Athens tours

Things to do in Athens

Athens pulses with the energy of centuries, where each street corner seems to whisper tales of gods, philosophers, and heroes. The Acropolis stands proudly against the Athenian sky, but the soul of Athens reveals itself in the vibrant street markets and cosy cafes tucked away from the tourist trails. With your local guide, Athens tours transform into a gateway to the city's heart. Wander through bustling Plaka on a private walking tour, where your guide shares secrets of ancient ruins hidden in plain sight. Indulge in a food and wine tour that tantalises your taste buds with flavours that have been perfected over millennia. Avoid the long queues with skip-the-line access to iconic sites, allowing you to delve deeper into the city's rich tapestry. Your guide's stories and insights turn Athens from a destination into a living, breathing experience. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Athens. Explore Athens your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Athens tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Athens for every interest, including: History tours: Explore the Acropolis with timed entry, step onto the ancient Theatre of Dionysus, and hear how the Parthenon was built as you look up at its marble columns. Continue through the Ancient Agora to the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos, or visit the Panathenaic Stadium and the National Archaeological Museum to see highlights like the gold Mask of Agamemnon. Architecture tours: Compare the neoclassical “Athens Trilogy” on Panepistimiou Street—the Academy, University, and National Library—with Byzantine gems like the tiny Church of Panagia Kapnikarea tucked along Ermou. Then see contemporary design at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Cultural Center and check out modernist apartment blocks in Kypseli while your guide points out balconies, marble details, and Bauhaus lines. The historic centre is very walkable, and the Metro links Syntagma, Acropolis, and Monastiraki, with trams to the coast and frequent buses. If you prefer less walking or are travelling with mobility needs, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide about tours with private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Athens inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Embark on a private walking tour of Athens, where a local guide can introduce you to its distinct neighborhoods, each offering a unique slice of life in the city. - Plaka: This historic area, nestled at the foot of the Acropolis, is ideal for cultural tourists. You can wander through its narrow streets, explore ancient ruins, and enjoy traditional Greek music in the tavernas. - Monastiraki: Perfect for families and shoppers, this bustling neighborhood is known for its flea market and eclectic mix of shops. From souvenirs to antiques, there's plenty to browse and buy. - Kolonaki: If you're interested in upscale shopping and dining, Kolonaki offers luxury boutiques and fine dining restaurants. It's a great spot for those seeking a more refined experience in Athens. Day trip ideas from Athens Use Athens as your launch point for day trips to nearby ruins, seaside temples, and easy islands, so you see more of Greece without packing up. These day trips and tours from Athens line up well with what you like, from deep history to sea views and quick swims. - Delphi: Walk the Sacred Way to the Temple of Apollo, see the bronze charioteer in the excellent museum, and take in big Mount Parnassus views. If you enjoy ancient myth, archaeology, and crisp mountain air, this full-day plan fits, and you can add a simple village lunch for a relaxed break. - Cape Sounion and the Temple of Poseidon: Follow the coastal road along the Saronic Gulf to a clifftop temple that frames the sea in every direction, with time for a beach stop when the water is calm. Short on time or travelling with kids works here, and sunset light is great for photos if late returns suit you. - Nafplio with Mycenae and Epidaurus: Stroll Nafplio’s stone lanes and harbour, climb a few bastion steps for wide views, then connect the dots between the Lion Gate at Mycenae and the perfect acoustics of the theatre at Epidaurus. Fans of architecture, ancient history, and good food will find an easy mix in one day, and your tour can balance town time with site visits. - Ancient Corinth and the Corinth Canal: Stop at the canal’s viewpoint to see ships slip through the narrow cut, then explore Ancient Corinth’s forum and the Bema where Paul once spoke, with the option to hike up to Acrocorinth for fortress walls and panoramas. This suits you if engineering feats, early Christian sites, and light hiking are on your list. - Aegina Island: A quick ferry ride gets you island pace for the day, with pistachio stands by the harbour, the Doric Temple of Aphaia on a piney hilltop, and small bays for a swim. Pick this if you want an easy island vibe close to Athens, a bit of classical history, and a slow seaside lunch. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Athens most travellers miss.