Archaeological Sites, Museums and Cultural Events in Greece
Pack the bags, turn off the phone, and out you go!
Greece holds an enormous amount of worthwhile sights and experiences for such a small country. The relatively short distances mean that it is easy to explore the country, even if you have just a day or a weekend.
If you are based in Athens, you have easy access to the Athens Riviera, the stretch of coastline from Athens to Cape Sounion. From the centre, you can reach a number of beaches in less than an hour to indulge in a dip, many of which have water-sports facilities.
But there is so much more to see and do. In autumn, wine tours are a great way to explore the Peloponnese. In the winter there are ski resorts, some very close to Athens, and jaunts to Thessaloniki for weekend fun.
During summer there are endless islands to visit with pristine beaches, important archaeological sites, and each has its own distinct atmosphere and cuisine. One of the best and most memorable ways to enjoy the deep-blue seas of Greece is to hire a yacht and take a leisurely sail from island to island.
The suggestions here are all within a few hours or less of Athens, and they can all be done as day trips, although Crete, Santorini, Poros, and Thessaloniki are better suited for a weekend trip.
Handpicked List
Megaron – The Athens Concert Hall
The Athens Concert Hall, known as Megaron Moussikis in Greek, is close to the Hilton Hotel and also easily reachable by metro (Megaron Moussikis Station). Behind the hall is a large garden with a secondary stage used for outdoor concerts in summer. In addition to world-class concerts, the hall also hosts a number of cultural events. Check the site for upcoming events and to book tickets.
Athens Festival and the Herod Atticus Theater
The Athens Festival was founded in 1955, making it one of the longest-running arts festivals in Europe. The main venue of the Festival, which takes place during the summer months, is the Herod Atticus Theatre at the foot of the Acropolis. The secondary venue is the Ancient Theatre of Epidauros. Both theatres have astounding acoustics and beautiful surroundings. It is worth going just to experience a performance in a theatre dating back thousands of years.
Check the site for schedules and to book tickets.
Acropolis
A stay in Athens is not complete without a visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. The iconic landmark of the city is truly awe-inspiring as you walk up marble steps that have been trod for millennia. The new museum is modern, well organized and also features a lovely café with a vast terrace overlooking the Acropolis itself.
Daily 8:00-20:00
The ticket price is €20, with half price for seniors and students It is possible to book e-tickets online to avoid waiting in line: https://etickets.tap.gr/
Onassis Stegi
The Stegi run by the Onassis Foundation is a modern cultural institution for showcasing contemporary art in all its forms. Dance, theatre, music, exhibitions, talks and other events run throughout the year, all with the goal of fostering discussion and engagement.
National Archaeological Museum
The National Archaeological Museum houses the large collection of archaeological treasures from different periods and locales in Greek history. The building itself is a neoclassical masterpiece, designed by the first city architect of Athens, Christian Hansen.
The ticket price is €5 in winter and €10 in summer
Keramikos Cemetery
On the pedestrian avenue between Theseio and Peiraios street, an unassuming entrance opens on the Ancient cemetery of Athens, Kerameikos. Several gravesites
feature replicas of stunning marble reliefs and the grounds are lovely for a stroll. The small museum at the site is also well worth a visit.
Acropolis Museum
A stay in Athens is not complete without a visit to the Acropolis and the Acropolis Museum. The iconic landmark of the city is truly awe-inspiring as you walk up marble steps that have been trod for millennia. The new museum is modern, well organized and also features a lovely café with a vast terrace overlooking the Acropolis itself.
Acropolis Museum
Winter: Monday 8:00-16:00, Friday 8:00-22:00, Tuesday-Thursday & Saturday-Sunday Saturday-Sunday 8:00-20:00
Summer: Wednesday-Monday 8:00-20:00, Tuesday 12:30-20:00
Winter tickets: €5, seniors and students €3
Summer tickets: €10, seniors and students €5 https://www.theacropolismuseum.gr/en
Benaki Museum
The Benaki Museum is not one museum, but several museums under the Benaki umbrella. The main location is a splendid neoclassical mansion in Vasilissis Sofias Avenue. The annex for modern art is located in Peiraios Street, and the exquisite collection of Islamic art is housed in Metaxourgeio. Make sure to check the site for opening hours and temporary exhibitions and other events.
Kallimarmaro Stadium
The Kallimarmaro Stadium was rebuilt on the ruins of a Hellenistic stadium to host the first modern Olympic Games in 1896. At the Games in 1896, a Greek, Spyros Louis, won the marathon race to the delight of his countrymen. At the 2004 Olympics, the marathon race also had its finish line in this striking stadium, as does the annual Athens Marathon, held every fall.
The stadium is open to visitors through the main entrance. There is also a back entrance, in Archimedous Street, which gives you access to the jogging track along the upper perimeter of the stadium and the surrounding park area. It is one of the nicest places to jog in Athens, especially early in the morning or around sunset.
Access to jogging track and park is free from sunrise to sunset
Byzantine Museum
The Byzantine Museum is across the street from the Evangelismos Metro station and is housed in a lovely old mansion with a large interior courtyard. The collection of Byzantine and Christian art is stunning and well presented. The museum also has a lovely café and bistro with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre
The latest addition to the Athenian cultural scene, the Stavros Niarchos Cultural Centre is a vast complex that houses both the national library and two stages for the Greek
National Opera and hosts numerous exhibitions, festivals and cultural events. The grounds are open to the public daily from 6:00 till midnight. For the schedule of events, please check the website.
