The city of Athens covers almost 40 square kilometers, and one of the best ways of exploring the Greek capital is on foot. Have you ever wondered what the best walking tours in Athens are? Then look no further!
From ancient ruins sprawling throughout the city and telling the story of myths and legends, to cozy districts with an Aegean breeze, there are many impressive sights not to be missed and things to do in Athens.
Explore Athens with our top 3 tours, featuring culinary delights, private exploration, and vibrant nightlife adventures. Or, continue scrolling to discover our full selection of captivating walking tours in this historic city.
# | Activity Type | Price | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
1 | Food Walking Tour | From 72€ | 4 hours |
2 | Private Walking Tour | From 54€ | 2 hr 30 min |
3 | Nightlife Walking Tour | From 70€ | 3 hr 30 min |
Want to dive straight in? Browse our catalog now!
1 – Greek Food Walking Tour by Athens Walks Tour Company
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (2015 reviews)
“One of the best if not the best tour we have ever taken with Viator. Our guide Catherine was so knowledgeable and friendly. A must if you like to eat and want to see authentic Athens” Amy, Viator
Beyond historical ruins and monuments, food is arguably one of the best tourist attractions in Athens! Join a food walking tour in Athens to inspire the foodie within you! From fresh, sesame-covered koulouria and Greek salads, to mouthwatering spinach pies and honey-covered loukoumades, or simply opt for a wealth of mezedes (Greek-style tapas) to share with your friends with a generous serving of tsipouro.
But this city excursion is not just limited to cafes, restaurants and tavernas. You will also get to visit the markets in central Athens, where many of the fresh ingredients are sourced! This guided tour of the markets will give you the opportunity to talk to the producers and sample their produce.
Our review
Prepare yourself for a whirlwind of flavors! This Athens food tour will take you beyond the typical tourist areas and introduce you to many Greek classics that go under the radar, while giving you a slice of real everyday life in the city. Make sure you arrive on an empty stomach, and after your food tasting tour, follow up with a Greek coffee or a Masticha liqueur in one of the cafes in Kolonaki or Monastiraki.
Read more: Best food tours in Athens
2 – Private City Walking Tour by Withlocals
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (185 reviews)
“We had a truly great time getting to know this city in a way we never would have otherwise. Wonderful!” Susan, Viator
The best way to discover the real Athens is with a local guide leading the way, allowing you to throw out the guidebook and truly live in the moment! Starting on this private walking tour in the center of Athens, your journey will take you beyond the typical tourist traps and further out into where the heart of the Greek capital beats.
Expect to explore many of Athens’ vibrant neighborhoods, where you will come across traditional cafes and vintage stores, as well as public squares and old churches that act as oases of tranquility in the busy Greek metropolis. With your local guide revealing details about the city’s history, this is arguably one of the most authentic ways of touring Athens.
Our review
This is an incredible opportunity to discover many areas in Athens that are true ‘hidden gems’. As a private tour, it offers great flexibility by allowing you to spend more time exploring the areas that interest you the most while your guide helps you navigate and learn the story behind the city’s picturesque streets.
3 – Nightlife Small Group Walking Tour by Wayfaring Athens
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (38 reviews)
“If you wanna see the vibrant nightlife of Athens, this is a must! The tour gave me a glimpse of the party culture in the city. Even on a winter weekday, this experience exceeds expectations.” Miko, Viator
Get a taste of the electric atmosphere of Athens at night with a walking tour that brings the city’s dynamic after-dark scene to life. Stroll through lively neighborhoods under the starlit sky and the watch of the Acropolis. Your guide in this evening adventure will be an experienced local who will lead you through the most exciting spots in downtown areas, such as Psyrri and Monastiraki, each with its own vibe and crowds.
Feel the beat of the authentic Greek way of celebrating life, with music and dance, as well as the necessary late-night gastronomic surprises to keep you going. Why settle for just another walk in town when you can set off on a journey into the soul of Athens’ nightlife, offering sparkling memories under the stars?
Our review
This Athens nightlife walking tour offers an amazing opportunity to experience the fun-filled, vibrant nightlife of the city and stroll through the Greek capital in the evening. Along the way, you will explore many popular hot spots in the city center and get a taste of how modern Athenians dance the night away.
4 – Athens Street Art Tour by Alternative Athens
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (686 reviews)
Grab your camera and get ready for one of the exhilarating guided tours of street art in Athens, where ancient history and contemporary creativity collide! This journey will take you off the beaten path and through some of the city’s most unique and alternative neighborhoods, such as Psyrri, Metaxourgeio, Thissio, Kerameikos and beyond.
Along the way, your guide will give you context about the works and artists, as well as how they relate to the areas that you visit. From politically and socially charged works capturing the city’s spirit, to whimsical pieces celebrating the joy of life, the graffiti and murals reveal the living story of Athens as it unfolds. After enjoying a visual feast, don’t forget to follow up with a drink or bite in the many cozy bars and restaurants in the area!
Our review
This Athens tour offers fascinating insight into how street art, one of the most fascinating and lively forms of art, has developed in Athens over the past couple of decades. Having a seasoned guide by your side means that you also learn about the inspiration, worries, and dreams that inspired the anonymous (and not-so-anonymous) artists. Additionally, you will get to visit many alternative neighborhoods in Athens that often get overlooked in walking tours.
5 – Athens photography walk by GuruWalk
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (68 reviews)
“You come out of the tour with a different perspective on “see the city” and make pictures! Thanks a lot” Tatiana, Guruwalk
Your memories of Athens may last forever, but you can make them sparkle by joining a walking tour of the city with a professional photographer by your side to guide you through. As you visit some of the Greek capital’s most iconic locations – from the ancient Parthenon on the Acropolis, to the vibrant Monastiraki neighborhood beneath it and beyond – your experienced photographer will show you how to immortalize your travels.
Whether you are equipped with a professional camera or simply prefer to take your snaps with your smartphone, you will be taught everything you need to know about composition, light balancing and more on how to get the best possible results. The tips and tricks that you will pick up on this photography tour through Athens are bound to come in handy on your future travels.
Our review
A truly unique way of exploring Athens on foot while also learning how to document your jaunt in the Greek capital like a professional in no time! Through the lens of your camera and the helpful instruction of your photographer guide, you will get to see the city in a different light, and the useful skills that you will pick up along the way are an excellent reminder of your trip to Greece.
6 – Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour by Athens Walking Tours
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (3184 reviews)
“This tour is a must if you want to experience the Acropolis like a true local.” Rabinzel, Getyourguide
Take a step back in time and discover the secrets of one of the most recognizable architectural wonders of the ancient world, the Acropolis! Built during the peak of Ancient Athens, the UNESCO World Heritage Site features many temples that are closely tied to the mythological origins of the city and its people.
With an expert guide’s help, you will explore these ancient temples – from the mysterious Erectheion that is said to be the burial ground of the ancient snake king of Athens, to the olive tree believed to have been planted by the Goddess of Wisdom Athena herself, there is much to see and discover. Stand by the iconic Parthenon and gaze upon the city!
Our review
This is one of the best tours of the Acropolis available, where you will be accompanied by an experienced guide to show you around and help you uncover the mysteries of the ancient ruins in the heart of Athens.
Read more: Acropolis Tickets Price – All you Need to Know.
7 – Acropolis, Syntagma Square & City Center Tour by Athens Walking Tours
Rating: ⭐️ 4.5/5 (386 reviews)
“We loved this tour! We did it our 1st full morning in Athens, and it was a great way to get oriented to both ancient and modern Athens.” Melissa, Viator
Take a deep dive into the ancient and modern history of Athens by joining this walking tour of the Greek capital. Starting in the heart of the sprawling metropolis, Syntagma Square, you will get to see the Greek Parliament and the Change of Guards ceremony, you will navigate through the National Gardens, a green oasis in the city center, before heading on to the main event – an opportunity to explore the Acropolis.
With tickets in hand, your guide will take you on a stroll through time as you learn about the myths, legends and history that shaped this sacred hill. As you take in the impressive view, you will get to explore the ancient ruins, such as the emblematic Parthenon, the enigmatic Erechtheion and the Herod Atticus Odeon, which still hosts musical and theatrical performances to this day.
Our review
This is one of the best tours in Athens as it covers many of the major highlights in the city – both new and old – with an expert guide providing you with historical and cultural context. With the tour ending on the Acropolis Hill, you can then continue on your own with a visit to the nearby museum or stroll to Philopappou Hill with a coffee for a true Athenian experience.
Read more: Best Ancient Ruins in Athens
8 – Gastronomic Vegan Group Walking Tour by Eureka Athens E-Services
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (4 reviews)
“This tour was a great experience! Our guide, Agatha, was exceptional. She was very engaging and made the time fun and enjoyable. Athens has phenomenally good vegan options” Marcia, Getyourguide
Bring your appetite along with you as you set off on a unique vegan gastronomic walking tour of Athens that will reveal an alternative side to the world-famous Greek cuisine. You’ll visit handpicked eateries that showcase the best of Greek vegan cuisine, from traditional spinach pies and koulouria to modern vegan twists on classics like souvlaki and feta.
Additionally, you will also get to sample many of the raw ingredients that power these culinary treats, such as olive oil, nuts and herbs. There will also be time for a few alcoholic drinks at the vegan bars and cafes you visit.
As you wander through the city, your knowledgeable guide will share insights into Athens’ culinary culture and history, making this experience a treat for both your palate and your curiosity.
Our review
An original way of discovering vegan versions of Greek staples while visiting many hidden gems in the city’s gastronomic scene. This group walking tour of Athens will not only tantalize your taste buds, but also connect you with like-minded food enthusiasts as you explore many of the city’s vegan eateries.
9 – Alternative Athens Walking Tour by Alternative Athens
Rating: ⭐️ 4.8/5 (32 reviews)
“What an excellent experience this tour of Athens was, far from the usual places, in the heart of the “real” city.” David, Getyourguide
Athens might be known across the world for the Parthenon and the Acropolis, however, with a history spanning of about 3,500 years, there is a lot more to see and do. By joining this alternative walking tour of Athens, you will get to visit many places off the beaten path and get a taste of what life is really like in the city.
Starting off on Syntagma Square, with the Greek Parliament and the National Gardens, you will visit the emblematic Academy, University and National Library buildings before heading to Monastiraki and Psyrri, where you will find cozy cafes and bars, as well as a host of art galleries and antique shops. Along the way, your experienced local guide will take you by Omonia Square, Kotzia Square, the central farmer markets and more. Just make sure you pack your camera to capture the sights of the city!
Our review
While many walking tours in Athens tend to focus on the main highlights and recognizable attractions, this fabulous tour aims to show you a different side of the Greek capital. This a great opportunity to visit the real Athens, hitting landmarks, cafes and squares to get a feels of the city’s rhythms on foot.
10 – Private Walking Tour with a Photographer by Athens Photo Tour
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (52 reviews)
“The best experience. My sisters and I wanted the memories of our trip to Greece captured in a way that didnt include a selfie stick. Our photographer delivered. We saw parts of the city we would have missed if not for him.” Sherrele, Viator
Take the stress out of framing the perfect picture by going on a private tour in Athens accompanied by your very own personal photographer. As you explore some of the city’s most iconic locations, including the majestic Acropolis and the breezy Aegean vibes of the Anafiotika neighborhood, your photographer will make sure to capture the moment.
Whether you want to document your adventures in the Greek capital candidly or looking for that perfect pose against a backdrop of ancient wonders, this private walking tour is the best way to immortalize your memories. Perfect for solo travelers, couples, and families, this tour offers a personalized journey through one of the most photogenic and inspiring capitals in Europe.
Our review
This Athens excursion is an incredible way of commemorating your stay in Athens, thanks to the skills of a professional photographer who will act as your guide. While this private walking tour mainly focuses on the city center, it offers great flexibility as you can arrange to explore different areas in Athens, where you will find the ideal backdrop for your trip to Greece.
11 – Myths & Philosophers Private Walking Tour by Be A Greek
Rating: ⭐️ 4.9/5 (19 reviews)
“Very informative, highly recommended for those interested in culture! We had a wonderful day with a great tour and learned a lot about Greek philosophy.” Jürgen, Getyourguide
From Socrates and Plato, to the Stoics and the Olympian Gods, this private walking tour of Athens brings ancient myths and philosophy alive! Starting off at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Acropolis, you will discover the secrets of the majestic Parthenon, a symbol of ancient Greek civilization. Strolling through the historic Plaka district’s charming streets and buzzing atmosphere, you will head to the Ancient Agora, the heart of Athenian democracy, where Socrates and Plato once walked.
Your knowledgeable guide will share intriguing stories and lesser-known facts, making history feel tangible. After a visit to the Temple of Zeus, a marvel of ancient engineering, the tour concludes at the National Garden, a serene oasis in the heart of the bustling metropolis, perfect for reflection on the day’s adventures.
Our review
A uniquely fascinating way of exploring Athens on foot, this private walking tour of the Greek capital covers all main attractions in the city with an expert historian leading the way. As you visit the city’s landmarks, the passionate guide will help you understand the significance of the philosophical and mythical figures that shaped the city and Greek culture through the ages.
12 – Free Walking Tour of Athens by Grecia Vera
Rating: ⭐️ 4.6/5 (91 reviews)
“Perfect introduction to the city of Athens with heaps of tips on how to spend your time there that you won’t get from your usual research.” Sarah, Civitatis
Set off on a journey through the history and streets of Athens without worrying about your budget, by joining this free walking tour. Along with an expert local guide, you visit many of the city’s ancient landmarks, while uncovering the stories (and the occasional myth) that shaped Athens.
From the majestic Acropolis to charming Plaka, this free walking tour offers a unique blend of mythology, history and modern life, making it an excellent opportunity to see the different sides of Athens without breaking the bank.
Our review
This walking tour is an excellent and very budget-friendly way of discovering many of the highlights in central Athens and introducing yourself to the city! While it does not include the Acropolis, this tour covers many more important archeological sites around the hill, as well as the city center. This is an incredible opportunity to get your bearings in a short amount of time, allowing you to continue sightseeing in Athens.
13 – Hills of Athens Walking Tour by Aegean Outdoors
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (27 reviews)
“Great people, well read, very professional with a spirit full of life, took us on an amazing walking tour with my friends! Even if you are not fond of walking, you are going to love this experience!” Daphne, Viator
Athens developed around seven hills, all of which played an important role in the history of the city. Lace up your hiking shoes and prepare yourself for a captivating walking tour in the city that takes you through the hills. On this unique hiking excursion in Athens, you will uncover breathtaking panoramas, wander through age-old trails and discover its storied past with every step.
From the limestone Lycabettus Hill offering the city center on a dish to the myths and legends of Areopagus, Philopappou and Pnyx hills by the Acropolis, this tour offers a unique perspective of the city. Blending breathtaking landscapes with rich storytelling by your experienced guide for the day, this hiking tour of Athens is perfect for those looking to explore beyond the typical tourist spots.
Our review
One of the best things about this tour in the historical center of Athens is that it will literally take you off the beaten path. Although joining the tour involves breaking a bit of a sweat, you will be rewarded with incredible panoramic views of the Greek capital, far away from the usual tourist haunts. Don’t forget to pack your hiking shoes and have your camera charged and ready!
14 – Women in Ancient Greece Walking Tour by Culture Hunters
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (19 reviews)
“I was so lucky to find this tour and it was the highlight of Athens. I learnt much about life in early Athens on our walk and greatly enjoyed the quiet and historically important places on our easy stroll.” Caroline, Getyourguide
It has been said that behind every great man is a great woman and by joining this walking tour, you will learn that this was also very true about Athens! Led by an experienced guide, you will discover a different side of Athens and learn about the influential women of ancient Greece, from Sappho and Aspasia, to the Goddess Athena, Demeter and beyond.
Wander through the Ancient Agora and Temple of Olympian Zeus, where you will hear stories about the priestesses and goddesses that shaped classical Athens. Stroll through the Plaka neighborhood beneath the Acropolis and uncover the tales of everyday women, from aristocrats to artisans. This tour is a must for anyone interested in the untold stories of the past!
Our review
A unique twist on historical excursions in Athens, this walking tour offers a unique opportunity to understand everyday life in Ancient Greece from a female perspective. The guided journey through the city’s main attractions will reveal the hidden contributions of women in a society often overshadowed by men.
15 – Guided Mythological Walking Tour by Truevoyagers
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (24 reviews)
“The tour was downright brilliant. If it wasn’t for this tour we wouldn’t have seen some of the most amazing monuments in Athens.” Eva, Getyourguide
Are you ready to uncover the myths and legends that shaped Athens through the ages? Then book your spot on this walking tour of Athens and follow your passionate guide, who will bring ancient Greek mythology alive. On this journey through the historic heart of this timeless city, you will visit many iconic landmarks and discover the fascinating myths and true stories behind them.
Discover how these ancient tales and historic figures made Athens the city it is today, from the majestic Acropolis to the Ancient Agora, where philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and their students once debated. Along the way, you will learn about the legendary heroes and gods that have influenced Greek culture and Western civilization for millennia.
Our review
One of the most interesting walking tours of Athens that will appeal both to history buffs and travelers who want to take a deep dive into the city’s culture and sights. The experienced and knowledgeable licensed guides by your side ensure that you will gain a deeper understanding of Athens’ enduring legacy.
16 – Private Walking Tour by Athens Walking Tours
Rating: ⭐️ 5/5 (4 reviews)
“The walking tour was fantastic. Our guide was extremely interesting.” Donald, Viator
One of the best ways of exploring Athens and getting to really feel its vibe is with a private walking tour of the historic center. This guided tour offers a perfect blend of culture, history, and the lively spirit of Athens, while offering the privacy and flexibility of a private sightseeing excursion.
Picture yourself wandering through the Agora, Athens’ ancient marketplace, where philosophers debated and the foundations of democracy were set. Feel the pulse of history as you stroll through the narrow streets of Plaka, the city’s oldest district, with its neoclassical buildings.
Then, head to Monastiraki, a lively nexus where the Ancient Greek, Byzantine and Ottoman worlds collide. Cap off your day at the flea market in search of the perfect gift or souvenir, or simply watch the people go by with a coffee or drink in one of the many cozy cafes.
Our review
This fabulous tour aims to reveal the essence of Athens, connecting its storied past with the lively pulse of the city today. As a private walking tour, you will leave no stone unturned and enjoy a personalized experience with a knowledgeable, experienced local guide making your stress-free experience in the historic city center even more memorable!
How to book walking tours in Athens?
There are many companies offering walking tours in Athens, and you can also book the perfect excursion in the city online from many travel websites. Keep in mind that many of these websites also offer discounts, so prices may vary from one site to the next.
To save time and money, you can use the TourScanner search engine to find more reviews, as well as compare offers and prices to find the best deal in just a few clicks!