Esterno del museo storico con la statua di Kolokotronis
1 / 10

National Historical Museum (Old Parliament) Athens

4.7
·4k reviews·Athina, Greece

Explore Greece's journey from Byzantine times to the 20th century in the grand Old Parliament building. Art, weapons, and documents tell the nation's ...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Esterno del museo storico con la statua di Kolokotronis

National Historical Museum (Old Parliament) Athens

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Greece's journey from Byzantine times to the 20th century in the grand Old Parliament building. Art, weapons, and documents tell the nation's story.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"A must-visit for understanding modern Greece, housed in a building steeped in history."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allocate Sufficient Time

You can easily spend 2-3 hours here to see the highlights, or more if you're a history buff.

Focus Your Visit

With extensive exhibits, prioritize sections like art, weapons, or documents based on your interests.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 4,370 reviews

Type

Museum

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Old Parliament Building

Old Parliament Building

Explore the grandeur of the historic Old Parliament building, a significant piece of Greek political history itself.

Reddit
Modern Greek History Exhibits

Modern Greek History Exhibits

Immerse yourself in artifacts, art, and documents detailing Greece's journey from the Ottoman era to modern times.

Reddit
Military History Collection

Military History Collection

Discover a comprehensive collection of weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia showcasing Greece's military past.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The National Historical Museum, housed in the Old Parliament building, can get busy. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid larger crowds, especially if you want a more immersive experience with the exhibits on modern Greek history. Reddit

Navigating the Exhibits

This museum covers a vast span of Greek history. While you could spend days here, focus on key periods or themes if time is limited. Prioritize exhibits that align with your interests in art, weapons, and documents to make the most of your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon (post-lunch)
Why
Tour groups may thin out
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Ημέρα_της_Μητέρας! 👩‍👧👩‍👦 Χρόνια πολλά σε όλες τις μητέρες!🌺🌸🌹🌻 🖼 Γυναικεία ενδυμασία του Πόρου και της Ύδρας. Λεπτομέρεια από επιχρωματισμένη λιθογραφία του Otto Magnus von Stackelberg (1834). 🔸️Εθνικό Ιστορικό Μουσείο | Συλλογή Χαρακτικών ©️ Ιστορική και Εθνολογική Εταιρεία της Ελλάδος ------------ Female costume of Poros and Hydra islands. Coloured lithography by Otto Magnus von Stackelberg (1...
nhmuseum_of_athens
464 likes • 0 views

Allocate Sufficient Time

You can easily spend 2-3 hours here to see the highlights, or more if you're a history buff. Reddit

Focus Your Visit

With extensive exhibits, prioritize sections like art, weapons, or documents based on your interests. Reddit

Ένα υπέροχο μουσείο επί της Σταδίου, μας ταξιδεύει στη σύγχρονη ιστορία μας, μετά την απελευθέρωση απο τον τουρκικό ζυγό. Η παλαιά βουλή των Ελλήνων, τα όπλα του Κολοκοτρώνη, το γραφείο του Αδαμαντιου Κοραή, η πένα του Τρικούπη, ρούχα της Αμαλίας και του Όθωνα και πολλά ακόμα! Εισιτήριο εισόδου για ενήλικες 10€ #museum #travel #travelwithkids #familyfriendlytravel #Greece #discovergreece #Athen...
family_friendly_travel
462 likes • 752 views
#RobertMcCabe #Ios 📷 📷 Ίος 1957. © Robert A. McCabe 🔹Εκτίθεται στην έκθεση φωτογραφίας του Robert McCabe "Η Ελλάδα μετά τον πόλεμο: Τα χρόνια της ελπίδας" στο Αρχαιολογικό Μουσείο Πατρών. --------------------- 📷 Ios 1957. A windy laundry day. © Robert A. McCabe 🔹The photograph is exhibited in the photography exhibition by Robert McCabe "Greece after the war: The years of hope" at the Archaeolog...
nhmuseum_of_athens
389 likes • 0 views

Check Operating Hours

Ensure you check the museum's opening and closing times before your visit, especially around holidays. Reddit

Χρόνια πολλά! 🇬🇷 📷 Τήνος, 15 Αυγούστου 1955. © Robert A. McCabe @mccabephotos --------- 📷 Tinos. August 15, 1955. © Robert A. McCabe @mccabephotos #nhmuseumofathens #August15th #Tinos #DormitionoftheTheotokos #RobertMcCabe
nhmuseum_of_athens
380 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Allocate Sufficient Time

You can easily spend 2-3 hours here to see the highlights, or more if you're a history buff. Reddit

Focus Your Visit

With extensive exhibits, prioritize sections like art, weapons, or documents based on your interests. Reddit

Check Operating Hours

Ensure you check the museum's opening and closing times before your visit, especially around holidays. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the National Historical Museum for its comprehensive coverage of modern Greek history and its location within the significant Old Parliament building. While some find the sheer volume of exhibits overwhelming, most agree it offers valuable insights into Greece's past. Reddit

"The Candlelight concert by the Novarte Quartet, featuring iconic Queen songs, was nothing short of spectacular. Set against the soft glow of flickering candles, the atmosphere was charged with elegance and emotion. The quartet’s skillful renditions of Queen’s timeless classics were breathtaking, with each string subtly weaving the magic of Freddie Mercury's soaring melodies and the band’s legendary energy into a fresh, yet respectful interpretation. The harmonies were sublime, elevating the beloved anthems to a level of sophistication and grace. It was a performance that not only captured the essence of Queen’s music but also showcased the quartet's extraordinary ability to transform rock into pure classical beauty. A truly unforgettable evening of music and ambiance."

Gabriel Romanos

"The Museum, located in the Old Parliament House, offers a fair collection of artifacts showcasing Greece's history from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to World War II. The museum emphasizes the Greek Revolution and the establishment of the modern Greek state, with exhibits including weapons, manuscripts, personal belongings of historical figures, and traditional costumes from various regions. The building itself, which served as the Hellenic Parliament from 1875 to 1932, adds to the historical atmosphere.

The museum is fair in size and worth a visit if you're interested in Greek history."

Abdulkarim ALZarouni

"If you visit Athens and you came not only for shopping this Museum is very interesting place. It’s the old Parliament and the first floor is dedicated to the History of Greek. The most interesting part is the second floor where there is a new exhibition until Summer 2025: Refugees.The exhibition focuses on the demographic growth of Greece - amazing!!!"

Revitalbj

What People Like

Historic Old Parliament building
Extensive modern history exhibits
Military collection

What People Dislike

Can be overwhelming
Requires significant time

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The National Historical Museum is centrally located in Athens, easily accessible by public transport. The closest metro stations are Syntagma and Monastiraki. Many visitors also find it a pleasant walk from other central attractions. Reddit

Street parking in central Athens can be challenging. It's recommended to use public transportation or a taxi. If you must drive, look for paid parking garages in the vicinity of Syntagma Square. Reddit

Yes, it's a walkable distance from the Acropolis area, taking approximately 15-20 minutes. It's a great way to see more of the city. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission fees can vary, but it's generally an affordable entry. It's best to check the official museum website for the most current ticket prices and any potential discounts. Reddit

While pre-booking is often not required for this museum, it can save you time, especially during peak tourist seasons. Check the museum's website for online ticketing options. Reddit

Museum hours can change seasonally. Typically, it's open most days of the week, but it's crucial to verify the exact operating hours on their official website before your visit. Reddit

Athens offers a combined ticket for several archaeological sites and museums, which might include this one or others nearby. Research the 'Athens archaeological sites combined ticket' to see if it fits your itinerary. Reddit

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Most visitors find that 2.5 to 3 hours is sufficient to see the main highlights. However, history enthusiasts could easily spend longer, up to a full day, exploring every detail. Reddit

Key exhibits include artifacts from the Greek War of Independence, Ottoman-era items, and displays on modern Greek political history. The building itself is also a significant attraction. Reddit

The museum offers a broad overview of Greek history, which can be educational for older children. However, younger children might find the extensive displays less engaging. Consider focusing on specific, visually interesting sections. Reddit

Information on guided tours can usually be found on the museum's official website. Sometimes, independent guides are available for hire outside the museum, but verify their credentials. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. Generally, non-flash photography for personal use is permitted, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask museum staff for clarification. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The museum itself may have a small cafe or refreshment area, but it's not extensive. For a wider selection, you'll find numerous dining options in the surrounding Plaka and Syntagma areas. Reddit

The area around Syntagma Square and the nearby Plaka district offer a vast array of tavernas, cafes, and restaurants, from traditional Greek cuisine to international options. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2
National Historical Museum (Old Parliament) Athens (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide