National Archaeological Museum Athens visitor guide: Tickets, hours & location
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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
Explore Greece’s ancient legacy at the National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum is one of the top archaeological museums in the world. With over 11,000 exhibits from prehistoric times to late antiquity, it’s the ultimate place to learn the story of Greek civilization. Read on to discover everything you need to know about how to plan your visit, from opening hours and directions to tips on what to see and when to go.
National Archaeological Museum opening hours
Summer (April 1 – October 31): Tuesday: 1pm-8pm Wednesday to Monday: 8am-8pm
Winter (November 1 – March 31): Tuesday: 1pm-8pm Wednesday to Monday: 8:30am-3:30pm
Closed on: January 1, March 25, May 1, Easter Sunday, December 25 & 26
Last admission: 30 minutes before closing
Best time to visit the National Archaeological Museum
Weekday vs weekend
Weekdays, especially mornings between 8am and 11am, are the best time to visit. You’ll avoid large groups and enjoy a quieter, more immersive experience. Tuesday afternoons are also ideal, as the museum opens later and sees fewer visitors.
On weekends, expect a higher number of tourists and school groups, especially in the afternoons. Arrive at opening time on Saturdays or Sundays if you want to beat the rush and explore at your own pace.
Season-wise guide
Spring (April–May): Ideal time with mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and fewer crowds before the summer.
Summer (June–August): Peak tourist season. Visit early in the day to avoid heat and long lines.
Autumn (September–October): Excellent season for a visit—fewer tourists, pleasant weather, and quieter galleries.
Winter (November–March): Low season with reduced ticket prices and minimal crowds. The shorter hours make early visits more efficient.
Where is the National Archaeological Museum located?
The National Archaeological Museum is located at 44 Patission (28is Oktovriou) Street, in the Exarcheia neighborhood of central Athens. It is situated between Victoria and Omonia Squares, surrounded by neoclassical university buildings and residential streets. The museum is close to several major landmarks, including the National Technical University and Strefi Hill. It’s about a 20-minute walk from Syntagma Square and a 10-minute walk from Omonia metro station.
How to get to the National Archaeological Museum
By metro
Take Metro Line 1 (Green Line) to Victoria Station – about a 7-minute walk from the museum.
Metro Line 2 (Red Line) stops at Omonia Station, a 10-minute walk away. Both lines connect with Syntagma and Monastiraki stations.
By car
Driving in Athens is not recommended due to traffic and limited parking. However, if needed, these garages are nearby:
Polis Park Omonia (7 min walk)
Parking Kallidromiou 39 (9 min walk)
Park Around Exarchia (6 min walk)
By bus
Buses 224, 608, A7, and 622 stop at Polytechneio or Museio, right next to the museum entrance.
By taxi
Taxis are affordable in Athens. Just ask for “Ethniko Archaiologiko Mouseio” and most drivers will take you directly to the front entrance.
By trolley bus
Lines 2, 3, 5, 11, and 15 stop near the museum on Patission Street.
Things to know before you visit the National Archaeological Museum
A free cloakroom is available for small bags, umbrellas, and backpacks.
Restrooms are available on each floor and are well-maintained.
A museum shop offers books, gifts, and official replicas.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the museum.
Photography is allowed without flash, and tripods are not permitted.
The museum is fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Wheelchairs are available for loan at the entrance.
Accessible restrooms and seating areas are located on all levels.
Guide dogs and assistance animals are welcome.
Children under 5 years enter for free.
The museum allows strollers and offers wide hallways for easy movement.
Baby-changing facilities are available in restrooms.
A free family-friendly map is available at the information desk.
Sections like the Egyptian Collection and Cycladic figurines often capture children's attention.
No eating or drinking inside exhibition areas.
No flash photography or video recording without permission.
Large bags must be checked in at the cloakroom.
Keep mobile phones on silent mode.
Epigraphic Museum – Located within the same complex. Free with your museum ticket.
National Library of Greece – Historic library 15 mins away on foot.
Mount Lycabettus – Hike or take a cable car for panoramic views.
National Garden of Athens – A peaceful spot for a stroll, near Syntagma Square.
There is one main public entrance at 44 Patission Street, up a wide staircase through a neoclassical columned façade.
A ramp is available to the right for wheelchair access and visitors with limited mobility.
Visit early in the day (around 8am) to avoid crowds and heat.
Wear comfortable shoes; the museum covers several large halls and multiple floors.
Spend at least 2 to 3 hours inside to cover the major sections without rushing.
Download the museum floor plan from the official website or pick up a paper map at the entrance.
Combine your visit with a stop at the Epigraphic Museum, which is free and less crowded.
What’s inside the National Archaeological Museum
Prehistoric Collection
Features Neolithic artifacts, Cycladic marble figurines, and Mycenaean treasures like the golden Mask of Agamemnon.
Frequently asked questions about visiting the National Archaeological Museum
Where is the National Archaeological Museum located?
It is at 44 Patission Street in central Athens, close to Omonia Square and Exarcheia.
How much does it cost to visit the museum?
General admission is €12 (April–Oct) and €6 (Nov–Mar). Reduced tickets and free entry options are available.
Is the museum wheelchair accessible?
Yes, fully accessible with elevators and accessible restrooms.
What’s the best time of day to visit the museum to avoid crowds?
Mornings right after opening (especially weekdays) are the quietest. Afternoons tend to be busier, particularly during the summer season.
Is photography allowed inside the museum?
Non-flash photography is permitted for personal use. Tripods, flash, and professional gear require special permission.
Are bags or backpacks allowed inside?
Large bags and backpacks must be left at the cloakroom. Small handbags are usually allowed, but security checks are in place.
Can I re-enter the museum on the same ticket?
Generally, re-entry is not permitted once you exit. Plan your visit accordingly if you’re not on a guided tour.
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Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.
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Athens Attractions
City Guide
Get deep insights into ancient Greek artifacts with an audio guide.
Everything you’ll get: Entry to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, an English audio guide, an offline map, and narrated content in your selected language.
Why choose this: Explore one of the world’s finest ancient Greek collections with a self-paced, audio-guided visit. The narration offers expert insights into iconic pieces like the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera mechanism, and marble statues of gods, athletes, and heroes.
Inclusions
Entry to the National Archaeological Museum
Self-guided smartphone (Android or iOS) audio tour in English
Access to all permanent exhibitions
Access to the Hellenic Heritage Museum shop
Offline content (text, audio narration, maps)
Exclusions
Live guide
Smartphone or headphones
Food and drinks
Transportation
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
Don’t forget your trusty earphones for an immersive audio guide experience.
The following categories of visitors are eligible for free entry on presenting a valid ID card or passport:
Individuals up to the age of 25, from EU member states.
Children up to the age of 5, from non-EU countries.
Persons over 25 in secondary education (evening & second-chance schools) and vocational schools from EU member-states & countries of the EEA, upon presentation of an attendance certificate bearing evidence of its duration.
Accompanying teachers and learners during educational visits to schools and institutions of primary, secondary, and tertiary education from EU member states and countries of the EEA.
People entitled to Social Solidarity Income and members dependent on them, upon presentation of their ID card and certificate of free entry based on eligibility for the program.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Visit the largest archaeological museum in Greece with entry and a multilingual audio guide.
Bypass long queues to explore the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, considered one of the greatest museums in the world.
Admire a rich collection of Greek antiquities and learn about their artistic, historical and cultural value to the Greek society.
See some of the greatest antiquities collections in the world, including the gold death mask of Agamemnon, the ancient bronze statue of Zeus or Poseidon, and the Sphinx statue.
Download the app and audio guide on your smartphone before your visit. Put on your headphones (not included in the ticket) to enjoy an immersive storytelling experience as you look at the splendid artifacts.
Use the audio guide as many times as you want, and at any time before or after your visit. It is available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
Inclusions
Entry to National Archaeological Museum of Athens
Audio guide in English, Greek, German, Spanish, French, and Italian
Offline content - text, audio narration and maps
Exclusions
Live guide
Smartphone or headphones
Transportation
This attraction is wheelchair accessible.
Guide dogs are allowed into the attraction.
This ticket includes all parts of the attraction.
Photography is allowed (no flash and tripod).
WiFi and cloakroom facilities are available at the attraction.
The audio guide is available on Android and iOS.
Download the ticket and audio tour while on WIFI before your visit as your, mobile signal may be weak at the site.
After booking, check your email (including spam) for instructions on accessing and downloading your audio tour. Make sure your smartphone is fully charged.
Expect possible long queues at the entrance, so you may need to wait.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Explore Athens' iconic Acropolis and its top museum with one value-packed combo.
Everything you get: Access the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Temple of Athena Nike, plus skip-the-line entry to the National Archaeological Museum. Audio guides at both sites enrich your self-paced visit with historical context.
Why choose this: Save money and skip lines while exploring two must-see Athens attractions with audio guides.
InclusionsAcropolis & Parthenon
Access to Acropolis & Parthenon
Access to Odeon of Herodes Atticus
Access to Theatre of Dionysus Eleuthereus
Athens City & Plaka audio guide in Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Athens National Archaeological Museum
Entry to Athens National Archaeological Museum
Plaka audio guide
Entry to the National Archaeological Museum
Acropolis & Parthenon
Tip: Check out the 'olive tree of Athena' near the Erechtheion. It was supposedly planted by the goddess herself.
This experience is accessible by wheelchair and pram/strollers with the availability of additional routes and facilities.
The audio tours are not compatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 5/5C or older, iPod Touch 5th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, iPad Mini 1st generation.
The app and audio guides require around 200-250 MB of space on your device.
Due to Greek Orthodox Good Friday observances, archaeological sites will have adjusted opening hours. Specifically, on Good Friday (3rd May 2024), sites will be open from noon until 6:00 pm. Orthodox Holy Saturday (4th May 2024) hours will be from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
The Acropolis Museum offers free admission on March 6 (Melina Mercouri Day), March 25 (National Holiday), May 18 (International Day of Museums), and October 28 (National Holiday).
Athens National Archaeological Museum
Keep an eye out for the ‘Dipylon Amphora’ a Geometric Period funerary vase considered one of the most significant artifacts in the museum.
Shutterbugs, take note: Flash photography is a no-go inside the venue.
Due to venue restrictions, pets cannot tag along for this experience.
This experience is wheelchair and pram/stroller accessible.
Your guide dogs are welcome at the venue.
For people with disabilities, there is a separate entrance on the side of Vas. Herakleiou Street, accessed either by a ramp from the main view of the Museum or directly from the pavement of Vas. Herakleiou.
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Save time and money with this combo pass that gives you access to the Acropolis, 5 other archaeological sites, and the Athens National Archaeological Museum.
Delve into the heart of Greek history with this multipass, exploring iconic structures like the UNESCO-listed Acropolis and the grand Ancient Agora.
Benefit from time-slotted entry to Acropolis Hill and enjoy an optional multilingual audio guide for Plaka and Ancient Agora in 5 languages.
Explore the Athens National Archaeological Museum, and find the largest collection of Greek antiquities spread across 5,000 years.
Opt for the audio guide at the museum to gain valuable insights into Greek history, with captivating stories of its artifacts like the golden Mask of Agamemnon.
InclusionsAcropolis
Timed entry to Acropolis Hill
Entry to 6 archaeological sites: Acropolis and Slopes, Ancient Agora, Roman Agora, Temple of Zeus, Aristotle's School (Lykeion), and Panathenaic Stadium
Audio guide for Plaka and Ancient Agora
Audio guide for all sites in English, French, German, Italian & Spanish (optional)
Athens National Archaeological Museum
Entry to the Athens National Archaeological Museum
Audio guide app
Plaka audio guide (optional)
These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Tickets
NaN
Athens: National Archaeological Museum Ticket with Audio Guide
Get deep insights into ancient Greek artifacts with an audio guide.
Everything you’ll get: Entry to the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, an English audio guide, an offline map, and narrated content in your selected language.
Why choose this: Explore one of the world’s finest ancient Greek collections with a self-paced, audio-guided visit. The narration offers expert insights into iconic pieces like the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera mechanism, and marble statues of gods, athletes, and heroes.
National Archaeological Museum Entry with Multilingual Audio Guide
Visit the largest archaeological museum in Greece with entry and a multilingual audio guide.
Bypass long queues to explore the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, considered one of the greatest museums in the world.
Admire a rich collection of Greek antiquities and learn about their artistic, historical and cultural value to the Greek society.
See some of the greatest antiquities collections in the world, including the gold death mask of Agamemnon, the ancient bronze statue of Zeus or Poseidon, and the Sphinx statue.
Download the app and audio guide on your smartphone before your visit. Put on your headphones (not included in the ticket) to enjoy an immersive storytelling experience as you look at the splendid artifacts.
Use the audio guide as many times as you want, and at any time before or after your visit. It is available in English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish.
Combo (Save 5%): Acropolis & Parthenon + Athens National Archaeological Museum Tickets
Explore Athens' iconic Acropolis and its top museum with one value-packed combo.
Everything you get: Access the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and Temple of Athena Nike, plus skip-the-line entry to the National Archaeological Museum. Audio guides at both sites enrich your self-paced visit with historical context.
Why choose this: Save money and skip lines while exploring two must-see Athens attractions with audio guides.
Combo (Save 5%): Acropolis & 5 Archaeological Sites Multipass Tickets + Athens National Archaeological Museum Ticket
Save time and money with this combo pass that gives you access to the Acropolis, 5 other archaeological sites, and the Athens National Archaeological Museum.
Delve into the heart of Greek history with this multipass, exploring iconic structures like the UNESCO-listed Acropolis and the grand Ancient Agora.
Benefit from time-slotted entry to Acropolis Hill and enjoy an optional multilingual audio guide for Plaka and Ancient Agora in 5 languages.
Explore the Athens National Archaeological Museum, and find the largest collection of Greek antiquities spread across 5,000 years.
Opt for the audio guide at the museum to gain valuable insights into Greek history, with captivating stories of its artifacts like the golden Mask of Agamemnon.
