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Museums & galleries

National Historical Museum

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National Historical Museum

National Historical Museum

This is the oldest history museum in Greece, focusing on the nation's historical development. It is housed in a building that previously served as the Greek parliament, meaning the architecture itself is part of the historical experience. Travelers visit this site to view artifacts and documents that trace the trajectory of Greek history within a venue of political significance.

Getting There

The museum is located in the center of Athens. From the central Syntagma area, it is accessible via a short walk of a few minutes. If arriving from Athens International Airport (ATH), visitors typically take the metro or a taxi to the city center before proceeding to the museum on foot.

Visit Duration

Depending on the depth of interest in the exhibits, visitors should allow between two and three hours to walk through the galleries and view the collections.

When to Visit

To avoid the largest crowds, visiting during weekday mornings is generally more quiet than weekends. Like many central Athens attractions, it can become crowded during the peak summer tourist season.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its central location, the museum can be combined with several other sites within walking distance:

  • Numismatic Museum of Athens (0.2km)
  • Syntagma Square (0.3km)
  • Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens (0.3km)
  • Old Royal Palace (0.4km)

Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

Admission prices and opening hours change often, so we don't list them here. Check what's on sale and at what price below — booking ahead can cut the queue at some places.

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Stays near National Historical Museum

Sorted by distance, walkable ones first. Distances are straight-line.

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Good to visit alongside

Numismatic Museum of Athens

Museums & galleries

Numismatic Museum of Athens

One of Greece's leading museums, it holds more than 500,000 coins, medals, and related objects spanning from 1400 BC to the present. Its collection of ancient Greek coinage ranks among the finest in the world.

0.2 km away

Syntagma Square

Parks & gardens

Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square sits in the heart of Athens, Greece, and is where the constitution was proclaimed in 1844. The Greek Parliament building faces the square, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier stands to the east, and the bustling Ermou Street extends to the west.

0.3 km away

Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

Temples & religious sites

Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens

This is the cathedral of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Athens, also known as the Metropolis Cathedral. Visitors can take in its grand exterior and icons while experiencing Orthodox tradition.

0.3 km away

Old Royal Palace

Castles & palaces

Old Royal Palace

The Old Royal Palace was completed in 1843 during the Kingdom of Greece. It now serves as the Hellenic Parliament building, offering a glimpse into the country's modern history.

0.4 km away

National Garden of Athens

Parks & gardens

National Garden of Athens

The National Garden is a green park in central Athens, located near major landmarks such as the Hellenic Parliament, the Zappeion, and the Panathenaic Stadium. It's a lovely place for a leisurely stroll amid the bustle of the city.

0.6 km away

Plaka

Shopping & districts

Plaka

Plaka is Athens' oldest neighborhood, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis. Its narrow lanes and neoclassical buildings make it a lovely place for a leisurely stroll through the city's old-world charm.

0.6 km away