From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+
Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
MARIPO TSIVERY TANJONA

Maripo

Jan 2026

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+2 more

Visiting the Acropolis was unforgettable. The staff were incredibly warm and helpful, instantly making me feel welcome. The place itself is absolutely amazing—standing before the monumental Parthenon, I felt wonderfully small in the shadow of such timeless architecture.
Artur Lozovoi
MD

Artur

Moldova
Jan 2026

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+1 more

Visiting the Acropolis was unforgettable. Walking among the ancient ruins, I felt surrounded by history and grandeur. The Parthenon was breathtaking up close, and the views over Athens were incredible, making the climb absolutely worth it.
Corey Bradt
CA

Corey

Canada
Oct 2025

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This pass was definitely worth it. We made use of visiting all the sites included, which saved us at least 20 Euros than if we visited each site individually. Other than the acropolis, the remaining sites were much less crowded and had museums that show the various ancient artifacts.
Teodora Vujisić
ME

Teodora

Montenegro
Jan 2026
There weren't too many people we all entered 15 minutes before our rese time. I had amazing time, it's very beautiful and unique
Amanda Suijskens-Schoffelmeer

Amanda

Nov 2025
We where pretty early at the Acropolis, it was not busy at all. We had perfect weather. They where restoring the acropolis but it didn't bother us at all. It was amazing to see.
Imani

Imani

Oct 2025
Great for families! Our guide had games for the kids and told stories that kept them interested. Even my husband was impressed. Wear good shoes, lots of stairs.
Sofia

Sofia

Nov 2025
Enjoyed the tour a lot. Guide was patient, especially with my grandma who needed extra breaks. Learned a lot about the ancient city walls. Only thing, wish there was a bit more time for photos.
Debra Jean Silvera
US

Debra

United States
Nov 2025
Variety of artifacts, sculptures & seeing school children learning about their culture. Amazing history through funerary artifacts, pottery, jewelry. Bringing history alive through weaponry.

Top things to do in Athens

National Archaeological Museum Athens – Tickets & visitor guide

The National Archaeological Museum in Athens houses one of the world’s most extensive collections of Greek antiquities, from iconic sculptures and frescoes to everyday artifacts that shaped ancient life. With 5 permanent collections and over 11,000 exhibits, the museum is a treasure trove of ancient Greek art and sculpture. Ditch the guidebooks and explore its many exhibits through innovative audio-guided tours and VR simulations.

Where is it located?

The National Archaeological Museum is located at 44 Patission Street, near Omonia Square in central Athens, making it easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi.

How to access?

Access is through the museum’s main entrance on Patission Street. Entry is included with all Athens Archaeological Museum tickets, and you can choose from standard admission, skip-the-line options, or combo passes covering other Athens archaeological sites.

What makes the Athens National Archaeological Museum a must-visit?

Why visit the National Archaeological Museum Athens?
Why visit the National Archaeological Museum Athens?
Why visit the National Archaeological Museum Athens?
Why visit the National Archaeological Museum Athens?
Why visit the National Archaeological Museum Athens?
1/5

Unmatched collection of ancient artifacts

The museum showcases rare artifacts from the Archaic to Roman periods, including statues, frescoes, weapons, ornate cups, and other objects depicting scenes from Greek mythology and Aegean culture.

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Engaging and innovative interactive displays

Unlike traditional, static displays, the National Archaeological Museum offers VR experiences like that of Odysseus’ ship, which instantly transports you into a mythical world and reconstruction technology, through which you can see what any ruined artifact might have looked like before.

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One of the world’s oldest archaeological libraries

The museum houses one of the oldest archaeological libraries in the world, filled with rare manuscripts, archival material on Greek society and cultural practices, and first-hand accounts of past civilizations, even those from before the Classical period.

A glimpse into everyday life

The museum’s extensive collection of utensils, farming tools, jewelry, lamps, and other items are typically decorated with scenes from daily activities, providing insights into their daily customs, religious values, and dining practices.

Unique thematic exhibitions

The museum often hosts exhibitions, that showcase specific facets of Greek culture.  From collections centering on the celebration of curves and dips in Classical sculptures to VR simulations of Odysseus’ ship, the museum offers a wholesome understanding of Greek art and aesthetics.

Things to know before booking your National Archaeological Museum Athens tickets

  • Skip ahead of long ticketing lines with the National Archaeological Museum Athens priority entry ticket. These tickets also include an audio guide app. You can take advantage of this complimentary audio guide to learn more about the museum’s exhibits. 
  • There’s a ticket for every budget. At around €16, you can get priority access to the museum along with a multilingual audio guide app. If you have a full day on hand, you can invest in multipass and combo tickets, which start from €52.90, and allow you to visit the Acropolis archaeological site, the Acropolis Museum, as well as the National Archaeological Museum Athens. 
  • To avoid the morning rush, consider visiting the museum after 12:30pm or during late evening hours, after 6pm. The National Archaeological Museum Athens fast-track entry ticket is valid for around 12 hours, so you can explore each of its exhibits comfortably. 
  • Free or reduced entry is available for students, seniors, and EU citizens on select days.

Which museum ticket is best for you?

If you are short on time

Go for: Entry tickets
Duration: Valid for 12 hours
Guide: Multilingual audio guide

  • Skip ahead of long ticketing lines with these National Archaeological Museum Athens tickets. These tickets also include an online audio guide.
  • Upgrade your ticket to include the Plaka audio guide app and stroll through the neighboring district to explore its quaint cafes, taverns, and narrow streets.

Recommended tours:

  • Athens National Archaeological Museum ticket with an optional audio guide

If you are on a budget

Go for: Audio guided tickets
Duration: Valid for 12 hours
Guide: Multilingual audio guide

  • At around €15 to €22, you can enjoy priority access to the museum. These pocket-friendly tickets also include multilingual audio guides to familiarize you with the artifacts inside the museum.

Recommended tours:

  • National Archaeological Museum entry with a multilingual audio guide

If you want to explore beyond

Go for: Combo tickets
Duration: Flexible
Guide: Multilingual audio guides

  • Depending on the kind of multi-pass tickets you choose, you can explore the Acropolis archaeological site, the Acropolis Museum, Hadrian’s Library, and more. These sites are situated quite close to one another, so you don’t have to spend much time commuting. 

Recommended tours:

Acropolis Parthenon Tickets with Optional Audio Guide: Acropolis Tickets + Audio Guide for Old Town

What to see at the National Archaeological Museum?

Collection of Egyptian antiquities

Spanning over 3000 years, this collection showcases intricately decorated coffins like that of Nesi-Hensu, statues of gods and goddesses such as Isis and Osiris, papyrus scrolls with spells from the Book of the Dead, and ushabti figurines meant to serve the dead in the afterlife.

Collection of Mycenean artifacts

Step back into the Bronze Age, when the Mycenean civilization thrived in Greece from 3200 to 1100 BC. Look out for the gold mask of Agamemnon, Vapheio cups with scenes of bull-taming, and Linear B tablets, one of the earliest forms of Greek scripture.

Collection of Cycladic works

The Cycladic Islands were known for their for their minimalist pottery and figurines of fertility goddesses with folded arms. You’ll also see marble bowls with the signature incised patterns of their artisans and a rare harp player figurine, offering a unique peek into the musical life of the time.

Collection of Neolithic objects

Neolithic pottery, often infused with geometric patterns, symbolized their transition from a nomadic lifestyle to a settled way of life. You will find axes, chisels, and other metal tools, that showcase their metalworking skills, along with small figurines of humans and animals likely used in religious rituals.

Collection of ancient Greek sculptures

The museum’s sculpture collection features some of the earliest statues of kouroi (men) and korai (women), originally created as grave offerings. The statue of Poseidon of Cape Artemision reflects the sharp angles of the Classical era and its Jockey of Artemision is a vivid example of the Hellenistic focus on realism.

Collection of metalworks

This collection includes household items, weapons, and farming tools, offering a glimpse into the daily life and technological advances of ancient Greece. Look out for their Antikythera mechanism, the world’s first analog computer, and impressive larger-than-life statues of Zeus and Poseidon.

Must-see exhibits

The Antikythera Mechanism

The Antikythera Mechanism

Ever wondered about the world’s first analog computer? The Antikythera mechanism is built from a complex system of gears kept in a wooden frame. The device dates back to almost 100 BC and was most likely used to determine the planetary positions and predict the dates of the Olympic games. This extraordinary device was discovered on ship wreckage off the coast of Antikythera in 1901.

Gold Death Mask of Agamemnon
The Varvakeois Athena
The Boxer’s Fresco
The Nester’s Cup

Plan your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Athens

National Archaeological Museum Athens opening hours
  • 1 November to 31 March 
    Tuesday: 1pm to 8pm
    Wednesday to Monday: 8:30am to 3:30pm
  • 1 April to 13 May
    Tuesday: 1pm to 8pm
    Wednesday to Monday: 9am to 4pm
  • 14 May to 31 October
    Tuesday: 1pm to 8pm
    Wednesday to Monday: 8am to 8pm

Closed on: 1 January, 25 March, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 25, and 26 December
Duration of visit: 3 to 4 hours
Best time to visit: mid-June to mid-October

National Archaeological Museum Athens hours

Address: 28is Octovriou, Athina, 106 82, Greece
Find on maps

  • By bus: 022, 14, A7, A8, B11, B9, B5, 224, 605, 622, and 608
    Nearest stop: Polytechneio
  • By train: P2, P3, and P3B
    Nearest station: Larissa
  • By subway: M1 and M2
    Nearest station: Victoria (Green Line) and Omonia (Red Line)
  • By trolleybus: 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14
    Nearest stop: National Archaeological Museum
  • By car: Traveling from Piraeus to the museum will take you around 20 minutes via the E091 route. The distance is around 12.8km. 
    Nearest parking: Mpoumpolinas Street, Zaimi Street, Alexandras Avenue, Komnenos Brothers Parking
  • By Hop-on Hop-off bus:
    Nearest stop: National Archaeological Museum
    Route: Red Route (Big Bus)
National Archaeological Museum Athens entrances
  • Main entrance: The museum is located on the eastern side of a huge campus-like structure. The main entrance is decorated with a Neoclassical facade, with a large portico supported by Corinthian columns, giving the entrance a grand appearance. There are marble steps leading from the entrance to the interiors. You will also find ramps on the side for visitors in wheelchairs to ensure easy access.
  • Side entrance: The museum has a separate entrance on the Vasileos Irakliou side. Pregnant women and visitors with limited mobility can use this entrance for priority access. If you are traveling by car or seek to avoid congestion at the primary entrance during morning visits or on weekends, you can also use this gate to enter the museum. 
  • Rear entrance: There is another entrance to the back of the museum, used by staff, and or during special events. It provides direct access to some of the museum’s most coveted and private areas.
Best ways to get to the National Archaeological Museum Athens
Facilities available at the National Archaeological Museum in Athens
  • Museum store: The National Archaeological Museum Athens offers a wide selection of items, including jewelry, miniatures of monuments, replicas of artifacts, souvenirs, and books. The store is situated near the main entrance, just a few steps away from the information desk. 
  • Cafe: The museum also houses a cafe, which offers light refreshments like tea and sandwiches, along with scenic views of its garden. You do not need to pay any extra charges to visit the cafe. 
  • Cloakroom: The museum has a cloakroom, where you can drop off your large backpacks and bulky suitcases. 
  • Restrooms: The museum also has accessible restroom facilities throughout its premises. You will find one at the main entrance and on the first floor as well. 
  • Free Wi-Fi: The museum offers free Wi-Fi facilities throughout its galleries for you to download audio guides or any information about the artifacts.
National Archaeological Museum Athens Wheelchair Accessibility
  • Wheelchair accessible: The museum provides ramps at the main entrance for easy wheelchair access, along with an elevator to reach the basement and first floor. There are wide, accessible restrooms in the basement for visitors with limited mobility. 
  • Wheelchair available: The museum also keeps a wheelchair in their basement, lest anyone may request it. If you need a wheelchair to tour the museum, make sure to inform the authorities before your visit.
  • Tactile tours and workshops: The museum organizes special educational programs and tours for visitors with hearing disabilities. The museum also provides a special facility where visitors with partial or total vision loss can touch around 20 sculptures within the museum. A knowledgeable personnel will accompany all visitors with special educational needs throughout their tours. 
  • Guide dogs: You can bring guide dogs to the museum premises. However, please ensure they are on leash and well-behaved. 
National Archaeological Museum Athens rules and regulations
  • Avoid flash photography: Flash photography is not allowed at the museum. Be mindful to avoid photographing artifacts marked with signs indicating restrictions.
  • Do not leave valuables in the cloakroom: Do not leave coats, jewellery, cash, or any of your valuable belongings at the museum’s cloakroom. If anything goes missing or ends up damaged, the museum won’t be responsible for your loss. 
  • Avoid eating in the museum areas: The museum has a beautiful cafe overlooking its gardens, where you can grab tea and sandwiches. Do not bring outside food or drinks inside the galleries. 
  • Avoid tripods and selfie sticks: Do not bring tripods, selfie sticks, bulky camera gear, and drones to the museum. If you wish to film any of the interior exhibits for professional use, you need to ask permission from the museum authorities. 
Benaki Museum Athens exterior with neoclassical architecture and visitors entering.
  • Start your visit with lesser-known exhibits: Popular collections like the Egyptian section and Myceneae section attract the largest number of visitors. Start your tour with lesser-known but historically significant collections like the Cycladic and Neolithic objects to save time. 
  • Keep a few hours on hand: The museum has over 11,000 exhibits, spread across the basement and the first floor, along with a beautiful cafe overlooking the garden. You would need over 3 to 4 hours to look at every exhibit in the museum. Make sure you wear your most comfortable, closed shoes to explore each of the exhibits.
  • Visit the garden: The museum has a small garden, dotted with umbrella pines and vibrant flowers in as many shades as you can imagine. Make sure to take a walk in the garden at the end of your tour. 
  • Combine your visit with nearby attractions: The museum is close to other major attractions like the Benaki Museum, Pedion tou Areos Park, and the Epigraphical Museum. Plan a day trip and visit all these attractions during your visit. 
  • Try your hand at painting: If anything catches your artistic fancy, you can set up your canvas at the Athens National Archaeological Museum. As long as your setup does not interfere with others’ line of view, you can spend as much time as you want inside the galleries.
Traditional Greek moussaka served in a rustic Athens restaurant.
  • Homemade Flavors **(130 m away): **Besides the museum cafe, this restaurant is the closest to the museum. Try their moussaka, a dish made from layers of eggplant, meat, and bechamel sauce. Their souvlaki, grilled skewers with pita bread, onions, and tomatoes are also always in demand. 
  • 8848 Asian Restaurant and Sushi Bar **(290 m away): **Known for its high-quality sushi and dragon rolls, this establishment boasts a chic and modern setting. Their revolving sushi bar, a variety of dim sums, and Pad Thai noodles are particularly popular among guests. 
  • Restaurant Paula **(260 m away): **They are known for their Greek and Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Their grilled octopus, served with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon on the side, lamb kleftiko with herbs and vegetables, and creamy seafood risotto are must-try dishes.  
  • ST’ ASTRA Restaurant **(400 m away): **This restaurant features a scenic view of the Acropolis archaeological site and is known for its Greek and international dishes. Make sure to try their beef fillet with truffle sauce and lobster pasta.
  • Guerilla Chef Burgers(400 m away): They are famous for their gourmet burgers, made from seasonal, fresh ingredients. Their classic cheeseburger and BBQ burger are all the rage among visitors.
Modern hotel room with large bed, city view window, and stylish decor in New York City.

Beyond museums in Athens: What to see?

Acropolis

The Acropolis is a symbol of Athenian power and artistic achievements. Look out for the Parthenon, a temple dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess, situated on the top of the hill, overlooking the entire city. Here, you can skip ahead of long ticketing lines with fast-track access tickets.

Acropolis skip-the-line tickets

Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon

Situated off the coast of Cape Sounion, the Temple of Poseidon is famously known for its fluted columns and balanced proportions. The archaeological site of Cape Sounion also offers beautiful sunsets and scenic views of the Aegean Sea and the islands off the Saronic Gulf.

Temple of Poseidon tickets

Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus was completed in Roman times and once boasted towering columns, of about 1.8 meters. The temple also once had a colossal ivory and gold statue of King Zeus. Despite neglect in the following centuries, it has retained a majority of its former glory.

Temple of Zeus tickets

Ancient Olympia

The Ancient Olympia is a sprawling complex, where several contenders from across Greece competed for glory every four years. In other words, it was the birthplace of the Olympian Games. The site also houses the Temple of Hera, the Palaestra, and the Museum of Olympia.

Ancient Olympia tickets

Frequently asked questions about the National Archaeological Museum Athens tickets

Enjoy priority entry access with the Athens National Archaeological Museum entry tickets. The ticket also includes an audio guide app to help you know more about the museum’s exhibits, If you wish to explore the take a stroll around the Plaka neighborhood beside the museum, you can upgrade your ticket to include the Plaka audio guide app.