Museums & archaeological sites in Greece

Anyone traveling to Greece cannot really avoid its history. Sometimes you literally walk right on top of it. A temple in the middle of a city, an ancient theater among the olive trees, an excavation along the road, or a museum full of finds thousands of years old.

And on top of that, the figures are impressive. Greece now boasts 21 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and scattered throughout the country you will find hundreds of museums, archaeological collections, and excavations.

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Athens alone has so many museums that you could easily fill an entire city trip with them. From classical antiquity and Byzantine art to modern art, music, and the recent history of Greece.

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But don't worry: you really don't have to visit them all. We have picked out two for you that we find particularly special ourselves.

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🧿 The Acropolis Museum

If you are in Athens, the Acropolis Museum simply belongs in your visit. Not only because of the collection, but also because of the beautiful modern building. Through the enormous glass walls, you look directly at the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

The finds are displayed very beautifully and spaciously, and you can view many objects from all sides. Even if you normally do not want to spend hours in an archaeological museum, this is one for which we would make an exception.

And then, of course, to the top. Because a visit to Athens without the Acropolis? That's simply not possible.

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🧿 The Maria Callas Museum

Something completely different – ​​and precisely for that reason so nice – is the Maria Callas Museum in the center of Athens.

The museum opened in 2023 and is dedicated to the life and career of Maria Callas. You absolutely do not need to be an opera connoisseur to find it interesting. You can listen to her voice, watch famous performances, and see costumes, photographs, letters, and personal items. A part of her apartment in Paris has even been recreated.

It shows yet another completely different side of the Greek capital. And that is exactly why Athens never gets boring.

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🧿 And we've only mentioned two...

In Athens alone, the choice is enormous. The National Archaeological Museum is one of the most important archaeological museums in the world. In addition, you will find the Benaki Museum, the Museum of Cycladic Art, and the Byzantine and Christian Museum there, among others. And that is just a small selection.

And then there is the Peloponnese. Here, museums and archaeological sites often lie literally side by side. Mycenae and Epidaurus are famous, of course, as is Ancient Olympia with its archaeological museum.

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But there is so much more. Ancient Messene, for example, we consider absolutely worth a visit. An impressive ancient city where you don't just look at a few ruins from a distance, but can actually walk through the remains of the old city.

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Messinia is also home to the Palace of Nestor, one of the most important Mycenaean palaces in Greece. Not far from there, you will find the Archaeological Museum of Chora, with artifacts from the surrounding area and from the time of the palace.

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And then, of course, Nafplion. A lovely city to stay in for a few days and a perfect base for Mycenae and Epidaurus. Moreover, you will find the Archaeological Museum of Nafplion right in the middle of the old city.

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That is exactly what we find so beautiful about the Peloponnese: history here is not just behind glass. You drive there, walk right into the middle of it, and then see what was found at that site in a small or large museum. Then such a story suddenly comes to life much more.

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Book tickets

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🧿 Museums & archaeological sites throughout Greece

Would you like to visit a museum or archaeological site during your trip? You can reserve tickets in advance for almost all major museums and archaeological attractions in Greece via the official Greek website.

Especially for popular attractions and during busy periods, it is wise to arrange your tickets in advance.

BOOK YOUR TICKETS VIA THE OFFICIAL GREEK WEBSITE

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🧿 Going specifically to the Acropolis in Athens?

The Acropolis is, of course, a story in itself. What exactly is there to see? When is the best time to go? How does access work and what should you keep in mind?

That is why we have created a separate page in our Fun Facts section with practical information and our tips for a visit to the Acropolis .

ALL ABOUT THE VISIT TO AKROPOLIS IN ATHENS