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HERAKLION 
Greece

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Statues displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum exhibit hall.
Ancient statues displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Minoan fresco with ceremonial scene at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Statues displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum exhibit hall.
Ancient statues displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Minoan fresco with ceremonial scene at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Statues displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum exhibit hall.
Ancient statues displayed in Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Minoan fresco with ceremonial scene at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Tickets
4.7(145)

Heraklion Archaelogical Museum Entry Ticket

from
€31.50
Flexible cancellation

Get full refund for a small fee if you cancel 24 hours before the experience start time.Know more

Flexible duration
  • Head right to the front of the line with these entry tickets to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and indulge in a world of precious artifacts and important history of the Minoan civilization.
  • Visit the period rooms that help you with a chronological representation of the ways of the civilization.
  • Browse through a complete collection of artifacts that include priceless remains of Greek history and date back 5000 years.
  • Visit exhibits such as the Phaistos Disk and the “Snake Goddess” for a deeper insight on your tour.
  • Marvel at precious Minoan art and frescos that are centuries old.
  • Head right to the front of the line with these entry tickets to the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and indulge in a world of precious artifacts and important history of the Minoan civilization.
  • Visit the period rooms that help you with a chronological representation of the ways of the civilization.
  • Browse through a complete collection of artifacts that include priceless remains of Greek history and date back 5000 years.
  • Visit exhibits such as the Phaistos Disk and the “Snake Goddess” for a deeper insight on your tour.
  • Marvel at precious Minoan art and frescos that are centuries old.

Inclusions

  • Entry tickets to to Heraklion Archaeological Museum
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Ancient artifacts displayed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Phaistos Disc exhibit at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Ancient artifacts displayed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Phaistos Disc exhibit at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Ancient artifacts displayed at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum entrance with banners displaying ancient artifacts.
Phaistos Disc exhibit at Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete.
Fresco of a Minoan figure at Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
Tickets
4.7(139)

Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & Audio Guide

from
€31.50
Flexible duration
Audio guide
  • Experience the Heraklion Archaeological Museum–one of the most famous museums in Europe and home to the most priceless pieces of Minoan history and art.
  • With an English or German audio guide to download onto your smartphone, explore this vast collection of antiquities at your own pace.
  • Travel back in time as you study artifacts from Cretan prehistory and history, dated over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
  • Some exhibits you surely shouldn’t miss are the Golden Bee Pendant, Phaistos Disc, Snake Goddess, Stone Bull's Head Rhyton, and King Mino’s Ring.
  • Admire Minoan frescoes such as the Bull-Leaping Fresco, Prince of the Lilies, Ladies in Blue, and more.
  • Your in-depth guide will share both historical information and 80+ lesser-known anecdotes from ancient times. Feel free to listen to this guide after your visit, too.
  • Experience the Heraklion Archaeological Museum–one of the most famous museums in Europe and home to the most priceless pieces of Minoan history and art.
  • With an English or German audio guide to download onto your smartphone, explore this vast collection of antiquities at your own pace.
  • Travel back in time as you study artifacts from Cretan prehistory and history, dated over 5,500 years from the Neolithic period to Roman times.
  • Some exhibits you surely shouldn’t miss are the Golden Bee Pendant, Phaistos Disc, Snake Goddess, Stone Bull's Head Rhyton, and King Mino’s Ring.
  • Admire Minoan frescoes such as the Bull-Leaping Fresco, Prince of the Lilies, Ladies in Blue, and more.
  • Your in-depth guide will share both historical information and 80+ lesser-known anecdotes from ancient times. Feel free to listen to this guide after your visit, too.

Inclusions

  • Admission to all parts of the Museum
  • Self-guided English or German audio tour for your smartphone (Android & iOS only)
  • Offline content (text, audio narration, and maps)

Exclusions

  • Live guide
  • Smartphone and headphones
  • Transfers and transportation
  • This Museum experience is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Photography (without flash and tripods) is allowed.
  • Be sure to download your ticket and audio tour in advance while connected to Wi-Fi, as mobile signals at the site may be unreliable.
  • You’ll need storage space on your phone to download the audio guide (100-150 MB).
  • The audio tour is incompatible with Windows Phones, iPhone 5/5C or older, iPod Touch 5th generation or older, iPad 4th generation or older, and iPad Mini 1st generation.
  • After booking, you’ll receive an email with detailed instructions for accessing and downloading your audio tour. Don’t forget to check your spam or junk folder in case it lands there.
  • Make sure your smartphone is fully charged and bring your headphones to enjoy the audio tour without interruptions.
  • Keep in mind that entrance queues can be long, so you may need to wait before entering.
  • These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Visiting Heraklion, a Thriving Cultural Hub in Greece

Heraklion, also known as Iraklio is the largest city of Crete, known for its sandy beaches, intense nightlife, and amazing cuisine. Like most other Greek cities, Heraklion also offers Venetian harbors, narrow cobblestone paths, classical architectural marvels, towering churches, and museums. Heaven for archaeology enthusiasts and curious minds alike, Heraklion has much to offer in terms of its remains and historicity.

The ruins of Knossos and the remains of the Koules fortress are the oldest historical sites in Heraklion. Knossos is Europe’s oldest city and is situated right outside Heraklion. Having been colonized multiple times, the city has many stories to tell and has emerged as an important cultural repository of Greece in modern times. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum houses several Minoan artifacts and ancient relics. Read on to know more about Heraklion day tours, Heraklion tour tickets, how to reach there, how to spend time in Heraklion, and other bits of information that will help you plan your visit. 

Why Visit Heraklion?

Heraklion tours
  • Ancient Remains: The Fort of Koules and Old Town are incredible remnants of the olden days that deserve your attention. Make sure to visit Knossos which houses archaeological remains from the Bronze Age. 
  • Keepers of Historical Artifacts: No Heraklion tour can be completed without visiting the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, the Natural History Museum of Crete, and the Historical Museum of Crete.
  • Doric Architecture: The Doric structure of the Cathedral of St. Minas and Agios Titos Church still evokes reverence from centuries past.
  • Gorgeous Beaches: Make sure to visit the Malia, Matala, Hersonissos, and Agia Pelagia beaches in Heraklion. Their gorgeous aquamarine shades will soothe your soul. 
  • Delectable Cretan Cuisine: A Heraklion tour will also feature incredible and homely Cretan cuisine. Think delectable seafood prepped with olive oil and garnished with tomatoes picked off the garden. 
  • Quiet Getaway: Heraklion is quite underrated as compared to the other islands, hence if you are looking for a quiet island to unwind, Heraklion is the place for you. 

Plan Your Visit to Heraklion

Facilities
Visitor Tips
Heraklion tours
  • Guided Tours: Every historical site, like the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Knossos City, and Ruins of Koules has audio-guided tours to help you understand the essence of the city better. 
  • Photography: You can click pictures everywhere except the sections in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum that have a ‘no photograph’ sign. 
  • Wheelchair Accessible: All 27 halls of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is wheelchair accessible. There are ramps at the main entrance and you can ask for wheelchairs free of charge. The Knossos city may have stony patches where wheelchair maneuvering is difficult, however, there are guards and people there to help you through. 
  • Toilets: The first floor of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum is connected to the elevator and has wheelchair-accessible toilets. The Knossos City and Koules Fortress also have clean toilets. 
Heraklion tours
  • Choose Early Hours: It is recommended that you visit the Knossos Palace early in the morning or late afternoons, as after 11 AM, the parking areas are almost always fully booked. 
  • Comfortable Shoes: To explore the Knossos Palace, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Ruins of Koules, you have to walk a lot. Wear closed and comfortable shoes. 
  • Carry Sunscreen: There is very little shade in these historical sites. Please wear sunscreen or sunglasses, wear light clothing, or carry a hat. 
  • Opt for Guided Tours: To deeply understand the colonial history and Heraklion culture, it is best to book an audio-guided tour. You also have the option of listening to the recording after the tour is over. 
  • No Mobiles: Mobile phones are forbidden inside the Archaeological Museum. 
  • Use the Cloakroom: There is a backpack depository on the ground floor of the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, where all your bags and luggage should be deposited.  

All Your Heraklion Tours Questions Answered

Q. What is the best way to book Heraklion Day Tours?

A. Booking Heraklion Day tour tickets online is the best way to unlock great deals and discounts.

Q. Can I buy Heraklion tour tickets online?

A. Yes, you can purchase Heraklion tour tickets online.

Q. Are there discounts on Heraklion Day Tour tickets?

A. Book your Heraklion day tour tickets online to unlock great deals and discounts.

Q. How to reach Heraklion?

A. Heraklion has the second biggest airport in the city. The Iraklion airport is well connected to its city. The best way to reach the city from the airport is to take the bus from Line 6. 

Q. What is there to see in Heraklion?

A. The oldest city in Europe, Knossos city, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Ruins of Koules Fortress are some of the popular historical sites in Heraklion. 

Q. What is the best time to visit Heraklion?

A. May to June and September to October are the best time to visit Heraklion because the weather is pleasant and there is considerably less crowd than in the peak summer months. 

Q. Is Heraklion suitable for wheelchair users?

A. Heraklion is arguably the most wheelchair-friendly tourist destination. Everywhere from the Heraklion Archaeological Museum to the Koules Fortress, you will find ramps and elevators at the main entrance. 

Q. Is Heraklion worth visiting?

A. If historical ruins, gorgeous beaches, and delectable Cretan cuisine call to you, Heraklion will be one of your best trips. The city has tons of archaeological sites and gorgeous beaches to win you over. 

Q. What is the authentic Cretan experience?

A. The authentic Cretan experience also includes eating in taverns, listening to the local musicians, and the sea lapping away at the shore. Dakos, kalitsounakia, gamopilafo, and the signature Cretan Tsikoudia are some of the most delicious Cretan dishes that you must try when going on a Heraklion day tour.

Q. What are some other places nearby Heraklion?

A. Elafonissi, Gavdos, Chrissi, and Koufonisi are some other islands near Heraklion. All of them provide a gorgeous, sandy escape from the day-to-day tribulations of city life.

Q. How many days do you need to explore Heraklion?

A. Depending on your exploration zeal, you may spend three to four hours at every attraction. Three to four days is enough to explore the entire city. 

From happy customers

Nancy Henry

Nancy

Mar, 2026
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Absolutely fabulous place that's a must see in Crete! March 16 was perfect time wo lots of tourists! We never knew they discovered Neolithic items under this palace. All items found are in the Heraklion Museum. Some date bk to 8th - 7th millennium BC. Representations of Minoan art were wonderful to see. This is one of the GREATEST TREASURES of our modern world! Don't miss it!
Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets with Audio Guide
HEBERT Yann

Hebert

Oct, 2025
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+ 1 more

We downloaded the audio guides as recommended. We had no particular problems. However, the navigation information is not always very clear. It took us a while to adapt and understand how it worked. In my opinion, there weren't enough objects described by the audio guide in the museum. But it was good all the same.
View original review in French
Combo: Knossos Palace & Heraklion Archaeological Museum Tickets with Audio Guide
Dariusz Tokarski
GB

Dariusz

United Kingdom
Apr, 2026
Everything as described, online booking works well. Communication on top level . Highly recommend to avoud queue at entrance.
Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour
Martin Iburg

Martin

Jan, 2026
There is a parking lot next to the site. We were welcomed by one of the employees and the entry process is smooth. The english audioquide via key tours is a little misleading as it the routing seems to be outdated or is simply a little to short. We ended up double checking multiple of the spots the guides was talking about as we were not sure where to go next. The palace itself is an interesting location for everyone old enough to enjoy ruins and wall painting, so above 12 years according to personal interest I would say. It is a nice open place and allows a perspective on early civilization even for people with little to no history knowledge. I would recommend a visit but with a different audio guide than the one on key tours.
Knossos Palace Archaeological Site E-Ticket with Audio Tour