Athens, the capital of the Hellenic Republic of Greece, has countless museums and archaeological sites for locals and visitors. Here is a list of the best museums you can visit during your stay at the Greek capital.

Top 10 Museums in Athens, Greece

1. National Archaeological Museum
2. Benaki Museum (Kolonaki)
3. Acropolis Museum
4. Byzantine and Christian Museum
5. Museum of Cycladic Art
6. Athens War Museum
7. Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum
8. National Museum of Contemporary Art
9. Hellenic Children’s Museum
10. Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos

Kerameikos Museum of Athens

The Archaeological Museum of Kerameikos is located at the Kerameikos Archaeological Park, in the heart of Athens.Kerameikos was ancient Athens’ “necropolis”; its graveyard. Built in 1937, it gives us a clear picture of how ancient Athenians viewed death and the afterlife. You will also find some unexpected artifacts, such as various curses people sent to the chthonic gods via the dead. The Museum is within walking distance from “Kerameikos” and “Thisseio” metro stations.

Hellenic Children’s Museum

If you are travelling to Athens with children, you can pay a visit at the Hellenic Children’s Museum in Kolonaki area, close to Evaggelismos metro station. Founded in 1994 in Plaka, before relocating to Kolonaki, the Museum aims at motivating children to learn by exploring its various exhibitions and by interacting with them. Children learn to love visiting Museums by being introduced to a space that is tailored-made for their needs.

National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)

Located in close proximity to Syggrou Metro Station, not too far from the city center, EMST holds various contemporary art exhibitions and events. Its permanent collection includes 172 artworks created by 78 Greek and foreign artists. The Museum is permanently located at the legendary Fix brewery that gave its name to the neighborhood.

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum (ILJM)

The first museum devoted to the craft of jewelry in Greece is located at the historical heart of Athens, few minutes away from the Acropolis metro station. The Museum has a permanent jewelry collection and it also holds temporary exhibitions. It hosts many activities, such as live studio workshops.

Athens War Museum

Wishing to honor all those who fought for Greece and its freedom, the Hellenic state founded the War Museum in Athens, Greece. If interesting and unique weapon artifacts and history are two things that interest you, you can visit this military museum in Kolonaki neighborhood, few steps away from Evaggelismos metro station.

Museum of Cycladic Art

In 1986, the Museum of Cycladic Art was founded to house the collection of Cycladic and other ancient Greek art belonging to Goulandris family. This wonderful museum is located in Kolonaki neighborhood as well, between Syntagma and Evaggelismos metro stations.

Byzantine and Christian Museum

Although many people are interested in Greece’s ancient past, many more overlook its medieval past. The Byzantine and Christian Museum houses more than 25.000 rare pictures, scriptures, frescos and other unique exhibits that are related to Greek Orthodox Christianity and the Byzantine Art. The Byntanine and Christian Museum is situated in close proximity to many other previously mentioned museums, few steps away from Evaggelismos metro station.

The Acropolis Museum of Athens

Established in 2009, the Acropolis Museum is dedicated to the archaeological findings of the Acropolis Hill: Greece’s sacred rock, where the Parthenon and other ancient temples are located. The Museum has a modern design which compliments, rather than contrasts, the classical architectural miracles made of marble. Built under the shadow of the Acropolis hill, the Museum can be reached on foot from the Acropolis metro station.

Benaki Museum (Kolonaki, Athens)

If you are interested in seeing the evolution of the Greek culture over the span of thousands of years, you should visit Benaki Museum. Its unique exhibition showcases the Greek culture from prehistory to the 20th century.The Museum of Greek Culture is located in Kolonaki, in close proximity to Evaggelismos metro station.

National Archaeological Museum of Athens

The Greek National Archaeological Museum houses some of the most important archaeological artifacts of Greece from prehistoric times till late antiquity. It is perhaps the biggest Museum of Athens and might require a bit more time than the Acropolis Museum. On the other hand, it has the richest collection of ancient Greek artifacts and it is considered one of the greatest Museums in the world. The National Archaeological Museum of Athens is located close to Victoria and Omonoia metro stations.