Heraklion Sightseeing | Book the Best City Tours & Tickets in Heraklion
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- Skip 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
- Skip-the-line entry tickets to to Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Exclusions
- Hotel transfer
- Personal expenses
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum Ticket & 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 skip-the-line access and 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
- Food and drinks
- Transfers and transportation
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Heraklion: Archaeological Museum & Knossos Ticket with Audio Tours
- With this smart combo, experience two of the top archaeological attractions of Crete – the Heraklion Archaeological Museum and the Knossos Palace.
- With skip-the-line access and an English or German audio guide to download onto your smartphone at both the Museum and Palace, explore the deep history and artifacts of these attractions at your own pace.
- The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is one of the most famous museums in Europe, home to the most priceless pieces of Minoan history and art.
- 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.
- The Knossos Palace is one of the oldest and most luxurious palaces in the world with impressive ruins and the brightly-colored frescoes.
- Explore the corridors of King Minos’ Palace and the South Propylaeum, depicting the activities of everyday life.
- Gaze out onto the imposing view of Mount Juktas from the South Entrance Corridor and learn about ritualism and pastoral life in Minoan Crete.
- Your in-depth audio guides will share more than 160 stories, anecdotes, and information that can be repeated even after your visit.
Inclusions
- Skip-the-line entry ticket for the Heraklion Archaeological Museum + self-guided English audio tour
- Skip-the-line entry ticket for Knossos Palace + self-guided English or German audio tour
- Offline content for both audio tours (text, audio narration, and maps)
- Valid for 3 days (only one visit per site is allowed in the 3-day period)
Exclusions
- Live Guide
- Smartphone and headphones
- Food and drinks
- Hotel transfers and transportation
- App is incompatible with Windows phones
- Download your ticket(s) and audio tour while on WiFi prior to your visit. There's no WiFi/4G available on site.
- Ensure that your smartphone is fully charged and be sure to carry your headphones/earphones.
- Audio tour is available to download only on iOS and Android.
- Carry a photo ID such as a passport, government ID, or a driver’s license.
- Free/reduced admission tickets don’t have skip-the-line privileges and can only be acquired at the ticket booth on-site at both attractions.
- These are self-guided audio tours: there's no live guide or meeting point.
- Live Guide
- Smartphone and headphones
- Food and drinks
- Hotel transfers and transportation
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Knossos: Skip-the-line Ticket and Audio Tour on Your Phone
- Explore the oldest and most luxurious palace in the world, the Knossos Palace, by skipping the line, and at your own pace by indulging yourself in immersive storytelling through your audio guide.
- Download the audio tour and the map of the site on your phones and relive the past as you plug in your headphones and move across the palace as you discover fascinating facts about it.
- Relive the past and explore the evocative setting with impressive ruins and the brightly-colored frescoes.
- Meander through the corridors of King Minos’ palace and discover the South Propylaeum which depicts the activities of everyday life.
- Understand the Minoan economy and trade networks that supported the palace organizations at the West Magazines.
- Gaze out on the imposing view of Mount Juktas from the South Entrance Corridor and learn about ritualism and pastoral life in Minoan Crete.
Inclusions
- Adult entry ticket to the Knossos Palace
- Skip-the-line service
- Self-guided audio tour in English, French, and German on your smartphone (Android & iOS)
- An activation link to access your audio tour
- Offline content (text, audio narration, and maps) to avoid roaming charges
Exclusions
- Live Guide
- Smartphone or headphones
- Meal inclusions
- Hotel transfers
- Download the ticket(s) and audio tour while on WiFi prior to your visit - no WiFi/4G available on site
- Ensure that your smartphone is fully charged and be sure to carry your headphones/earphones
- Audio tour is available in English, French, and German. It can be downloaded on iOS and Android.
- Photo ID required to carry: Passport, government ID, and Drivers’ license
- You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
Why Visit Heraklion?
- 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.
Your Heraklion Tour Tickets Explained
Entry Tickets
- Book the Heraklion Archaeological Museum entry ticket in advance to secure your spot and skip ahead long queues.
- Explore the collected history of almost 5000 years and learn about the complicated colonial history of Crete. It houses ancient remnants and historical artifacts from several powers like Byzantine, Turkish, and Venetial rulers that left their mark in Crete.
- Marvel at precious Minoan artifacts, ‘Phaistos Disk’, and the ‘Snake Goddess’ for a deeper insight into Cretan history when touring the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
- Book your Heraklion museum entry tickets to explore the ‘Golden Bee’ pendant, ‘Stone Bull’s Head Rhyton’, ‘King Mino’s Ring’, ‘Bull-Leaping’ fresco, ‘Ladies in Blue’, and other Minoan relics.
Recommended Tours: - Heraklion Archaeological Museum Entry Ticket
Entry+Audio Guided Tickets
- Book the Entry+Audio ticket to skip long lines and marvel at the Minoan artifacts in the Heraklion Archaeological Museum.
- The museum Entry+Audio ticket comes with an English audio guide to be downloaded into your smartphone. The audio includes historical facts and 80+ anecdotes and you can listen to it even after the tour is over.
- Your in-depth Knossos audio guide will share 160 stories and facts about the Cretan pastoral way of life as you explore the ancient ruins.
- ‘Prince of the Lilies’, ‘King Mino’s Ring’, and ‘Stone Bull’s Head Rhyton’ are some marvels that you must explore within the museum.
Recommended Tours: - Heraklion: Archaeological Museum & Knossos Ticket with Audio Tours
- Heraklion: Archaeological Museum Ticket and Audio Guide
Skip the Line Tickets
- Book the Skip the Line Knossos tickets to skip ahead long queues and discover the most important political center of the Cretan realm.
- Download the map and get the audio recording on your smartphone before the visit, as the ruins have no Wi-Fi. Meander through the Knossos Palace as you unlock fascinating facts about it.
- It is a must to carry your Photo ID, Government ID, and driver’s license when you explore the Knossos ruins.
- The Knossos palace is dotted with almost 1000 remains and ancient murals that demand your attention. Make sure to visit King Mino’s throne which is still intact within the ruins.
Recommended Tours: - Skip the Line Knossos Palace Archaeological Site Tickets
- Knossos: Skip the Line ticket and Audio Tour on Your Phone
Super Flexible Cancellation Policy
Enjoy a Super Flexible Cancellation Policy with your Heraklion: Knossos and Archaeological Museum Entry tickets and Audio-Guided tickets by booking them online. You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund. For more information, make sure to check your details before purchasing.
Heraklion Tour Highlights
Remains of Knossos
The Minoan Palace of Knossos, roughly established around 2000 BC is built with four wings and features a huge central courtyard. The drainage system, intricate furniture, and striking ritual halls are a must-visit. There are also some over-imaginative 20th-century renovations and replications of frescoes on display.
Fortress of Koules
Situated on a prominent spot along the Venetian harbors, the Koules fortress is a rich, cultural landmark of Heraklion. The scenic walk from the shoreline to its wide, wooden doors and its 26 rooms filled with historical artifacts, amphora, war relics, and stone carvings are the biggest highlights of a Heraklion day tour.
Old Town
Heraklion is built from the sea centering around the harbors. The Venetian harbors marked by their stone archways and massive facades are reminiscent of the olden days. Old Town stretches across these harbors, giving way to aristocratic buildings, towering churches, boutiques, and a long chain of seafood restaurants.
Venetian Loggia
The Venetian Loggia is one of the finest Heraklion monuments that served as a discussion hall for Venetian aristocrats in the olden days. Presently, it functions as the Town Hall of Heraklion. The Doric structure was threatened during the Turkish invasions and the Second World War, but its renovation has been immaculate.
Cathedral of St. Minas
Dedicated to the patron saint of Heraklion, the Old City, this towering 19th-century structure is a popular tourist attraction. The detailed iconography on its walls, open square yard in front, glittering interiors, dazzling candlesticks, and the fresco of Christ Pantocrator on its Dome makes it a beautiful sight to behold.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Spanning over 5500 years of history, the museum artifacts are spread over 27 galleries. The Heraklion Archaeological Museum contains 3500-year-old frescoes from Knossos namely Prince of the Lillies and Bull-leaping, a ceramic image called the Snake Goddess from 1600 BC, a clay disk from 100 BC, and several other relics.
Historical Museum of Crete
Heraklion had many rulers in the olden days. The Historical Museum of Crete contains almost 1700 years of documented history from the Byzantine, Venetian, and Turkish occupations to the Second World War. Two of its most famous paintings are the image of St. Minai and St. Catherine’s monastery and Christ’s Baptism.
Natural History Museum of Crete
The earthquake and tsunami stimulator make it one of the best activities to do with children on a Heraklion day tour. The Natural History Museum of Crete has an entire floor dedicated to stuffed animals that live around the Mediterranean region and several other ancient Greek artifacts.
Agios Titos Church
With huge palm trees near its entrance, the Agios Titos Church is hard to miss. Originally established in the 10th century, the Church suffered the ravages of time, earthquakes, and wars. The present leafy outdoors, glittering chandeliers, and nearby cafe tables are reconstructions done during the 19th century.
Morosini Lions Fountain
An indulging spot for youngsters at night and an unmissable part of any Heraklion day tour, the Morosini Lions fountain is situated in the center of Old Town Heraklion. In the olden days, it was linked to a 14kn aqueduct that drew water from Mt. Juktas and supplied water to the town residents.
Nikos Kazantzakis Museum
The Nikos Kazantzakis Museum is one of the finest personal literary museums in Greece. It highlights the literary achievements of the Cretan writer, Nikos Kazantzakis, who had been nominated 9 times for the Nobel Prize in Literature. It makes for a delightful Heraklion tour experience.
Arolithos Museum
Head to the Arolithos village to experience the most authentic Cretan interiors and delectable cuisine. The Arolithos Museum of Rural History and Folk Craft had been established to ensure that the young generation does not forget their roots amidst external influences and cosmopolitan endeavors.
Plan Your Visit to Heraklion
- November to March: 9 AM to 3 PM
- April to October: 8 AM to 7 PM (weekdays) and until 3 PM on weekends
- Wednesday to Monday: 8 AM to 6:30 PM
- Closed: Tuesdays
- Wednesday to Monday: 8 AM to 8 PM
- Tuesday: 10 AM to 8 PM
Address: Feidiu 8, Iraklio 714 09, Greece
Address: Heraklion 712 02, Greece (entrance of the Old Fort of Heraklion)
Address: Xanthoudis and, Chatzidaki 1, Iraklio 712 02, Greece
- 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.
- 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
A. Booking Heraklion Day tour tickets online is the best way to unlock great deals and discounts.
A. Yes, you can purchase Heraklion tour tickets online.
A. Book your Heraklion day tour tickets online to unlock great deals and discounts.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.