Best Walking Tours in Athens
The best walking tours in Athens bring out the many “souls” of the Greek capital. There are food, photography, history, street art and nightlife adventures to plan for and much more.
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This post has been updated in February 2020
Best Walking Tours in Athens
I recently wrote a Lonely Planet News article about the growing number of Athens city walking tours being offered these days. Tours here take you to hipster bars, ancient sights, get you walking and talking about politics, have you dancing, partying, cooking or shooting photos with National Geographic published photographers — proof that Athens has evolved into a city of amazing tour experiences.
That wasn’t always the case. The first walking tour, led by Athens Walking Tours, was completed in 2004 with the coming of the Olympic Games. Today, there are dozens of walking tour companies operating in Athens. Thanks to the itineraries crafted by each of these companies, visitors can choose from more than 200 different kinds of themed tours.
How do you choose from all of the options? Well, it’s pretty easy. It all depends what you are into. Athens has thousands of years of history behind it and lots of character and equates to experiences for any traveler.
If you are into art, food, dancing or museums, you’ll find a tour just right for you. Also consider that in recent years, even amid the country’s headlining economic hardships, Athens is more artistic, determined and gutsy than ever.
Here’s a list of some of the best walking tours in Athens.
For the Foodie – Foodie Walking Tours in Athens
Greek Cooking Class and Downtown Dinner -Learn how to cook a four-course meal at a half-day cooking class in the historic heart of Athens.
Original Gourmet Food Tour of Athens – On this tour you will be introduced to the Greek food culture and taste superb Greek pastries, wine, cheese and salamis.
Food and Wine Tasting Tour at night: On this local’s insider food tour of Athens you will get to enjoy the hidden bars and family run tavernas where the locals go.
Athens Winery Tour – Greece has amazing wines. While you are in Athens, discover them for yourself. Go on a tasting of Greek wines with a local wine expert.
Here are more great food tour options:
For Families – Family Friendly Walking Tours in Athens
Four-Hour Tour: Ancient Athens for Kids – This child-friendly walking tour gets your little ones taking part in exciting activities including a fantastic treasure hunt through Athenian neighborhoods.
For History and Archaeology Lovers – History Buff Walking Tours in Athens
The Mythology Tour – Isn’t Greek mythology fascinating? Well, this tour ties in those amazing Greek myths to the fantastic archaeological sites of Athens. You can check out my full review here.
Acropolis and National Museum Private Tour -This is a tour designed for museum lovers. These are two of my favorite museums in the city.
Athens Acropolis and Museum Private Tour – Take this private tour to explore the archaeological site itself and the gorgeous ancient marbles and artifacts dug up from the site that are displayed with pride and elegance in the nearby museum.
For Local Flavor – Local Culture Walking Tours in Athens
Private Authentic Nightlife Tour of Athens – Athens comes alive at night like no other European capital. This tour shows off Athenian culture of drinking and gets you socializing in the city’s latest hotspots.
Athens at Twilight Night Tour – Watch the sunset over, see illuminated ancient sights and stop at three different bars.
Athens Alternative Neighborhoods Walking Tour – This tour takes you through the center of Athens where you’ll explore hidden corners with a local.
For Creatives – Artistic Minded Walking Tours in Athens
If you love photography, opt for the Athens Instagram Tour: The Most Scenic Spots. A local will lead you to the best places for the best shot opportunities and you’ll discover just how beautiful Athens really is in the process.
Street art tours in Athens traverse the sometimes dodgy, hipster and graffitied areas of the city for a look at Athens as Europe’s new street art mecca. Consider the Athens Three-Hour Street Art Tour
Check out my full review here.
Best Private Tour
Athens Full-Day PrivateTour – This eight-hour tour unveils Athens from ancient to modern. You’ll gain an incredible understanding of the city with your private guide.
There are also walking tours where you won’t be walking the whole time which makes the whole city break experience that much more fun. Take a city tour with a…
Bike – Athens Bike Tours
Three-Hour City Bike Tour – Bike around Athens on an eco-friendly bike and cycle at a relaxed pace on a three-hour sightseeing tour.
Segway – Athens Segway Tours
Three-Hour Grand Tour by Segway – Combine a Segway tour with a walking tour to dive deep into the history and culture of this beautiful, historic area.
Scooter – Athens Trikke Tour
Complete Small Group Tour by Trikke – Exploring sights the fun way — by electric Trikke scooter. Check out my review here.
Dancing – Learn to Greek Dance in Athens
Greek Folk Dancing Lesson with Dinner– Spend an evening learning to swing and sway to the lively sounds of traditional Greek folk music
As you can see, there are so many ways to “walk” Athens and get a taste of the culture, sights, sounds and highlights.
Have you ever taken a fantastic walking tour during your travels?
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