Athens Kolonaki

Folk Art Museum, Kydatheneon 17 (☎210 32 29 031), Located at the top of one of Athens' most touristy streets, the Folk Art Museum is among the best collections of authentic Greek culture in Athens. Native garb, ancient tools, and beautiful photographs immortalize a culture that is less than evident among Plaka's many tourist shops. Be sure to stop on the second floor of the museum to see the Theofilos room, which showcases a mural that was formerly located in a house in Lesvos. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
The Jewish Museum of Greece, Nikis 39 (☎210 32 25 582; www.jewishmuseum.gr), Founded in 1977, this Jewish museum feels more like a religious education center than a history museum because it explains the different religious artifacts and their roles in services rather than just Jewish history. The spiral design allows visitors to move smoothly through the displays of old scrolls and kiddush cups as well as some very fermented wine. Does not take credit cards. No wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Benaki Museum of Islamic Art, 22 Ag. Asomaton and 12 Diylou (☎210 32 51 311; www.benaki.gr), Designed with clean, grey marble for its opening in 2004, this spacious museum divides its many holdings by era, beginning with the oldest items on the first floor and ascending into more recent artifacts. Pressed for time? Don't miss the third floor, where an impressive reception room was transplanted from its original home in a 17th-century Cairo mansion. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.
Byzantine Museum, Vas. Sofias 22 (☎213 21 39 500; www.byzantinemuseum.gr), This sandy-colored museum's design funnels visitors through the one-way exhibits that feature everything from gold earrings to knight's chain mail to old books hand-copied by monks. The collection of over 30,000 items from the 3rd to 20th century CE is extensive, making this museum long-winded. If you love Byzantine history, this museum is bound to impress; if not, the museum may be a slight bore—chain mail aside. Does not take credit cards. Wheelchair access. Has air conditioning.