National Library (Vallianeion)

The basics

Set in a striking building designed by Danish architect Theophil Hansen—the architect behind the Athenian Trilogy that also includes the University of Athens and the Academy of Athens—Greece’s National Library figures on many Athens sightseeing tours by day or night. Join a private or small-group walking, bike, or tuk-tuk tour to take in this grand library sculpted from Pentelic marble with a guide, or visit independently with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour of the city. Note that tours stop to admire the library from the outside; access to the collection is limited to academic researchers.

Things to know before you go

• The library’s collection is not open to the general public, but the elegant facade and entry hall with sweeping staircase offers a great photo op for fans of neoclassical architecture.
• Be sure to wear sunblock and a hat if touring Athen’s highlights on foot or by bike, especially in the scorching summer months.
• The National Library can be approached via wheelchair, but the entrance requires climbing one of the two soaring staircases.

How to get there

The National Library of Greece is located on Panepistimiou Street in central Athens, just steps from the Panepistimio metro station on line M2. Take the metro from locations across the city, or join a hop-on-hop-off bus tour or guided walking, bike, or tuk-tuk tour to admire the library as part of a wider itinerary.

When to get there

The library is open Monday through Saturday, with early afternoon closing times on Friday and Saturday. Keep in mind that the collections are not open to the general public, but you can take a quick peek at the atrium and its dramatic staircase during opening hours. Athens by night tours pass the National Library after sunset to admire its neoclassical facade theatrically lit.

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center

The lion’s share of the National Library’s collection is now located at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center, a contemporary cultural hub designed by architect Renzo Piano and set above Faliron Bay. In addition to the library collection, the Cultural Center houses the Greek National Opera and hosts a number of art and music events and exhibitions during the year.