On this coming Sunday, 3 December 2023, archaeological sites and state museums in Greece will offer free admission. Here is everything you need to know.
Free admission to ancient sites and state museums
On next Sunday, 3 December 2023, everyone in Greece can enjoy free entry to many historic attractions throughout the country.
This includes archaeological sites, historical sites, monuments, and museums which belong to the Greek State and are managed by the Ministry of Culture.
This is an ideal opportunity to explore the rich heritage and cultural treasures of Greece without any admission fees! Here is what you need to know.
Ancient sites you can visit for free this Sunday
On the first Sunday of December, you can discover famous landmarks without paying the entrance fee.
Central Athens
In Athens, the obvious place to visit is the Acropolis. Apart from Athens’ most famous attraction, you can visit the Ancient Agora, the Temple of Zeus, Kerameikos cemetery, the Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library and Aristotle’s Lyceum.
You can read more about each of these sites in this guide about Ancient Athens.
Day trips from Athens
In addition, you can also visit ancient sites outside central Athens, such as the following:
- the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion
- the Archaeological site of Delphi
- Ancient Mycenae
- or the Ancient theater of Epidaurus.
Sites in other parts of Greece
As you know, Greece is a big country, and there are too many ancient sites to list!
Places you can visit for free this coming Sunday include
- Lindos and the Knights castle in Rhodes
- Knossos Palace in Crete
- Akrotiri in Santorini
…and so many more!
State museums in Greece that are free this Sunday
In addition to archaeological and historical sites, State museums also offer free entrance on the first Sunday of December.
Museums in Athens
In Athens, you can head to the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum or the Athens War Museum. Another idea is to visit the brand new National Gallery, which hosts numerous works by famous artists.
Note that private museums, such as the Acropolis Museum, the Benaki Museum or the Cycladic Art Museum, do not offer free admission on this day.
You can find more information in this guide about the best museums and art museums in Athens.
Museums in other cities in Greece
There is an incredible number of state museums all around Greece which you can visit with free entrance this coming Sunday.
Here are a few of my favourite museums in Greece:
- Thessaloniki – the Museum of Byzantine Culture
- Heraklion – the impressive collections of the Heraklion archaeological museum
- Chania – the brand new, state-of-the-art museum
- Thebes (Thiva) – a fantastic museum a little over an hour away from the Greek capital – ideal for a day trip from Athens!
Other free days throughout the year
Entry to the sites, monuments and museums which belong to the Greek State is free on the following dates:
- 6 March – Anniversary of death of the former Minister of Culture in Greece, Melina Mercouri
- 18 April – World Heritage Day
- 18 May – International Museums Day
- The last weekend of September – European Heritage Days
- 28 October – the Greek national holiday known as the OXI day
- Every first Sunday of the month, from November to March
Note that, even on days when admission is free, you will need to wait in line to pick up a ticket. While you won’t have to queue for the less popular attractions, anticipate some waiting time if you want to visit the Acropolis.
Also, have a look at this guide with more free things to do in Athens.
Hi! I’m Vanessa from Athens, and I share news and guides about Greece on my blog. Follow me on Facebook for more Greece-related inspiration and travel tips!