Free Museums in Greece

"A single avid ethnomusicologist collected almost 1200 folk instruments; the best are on display in three floors of this house-turned-museum. Headphones let visitors listen to the gaida (Greek goatskin bagpipes) and the wood planks priests on Mt Athos use to call prayer times, among other distinctly Greek sounds. Musical performances are held in the lovely garden in summer."

"This small but interesting museum is located in a beautiful old mansion in Plaka next to the Roman Agora. The Museum of Greek Folk Musical Instruments displays nearly 1,200 unusual instruments. The museum is especially interesting for children because they can listen to various instruments with headphones."

"1-2 Diogenes St Plaka Tel 325-0198. This is my friend Groves Willer's favorite museum in Athens and I am inclined to agree with him. It is easy to find, right across from the Tower of the Winds in the Roman Agora."

"In touching distance from Psiri and Plaka, the National Garden is a welcome green buffer between ancient Athens and the modern sea of concrete. The National Garden was formerly the Royal Garden, opening up to the south of the Old Royal Palace and ordered by Amalia of Oldenburg at the end of the 1830s. Come for a few minutes of repose, idling below the pergolas and avenue of lofty palm trees and bringing children to the two ponds to meet the turtles and ducks."

"The National Garden is a large green refuge right beside Syntagma Square and the Greek Parliament in the heart of Athens. It is open dawn to dusk, and is quite popular with tourists. Along with the large variety of plants and trees, this garden encloses some ancient ruins, Corinthian capitals of columns, as well as mosaics, and other features."

"In the heart of Athens, the National Garden provides a green oasis for sunny afternoon trips. The Royal Garden has a private garden for the Royal Palace, which is now the Parliament Building. The Public Garden was established in 1923."

"The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the cenotaph dedicated to the Greek soldiers killed during war. It is located in front of the parliament building and is famous for being guarded by the Evzones of the Presidential Guard in their traditional outfits. The tomb itself is made from beautiful limestone, with intricate details inscribed into the tomb."

"To follow we will see the National Gardens, the Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Syntagma Square, the University of Athens, and finally the National Library. Take a walk through the enchanting Plaka and pass by some of the city's most precious Byzantine churches afterward."

"Located on the fringe of the edgy Exarchia neighborhood, Ouzeri Lesvos offers a traditional taverna experience with prominence on fresh fish and seafood. Do not take the restaurant’s shabby chic decor so seriously, as the food and service at Ouzeri Lesvos are among the best in Athens. Moreover, most of the action happens on the well-lit sidewalk once the crowds arrive and the ouzo starts flowing."

"Located on the fringe of the edgy Exarchia neighborhood, Ouzeri Lesvos offers a traditional taverna experience with an emphasis on fresh fish and seafood. Don’t be deterred by the restaurant’s shabby chic decor – food and service at Ouzeri Lesvos are among the best in Athens. Plus, most of the action happens on the well-lit sidewalk once the crowds arrive and the ouzo starts flowing."

"Ouzeri Lesvos is a fish taverna and ouzeria that specialises in food from Lesvos island. This is a favourite spot among locals and visitors from Lesvos. In fact, most of the time you will look around and find that you are surrounded by people from the island who are visiting their family and friends in Athens."

"Despite what you might think, these two very different cuisines make a great combination. Seasonal local produce is incorporated into Japanese staples with results like strips of fresh zucchini with miso and smoked eggplant, reminiscent of melitzanosalata, or the cod burger in a steamed bao bun. All plates are meant to be shared, so each person gets to choose a couple of dishes, three if you’re extra peckish."

"Even though it’s right in the heart of Athens, fashionable Feedέλ feels pleasingly private and peaceful. Tables spill onto a leafy square hidden just off hectic Ermou Street. A beautiful Frida Kahlo mural looks out from a red brick wall."