The National Archaeological Museum of Athens (Athens)

This is one of the world’s great museums and boasts the richest variety of Ancient Greek artefacts dating back to prehistory. The museum building itself is an imposing one that is well worth lingering over. It is a palatial neo classical structure overlooking an ornate courtyard garden decorated with sculptures. There are several large thematic galleries and on short breaks in Athens, you can step through time to glimpse early Neolithic treasures and Cycladic art such as the famous marble figurines from the Aegean islands. This includes the iconic mask of Agamemnon, one of the real highlights of a visit to the National Archaeological Museum.

 

There is a vast range of exhibits that will surely please every taste, with priceless treasures and works of art from the Greek, Byzantine and Roman eras and going right back to the Bronze Age. Art lovers with a penchant for sculpture will be in their element during weekend breaks in Athens, with a mammoth collection that will take hours to fully explore. There is even a gallery devoted to Egyptian artefacts which is considered one of the best collections outside Cairo. Take a guided tour to make the most of your time and glimpse all the major highlights such as the Capitoline Venus, Poseidon of Milos, the Ninnion Tablet and Thesseus Ring.

 

Scholars and serious archaeological buffs can attend regular lectures and fascinating film screenings in the large auditorium, and the museum has one of the world’s largest libraries devoted to ancient history. There are plenty of interesting exhibits that young children will find a little bit eccentric and all the more captivating for it, and makes for a great family day out of the blistering summer heat. In fact on cheap city breaks in Athens, you will enjoy free entry for kids of all ages and for parents too during Greek national holidays and the first Sunday each month.