As the capital of modern Greece and the center of Ancient Greek society, Athens is one of the cradles of European civilization. The contemporary city is filled with ancient landmarks, sumptuous cuisine, and vibrant culture, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Tours are a great way to experience the many faces of Athens, allowing you to experience both the historical side of the city as well as modern Greek culture. You can experience Athens as a local, or skip the line at some of the most popular tourist attractions.
These are the 15 best tours you can take in Athens.
1. Delphi Day Trip from Athens
Source: Anastasios71 / shutterstockDelphi was a sacred site to the Ancient Greeks, and this tour takes you on a day trip from Athens.
You will be able to visit the ruins of an Ancient Greek theatre, as well as the Temple of Apollo – the God of Music. A stop in Arachova is included, where you can get picturesque views over the Greek countryside.
At Delphi, you will have access to the archaeological site and the museum, full of Ancient Greek treasures. For an additional fee, you can also include a traditional Greek lunch.
2. Hammam and Sparkling Wine Experience
Source: getyourguide.comOriginally from Turkey, Hammam’s are traditional spas that are also popular across Greece.
This is an excellent experience if you are looking to unwind during your trip to Athens. You will enjoy a steam bath, full body exfoliation, and traditional bathing ritual, accompanied with oriental tea and Turkish delight.
After your hammam experience, you can also sip on two complimentary glasses of Greek sparkling wine – the perfect accompaniment to your spa time.
3. The Greek Street Food Discovery in Athens
Source: getyourguide.comGreek food is varied and plentiful, with plenty of flavors and smells to tantalize your palate. This tour takes you to the hidden corners of Greek gastronomy, beginning with a trip around a local market.
At the market, you can pick up traditional spices and ingredients to take home and make your versions of your favorite dishes.
You will also visit off-the-beaten-path tavernas, where you can sample Greek mezes, wine, and ouzo. Dietary restrictions can also be catered for if you notify the guide in advance.
4. Athens After Sunset 2-Hour Highlights Tour by E-Bike
Source: getyourguide.comThe city comes alive after dark, and this tour is a great way to sample the vibrant atmosphere across Athens.
You are provided with an e-bike, allowing you to travel between locations with ease quickly. You will marvel at the excellent views from the Hill of Nymphs, and taken deep into the Athenian streets.
This is an excellent tour if you are worried about the many hills across Athens, as it caters to most fitness levels. Safety gear and bottled water are included.
5. Athens, Piraeus and Beaches Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Source: getyourguide.comHop-on hop-off buses are a great way to get a general overview of a new city, and this is the best ticket available in Athens.
You will have access to four bus lines in Piraeus, Athens, Vouliagmeni, and Glyfada. The ticket also allows you complimentary access to the Happy Train of Piraeus; during peak times, there are free tours around the Acropolis for ticket holders.
An audio commentary is provided in 16 languages, and WiFi is available onboard allowing you to stay connected between stops.
6. 4-Hour Cooking Class with Market Visit
Source: getyourguide.comOne of the best ways to discover a new cuisine is to try and make it yourself. This four-hour cooking class takes you to the heart of Greek food and includes a short visit to a local market, where you can purchase fresh ingredients for the dishes.
You will be shown some of the more simple dishes, as this allows the experience to cater to all abilities.
Afterward, you can sit down to enjoy your creations with some local soft drinks and wine, as well as an aperitif. All recipes are sent to guests after the experience, allowing you to impress your friends back home with your new skills.
7. Sunset at Cape Sounion: Small Group Road Trip from Athens
Source: Samot / shutterstockThe south coast of Attica – the state where Athens is located – is packed with gorgeous vistas and views out to the Mediterranean Sea. This tour takes you along the coast, allowing you to enjoy the quaint villages and marvelous views along the way.
A tour of the Temple of Poseidon is included so that you can learn more about Greek Mythology. The tour finishes up at Cape Sounion for views of the sunset across the sea.
Pick-up and drop-off from Central Athens hotels are included, letting you sit back and relax on this small group tour.
8. From Athens: Full Day Tour to Aegina, Poros, and Hydra
Source: milosk50 / shutterstockNo trip to Greece is complete without a visit to some of the many islands; this tour takes you to the best of the Saronic Gulf.
In Hydra, you enjoy an incredibly local experience on an island that has no vehicles, before continuing to the gorgeous beaches of Poros.
The tour then visits the island of Aegina, where you will visit the Temple of Aphaia and Byzantine monasteries. A buffet of typical Greek food is included on board, as well as live music to keep you entertained for the whole journey.
9. Get to Know Athens: Private Tour with a Local
Source: Neirfy / shutterstockAthens is a vast, sprawling city, and enlisting the help of a local can help you get the best experience. With this tour, you will have your own private guide from the area take you on a walking trip of the sights that most interest you.
Whether you are there for history, culture or food, you can arrange your itinerary in advance with the help of their expert knowledge.
The tour can last between two and four hours, depending on how much you want to cover. Transport via taxi or public transportation can be arranged, allowing you to cover more ground.
10. Athens Mythology Highlights Tour
Source: Vasilis Protopapas / shutterstockIt’s impossible to miss the historical significance of Athens; there are many mythological landmarks across the city. With this tour, you will visit all the most famous Ancient Greek monuments across Athens, while skipping the lines.
Your local guide will talk to you about the Greek Mythology surrounding each monument and give you an understanding of how it still influences modern life in the city.
The tour includes visits to the Acropolis as well as a number of temples. A free city map is included for you to use during the rest of your time in Athens.
11. The Greek Wine Tasting Beginners’ Class
Source: getyourguide.comGreece has its own unique wine culture, with five regions across the country producing a variety of flavors and textures.
This class allows you to sample wine from each region, as well as retsina – a local variety of resinated wine. Local snacks are provided for you to pair with the wine, giving you an authentic Greek experience.
This class is geared towards beginners so that you can learn more about wine tasting and the importance of the beverage in the country.
12. 2-Hour Alternative Off The Beaten Track with a Local
Source: Milan Gonda / shutterstockAthens is a very well-visited city, and it can be hard to stray away from endless groups of tourists.
This tour aims to take you away from the usual tourist attractions and show you a more authentic view of modern life in Athens.
The tour focuses on Monastiraki, Psiri, and Exarcheia – three areas known for their vibrant youth culture and authentic cuisine.
You will learn about some of the lesser-known historical symbols of the city and how the economic crisis influenced local youth and the many subcultures present across the city.
A local snack is included, and there are plenty of street art stops for you to take unique photos.
13. Athens Modern Olympics Segway Tour
Source: getyourguide.comGreece is the birthplace of the Olympics, originally a series of athletic competitions that took place during ancient times.
Athens was also the host of the first ever modern Olympics in 1896. This tour takes you to the Panathinaiko Stadium, which was also a venue during the 2004 games. This stadium is the only one in the world constructed entirely out of marble and is an essential landmark for sports lovers.
You will also be shown other important historical and cultural monuments nearby. Your guide will train you on how to use a segway, allowing you to make your way through the hilly city with ease.
14. Athens Private Shopping Tour
Source: getyourguide.comDive into the local shopping scene with this customizable tour of Athens’ boutiques, craft stores, and souvenir shops.
This 3.5-hour experience sees you enlist the help of a local to navigate the many retail venues across the city, who can tailor the itinerary to your shopping preferences and discover your own little corner of Athens along the way.
The tour is available in English or French; a shopping map of Athens is provided so you can continue exploring at your own pace afterward.
15. Greek Folk Dancing Lesson with Dinner & Live Music
Source: getyourguide.comThe best way to experience a culture is to take part in it yourself; this class teaches you the basics of Greek folk dancing.
You will learn some of the most well-known dances with locals in a private 1.5-hour session with your group. Afterward, you can show off your moves with live traditional music and enjoy a dinner of typical Greek dishes.
Wine is provided to give you confidence, and some participants will be able to try on authentic Greek dancing outfits. Photos are offered to guests as a souvenir of their experience.