Experience only the best of National Archaeological Museum
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Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5
T
Tamar B
IsraelSolo
4/5
Feb 2026
Walked all over without a time limit. The crowds were heavy but that's typical for that time of day. I used a free audio guide off soundcloud. The sights were amazing. The app and ticket were easy to use.
M
Malatinszki M
Couple
5/5
Feb 2026
+2 more
We took lots of picturesque photos. Admission was quick and easy! There weren't many people, the view of the city was beautiful, and the acropolis was wonderful!
C
Corey B
CanadaCouple
5/5
Oct 2025
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.
J
Jayme W
United StatesGroup
5/5
Yesterday
What incredible history. You must visit the Acropolis and Parthenon if visiting Athens. We had George as our guide for the Temple of Poseidon tour and he was the best! The sunset was beautiful. Easy transport to and from the location.
L
Lukasz W
Solo
5/5
Last week
The line before the entrance was not too long. I was happy thought, that I got my ticket online because the line to the ticket office was quite long. All the buildings on Acropolis look very impressive, especially when you think how old they are and imagine people who were living back then. Audio guide was very interesting and helped understanding the history behind each building.
A
Alexandre C
CanadaCouple
5/5
Last week
Easy and efficient ticketing. Tickets are delivered quickly, too. I highly recommend using this app.
D
Debra S
United StatesSolo
4/5
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
Plan your visit to the Archaeological Museum of Athens
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
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
ByHop-on Hop-off bus: Nearest stop: National Archaeological Museum Route: Red Route (Big Bus)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Yes, the museum entry tickets come with a multilingual audio guide in over five languages, including English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, making your visit more convenient. You can also upgrade your ticket to include an audio guide for the Plaka neighborhood and explore its narrow streets and vibrant taverns. Combo and multi-pass tickets also include audio guides for each of the sites, giving you an immersive experience across all locations.
Choose between three types of tickets at the Athens National Archaeological Museum-standard entry tickets with an audio guide, combo tickets, and multi-pass tickets. While the entry tickets offer access to all exhibits and collections within the museum, the combo and multi-pass tickets include access to other attractions like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, Ancient Agora, Temple of Olympian Zeus, and more.
The National Archaeological Museum Athens houses approximately 11,000 artifacts, showcasing treasures from the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman periods. The collections are organized into themes such as the Egyptian Collection, the Mycenaean Collection, and the Metalworks Collection, spread across the basement and first floor. Don’t miss iconic pieces like the Gold Mask of Agamemnon, the Mycenaean Warrior Vase, and the Antikythera Mechanism.
Yes, the National Archaeological Museum combo and multi-pass tickets allow allow you to visit the Acropolis, Parthenon, and several other nearby historical sites, making it easy to explore Athens' most iconic attractions with a single pass. This is a great option for those looking to dive deeper into Greek history and see multiple landmarks on a budget.
No, the museum entry tickets include access to all galleries and exhibitions within the National Archaeological Museum itself. While all permanent collections and a majority of the rotating exhibitions are included in the ticket, special talks and workshops may require a small additional fee. This setup ensures you can explore nearly all exhibits freely, with optional add-ons for unique events.
Most visitors need around 3 to 4 hours to explore the museum exhibits. If you’re a history enthusiast, you might want to set aside extra time to take in the full breadth of the collection.
Board any bus between 022, 14, A7, A8, B11, B9, B5, 224, 605, 622, and 608 to reach Polytechnio. The bus stop is a few minutes away from the museum. The M1 and M2 lines also go towards the museum. Get down at Victoria if you are traveling along the Green Line and at Omonia along the Red Line.
Yes, the National Archaeological Museum Athens is accessible to visitors with limited mobility, and hearing difficulties, as well as guests with partial and full vision loss. The museum's side entrance on Vasileos Irakliou is specially reserved for visitors in wheelchairs. There are ramps and elevators connecting every storied level. The museum also has a special facility where visitors with vision loss can touch and feel up to 20 sculptures.
Yes, children are absolutely welcome at the National Archaeological Museum Athens! The museum offers fascinating exhibits with easy-to-read information panels, making it engaging for young visitors. One of the highlights for kids is the range of digital experiences-interactive audio-guided tours, VR adventures, and 3D reconstructions. They can imagine being on Odysseus' ship returning to Athens or see ancient sculptures brought back to life in their original form.
You can take photos of most artifacts at the National Archaeological Museum Athens collection. However, please be mindful of the information signs and do not click pictures of items marked with restricted signs or symbols. Avoid flash photography, selfie sticks, drones, and tripods at all costs.
Unlock the secrets of ancient Greece on a private tour, with expert insights into sculptures, mummies, and legendary artifacts.
Everything you get: Entry to the National Archaeological Museum, plus a 2-hour private tour with a state-accredited archaeologist guide.
Why choose this: Get exclusive access to expert insights as you explore Greece’s renowned artifacts at your own pace. Hear the secrets of the Antikythera mechanism, the history behind the Venus of Milo, and fascinating details about the Mask of Agamemnon, all with personalized commentary tailored to your interests, perfect for history lovers and curious minds.
Inclusions
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Entry to National Archaeological Museum
2-hour guided tour of National Archaeological Museum
Expert guidance from a state-accredited, licensed archaeologist
Private tour experience (exclusive to your group)
Exclusions
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Gratuities/tips (optional)
What to bring
Bring a valid government-issued photo ID matching the name on your booking; this might be checked at the entrance.
Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking on marble floors throughout the museum.
Consider bringing a water bottle, especially in the warmer months (April to August) when temperatures can reach over 30°C (86°F).
What’s not allowed
Flash photography, tripods, and professional filming equipment are not allowed inside the exhibition spaces.
Large bags, suitcases, and oversized luggage are not permitted inside the museum. There is a cloakroom for smaller bags and personal items.
Pets are not allowed, with the exception of registered service animals.
Eating, drinking, and smoking are not allowed inside the museum.
Accessibility
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available throughout the building.
Complimentary wheelchairs are available on request at the information desk.
Accessible restrooms are located on the basement level, equipped with appropriate facilities.
Visitors with total or partial loss of vision can request a list of 20 accessible exhibits from the information desk.
Pregnant women and individuals with reduced mobility receive priority access to the museum’s facilities.
Additional information
Please be sure to arrive at the meeting point at least 15 minutes before your scheduled tour time to ensure a smooth start.
For a quieter visit, consider booking a morning slot between 8am and 10am. The museum is usually less crowded in the first two hours after opening.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
All personal belongings are subject to security checks at the entrance.
You can cancel these tickets up to 48 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Guided Tours
National Archaeological Museum Private Tour with Licensed Expert Guide
Unlock the secrets of ancient Greece on a private tour, with expert insights into sculptures, mummies, and legendary artifacts.
Everything you get: Entry to the National Archaeological Museum, plus a 2-hour private tour with a state-accredited archaeologist guide.
Why choose this: Get exclusive access to expert insights as you explore Greece’s renowned artifacts at your own pace. Hear the secrets of the Antikythera mechanism, the history behind the Venus of Milo, and fascinating details about the Mask of Agamemnon, all with personalized commentary tailored to your interests, perfect for history lovers and curious minds.
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