Heraklion Archaeological MuseumvsThe Palace of Knossos
Both Heraklion Archaeological Museum and The Palace of Knossos are rated very highly by experts. On balance, The Palace of Knossos scores slightly higher than Heraklion Archaeological Museum. The Palace of Knossos has a TripExpert Score of 95 with accolades from 4 publications including Michelin Guide, Lonely Planet and Frommer's.
Heraklion Archaeological Museum
Fodor's
Frommer's Frommer's
Lonely Planet
U.S. News & World Report Frommer's
Xanthoudidou St, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Fodor's "Standing in a class of its own, this museum guards practically all of the Minoan treasures uncovered in the legendary excavations of the Palace of Knossos and other monuments of Minoan civilization." Full review
Frommer's "Many of the most spectacular objects are from Knossos; the rest, from other sites on the island." Full review
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To avoid the tour groups in high season, plan to visit very early, late in the day, or on Sunday.
Frommer's "The world’s greatest museum of Minoan art exhibits many of the finds from the Palace of Knossos and other monuments of the Minoan civilization that thrived in Crete some 4,000 years ago." Full review
Lonely PlanetTop choice
"Reopened in 2014 after a long renovation, the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion is Crete’s outstanding jewel." Full review
U.S. News & World Report8.0
"The Heraklion Archaeological Museum is a must-see in Crete — and all of Greece, even — for its extensive collection of Minoan art." Full review
Frommer's "The world’s greatest museum of Minoan art exhibits many of the finds from the Palace of Knossos and other monuments of the Minoan civilization that thrived in Crete some 4,000 years ago" Full review
The Palace of Knossos Fodor's Lonely Planet
Michelin Guide U.S. News & World Report Frommer's
Knossos, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
From $0/night
Fodor's "This most amazing of archaeological sites once lay hidden beneath a huge mound hemmed in by low hills." Full review
Lonely Planet Top Choice
"Crete’s most famous historical attraction is the Palace of Knossos, the grand capital of Minoan Crete, located 5km south of Iraklio." Full review
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To beat the crowds and avoid the heat, get to Knossos early before tour buses arrive, or later in the afternoon when it's cooler, though budget several hours.
Michelin Guide 2 Stars
"Its courtyards, corridors, rooms and stairways excavated and partly reconstructed by Sir Arthur Evans, Knossos is the most important Minoan palace; this is also Greece's earliest city." Full review
U.S. News & World Report4.0
"A labyrinth of massive columns and beautiful frescoes, the Palace of Knossos is a testament to the sophistication of the Minoan civilization that disappeared sometime in the 14th century." Full review
Frommer's "This is one of the great archaeological sites of the world, yet until Arthur Evans began excavating in 1900, little was known about the ancient people who inhabited it." Full review
