Tourist Attractions & Monuments Athens

Timetable

Museum opening times change at least once a year in Greece! So it's a good idea to check the websites of museums and archaeological sites before visiting them. In tourist areas such as the Greek capital, timetables during the high season are generally respected to the minute. The information given in this guide is constantly updated, but it is possible that prices or timetables may have changed in the meantime.

To be booked

It's essential to book well in advance if you want to attend a show or before your visit to Athens' museums or archaeological sites: this will save you long, unpleasant waits, especially on the hottest days of the season. For visits to museums and archaeological sites, book online: https://etickets.tap.gr/

Budget & Tips

Admission to public museums and archaeological sites is free on the following dates: every first Sunday between November¹ and March 31, October 28, April 18, May 18, the last weekend in September and March 6.

Main events

Athens is home to a wide range of cultural and artistic events. In this guide, you'll find a selection of the most popular festivals and events that attract large numbers of spectators and take place every year. In season, take the opportunity to attend a performance of ancient Greek tragedy or comedy, or a concert held in the open-air theaters, notably the Odeon of Herod of Attica. You can also enjoy an unforgettable experience at one of the open-air cinemas.

Guided tours

Whether you're on a guided tour or on your own, be sure to follow the instructions: it's forbidden to take photos of certain objects on display in the museum; stay strictly within the areas designated for visitors; try not to occupy all the space in front of a museum's collection, so as to allow other visitors to admire the exhibits in their turn. Also, try not to make noise during a show or in a church, and dress appropriately. And, above all, remember to switch off your cell phone!

Smokers

Smoking is strictly prohibited in museums and archaeological sites.

What's very local

Don't enter a church or monastery in a bathing suit or shorts. On the contrary, wear decent clothes.

And don't photograph men wearing traditional costume without first asking their permission.