Hotels near Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki

The Archaeological Museum of Thessaloniki holds the most important Macedonian antiquities outside Vergina - 8,000 sq m of Bronze Age, Iron Age, Macedonian, Roman, and Hellenistic finds from across northern Greece. The Macedonian Royal Tomb gold and silver collection, the Derveni Krater (a 4th-century BC bronze vessel, the largest surviving), and the Lord of the Rings 'helm of Hades' golden burial wreath are the highlights.

Entry is EUR 8 (or combined ticket with the Museum of Byzantine Culture next door, EUR 15). Allow 2-3 hours. The 1962 building (designed by Patroklos Karantinos) is a fine example of mid-century Greek modernism. The audio guide costs EUR 4 and is essential for context.

Pro Tip: Visit the Archaeological Museum before going to Vergina (75 km west) - it provides essential context for the royal Macedonian gold finds. Combine with the Museum of Byzantine Culture next door for a chronological tour from prehistory to the 1453 fall of Constantinople.