Must-Visit Museums In Athens Greece

Athens is the world-famous cradle of art and history, with museums that offer fascinating insight into Greek culture, as well as hosting unique exhibitions. For an exciting tour, check out our pick of the museums you shouldn’t miss.

To discover the many splendours of Greece, from history-rich archeological sites, to sandy beaches beside a glistening turquoise sea, join Culture Trip’s curated 8-day trip from Athens to Santorini.

Acropolis Museum

Designed to offer the best conditions for its unique exhibits, the Acropolis Museum is an absolute must-see. As a gate to the glorious world of ancient Athens, it hosts priceless artifacts found on the Acropolis, spanning a period from the Mycenaean era up to the Roman and Early Christian eras. Visit the ground floor to view the excavations below, or stroll through the galleries to admire masterpiece sculptures, inscriptions, finds from sanctuaries and objects used in everyday life. You could even have a delicious meal at the restaurant on the second floor, while enjoying a breathtaking view of the Acropolis.

Founded in 1829, the National Archaeological Museum hosts more than eleven thousand exhibits that cover a large chronological and geographical span. If you’d like to experience the panorama of Greek civilisation at its fullest, admire prehistoric items from preserved paintings of Thera, sculptures, vases or astounding statues. Last but not least, be sure to check out the museum’s huge library, where you can find titles dating as far back as the 17th century.

Museum of Cycladic Art

This museum has a very impressive collection of Cycladic, Ancient Greek and Cypriot art. Don’t forget to visit the museum’s shop to buy some exclusive gifts, or you could stop by the stylish Cycladic Café for lunch.

Benaki Museum

The Benaki Museum is situated in a majestic neoclassical building. Benaki could be seen as one of the most important museums relating to the history, art, and culture of both ancient and modern Greece. While it is the ideal place for an insight into a variety of eras, it also organises some of the most amazing exhibitions of contemporary art.

Looking to learn more about the fascinating history of Athens? Check out our guide to must-see historical sites in Athens, a history of Athens in 11 buildings, or discover the story behind how Athens got its name.

Did you know – Culture Trip now does bookable, small-group trips? Pick from authentic, immersive Epic Trips, compact and action-packed Mini Trips and sparkling, expansive Sailing Trips.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.