon at its heart. You climb the rock on foot to reach the ruins and the views over the city.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
What to expect
Most people start at the Acropolis Museum, which was built on the south side of the Acropolis, about 300 meters from its monuments. It holds more than 4,250 objects across roughly 14,000 square meters, many of them found on the rock and its slopes. The top floor has a café with a view over the site, which makes a good break in the middle of the day.
The National Archaeological Museum is the second stop for many visitors. Its collection covers artefacts from around Greece, from prehistory to late antiquity, and it is widely regarded as one of the greatest museums in the world. The entrance is on Patission Street. Piraeus has a much smaller museum, with bronze statues found near the harbor in 1959, which suits a short visit.
Where to go
- Acropolis Museum. Finds from the Acropolis, with more than 4,250 objects and a café overlooking the site. 300 m from the Acropolis, by walk. A trip that goes here: Athens Introduction with Acropolis and Museum, 7 Hours 30 Minutes, $228 a person
- National Archaeological Museum, Athens. Artefacts from across Greece, from prehistory to late antiquity, entered from Patission Street. Central Athens, by metro. A trip that goes here: Athens Introduction with Acropolis and Museum, 7 Hours 30 Minutes, $228 a person
- Archaeological Museum of Piraeus. A small museum with Mycenaean to Hellenistic pottery and bronze statues found near the harbor in 1959. In the center of Piraeus, by walk. A trip that goes here: Athens Introduction with Acropolis and Museum, 7 Hours 30 Minutes, $228 a person
Getting there
When to go
Museums are open year-round, so the season matters less here than the time of day. Peak traffic hours can be smoggy on the main roads, so an early start for the trip into the city can be pleasant.
Good to know
- The ground-floor gift store at the Acropolis Museum needs no ticket, while the second-floor bookstore needs a free admission ticket.
- Start at the Acropolis Museum early, since the Acropolis area is popular and can be crowded.
Questions
How far is the Acropolis Museum from the Acropolis?
The Acropolis Museum sits on the south side of the Acropolis, 300 meters from its monuments.
What is the best museum in Athens for a first visit?
The Acropolis Museum is the usual first stop. It holds finds from the Acropolis, with more than 4,250 objects, and has a café with a view of the site. The National Archaeological Museum is the next choice for artefacts from across Greece.
Can I see a museum in Piraeus as well as Athens?
Yes. The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus is small and sits in the center of the town, on Ch. Trikoupi Street. It has bronze statues found near the harbor in 1959.
