Most of the major sites in Athens fall within a single square-mile block centered on the Acropolis. The National Archaeological Museum is the exception that proves the rule.
It is located about a mile and a half due north of the Acropolis. Hop the Metro (Lines 1 or 2) to Omonia Square. A block east of the Square is 28 Octovriou Street. Follow this north for 8-10 blocks and you’ll see the Museum looming up on your right. Alternatively, take the Metro (Line 1) to Victoria Station. Walk east on Heiden Street and turn right on 28 Octovriou. Go 5 or 6 blocks. The museum will be on your left.
After visiting six sites yesterday, you may think you’re getting off easy by only touring one museum today. Wrong! The National Archaeological Museum is massive, its holdings extensive. It will wear you out.
This jewel is cert
ainly the greatest museum in Greece and one of the best in the world. It opens at 8:00 (except on Mondays, when it opens at 12:30). You will want to go early and stay late.
There is enough here to keep you absorbed for a week. You will run out of energy and attention span long before you see everything. The treasures of Mycenae. Incredible statuary. Stunning displays of bronzes and pottery. This is the best and deepest collection of ancient Greek artifacts anywhere on earth. You will look back at this museum as one of the highlights of your Greece trip.
There’s a coffee shop/café in the basement if you want to grab a sandwich to keep you going. There is also a gift shop with some wonderful (but quite expensive) souvenirs.
Spend as much of the day as you want and, then, take off the remainder of the afternoon. Nap. Have a coffee. Watch people. Strike up conversations. See what’s happening on Syntagma Square (there’s always a rally or protest or parade going on).
One of the best things you can do for yourself on this trip is journaling. Keeping a running record of what you did each day—what you saw, what you felt and thought, who you met—is a wonderful way to document your journey and to re-live the trip in the future. I give some journaling hints at GreeceAudioGuides.com under the “Free Stuff” tab. Why not take an hour or two this afternoon to chronicle the last few days?
As the light dies (your last day in Athens!), take a final saunter through the Plaka district. Buy a set of worry beads. Tip a street-musician (a poor man’s version of supporting the fine arts). For dinner, you can either return to one of the restaurants you particularly enjoyed or go looking for a new taste experience. Relax and enjoy yourself.
