Museum & Sightseeing suggestions

 

Athens is one of Europe’s most historic and beautiful cities. It combines many different cultures, impressive ancient monuments that belong to the world heritage and interesting modern attractions. It has a fascinating network of museums – revealing a multifaceted identity of the country and the city Monuments can be discovered at any step, should the visitor decide to take a stroll, in and around the city. Furthermore there are exquisite seascapes and landscapes, not far from the city centre, to be enjoyed, using the extensive transport network (metro, tram, busses). Thousands of surprises await at every corner, be it small or gourmet restaurants, tavernas, coffee shops, street performers, fairs, theater and music festivals, quaint little shops and expensive boutiques, an interesting array of patisseries and ice scream kiosks.

Do not miss Plaka, the old quarter of Athens, at the foot of the Acropolis, the posh Kolonaki district, the embassy and museum row along Vasilissis Sofias Av., the changing of the guard at the Unknown Soldier’s monument and the Parliament, Schiller’s trilogy (University of Athens, Academy of Athens, National Gallery), and the central market.

 

Also, not to be missed are:

  • Benaki Museum (1 Koumbari str. & Vas. Sofias Ave, Tel: 210 3671000)

Holding a vast collection of Greek art and culture masterpieces from various periods. It offers a pleasant good way to understand Greek history, ancient and modern. Throughout the year there is late opening on Thurdays (until 12 p.m.) and you can combine a meal at its stylish roof top café-restaurant, if you previously reserve a table.

Open: Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Late opening on Thursdays until 12 p.m.

Sundays 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Closed on Tuesdays

 

  • Acropolis Museum (15 Dionysiou Aeropagitou str., Tel: 210 9000900)

The newest addition in Athens, with new exhibits of the archaic and classical periods.

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Late opening on Fridays until 10 p.m.

 

  • National Gallery (50 Vas. Konstantinou Ave, (Opposite Hilton Hotel) Tel: 210 7235937)

Permanent collection of modern Greek painters and international contemporary artists.

Open: Daily 9 a.m. – 3 p.m

            Closed on Tuesdays

 

  • Museum of Cycladic Art (4 Neofytou Douka str., Kolonaki, Tel: 210 7228321-3)

Private collection of ancient Cycladic art.

Open: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Closed on Tuesdays and Sundays

 

  • Byzantine and Christian Museum (22 Vas. Sofias Ave, Tel.: 213 2139572)

Wonderful collection of Byzantine art –icons, mosaics, sculptures, manuscripts–.

Open: Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Closed on Mondays