Tours and Excursions inAthens

65 tours found
Duration
10 hours
4.8395415472779372443
Duration
4 hours
4.845911949685535318
Duration
10 hours
4.7849872773536894786
Duration
2 days
4.765903307888041393
Duration
4 hours
4.68135593220339295
Duration
3.5 hours
4.882198952879581382
Athens Airport Arrival Private Transfer
Duration
45 minutes
4.9155629139072845302
Athens Private Day Tour: From Athens to Poseidon
Duration
10 hours
59
Athens Private Tour: Cape Sounio Half Day Tour
Duration
4 hours
54

About Athens

Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, blends ancient history with modern life. The city's streets are a living museum, where every corner reveals stories from thousands of years ago. 

Imagine wandering through ancient ruins, exploring lively markets, and taste local delicacies, all under the iconic Acropolis. This unique atmosphere makes Athens a must-visit destination for history buffs, culture lovers, and enthusiasts travelers. 

To truly immerse yourself in all that Athens has to offer, guided tours provide an ideal solution. They offer a well-organized experience, ensuring you don't miss out on any of the city's rich history, artistic heritage, and culinary delights.

There is a wide range of available Athens tours, providing a variety of interests, ensuring there's something for everyone. Photography enthusiasts can capture stunning cityscapes and ancient monuments, while history amateurs could dig deeply into Greece's rich past. 

Food lovers can indulge in gastronomic tours, sampling traditional Greek cuisine, Mediterranean diet and local eateries, and art aficionados can explore Athens from ancient marvels to contemporary art wonders. 

No matter what you're passionate about, there's a tour in Athens that will enrich your experience of this fascinating city and make your visit unforgettable.

Why choose a guided tour in Athens?

When planning a trip to a city as historically dense as Athens, you will have those questions: “Where to start?”, “What to see?”, “How to avoid the tourist traps?” Guided tours take the stress out of planning, providing expert knowledge and a structured itinerary that ensures you make the most of your time. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who bring the city's history and culture to life, offering travel blogging insights that you might miss if exploring on your own.

For those who value tourist safety, comfort tips and accessibility options, guided tours are an excellent choice. They cater to your needs, whether it's providing comfortable transportation, ensuring the tour is accessible for all participants, or simply offering a relaxed pace that allows you to enjoy your surroundings without feeling rushed, all of this discovering the best photography spots and social media check-in. This is particularly beneficial for travelers with health concerns or mobility issues, who can rest assured that their comfort is a priority.

Moreover, guided tours offer a deeper understanding of Athens city. Guides provide context and stories with personal anecdotes and historical facts that turn the city's landmarks into meaningful experiences. You'll learn more than expected of Athens' rich history and culture. This depth of knowledge will enhance your appreciation of the city, making your visit more enriching and memorable.

Main attractions in Athens

  1. The Acropolis: The heart of ancient Athens, the Acropolis is home to the Parthenon, a symbol of classical Greece and an architectural marvel.
  2. The Acropolis Museum: Located at the foot of the Acropolis, this museum houses artifacts from the Acropolis site, offering a comprehensive view of its historical significance.
  3. The Parthenon: An ancient temple on the Acropolis of Athens, Greece, dedicated to the goddess Athena. It is a prime example of Doric architecture and symbolizes ancient Greek civilization. It stands as a testament to Greece's historical and architectural heritage.
  4. The Ancient Agora: Once the center of public life in Athens, the Agora is an archaeological site where you can explore ancient temples and learn about the city's democratic past.
  5. The National Archaeological Museum: This museum boasts one of the richest collections of ancient Greek art and artifacts, spanning several millennia.
  6. Plaka Old Town: Known as the "Neighborhood of the Gods", Plaka's charming streets are lined with neoclassical architecture, shops, and tavernas.
  7. Temple of Olympian Zeus: Although only a few columns remain, this temple was once one of the largest in ancient Greece.
  8. Syntagma Square: The central square of Athens, home to the Greek Parliament and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
  9. Mount Lycabettus: Offers a panoramic view of the city and is a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts.

The most recommended tours to do in Athens

  • Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum TourThese day tours provide an in-depth exploration of the Acropolis, offering historical insights and spectacular views.
  • Ancient Agora Walking Tour: Discover the heart of ancient Athens and learn about its role in the development of democracy.
  • Plaka Old Town Walking Tour: Wander through the picturesque streets of Athens' oldest neighborhoods, soaking in the charming atmosphere.
  • National Archaeological Museum Tour: Explore Greece's most significant archaeological collection with an expert guide.
  • Athens Street Art Tour: Discover the contemporary side of Athens through its vibrant street art and graffiti scene.
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch Tour: Explore these ancient ruins and learn about their historical significance.

What are the best getaways and excursions from Athens?

  • Cape Sounion - The Temple of Poseidon: an hour's drive from Athens, this site offers stunning views of the Aegean Sea and a glimpse into ancient Greek religion.
  • Delphi: a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered the center of the world in ancient Greek mythology. It's known for the Temple of Apollo and its oracle.
  • Olympia: the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games, featuring impressive ruins like the Temple of Zeus and the original Olympic stadium.
  • Mycenae: a key ancient city in the northeastern Peloponnese, famous for its massive cyclopean walls, the Lion Gate, and royal tombs, and is deeply linked to Greek mythology and Homeric epics.
  • Epidaurus: renowned for its well-preserved ancient theater with exceptional acoustics, was a major center for worship and healing dedicated to Asclepius, the god of medicine.
  • Poros: a serene escape with its charming neoclassical architecture and beautiful beaches.
  • Hydra: a car-free island famous for its well-preserved architecture, picturesque harbor, and serene atmosphere, just a short ferry ride from Athens.
  • Aegina: a nearby island known for its beautiful beaches, ancient temple of Aphaia, and vibrant pistachio markets.
  • Meteora: known for its stunning monasteries perched atop rock pillars, offering breathtaking views and a sense of spiritual tranquility


 

Thing to do in Athens

Acropolis & Parthenon Admission Ticket with Optional Audio Guide

Acropolis & Parthenon Admission Ticket with Optional Audio Guide

Admission Ticket for National Archaeological Museum with Optional Audio Guide

Admission Ticket for National Archaeological Museum with Optional Audio Guide

Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum with optional audio guides

Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum with optional audio guides

Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum with optional audio guides

Admission Ticket for Acropolis Museum with optional audio guides

Alexander the Great: Pella-Edessa-Naoussa full day tour from Thessaloniki

Alexander the Great: Pella-Edessa-Naoussa full day tour from Thessaloniki

Athens Private Tour: Parthenon & National Archaeological Museum Half Day Tour

Athens Private Tour: Parthenon & National Archaeological Museum Half Day Tour

FAQ

The ideal number of days to stay in Athens depends on your interests and how much time you have, but generally, a stay of 3 to 4 days is recommended to fully explore the city. This allows enough time to visit the main historical sites like the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, and Acropolis Museum, as well as enjoy the vibrant neighborhoods like Plaka and Monastiraki. If you're also interested in day trips to nearby sites such as Delphi, Cape Sounion, or Sounion, an additional day would be ideal. A 3-4 day stay gives you the perfect balance of exploring Athens’ rich history, culture, and local life.

Athens is generally considered a safe city for tourists, with many areas being well-patrolled and welcoming. Popular neighborhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki, Syntagma, and Kolonaki are typically very safe, offering both historical attractions and vibrant local life. However, like any major city, there are areas where you should exercise extra caution, particularly at night.

Omonia Square and certain parts of Exarchia have a reputation for being less safe, especially after dark, due to higher rates of petty crime or social unrest. It's advisable to be cautious in these areas and avoid wandering alone late at night.

In general, maintaining common sense safety practices—such as keeping an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas—will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in Athens.

Athens has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Summer temperatures (June to August) can reach 35-40°C (95-104°F), with plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities but potentially too hot for some visitors. Spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) offer pleasant weather with average temperatures, making these the best seasons to visit for comfortable sightseeing.

Winter (November to March) in Athens is mild. While it’s the off-season with fewer tourists, it can be a good time to explore museums and historical sites without crowds, though occasional rain showers can occur.

Overall, spring and fall are the most popular times to visit for great weather and fewer tourists.

Yes, Athens is a family-friendly destination with plenty to offer visitors of all ages. Children can enjoy exploring the Acropolis Museum, which has interactive exhibits and child-friendly activities. The National Garden provides a great place for kids to run around, while the Attica Zoological Park and Allou! Fun Park offer more entertainment for younger visitors. The city's ancient sites, like the Acropolis and Temple of Olympian Zeus, also provide engaging learning experiences for families interested in history.

Athens' public transportation is generally accessible for families with strollers, and there are many cafes and restaurants that cater to children’s tastes. Overall, Athens offers a mix of culture, history, and entertainment that makes it a great destination for families.

The public transportation system in Athens is generally reliable, efficient, and widely used by both locals and tourists. It consists of the metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, which are all well-connected and provide good coverage of the city and surrounding areas.

The Athens Metro is particularly reliable and one of the most efficient ways to travel within the city, with modern trains, air conditioning, and regular schedules. It connects key areas like the city center, the Acropolis, and Piraeus, and has a direct line to Athens International Airport.

Buses and trams are also convenient options, though they can be slower due to traffic, especially during peak hours. Buses cover a wider area than the metro, reaching neighborhoods that are not served by the underground system. Trams are a great way to travel along the coast and can be a pleasant ride in good weather.

Overall, the public transport system is safe, affordable, and a good way to get around Athens, though it can get crowded during rush hours. Timetables are usually adhered to, and mobile apps and ticketing systems make it easy to navigate and plan your routes.

There are several convenient options for getting from Athens Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) to the city center:

  • Metro: The Metro Line 3 (Blue Line) connects the airport to the city center in about 40 minutes. The metro station is located directly below the airport.
  • Airport Bus: Several express buses operate between the airport and key areas in Athens. The X95 bus is the most popular route, taking you to Syntagma Square in approximately 40-60 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses run 24/7, with departures every 30 minutes.
  • Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the airport terminal. The ride to the city center typically takes around 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic. The fare is fixed at approximately €38-€45 during the day and €54-€60 at night (from midnight to 5 am).
  • Private Transfer: You can pre-arrange a private transfer, which offers door-to-door service and may be more comfortable, especially with luggage or a group.

All these options offer different levels of convenience and price, depending on your preferences and budget.

For shopping in Athens, Ermou Street is great for international brands and department stores. Plaka offers unique souvenirs, traditional crafts, and jewelry. For luxury shopping, head to Kolonaki, with high-end boutiques and designer labels. The Monastiraki Flea Market is perfect for antiques, vintage items, and eclectic finds. For top designer brands, visit Voukourestiou Street. Each area provides a different shopping experience, catering to various tastes and budgets.

 

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