Athens

Things to do in Athens

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Private Athens Tour with Acropolis and Plaka
Activities

Private Athens Tour with Acropolis and Plaka

The ancient Greeks left behind a treasure trove of monuments, statues and artefacts in Athens. And on this private tour, you'll take in all the top spots with an expert guide. Exclusively for you and your party, you'll tour highlights including the Roman Agora, Hadrian's Library, the Plaka neighbourhood and the UNESCO-listed Acropolis. Vassiliki, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Acropolis means “high city” and it usually refers to any settlement built on top of a hill. You'll find many towns in Greece that have an acropolis, but the Acropolis of Athens is certainly the most famous.'You'll start with a guided tour of the Acropolis – with skip-the-line tickets, there'll be no waiting around. Soak up wow-factor views over Athens at the Areopagus – a rocky hill where legend has it the Greek gods would hold court. Let your guide bring history to life as you marvel at ancient landmarks like the Roman Agora, the Theatre of Dionysus and the still-standing columns of the Asklepieion and Parthenon. Then, it's on to the city's Instagram-worthy old quarter, Plaka – the capital's most appealing and historic neighbourhood. Always thronged with a mix of locals and visitors, the pedestrianised lanes are brimming with tavernas whose tables spill onto the streets. Vassiliki says, ‘Athenians call this area “the neighbourhood of the Gods,' as it has been inhabited since the days of ancient Greece. In fact, excavations show that the street layout has barely changed since antiquity.'

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr 

Ancient Delphi Tour
Excursions & day trips

Ancient Delphi Tour

Delve into the ancient treasures of Delphi and Thebes on this full-day tour. And both are just a short drive from Athens. You'll visit these well-preserved archaeological sites before an afternoon exploring the charming mountain villages of Levadia and Arachova.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Athens by Night
Excursions & day trips

Athens by Night

Athens's fascinating mix of antiquity and contemporary vibrancy is especially evident when the sun goes down. Experience the magic of Athens by night on this excursion, as you take a scenic tour through the city and enjoy dinner and a Greek dance and music show in the historic Plaka district.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Athens City Tour and Acropolis Museum
Excursions & day trips

Athens City Tour and Acropolis Museum

A wealth of ancient treasures is packed into central Athens. On this guided morning tour, you'll uncover some of its megastars, including the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parthenon and Acropolis – and also enjoy a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Saronic Islands Cruise – Hydra, Poros and Aegina
Excursions & day trips

Saronic Islands Cruise – Hydra, Poros and Aegina

The beautiful islands of the Saronic Gulf are just a short journey away from Athens. This full day island-hopping tour is a great way to explore the ‘other Greece' while immersing yourself in the country's culture and nature. You'll cruise to three islands Hydra, Poros and Aegina, and enjoy lunch on board.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Argolis One day
Excursions & day trips

Argolis One day

This trip takes you out of Athens and into the open countryside to explore. Beyond the hustle and bustle of the big city, you'll find an array of ancient sites and lesser-known treasures including the Homeric city of Mycenae, the charming seaside town of Nauplion and the remarkable ancient theatre at Epidauros.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour
Excursions & day trips

Cape Sounion Afternoon Tour

The Saronic Gulf offers up one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in Greece. Enjoy an afternoon of fresh sea air and wonderful sweeping views with this trip from Athens to Cape Sounion. With a mixture of guided and free time, you'll be able to make the most of the visit to this archaeological site and area of natural beauty.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Athens City Tour & Cape Sounion
Excursions & day trips

Athens City Tour & Cape Sounion

A tour that combines culture with nature. You'll spend a morning exploring the treasures of ancient Athens, taking in sites such as the Parthenon, the Acropolis Museum, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and more before heading to the legendary Cape Sounion.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Athens Walking Tour
Excursions & day trips

Athens Walking Tour

The compact layout of Athens makes it perfect to explore on foot. Join this guided walking tour of Athens to uncover such landmarks as the Temple of Olympian Zeus and Hadrian's Arch, stroll through the historic Plaka district, and receive expert insight into the mysteries of the Acropolis and the Parthenon.The tour kicks off front of the House of Parliament in Syntagma Square, where you'll take in the Monument of the Unknown Soldier and the change of the famous and colourful Euzony Guards. Then it's a pleasant stroll through the National Gardens and on to the Zappeion Hall, the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian's Arch.Follow the charming cobbled streets of the Plaka district, heading towards the Acropolis. Here your expert guide will bring to life the Propylaia, the Temple of Nike and the Parthenon, the Athenian Agora, the Observatories, the Hill of Democracy, Mars and Philoppapos Hill, the Odeon of Herodes Atticus, and the Theatre of Dionysis.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Private Athens City Tour with Acropolis and Acropolis Museum
Excursions & day trips

Private Athens City Tour with Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

A wealth of ancient treasures is packed into central Athens. Over the course of a morning, you'll uncover some of its megastars with this private tour. Highlights include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the Parthenon and Acropolis – and you'll also enjoy a guided visit to the Acropolis Museum.Kick off with a sightseeing tour of the city's historic core. See the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games in 1896, Panepistimiou Avenue and much more. Follow a route steeped in legend, taking in landmarks such as the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Hadrian's Arch, the National Library and Syntagma Square – where the Greek parliament is located.Then it's on to the Acropolis, where your guide will bring to life the history behind such seminal structures as the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike – and, of course, the Parthenon. Finish the morning with a guided visit to the award-winning Acropolis Museum. It's built over an archaeological site, which can be surveyed as you enter.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr 

Private Ancient Corinth Tour
Excursions & day trips

Private Ancient Corinth Tour

This private half day trip from Athens gives you plenty of time to explore the many treasures around Corinth. Exclusively for you and your party, you'll spend the morning uncovering the ruins of the city of Corinth and also enjoy short stops at the Corinth Canal and the port town of Kechries.You'll head southwest through pretty countryside to the steep-walled Corinth Canal, which connects the Aegean and Ionian seas. Grab your Insta-perfect selfies overlooking the waterway, before we continue onto ancient Corinth. The former stomping ground of the mythical Jason of the Argonauts is one of the Peloponnese's most underrated classical archaeological sites.Let your guide bring the past to life as you discover the city on a walking tour. You'll pass highlights such as the Agora, Pirene fountain and Doric Temple of Apollo, which dates from the fifth century BC. Then, finish the morning at the seaside town of Kechries, where St Paul is said to have disembarked from his ship before making the overland journey to Corinth.

free cancellation
Available in:

en, fr 

Pass to the seven archaeological attractions of Athens
Must see
Attraction passes

Pass to the seven archaeological attractions of Athens

Enter into the most famous archaeological sites of Athens, with this digital pass. Use this unique combined ticket to gain access to all the seven included attractions.

Validity 120 hours
Available in:

en, it, fr, es, de 

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Greece

Things to do in Athens

It might be a little rough around the edges, but the Greeks have a point when they say that Athens is really one big village. Friendly people, fabulous food, vibrant nightlife and a sense of past glories infuse the whole city with an upbeat exuberance that’s a major part of its character. At the heart of Athens sits the Acropolis, the rocky plinth on which many famous relics from ancient Greece still perch, including the remarkable Parthenon and Temple of Athena Nike. Nearby, the neighbourhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki top the list for charm and excitement. Heading south, the city sprawl soon hits the coast, where buzzing seafront restaurants and beaches are the major draw. Set your sights a little further afield and you can reach Cape Sounion, the ancient city of Corinth or even the mystical site of Delphi on a day trip from the capital.Top six things to do in Athens1. Step back in time at the AcropolisIn many ways, the geography of Athens mirrors the experience you’ll have as a visitor. The Acropolis rises head and shoulders above the rest of the city, both literally and figuratively. The flat-topped outcrop was the logical hub for worship and refuge in ancient times, and relics of Greece’s golden age in the fifth century BC are still standing today. An instantly recognisable icon of Greece in particular and civilisation in general, the Parthenon is the crowning glory of Athens. These vast columns of stone have stood here for the last 2,500 years, and although the detail is lost, the impact remains. Equally impressive are the Propylaia gateway, the Erechtheion with its famous Porch of the Caryatids, and the Temple of Athena Nike.2. See the sights in Plaka and AnafiotikaDirectly below the Acropolis, lose yourself in the lanes of the historic Plaka district, one of the most appealing corners of the city. Busy with locals and visitors, the pedestrian-only streets are lined with tavernas and bars giving the whole area a lively vibe in the day and late into the night. Plaka also boasts some great little boutiques, ideal for browsing in search of that perfect souvenir. Between Plaka and the Acropolis, the sleepy hillside district of Anafiotika looks like it has been plucked from a tiny island and dropped here. As you explore the steep lanes and ancient cottages, you’ll feel a long way from central Athens. Syntagma Square, in contrast, is one of the city’s main transport hubs and it always effervesces with life. It’s here you’ll see the Greek parliament building, plus eccentrically attired ceremonial guards strutting to and fro, protecting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.3. Food glorious foodAmong the best things to do in Athens has to be eating out. Stick in a pin in the map and you’ll turn up something tasty, from the ubiquitous gyros to some serious fine dining. Breakfast could be a strong Greek coffee – beware the grounds at the bottom of the cup – with the classic koulouri, a bread ring coated in sesame seeds you’ll see everywhere. Flaky filo pastry pies are another typical street snack, filled with anything from spinach to chocolate. For a lunch on the go, you can’t go wrong with a gyros kebab or souvlaki skewer wrapped in warm pita with a little salad and doused in yogurt. Kostas on Pentelis Street has been dishing up these classics for almost 70 years. For the most characterful tavernas in Athens serving classics like moussaka and dolmades, head for the upper part of Plaka where tables spill out into the lanes. Finish with loukoumades, ancient Greek donut balls soaked in syrup, served since the time of the original Olympic Games.4. Take a trip to the Temple of PoseidonThe southern tip of the Attica peninsula tapers into the Aegean Sea at Cape Sounion, a broad, rocky headland with dramatic views along the coast. As if it wasn’t already romantic enough, the cape is crowned by the ruined temple of Poseidon. Today, little remains but the stone footing of the temple and a fleet of sturdy columns holding the mantle aloft. Located around 70km south of Athens, it might seem a long trip to see yet another ruined temple, but the lofty site serves up views over a dozen or so islands on a clear day. The remnants of the temple combine with the panorama and the wild landscape to give this place a special magic.5. Take a dip on the Athens RivieraAlmost a third of the population of Greece lives in the capital, which explains the endless suburbs. The sprawl won’t be winning any beauty contests but what it lacks in looks it makes up for in personality. To see Athenians at their most relaxed and festive, the seaside suburbs of the Athens Riviera are just the ticket. Stretching from Piraeus in the north to Vouliagmeni in the south, there’s a seaside to suit everyone. Akti Iliou has a good stretch of beach, though there’s a small fee for access. Upmarket Glyfada has a popular beach but is equally known for its shops, restaurants and nightlife, while the coves of Vouliagmeni are chic and exclusive.6. Venture beyond AthensArchaeological marvels come as thick and fast outside of Athens as they do in the city. Day trip options include ancient Corinth, once a strategic stronghold with power over trade from the east. The Romans constructed the town around 2,000 years ago, though what’s left of the temple of Apollo is much older, built by the ancient Greeks 500 years earlier. Mycenae, dating back to the 12th century BC, is worth a visit to see the Lion's Gate, the Cyclopean Wall and the Royal Tombs. Nearby, the theatre at Epidaurus is another ancient wonder, known for its remarkable acoustics and still in use today. Delphi was once considered the holiest place on earth, and today the Sanctuary of Apollo Pythios still feels pretty heavenly, set on a scenic flank of Mount Parnassus. It’s an unmissable stop even if you’re not a fan of the classics.
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Athens