The best tours in Athens -an insider guide with photos

Walk in the footsteps of the ancient Greek civilization on a half-day tour to the iconic Acropolis hill and the Acropolis Museum!

On this tour, you’ll have the chance to explore the historical center of Athens and visit major archaeological sites. Your personal guide will escort you to the best landmarks and introduce you to the history of ancient Athens and ancient Greek culture. First, you’re going to visit the Acropolis hill, an international symbol of democracy. The Acropolis hill is home to many ancient buildings, the most important of which is the Parthenon, a Doric temple built in honour of goddess Athena, the patroness of the city. Other buildings you're going to visit are the Temple of Athena Nike, the Propylaea, the Erechtheum, and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus.

After a fascinating journey back in time on the sacred rock of the Acropolis, you’ll continue to the Acropolis Museum, which houses the findings of excavations carried out in the Acropolis of Athens. Entering the stunning Acropolis Museum, a magical ancient world is going to be unveiled before your eyes! Sculptures, ancient objects, figurines, weapons, and many more interesting artifacts will make you feel transported to another era.

Dive deep into the street art culture of Athens on an original walking tour full of surprises!

Are you a culture lover or an art enthusiast? Then, you’re going to love this street art tour in Athens! For this tour, you’ll join an expert guide who’ll show you the city’s most impressive graffiti artworks and introduce you to the vibrant urban scene of Athens. You’re going to visit the goldmines of street art in Athens: Keramikos, Gazi, and Psiri, three artsy districts that stand out for their hip character and sophisticated atmosphere. Of course, you’re going to take a ton of super-Instagrammable pictures along the way!

Discover the highlights of ancient and modern Athens!

This all-day tour will take you off the beaten path and introduce you to the two sides of Athens: the ancient one and the modern one. With the knowledge of your expert guide at hand, you’re going to visit the most popular downtown districts in Athens (Monastiraki, Psiri, and Plaka) as well as the Acropolis and the Ancient Agora.

During the tour, you’ll enjoy a coffee at one of the city’s most beautiful secret gardens, wander through picturesque neighborhoods, visit the Varvakios fish and meat market, drift through the aromas of the ethnic spices and herbs shops of Evripidou street, taste the yummiest traditional delicacies, snack on some of the best local products, meander through the quaint cobblestone alleys of Plaka, and enjoy an authentic Greek meal at a traditional tavern. It’s going to be a day filled with Greek culture, history, food, and tradition!

Explore the Athenian nightlife off the beaten tourist trail and embrace the local lifestyle!

Experiencing a place’s nightlife is one of the best ways to dive deeper into the local culture! Guided by a local entertainer, you’ll visit the spots where locals love hanging out and stroll through the most popular entertainment districts in Athens: Psiri, Monastiraki, and Gazi.

Along the way, you’ll try sophisticated cocktails made by talented mixologists, taste delicious Greek tapas (meze), drink traditional alcoholic beverages (ouzo, raki, etc), wander vibrant neighborhoods, dance, chat with the locals, listen to live bouzouki music, and more. One thing is for sure: You’re going to have the time of your life! Opa!

An unmissable culinary tour through the best gastronomical hot spots of Athens!

Eating where (and what) the locals eat is one of the best ways to explore a new place! On this private gastronomy tour, you’ll be introduced to the delicious secrets of the Greek cuisine and the booming food scene of Athens. A culinary expert will guide you through the city and show you all the hidden gastronomical gems! Try the food the locals love to eat, learn the secrets and cooking methods that make the Greek dishes unique, delve into culinary traditions, meet experienced local artisans, indulge in mouth-watering sweet and savoury treats. Yum!

Travel through history on a fascinating Athens mythology tour!

This is not your ordinary ‘Athens and Acropolis tour’! Unlike other similar tours, on this tour you will neither be overloaded with tons of information nor will you get bored along the way! You’ll join an expert guide and professional storyteller who will introduce you to the Ancient Greek mythology on a fascinating journey back in time.

In the company of your guide, you’ll visit the most iconic monuments of Athens, including the Olympian Zeus Temple, the Acropolis hill, the Ancient Agora, and learn about the myths related to each one of them. As you stroll through the ruins, you’re going to learn everything about the history of Athens -from the rise of the city during the Golden Age of Pericles to its downfall after the Spartan War- in a fun and interesting way!

Set sail to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina and take in the majestic scenery of the Saronic on a day cruise that's going to be a feast for your senses!

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the capital, your best bet is to set off on a sailing trip to Agistri, Moni, and Aegina. On this cruise, you’ll get to visit amazing beaches and ancient temples, see wild peacocks, snorkel, and eat delicious Greek food on board!

The greatest advantage of a sailing tour is that there will be frequent stops so that the participants can have the chance to relax, explore beautiful spots, do bike tours, and take photos of picturesque sceneries! This sailing tour starts from Marina Zeas in Athens. The first stop will be Agistri, a tiny island carpeted with lush greenery and blessed with fantastic beaches.

Here, you’ll visit a long sandy beach between Megalochori and Skala, where you’re going to swim and bask in the Greek sun. The next stop will be Moni islet, where you’ll enjoy a traditional Greek meal before jumping off the boat to snorkel and swim. Moni island may be uninhabited by humans but is densely populated by deer, goats, rabbits, and peacocks. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful plumages!

The final stop of this tour is Aegina, a Saronic island famous for its locally produced pistachios, ancient ruins, traditional houses, and flowery backyards. Here, you’ll visit the ancient temple of Aphaea, the temple of Apollo, do some shopping or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of the Saronic.

Set off on an unforgettable day trip to Cape Sounio and watch the glorious sunset from the imposing Temple of Poseidon!

  After an idyllic 50-minute ride along the coastal roads of the Athenian Riviera, you’ll arrive at Cape Sounio, where the Temple of Poseidon lies. There, you’ll meet with your guide, an experienced archaeologist, who will introduce you to the fascinating history of this Golden Age masterpiece and answer all your questions.   After you have visited the temple and taken in the majestic scenery, you’re going to enjoy a refreshing dip into the waters of the Aegean followed by a seafood meal at a seaside tavern and an afternoon cocktail. You can end the day with sunset watching at the Temple of the Poseidon or return to Athens before sunset.

Have fun on an interactive Athens Tour full of surprises and live like a local for a day!

This is a must-do tour for families and groups of friends who want to have fun and learn how to move around Athens like locals! On this fascinating tour, you’ll follow the traces that ancient goddess Athena has left throughout the city, gather clues, and unravel her myth on a super fun treasure hunt. After successfully solving the mystery of goddess Athena, she’s going to reward you for your perseverance and intelligence!

During this tour, which is excellent for kids and adults alike, you’re going to explore the city, engage in fun interactive activities, play games (clue hunting, riddle solving, crafts and, more), discover hidden gems, see archaeological sites, chat with the locals, try local delicacies, and visit traditional shops. Exciting, right?

Enjoy a cruise to the idyllic Saronic Gulf! Overload you senses with intoxicating aromas and be captivated by the vintage charm of the Saronic islands!

On this tour, you’ll visit the most beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf: Hydra, Poros, and Aegina. Departing from Marina Flisvos in Athens, you’ll sail to Hydra, the most elegant island of the Saronic island complex.

Hydra stands out for its architecture, beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and complete absence of cars. It will make you feel transported to another era! After a delicious lunch on board, you’ll sail to the island of Aegina. This island has enduring history, making it an ideal destination for sightseeing.

Besides ancient sites, Aegina also has a beautiful floating fruit and vegetable market and plenty of seaside villages to explore. The final stop of this tour from Athens will be Poros island, a tiny island that stands out for its verdant nature, quiet beaches, and picturesque main town.

A stylish shopping tour created exclusively for fashion lovers and shopping enthusiasts!

Are you ready for the ultimate designer shopping experience in Athens? During this tour, you’re going to visit Kolonaki, Syntagma, and Psyrri, the top shopping districts in Athens city center, and the best places for introducing yourself to the local fashion scene.

Escorted by an expert guide, you’ll discover the best designer boutiques in Athens, where you’ll find a wide variety of hand-made bags, accessories, jewelry, homeware, souvenirs, natural cosmetics, traditional products, and more! You’ll also have the chance to meet and chat with Greek designers, discover the lost art of loom weaving, and learn everything about the latest trends. If you love shopping or discovering new designers and fashion brands, you’re bound to love this tour!

A flavourful gastronomical journey through Greek culinary traditions and centuries-old local recipes!

Trying the local recipes is the best way to delve into the culinary culture of Athens! On this gastronomical tour, Athenian homes open their doors to welcome travelers and introduce them to Greek hospitality. Visit a traditional or contemporary home in Athens, chat with the families, and savor the hearty meal they will have prepared for you. Life doesn’t get more authentically Greek than this!

THE MENUS

1.Korina’s menu: ·Cretan Daco Bites – mini rusks with olive paste, diced tomatoes, fresh mint and a drizzle of olive oil, and; ·Cheesy Feta Parcels - feta cheese wrapped in filo pastry, fried and drizzled with honey and black sesame seeds. ·Lahanosalata (Greek cabbage salad): a fusion approach of the Greek “coleslaw” with shredded white cabbage, grated carrots, thinly sliced fennel bulb, poppy seeds, herbs and a rich dressing of olive oil and lemon juice. ·Giouvetsi: Traditional Greek beef stew with orzo pasta. Oven baked juicy meat (choice of beef or chicken) in a bed of tomato orzo, served with feta crumbles. An amazing Greek casserole and a typical Greek comfort food for family meals. ·Ravani – soft, sweet semolina cake soaked in lemony syrup and served with a scoop of kaimaki (wild orchid and mastic ice-cream). ·Red or white wine ·Αpple geranium apéritif ·Rakomelo (tsikoudia boiled with honey, cinnamon & cloves) ·Coffee or selection of Greek herb teas

2. Lena’s menu: ·Tzatziki - traditional Greek yogurt-based dip flavored with vinegar, garlic and crisp cucumbers, and; ·Roasted Feta Cheese - oven baked, topped with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, chopped Greek olives, a hint of parsley and a drizzle of olive oil. ·Classic Greek salad - Juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, sliced red onion, green peppers, feta cheese and Greek olives with oregano/olive oil dressing ·Moussaka - the ultimate Greek dish, layers of sliced eggplant and minced beef in tomato sauce, topped with cheesy béchamel sauce. Its vegetarian option, with mushrooms instead of minced meat, is also an unforgettable experience! ·Ryzogalo - A traditional creamy rice pudding flavored with vanilla or with mastic gum from Chios ·Red wine or Ouzo, an anise-flavored drink and a staple of Greek culture ·Coffee or tea

3. Marina’s & Spyros menu: ·An assortment of Greek meat-free fritters (zucchini, eggplant, tomato, spinach, leek or potato) served with tzatziki sauce, and; ·Greek Spicy Feta Cheese Dip “Tirokafteri” ·Juicy Greek salad on top of crispy barley rusks (a feast of colours and aromas with tomatoes, cucumbers, Kalamata olives, onions & feta cheese) ·Herb marinated lamb chops with rosemary and thyme glazed in a thick mustard - grape must - balsamic sauce served with par-boiled roasted potatoes with a golden crispy semolina coating ·Light and creamy Greek yogurt lemon mousse dressed with various toppings of your choice (nuts, honey, spoon sweets and/or biscuits) ·White or red wine from indigenous grape varieties ·Fresh (unpasteurized) Greek beer ·Coffee or herbal tea ·Mastiha liqueur, a local after-meal drink ·Psimeni raki, a traditional drink from the island of Amorgos

See the best that Athens nightlife has to offer and discover the best LGBTQ-friendly hot spots!

Experience an unforgettable night out in the city where anything can happen: Athens! On this LGBTQ+ night tour, you’ll discover the best gay and lesbian-friendly places in Athens escorted by a local gay guide. You’re going to explore the 3 most LGBTQ-friendly districts in Athens (Agia Eirini, Gazi, and Keramikos), visit the best cafes and bars in town, meet other members of the LGBTQ+ community, chat with them, hang out with the locals, make new friends, try a selection of drinks, and savor a traditional Greek tapas (meze) meal. It's going to be a night to remember!

An excursion to Athens Riviera exclusively created for culture seekers and sea lovers!

This private tour will start at the stunning Stavros Niarchos Foundation, a newly constructed cultural center designed by the world-famous architect Renzo Piano. This environmentally-friendly center houses the National Library, the National Opera, as well as several art exhibitions, so it’s an absolute must-visit for culture lovers!

At the huge and verdant outdoor space of SNFCC, many events take place on a daily basis, from yoga classes to concerts, while the iconic 400 meters-long canal hosts weekly kayaking and sailing lessons. A private guide will take you on a tour around the Stavros Niarchos Foundation cultural center and show you the best there is to see (and do)! After the tour, you’ll refuel with a picnic at the park of SNFCC and visit the gift shop for some shopping.