Heraklion Archaeological Museum Tours and Tickets

Q: How much does it cost to visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum in 2026?

General admission to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum costs €20. Under-18s go free, as do people with disabilities, their required carers, and under-25s from EU states; EU nationals aged 65-plus pay €12. Many travelers opt to visit on a tour that bundles the museum with the nearby Palace of Knossos: These start from around US$50.

Q: Where is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and how do I get there?

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is in the center of Heraklion, Crete’s capital. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the main bus station, which has services to the island’s major cities. For a deep dive into Minoan culture, many travelers like to visit as part of a tour package that includes the Palace of Knossos.

Q: What are the Heraklion Archaeological Museum’s opening hours?

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is closed on December 25–26, January 1, and March 25. Between April and October, it opens 8am–8pm Thursday–Tuesday and 1pm–8pm on Wednesdays; between December and March hours are 8:30am–3:30pm Thursday–Tuesday and 10am–5pm on Wednesdays; in November, it’s open 8am–6pm Thursday–Tuesday and 1pm–6pm on Wednesdays.

Q: Can I take photos in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum?

Yes, you can take photos and film in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum but only for your own personal use. You are not allowed to use flash, lights, or equipment such as tripods. To get a professional photography permit requires filling out a daunting range of forms and providing supporting documentation.

Q: Is the Heraklion Archaeological Museum accessible?

Yes, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is accessible, with ramps and elevators for barrier-free access to all public areas plus adapted bathrooms. One wheelchair is available for loan. Travelers with visual impairments can explore the exhibits using a Braille leaflet in both Greek and English.

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Discover Crete’s timeless beauty and history with our self-guided tour, designed so you can explore at your own pace. Start in Heraklion at Lions Square, the city’s center, then visit the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to see Minoan treasures. Step into myth at Knossos Palace, where frescoes and ruins evoke Crete’s ancient civilization, before sampling local wines in the colorful village of Archanes. Take a boat to Dia Island for swimming and snorkeling, then head to the Lasithi Plateau, a landscape of windmills and mountain villages. Descend into the legendary Cave of Zeus and sail from Elounda to Spinalonga Island to explore its fortress and unique history. Relax on Matala Beach, famed for its golden sand and caves, and stroll through peaceful Pitsidia. Discover the ancient sites of Phaistos and Gortyna, then head to Chania’s old town, Venetian harbor, and the Egyptian Lighthouse. Finish your journey at Elafonissi’s pink sands, Balos Lagoon, and the tranquil village of Loutro.

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What are people saying about Heraklion Archaeological Museum

Knossos palace & the Archaeological museum of Heraklion (with Transfer)

Lynne_P, Mar 2026

Excellent!

One of the best tours I’ve ever been on! Our guide was extremely knowledgeable, personable & friendly. Don’t hesitate to book this experience, you won’t regret it!

Private Tour Knossos Palace-Archaeological Museum-Heraklion Town

Steve_L, Mar 2026

Professional and Personable

The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. She was friendly and quite willing to answer questions. Her approach made us feel at home. I needed to access a pharmacy which she gladly assisted. She is a credit to her profession. Steve

Knossos Palace and Arch. Museum of Heraklion Tour

Margaret_S, Oct 2025

Excellent Tour Guide

The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and cognizant of other people around us. She had great stories to share. I was extremely lucky and was the only person on the tour at the museum. She gave me an in-depth tour and then I took more time to look around on my own. You need to arrange your own transportation from Knosos to the museum.

Archaeological Museum of Heraklion Tour

Susan_C, Oct 2025

Exceptional Service

Local team extremely helpful in assisting me in handling a health emergency. Their empathy and professionalism did not waiver. My family, who stayed for the tour, reported the guide was top notch.

Knossos Palace, Museum & Rethymno city Private Tour from Chania

Bryan_H, Dec 2025

We had a wonderful...

We had a wonderful experience on our private tour of Knossos Palace, the Archeological Museum, and Rethymno city with Christine and our friendly driver. Thanks to Crete’s Winter Sundays, we enjoyed free entrance to both the palace and museum, which made the day even more special. Christine’s in-depth knowledge provided us with a fascinating personal history lesson, and the door-to-door service in the comfortable van was much appreciated. Lunch was amazing, and every part of the tour was enjoyable, making it a truly memorable outing.

Private Tour Knossos Palace-Archaeological Museum-Heraklion Town

Robert_F, Oct 2025

This is a wonderful tour....

This is a wonderful tour. George our driver was very professional and Sophia our tour guide was absolutely fantastic and knowledgeable. There is no way we would have learned as much on our own at these sites. The only caution is make sure you understand the port you are traveling into for how long the tour will be. We docked in Chania so it was a two hour drive to get to the other side of the island. That was my oversight. If you dock in Heraklion, you are 10 minutes away. A tour worth taking

Knossos Palace and Arch. Museum of Heraklion Tour

Peter_H, Sep 2025

Great tour!

Very happy to have booked this tour! Our guide Akrivi was extremely knowledgeable of the site and provided a great deal of information on the site and the history of Knosos, a true step back in time. The visit to the archeological museum with our guide after the palace was a great way to see many original pieces found during the excavation and put this whole day together. Highly recommend!

Knossos Palace, Museum & Rethymno city Private Tour from Chania

Barbara_N, Nov 2025

Wonderful experience!

The entire experience was wonderful from the communication prior to the trip through droping off back at our accommodations. Our guides were very kind and knowledgeable, telling us all about local customs, traditions and history. The refreshments and lunch were very good and much appreciated! Knossos palace and the museums were fantastic on their own but I am so glad we had a guide to give us inside information we would otherwise have missed. I highly recommend this tour! Thank you for the experience!

Knossos & Archaeological Museum Shared Guided Tour from Chania

jaron_r, Jun 2024

I cannot recommend this tour enough.

Love this tour operator. Christine's communication with us, from booking to pick up, was exceptional. The guided tour was well-paced and educational, as was the walk through the city. Our teenage children are still raving about what they learned and saw at the Palace of Knossos; it was their favorite part of our trip to Crete.