Immerse in the history of the ancient city of Athens.

Duration

4 Hours

Highlights

• Get lost inside the numerous markets and learn about their legendary traditions while exploring them
• Admire some of the city’s famous landmarks without entering the sites and get insider knowledge about them
• Stroll around the picture-pretty neighborhood of Plaka and enjoy a coffee and a sweet at a local favorite coffee shop
• Discover Athens’ modern architecture and its recent history

Tour snapshot

On this Old Districts Athens tour, discover the treasures of Athens, by exploring the streets filled with cultural, historic, and culinary icons. Follow the footsteps of the locals and experience the heart of Athens with its ruins, temples, markets, mosques, retail hot spots, and fresh produce. These are the same places and roads where the ancient Greeks more than 2000 years ago followed in their daily life!

Local impact — How you help the local community by joining this tour:

• By visiting 100% locally owned stores, you support small-scale, locally-run businesses and help the traditional character of old Athens to get preserved.
• You support a street vendor who sells traditional Koulouri sesame rings to increase his income.
• At least one store on your itinerary is dedicated to the preservation of locally-produced crafts.

Full Itinerary

You begin your Athens walking tour by meeting us in Kotzia Square, one of Athens’ most beautiful squares that is surrounded by gorgeous neoclassical buildings of the early 19th century and ancient ruins.

Passing by the Mayor of Athens’ building, you’ll head to Athina Street, one of the busiest in Athens. Feel the morning vibes when the shop owners get ready for a day of business and Athenians flock to the city’s shops and markets, as they have done for the past 2,000 years. We will explain the practices of food commerce, the soul of Greek life, which have existed for thousands of years.

While exploring Athenian markets, you’ll experience local produce and you’ll be able to pick out all the local favorites, such as Mediterranean fruits, vegetables, meat, and cheese.

After awakening your senses with all these warm colors, tastes, and smells, you’ll head to Monastiraki Square. Located in the center of the square, the Pantanassa Monastery is the square’s symbol, and the reason why the square is called Monastiraki as its name derives from the Greek word for monastery.

Here, you’ll also admire other Athens landmarks such as the Hadrian Library, an archaic temple constructed in the Corinthian style, and the 18th-century Tzistarakis Mosque, which nowadays houses the ceramics museum.

Next, you’ll venture through the Square’s flea market where you’ll chat with merchants and discover ancient monuments as you uncover even more Athens history.

Moving on, you’ll explore the bazaar streets of Ifaistou and Pandrossos discovering handcrafts and other specialties such as leather sandals, handmade icons, Greek musical instruments, and antiques. Here is the perfect place to feel the authentic vibes of the bustling Athens market culture.

Afterward, walking by the ancient Agora, where merchants traded during Greek and Roman times, you’ll head to the vibrant neighborhood of Thission, passing 17th and 18th-century old houses along the way. Next up, you’ll explore the Plaka neighborhood, Athens’ continuously inhabited area since ancient times, where you’ll enjoy freshly brewed coffee and a local mouthwatering sweet in a cozy coffee shop.

Your tour comes to an end at the entrance of the Acropolis. From here, you can continue your personal exploration of the Acropolis Archaeological Site or Athens’ downtown, or follow our advice on the best way to get back to your hotel.

Before we part ways, will share with you more hints and tips on how to get the best out of your trip to amazing Athens.

Please note that this tour doesn't enter the archaeological site of the Acropolis!

Language:

English

Inclusions:

coffee or soft drink

Exclusions:

Additional food and drink, souvenirs and items of a personal nature, tips, and gratuities.