National Archaeological Museum, Athens (must see)

With an extraordinary exhibits that include stunning Mycenaean gold and an unparalleled quantity of sculpture, pottery, and jewelry, this museum stands as one of the world's most remarkable. Originally opened in 1891, it consolidated a collection that had been scattered throughout the city, only to be dispersed again and buried during World War II to protect it from potential damage. The museum reopened in 1946, but it took an additional 65 years of renovation and reorganization to truly showcase its treasures.

The ground floor features Mycenaean, Neolithic, and Cycladic artifacts, followed by Geometric, Archaic, Classical, Roman, and Hellenistic sculpture. You'll also find Egyptian artifacts, a significant jewelry collection, and the Karapános collection on this level. Meanwhile, the first floor houses pottery, glassware, jewelry, and items from ancient Thera (on Santorini).

Highlights include a gold death mask discovered at Mycenae by Heinrich Schliemann, initially believed to have belonged to the legendary king Agamemnon, dating from the mid-1600s BC. The immense 'Dípylon Amphora', a geometric vase found in the Kerameikos cemetery, was used to mark the burial of an 8th-century BC woman and depicts the deceased surrounded by mourning women. Cycladic sculpture, such as the 'Harp Player', flourished in the 3rd millennium BC; its simple lines and bold forms influenced many early 20th-century artists, including the British sculptor Henry Moore. The 'Ephebe of Antikythera' is a splendid Hellenistic bronze statue discovered in 1900; standing at around 2 meters (7 feet) tall, it is larger than life. Another notable piece is a marble sculpture of Aphrodite, Eros, and the goat-footed Pan, dating from around 100 BC.

The museum's building has a neoclassical design and features an adjacent neoclassical-style garden studded with many ancient statues. There is also a café and a gift shop that sells reproductions of many of the objects displayed inside.

Why You Should Visit:
While not entirely off the beaten path, this place tends to have fewer tourists compared to other central locations, making it easier to examine the impressive exhibits and read the informational descriptions. If needed, you can also request an English-speaking guide for an even deeper understanding of the history behind the artifacts.

Tip:
Visit during the heat of the day to enjoy the air-conditioning, and don't forget your camera – photography is allowed.