3 Must-See Museums in Athens and How to Visit

The museums in Athens aren’t ancient history. Here are some of the best.

2 min readNov 2, 2017By Viator

The ancient buildings of Athens in Greece

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Visits to ancient sites like the Parthenon and the Acropolis are highlights of any trip to Athens. But a great way to learn even more about Greek history and culture is by exploring some of the city’s excellent museums. Here are four not to miss.

Why you are seeing these recommendations

1. New Acropolis Museum

Marble statues inside the New Acropolis Museum in Athens.

Inside the New Acropolis Museum.Photo Credit: SIAATH / Shutterstock

For Roman ruins.

Opened in 2009 on the southeastern slope of the Acropolis hill, this museum was designed to house every object found around the Acropolis, dating as far back as the Bronze Age. It also sits over Roman and early Byzantine ruins, the excavations of which are visible to visitors. Skip the line by booking a private tour of the museum.

2. National Archaeological Museum

The grounds of the National Archaeological Museum in Athens.

A view of the National Archaeological Museum.Photo Credit: saiko3p / Shutterstock

For ancient Greek history.

This may be the best museum in Athens for an introduction to ancient Greek history and art. Five permanent collections feature items from Greece’s most important historical sites, and together they help tell the story of the Greek influence on Western civilization. Opt for a private tour of this museum alone or together with a tour of the Byzantine and Christian Museum.

Visit National Archaeological Museum

3. Benaki Museum

Greek flags fly outside Benaki Museum in Athens.

The Benaki Museum on a sunny day.Photo Credit: saiko3p / Shutterstock

For Greek and Asian art.

Housed in a mansion in downtown Athens, this museum holds collections of Greek art from prehistoric to modern times, as well as a large collection of Asian art. It is the only museum in the city that features all eras of Greek history and celebrates foreign influences on Greek culture. Visit independently and at your own pace as a stop on an Athens hop-on, hop-off bus tour.

Visit Benaki Museum