Greece Trip Itineraries

Two days of museums in Athens

Destination(s): Athens

On this tour you will visit several of the most important museums in Athens. On the first day you will spend half of your day visiting the National Archeological Museum followed by lunch at Athinaikon which serves ouzomezedes, traditional Greek appetizers that go well with ouzo, Greece’s national drink. Next you will visit three beautiful neoclassical marvels: the National Library, the Academy of Athens, and the University of Athens. Two dinner options: Athens tour by night and dinner in Plaka or an ancient Greek dining experience. On the second day you will the Benaki museum and the museum of Cycladic Art and stroll through the National Gardens. Lunch in chic Kolonaki. Ask your hotel to make your dining reservations and book your tour. read more about Two days of museums in Athens

National Archaeological Museum

44 Patission
The museum is 1/3 mile (10 min. on foot) north of Omonia Sq. on the road named Leoforos 28 Octobriou, but usually called Patission
tel:+30 210 821 7717
Visit website
Athens, 106 82

The National Archeological Museum is a must. If you only have time to visit one museum, this one should be it. There is a lot to see so plan at least two to three hours here. It isn't a bad idea to become acquainted with the museum's collections prior to visiting. This is the best way to explore Greece's history. After your visit to the museum, stop for lunch at Athinaikon or Ideal. Then walk up Panepistimiou street to see the National Library, the Academy of Athens, and the University of Athens. These three buildings are located right at the Panepistimio metro stop. read more about National Archaeological Museum

Benaki Museum

1 Koumbari
At Leoforos Vasilissis Sofias, Kolonaki, 5 blocks east of Syntagma Sq
tel:+30 210 367 1000
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Athens, 10674

Behind a vine-covered gate, in a romantic white mansion, eight thousand years of Greek history come alive. Enjoy prehistoric works of art, rare manuscripts, Byzantine icons, historic weapons and paintings. The greatest attraction is the reconstructions of 18th and 19th century living. The museum also features a Childhood and Toy Department (with 15,000 historic games and children's items from around the world), a Chinese Art Department (with ceramics as old as 4,000 years) and a Coptic Art Department where displays include rare textiles from Egypt.

Along with the standing collection, temporary exhibitions that spotlight artwork and culture are rotated on the top level. The museum shop offers upscale treasures like hand-embroidered linens, painted porcelain, silver, and a hefty selection of premium books on Greek culture. A cafe and roof garden is located on the top level, providing an excellent place for a light snack, tea or coffee with a stunning view of the Acropolis.

The striking building was designed by Greek architect Anastasios Metaxas who was also responsible for the restoration of the Panathenaic Stadium one block away.The Benaki has two additional museums worth visiting: the Museum of Islamic Art and the Benaki Pireos Street Annexe.

The Benaki is part of the "Museum Mile" which includes the Cycladic Museum of Art, the War Museum, the National Gallery, and the Byzantine Museum.

Nearest Metro: Evangelismos
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Museum of Cycladic Art

4 Neophytou Douka
(off Vassilissis Sophias Avenue)
tel:+30 210 722 8321
Visit website
Athens, 106 74

The Nicholas P. Goulandris Foundation private museum houses a remarkable collection of objects dating back to the 3rd millennium. Among this collection which features art from ancient Greece, the Cycladic culture and Cyprus, what will imprint in the visitor's mind are the white marble Cycladic figurines and vessels. Of interest is also a permanent exhibition "Scenes from daily life in antiquity". An additional highlight are the temporary exhibitions in the Stathatos Mansion (Vasilissis Sophias Ave and 1 Irodotou St.), accessible via an internal passage way between the buildings. Don't miss touring this beautiful building, an outstanding example of 19th century Neoclassical architecture. In addition there are activities for children and museum reproductions at the museum shop. Exit the museum and head up into Kolonaki for a coffee or lunch. The closets metro stop is Evangelismos. Other museums in the vicinity are the Benaki Museum, National Gallery-Alexandros Soutzos Museum, War Museum and Byzantine Museum. If you want to escape the concrete and asphalt spent some time in the National Gardens. read more about Museum of Cycladic Art

National Library of Greece (The)

32 Panepistimiou Street
tel:+30 210 338 2541
Visit website
Athens, 106 79

Called the "three temples of learning", the National Library, the University of Athens and the Academy of Athens are outstanding examples of 19th century architecture - all in a row. All three buildings were constructed by Danish architects Theophil Freiherr von Hansen and Christian Hansen and each is set out on a city block. Unfortunately no one but officials and researchers are granted admission.

Closest metro is the Panepistimio station. Other points of interest nearby are the Numismatic museum, the museum of the City of Athens (Vouros-Eftaxias) and the National History Museum (Old Parliament). read more about National Library of Greece (The)