Athens
Central Greece, Greece
Antiquities galore, contemporary culture, scintillating nightlife and fantastic food: there’s something for everyone in Greece’s cosmopolitan capital that’s continuously reinventing itself.
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National Archaeological Museum
Last updated: 24 June, 2023
Though recently overshadowed by the newer, flashier Acropolis Museum, this treasure trove of antiquities is equally impressive. The display may be a bit dowdy, but the collection itself is world-class. From intricate, terracotta urns to delicate gold funeral masks, the craftsmanship of the ancient Greeks is astonishing.
Don’t miss
Look out for the Antikythera mechanism, the earliest known analogue computer gadget.
Logistics
Price from: £5
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 18+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The best way to get there is by Metro. Omonia (10 minutes walk) or Biktoria (7 minutes walk) are the closest stops. There is no parking on-site, though there are private car parks on Mpoumpoulinas Street, Zaimi Street and on Alexandras Avenue.
You can download a map from the website showing the different galleries, and a nice little brochure with a summary of the highlights – worth a read before you go. There are so many treasures here, though it’s best to go on a guided tour with an expert guide.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, seven days a week. Opening times vary from winter to summer, with longer opening hours in the summer.
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