• Visitors Guide
  • Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Athens with a local

Welcome to Athens

Editor’s picks.

Select a topic

  • Arts & Entertainment
  • Itineraries

A Glorious Summer Season Awaits at the City of Athens Lycabettus Theatre

What to see at the athens epidaurus festival 2024, great open-air cinemas in athens, where to experience lgbt+ culture in athens, 6 unusual sights in athens worth a detour, from artefacts to art: 6 fine museum shops in athens, listen to our new podcast series – athens unpacked, neighbourhoods.

Each neighbourhood in Athens has its own unique attractions and character. Explore the cafes you can’t miss in Exarchia, the vibrant nightlife in Gazi and the coolest shopping in Koukaki. Discover your new favourite Athenian neighbourhood with our insider guides.

Monastiraki

Historic centre, neos kosmos, sepolia / kolonos.

athens guide tour

The most famous Athenian neighbourhood of Plaka is definitely a top attraction for visitors. Its picturesque streets, historic landmarks and lively shops make it a must-see. Just be prepared for the crowds.

What a difference a decade makes. The arrival of the landmark Acropolis Museum and the pedestrian walkway linking the city’s ancient monuments has seen this historic neighbourhood emerge as one of Athens’ most fashionable postcodes.

Layers of history intersect at the city’s hub of commerce and craftsmanship.

The heart of modern Greece beats in the historic centre of Athens — but contrary to what you’d think, it has little to do with ancient ruins.

The Athenian intelligentsia have long settled in this central neighbourhood of leafy squares and lively cafes. Now the hipsters are moving in too.

Rebels with, and quite often without, a cause have earned Exarchia a reputation as the turf of anarchists and radicals.

Gritty, dense and lined with auto repair shops, Neos Kosmos was a silent blue collar neighbourhood you’d never go to unless you lived there. But when art came to town, a transformation began, and today this up-and-coming neighbourhood is coming alive.

Head off the beaten track to Kolonos and Sepolia, two low-key residential areas that have yet to catch up with the fast-paced tempo of downtown Athens.

13 June 2024

AEF2024: Anohni and the Johnsons

10 June 2024 - 14 June 2024

AEF2024: Subset Festival

17 May 2024 - 15 June 2024

Athens Pride 2024

15 June 2024

Release Athens Festival 2024: Parov Stelar, Jain & Telenova

13 June 2024 - 16 June 2024

01 January 2024 - 20 June 2024

Fun and Learning at the Athens Planetarium

20 June 2024

Release Athens Festival 2024: Pulp, The Smile, Ride

07 June 2024 - 21 June 2024

Park Your Cinema 2024

06 June 2024 - 29 June 2024

Pool Your Cinema 2024

16 December 2023 - 30 June 2024

From Greater... to Contemporary Greece Part II

28 June 2024 - 30 June 2024

AEF2024: The Rite of Spring

26 June 2024 - 03 July 2024

Marina Satti at Technopolis

05 July 2024 - 06 July 2024

AEF2024: Sting

06 July 2024

Release Athens Festival 2024: Cannons

27 May 2024 - 07 July 2024

NEON City Project 2024 | Iris Touliatou: Before and After Science

09 July 2024

Release Athens Festival 2024: Thievery Corporation, Black Pumas, The Budos Band

09 July 2024 - 11 July 2024

AEF2024: Medea

16 July 2024

Ejekt Festival 2024: Maneskin, Palaye Royale, Alice Merton

17 July 2024

Release Athens Festival 2024: Massive Attack & TBA

21 July 2024

Release Athens Festival 2024: Judas Priest, Bruce Dickinson & Accept

22 July 2024

Ejekt Festival 2024: Korn, Spiritbox, Loathe, Planet of Zeus

24 July 2024

Ejekt Festival 2024: Bring Me The Horizon

07 June 2024 - 26 July 2024

Midnight Express

27 July 2024 - 31 July 2024

AEF2024: La Traviata

27 May 2024 - 31 August 2024

Bolivar Beach Bar Summer Parties 2024

12 June 2024 - 29 September 2024

Poor Things: The Costumes

07 June 2024 - 06 October 2024

Summer 2024 at SNFCC

14 December 2023 - 27 October 2024

WOMEN, Together

30 May 2024 - 04 November 2024

Cindy Sherman: Early Works

17 May 2024 - 10 November 2024

Mary Reid Kelley and Patrick Kelley: The Rape of Europa

09 November 2024 - 10 November 2024

Athens Marathon the Authentic 2024

18 April 2024 - 09 December 2024

English-Speaking Theatre Performances at Theatre of the NO

19 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Reverb Festival at Kypseli Municipal Market

02 February 2024 - 31 December 2024

Love Issues

08 March 2024 - 31 December 2024

Hadassah Emmerich: Epicurean Eden

05 July 2023 - 01 June 2025

Grand Tour at the Benaki Museum

Explore athens with a local.

Meet an Athenian and discover the city beyond the guide books.

THE 10 BEST Athens Tours & Excursions

Athens tours.

  • Historical & Heritage Tours
  • Walking Tours
  • Skip-the-Line Tours
  • Archaeology Tours
  • Up to 1 hour
  • 1 to 4 hours
  • 4 hours to 1 day
  • 5.0 of 5 bubbles
  • 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
  • Likely to Sell Out
  • Special Offers
  • The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

athens guide tour

1. Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour

athens guide tour

2. Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

athens guide tour

3. All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included

athens guide tour

4. Greek Food Walking Tour in Athens

athens guide tour

5. Athens Full Day Private Tour

athens guide tour

6. Athens Half Day Tour, Acropolis, Parthenon, Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hephaistus

athens guide tour

7. Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum Guided Tour with Ticket

athens guide tour

8. Explore Athens Street Art & Street Food Extravaganza

athens guide tour

9. Delphi & Arachova Premium Historical Tour with Expert Tour Guide on Site

athens guide tour

10. Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour

athens guide tour

11. Meteora Monasteries and Hermit Caves Day Trip with optional lunch

athens guide tour

12. Athens Day Cruise: 3 Islands Tour in the Saronic Gulf with Lunch

athens guide tour

13. Athens & Acropolis Highlights: a Mythological Tour

athens guide tour

14. Acropolis monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum

athens guide tour

15. Hop on Hop Off Classic tour of Athens, Piraeus & Beaches

athens guide tour

16. Delphi, Thermopylae, Corycian Cave 300 Spartans Tour from Athens

athens guide tour

17. Private Tour of Apostle Paul Footsteps in Ancient Corinth

athens guide tour

18. Luxury Catamaran Cruise from Athens with Traditional Greek Meal and BBQ

athens guide tour

19. Get a Taste of Athens Food Tour

athens guide tour

20. Acropolis and Museum Tour With Early Entry Ticket

athens guide tour

21. PREMIUM Semi-Private Athens Afternoon Food Tour & Wine Tasting

athens guide tour

22. Private Tour Acropolis and Athens Highlights

athens guide tour

23. Athens Acropolis and Parthenon Walking Tour

athens guide tour

24. Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half-Day Small-Group Tour from Athens

athens guide tour

25. Athens Greece Full Day private tour

athens guide tour

26. Biblical Tour Letters To The Corinthians St Paul’s Footsteps

athens guide tour

27. Greek Cooking Class in Athens Including Rooftop Dinner with Acropolis View

athens guide tour

28. Athens 4-Hour Cooking Class with Central Market Visit

athens guide tour

29. City Sightseeing Athens, Piraeus & Beach Riviera Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tours

athens guide tour

30. Delphi One Day Trip from Athens with Pickup and Optional Lunch

What travelers are saying.

Vacation370441

Espa

  • FR Français

acropolis & mythology tours

  • kids & family activities

local experiences

  • nightlife tours
  • day trips from athens
  • multi-day excursions
  • in the media

experience local life, travel differently

Logo of

Welcome to Alternative Athens! Εxplore local life and venture off the beaten path to discover the authentic side of Greece with our top-rated tours and experiences.

Small Groups

athens city tours

Athens food tours, kids & family activities in athens, athens nightlife tours, beyond athens, the ultimate delphi day trip, extraordinary mycenae & nafplio day trip, a dazzling day trip to hydra, wonders of mainland greece: delphi & meteora tour, self-drive tours, wonders of mainland greece, highlights of the peloponnese, the grand road trip of classical greece, fire, sea and stone: the very best of the cycladic islands, myths, mountains and minotaurs: the ultimate cretan road trip, lesser traveled roads: the real northern greece, roads of power in the peloponnese, the grand roadtrip of the south & the north, tailor made tours.

Private itineraries, fully customized and impeccably delivered! Based on your interests and you travel needs, we’re here to make sure you enjoy every step you take and every little detail we show you.

I grew up in this neighborhood of Athens. It's called Nea Smyrni. The first settlers here were refugees from Asia Minor. People in our neighbourhood are proud of where they come from; they respect history because many of their grandparents or grea... Andreas tour Leader

Andreas, a tour Leader here in Alternative Athens

Awards & Accolades

Our alternative tours, around Athens and beyond, have earned us multiple awards from Tripadvisor.

Testimonials

"It’s not only ancient sites that are interesting to see in Athens! Our terrific and fun guide took us through the neighborhoods that are the social and political heart of contemporary Athens. Well worth it and highly recommended!" John M
"This is your chance to experience the spirit of modern Athens. Our eyes opened to this wonderful vibrant city - we loved Athens. Several hours of walking and talking with our new Athenian best friend. Don’t miss this tour!" Drew J
"My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Athens Neighborhood tour. Our guide gave us some indepth history and interesting facts about the history and evolution of the Athenian neighborhoods. An awesome and very informative walking tour." Promod L
"LOVED the comic book workshop! Our hosts were so incredibly engaging and we had so much fun. The cellar we did the workshop in was the coziest and most enchanting little library. Brick and stone walls with black bookshelves filled with comics set the scene for a truly pleasant two-hour adventure into Grecian mythology." Ruth Loh

athens guide tour

Walk with us & experience the city like a true Athenian!

athens guide tour

Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Museum Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

athens guide tour

Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

athens guide tour

Athens: Street Food Tour with 7 Tastings

Acropolis and museum private guided tour in french with entry tickets, acropolis and museum private guided tour in spanish with entry tickets.

athens guide tour

Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Museum Private Guided Tour with Entry Tickets

Athens: acropolis, parthenon private guided tour with entry tickets.

athens guide tour

Neoclassical Heart of Athens Private Guided Tour

athens guide tour

Surroundings of the Acropolis Rock Private Guided Tour

Showing all 11 results

Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Museum Guided Tour with Entry Tickets AW

Athens: acropolis, parthenon guided tour with entry tickets aw.

Design, Development & Marketing by DigitalUp

athens guide tour

Following my undergraduate studies at the Faculty of History and Archaeology at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, and my postgraduate studies in the Ancient History and Classical Archaeology I became a tourist guide certified by the Ministry of Tourism.

The experience accumulated by my studies is relevant to the career of a tourist guide. In my estimation, the common ground between the two is that learning, adventure and exploring “new” lands, never end.

My curiosity and adventurous spirit which had me exploring and visiting many challenging and exhilarating paths and corners of Greece, led me to Athens. I would be glad to share my passion and knowledge regarding the remarkable legacy of the Greeks with travelers from all over the world, in Greece, where history comes alive.

This will close in 0 seconds

I was born and raised in Athens. However, after finishing school I decided to study Economics in London, which was a great experience, but also made me realize once more that I am a very fun person and Economics are too serious for me.

When I was studying in London I realize my passion to explore the city and not just pass my time there like a visitor. So, I decided to share my passion with others in my own hometown, Athens were I lived for all my life and I love with all my heart. This city still manages to amaze me since you will never get bored in Athens, which has such a rich and layered history spanning over 2500 years.

For this reason the Capital really hooked me in and drove me to try to learn as much about the city as possible and to impart that knowledge to visitors. We travel to see and experience something different. If you’re going to visit Athens, expect the people, food, customs, stores, and interactions to be different and unknown. I would like to be your guide to this new journey and show how to experience my city like a local.

Of course the history and beauty of Acropolis demands a visit from anyone visiting Athens, but my favorite think to do in the city is to walk around the Capitals historic center and discover new places to eat or get a drink so I became an expert on that field.

My name is Costas and I am a licensed tourist guide. I have studied history and Balkan studies and I have a master’s degree on Middle East Studies. Greece is like a never ending palimpsest, with many layers of history and human activity going back to the past

As an instructor of modern Greek language, history and culture to immigrants and other foreign people, I understood that the knowledge delivered wouldn’t have been fruitful, unless the beneficiaries visited the places, touched the Athenian sacred stones and tasted the food. As an internal immigrant in Athens, born and raised in Trikala, a picturesque city of Central Greece, I was in their shoes for a long time and I am glad that I managed to show them that past and present intermingle almost in every step in this magnificent city.

Anthropologically speaking intercultural socializing with people from other countries makes me better as a human being especially when I have the opportunity to share my knowledge on history and anthropology of Greece, for as Thucydides has written the human nature does not change.

As a saying goes, your name speaks of who you are, and mine is Christos, which is Chris, in English — meaning "the annointed one," and, by extension, the Chosen One.

I invite you to a once in a lifetime experience, a dive deep into History, a tour to discover Greece's glorious, ancient past, and it's ever-lasting legacy in our time.

Hi, I am Gregory! I was born in Thessaloniki and studied History and Ethnology in Komotini,Thrace. Then I did my Master's degree on Byzantine Studies at University of London. After coming back home, I spent a decade teaching History.

I felt so excited when I got the Tourist Guide License which had been a dream since my childhood. Living in Athens, a very rich city in culture and monuments, I am ready to share the rich experience of discovering the treasures of Greece with you. My communication skills and great sense of humor will make you witness a unique experience!

Orestis Ermidis studied History for more than 7 years, and then, wanting to spread and popularize the knowledge and understanding of History, he became a tour guide.

Hello there,

I am Ioanna, a licensed tourist guide, born and raised in Athens.

I graduated from Athens Law School and had my master degree in the Netherlands. After having pursued a career in Law, I decided to follow my heart and become a tourist guide, in order to share with our guests and visitors, my passion for the history and the human stories behind our magnificent monuments. So let’s explore the landmarks and the beauties of my country and especially of Athens!

Having worked as a tour guide since the year 2000, I realize that this is the love of my life.  Meeting people from all different places around the globe and doing my best to make sure they have a wonderful day, it's so compensating.  Welcome on board!

I have always been fascinated by Greek history & mythology. I remember myself being the kid that always came home with dirt on its knees, a spoon in the pocket (the ultimate “digging tool”) and many stories to recount about what I had unearthed! So, I pursued my dream and here I am now, a licensed guide & archaeologist, enjoying every moment of being an “ambassador” of the rich past & present of Greece, sharing knowledge & experiences with travelers who visit my country.

I have also studied History and Archaeology in the University of Athens, oriented to history. In addition I am a holder of a Master’s degree in Political Science and Sociology. In 2021 I received a Certification as an expert in Cultural Tourism in Europe and I cooperated with the Hellenic Cultural Center by making a series of lectures for promoting Greek History and Culture. I love history and stories, art and culture and everything that is related with the human beings of the present and the past.

If you are looking for a big dive in history, a journey back in time and to our roots by a multi-dimensional look of the ancient ruins, I am the right person for you.

You will guide me in order to guide you better!

Privacy Overview

Lonely Planet's guide to Athens

Rebecca Hall

Nov 11, 2023 • 8 min read

Here are things a traveler should know on their first trip to one of the world's most storied cities, Athens

Here are things a traveler should know on their first trip to Athens, one of the world's most storied cities © Lisa Schaetzle / Getty Images

Founded in 508 BCE, Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and it's regularly touted as one of the Mediterranean’s best capital cities to visit. From the iconic Parthenon and the unique street art rivaling that of Berlin  to the city's glittering coastline, there’s so much to see and do in this ancient capital. 

One thing’s for sure: whether you’re into architecture, mythology, ancient sites, modern art or simply relaxing by the beach, Athens has something for everyone.

When should I go to Athens?

Greece generally attracts most people during the summer months (June to August) and Athens is no different, but we recommend visiting in the spring and autumn to avoid the heat. These shoulder seasons – March to May and September to October – offer cooler temperatures and a more comfortable travel experience overall. It’s also worth remembering that Athens is a humid place thanks to its coastline, which creates humid heat in the summer and gives the winter cold an extra chill. Consider this when packing and bring layers for all seasons.

Greek Orthodox Easter usually falls in April or May and the run-up to it, plus the event itself, is a huge celebration in the Greek calendar – even more so than Christmas. Expect street carnivals to mark the end of Lent and street processions to the various neighborhood churches on the Easter weekend, culminating in Mass and a huge meal on the Easter Sunday with a lamb on the spit. 

Restaurant prices won’t change much throughout the year, but accommodation prices do vary.  The same four-star hotel located near the Acropolis could be €140 per night in March and jump up to €320 in June for a weekend date, with Easter time seeing similar price rises.  It’s often cheaper to book directly, and hotels generally only publish their prices about two to three months in advance. 

An overhead view of historic Monastiraki Sq in Athens, Greece

How much time should I spend in Athens?

Many Europeans come to Athens for a weekend break, and long-haul travelers often use the city as as a stopover on the way to the Greek islands. 

You can get an initial taste of the city in two days, but we recommend a longer stay to truly understand the essence of this ancient capital. With four days, you can spend a day and a half at the capital’s famous sights, spend an afternoon wandering its neighborhoods , and still have time time to explore the beaches and ancient ruins of the Athenian coastline for a day or two.

Is it easy to get in and around Athens?

Located at the crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, Greece (and Athens in particular) attracts many tourists, which means the travel infrastructure is well developed and easy to use. Athens International Airport is 33km (21 miles) and a 30- to 45-minute drive – or a 45-minute metro ride – from the city center. There are also good ferry connections to Greece from Italy, with coach or rail services to and from Athens. 

Island hoppers will set out from the port of Piraeus , which is 45km (28 miles) from the airport and 10km (6 miles) from the city center. Piraeus is well linked to both the center (20 minutes by metro) and airport (a 24-hour bus service that takes about 90 minutes).

Public transport around Athens itself is easy, accessible and affordable, with a single ticket valid for a 90-minute journey and costing a mere €1.20. There is also a range of ticket deals, including  tourist passes lasting three and five days. 

The four modes of transport in Athens are:

  • the very clean metro system . Note: no food is allowed.
  • the overground train that connects the center to Piraeus port and other mainland destinations.
  • an extensive network of  buses and electric trolleys . These primarily run to urban neighborhoods beyond the touristic center. 
  • a tram service that connects the city center to the Athens coast and its beaches in about an hour.

After you’ve gotten yourself from the airport to the city center, most of Athens’s popular sights sit within a compact, walkable area. Just be aware of the traffic – cars don’t always immediately stop at red lights, and motorbikes occasionally mount the sidewalk to park.

An overhead view of a turquoise sea with people on the beach in Athens, Greece

Top things to do in Athens

Naturally, many visitors head straight to the Acropolis and the  Parthenon , Athens' most notable sights. The Acropolis has a daily visitor’s cap to avoid overcrowding and to preserve the ancient monument, so be sure to book your tickets in advance. It’s not really necessary to have a guide for the Acropolis – which can be booked on site – unless you’re very interested in dates and knowing the intricacies of ancient Greek history.

At the foot of the Acropolis lies the impressive Acropolis Museum , which showcases treasures from the Archaic to Roman periods, plus a stunning glass floor that reveals the excavated ruins underneath it. There’s also a terraced restaurant on the top floor with gorgeous views across to the monument.

Ancient artifacts crop up all over the city in random places, too; the metro stations of Monastiraki, Akropoli and Syntagma are like mini museums in their own right, and there's even ruins of a Roman tomb in a glassed-off area of the Zara clothing store on the shopping street of Ermou.

If it’s shopping you’re into, pedestrianized Ermou St is the place to go. It runs for nearly a mile from the Acropolis area up to Parliament in Syntagma Square, and features tons of fashion brands such as Mac, Desigual and the aforementioned Zara, plus a huge H&M. Greece’s main department store, Attica, is also here, and it's a great place to stock up with your holiday essentials. 

Looking for free and low-cost things to do in Athens ? Meander along the streets of Monastiraki flea market on a Sunday to peruse all the random wares for sale (everything from old drachma coins to shop mannequins), or take a stroll through the National Garden  next to the Parliament building, with its many species of plants and parrots flying freely. Witness the changing of the evzones (presidential guards) on the hour outside the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier , or make your way to  Filopappou Hill /Hill of the Muses with its pine forest – a great destination on a hot day thanks to its abundant shade. Be sure to head up here at sunset for views across to the Saronic Gulf.

My favorite thing to do in Athens

As an aficionado of street art, I love exploring the burgeoning street art scene here and getting to know the various neighborhoods where it proliferates. Take in the famous Praying Hands Mural just off Omonia Sq, for example, which depicts Jesus praying for the people down on Earth – a play on Albrecht Dürer’s Praying Hands (1508).

I also love wandering around the hidden village of Anafiotika , which sits beneath the northeast side of the Acropolis. A sub-district of Plaka, it was built in the mid-1800s when King Otto brought in workers from the Greek island of Anafi to construct his palace. Homesick, the workers set about making their neighborhood a replica of their homeland, building white, sugar-cubed houses with flat stone roofs and brightly painted wooden doors and shutters, like those found in the Cyclades. Pink and white bougainvilleas wind their way up these buildings, several of which have roof gardens. 

Anafiotika is a bit difficult to find, but worth the effort. Start at the Acropolis main entrance, and walk to your left along the path; keep the monument to your right until you reach the Church of Metamorphosis. Continue straight past the church and follow the wider path up a steep hill. The path turns right and runs into stairs – this is the start of the island village.

Women toast with glasses of white wine at a restaurant in Athens, Greece

How much money do I need for Athens?

Athens isn’t an expensive place to visit compared to other European destinations, especially outside of the high summer season when prices rise significantly.

  • Hostel dorm room: approx. €26 per night
  • Basic room for two: €36–128, depending of style of hotel and location
  • Self-catering apartment: €65 per day
  • Public transport ticket: €1.20 for a 90-minute journey, €10 from the airport, €4.10 for a day pass, €20 for a three-day pass including one airport journey, €8.10 for a five-day pass (not including airport)
  • Coffee: €2–2.50
  • Typical Greek gyros with salad and fries: €2–3
  • Dinner for two: €30 (add €2.50 for beer or wine)
  • Beer at a pub: €2.50+

What do I need to know before going to Athens?

Bring layers, no matter the season 

As Athens is located on the coast, it’s sticky in the summer and quite chilly in the spring, fall and winter evenings. Layers are always a good idea: think T-shirts, light sweaters and a jacket for the cooler months. For the really hot summer months, bring a sports cooling towel to wrap around your neck to cool off as you explore.

Be aware of your belongings on the metro

As with any capital or big city, pickpockets can take advantage of large tourist crowds, especially on crowded public transport. Avoid hanging large cameras around your neck and keep your backpack in front of you. You may also want to invest in a hanging cord for your cell phone to loop across your body so it can’t be snatched from your hands.

No flushing toilet paper!

The plumbing in Athens is antiquated and the pipes tend to be very narrow. Flushing paper down the toilet will clog things up, so you’ll always find a bin with bag inside it in the bathroom for you to place toilet paper inside. This is removed daily by housekeeping.

Explore related stories

athens guide tour

Destination Practicalities

Jun 11, 2024 • 7 min read

Poland is a big country packed with incredible landscapes and beautiful cities – where to begin? With our first-timer's guide to Poland, of course!

athens guide tour

Jun 11, 2024 • 6 min read

athens guide tour

May 31, 2024 • 4 min read

athens guide tour

May 21, 2024 • 11 min read

athens guide tour

May 9, 2024 • 6 min read

athens guide tour

May 8, 2024 • 3 min read

athens guide tour

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

athens guide tour

Apr 27, 2024 • 17 min read

https://www.toursofathens.com/

Athens Full Day

The Athens essentials that you just can’t miss! This Athens full day 8 hours private tour combines the historical part of the city of Athens with the contemporary way of living of the Athenians. A great tour to navigate among all the fundamental must-see sights in Athens from the locals’ perspective.

You will enjoy a personal hassle free experience without having to worry about getting around in a city that you visit for the first time. We will wait for you right in front of your accommodation and one of your most memorable tours will begin.

  • Admission Fees
  • Opening Hours
  • Usefull Info
  • Photo Gallery

The reference list of what you will see and experience during the Athens Full Day tour includes but is not limited to:

  • Temple of Wingless Nike
  • Odeum of Herodes Atticus
  • Temple of Olympian Zeus
  • Hadrian’s Arch
  • Old Olympic Stadium
  • Presidential Palace
  • Changing of the Guards
  • Constitution (Syntagma) Square
  • Lycabetus Hill
  • Trilogy of Culture (Academy, University, Library of Athens)
  • Authentic Greek Lunch
  • Ancient Greek Agora
  • New Acropolis Museum or National Archaeological Museum of Athens or any other museum of your choice

We can customize this tour to your needs. If you want to skip or add something, please let us know in advance.

On this superb full day tour the first thing to do is definitely to visit the Acropolis Hill , before the crowds and the heat begin to rise. There you will explore the magnificent gate of Propylaea, the Temple of the wingless Nike, the Erectheion with the imperious maidens Karyatides, and last but not least the masterpiece of Classical architecture, the Parthenon . The Acropolis gives you the chance to enjoy a panoramic view of the theater of Dionysus, the Odeum of Herodes Atticus , the Ancient Greek Agora, the modern city of Athens and even the port of Piraeus.

After your visit to the sacred rock of the Acropolis, you can lay back in our luxurious, comfortable and air conditioned vehicle and your chauffeur will drive you to explore the rest of the city in the most stylish and convenient way. Next comes the visit the Temple of Olympian Zeus and the Hadrian’s Arch. Your next stop is the Old Olympic Stadium.

Right after you will have the chance to witness the intricate changing ritual of the guards in front of Athens’ Presidential Palace. Continue with the driving tour and see the greatest examples of 19th century neoclassical architecture like the Trilogy of Culture, the masons on Queen Sophia’s Av., the House of the Parliament on Constitution Sq. (Syntagma Square) where the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier exists.

After all this soaking in of history and culture we suggest a break and can organize a nice home cooked family style lunch to taste the real side of Greek Food. After having a rest we are ready to hit the road once again and take some pictures that will last a lifetime. A drive through the old aristocratic neighborhood of Athens named Kolonaki, is incumbent.

From there on, your chauffer will drive you to the most beautiful balcony of Athens on Lycabettus Hill where you can take a spectacular panoramic picture of the city. Whether you are an expert in photography or simply a lover of all things beautiful you will definitely be tempted to capture the stunning view through your lens and create a memento that will stay with you and help you remember your unique day in Athens.

And because our purpose is to offer you what suits you best, do not forget that you can customize the last 2 hours of your tour by adding to your itinerary one of the following options:

  • The New Acropolis Museum is undeniably among the best museums of the World. The beautiful new museum You can delve further into the magical stories behind the Acropolis in a place where ancient history meets the modern world of 21st century.
  • The ancient Agora with its wonderful Temple of Hephaestus, can be visited on our tour after your lunch while also providing an excellent chance for a walk through the beautiful neighborhood of Thiseio.
  • The National Archeological Museum of Athens where you can view an exquisite selection of the most important and representative exhibits of Greek culture is the ideal alternative for guests who are not planning on visiting historical sites outside Athens. If you want to have an all-inclusive experience and have a taste of every period of Greek history just by visiting one place, this museum will cover all your specifications.
  • Any other Museum in Athens of your choice can also be visited at this point of our tour.

On the way to your accomondation if time permits we can have a quick stop to enjoy Greek delicacies and something cool to drink just like the locals do during the summer months.

Entrance fees, to the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, and Ancient Agora, are 30 Euro total pp (combined ticket obtained at the ticket office of any site) and 20 Euro for just the Acropolis.

Entrance fee to the Acropolis Museum is 10 Euro pp.

Free admission for:

  • Journalists Persons under 18 (with current identification to prove age)
  • University students from Greece and the E.U

Free admission (regardless age) on the following dates:

  • 18 May (International Museums Day)
  • The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)

For prices updates please click here

To buy your tickets in advance click here

For the Acropolis

  • Winter period: 8:30am – 15:00
  • Summer period:8:00am – 19:30

For Acropolis Museum:

  • Winter period: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last admission: 4:30 p.m.) Friday: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Last admission: 9:30 p.m.) Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Last admission: 7:30 p.m.)
  • Summer period: Monday: 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Last admission: 3:30 p.m.) Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (Last admission: 7:30 p.m.) Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (Last admission: 9:30 p.m.)

All sites and museums are closed or have reduced opening hours, on the following holidays:

  • Shrove Monday: 08.30-15.00
  • 25 March: closed
  • Good Friday: until 12:00 closed
  • Holy Saturday: 08.30-15.00
  • Easter Sunday
  • Easter Monday: 08.30-15.00
  • Holy Spirit Day: 08.30-15.00
  • 15 August: 08.30-15.00
  • 28 October: 08.30-15.00
  • 25 December
  • 26 December

For updates on opening hours please click here

There are a few things that are useful for you to know before participating in one of our tours.

  • Comfortable clothing and sensible, flat-soled walking shoes are recommended for most locations. Sun glasses, a hat and sun screen are also suggested since the Mediterranean sun is extremely hot during the summer months. As far as walking is concerned you have to keep in mind that climbing up to the Acropolis is a rather challenging task. Guests must be able to walk over paved, inclined paths, some with steps and then climb a series of steps to reach the Propylea. The walking surface on top of the Acropolis is rather raw and uneven. It has been preserved in this manner in order to showcase the authentic environment of the monuments.
  • Photography is permitted in almost every site throughout the tours and if it is prohibited you will be informed beforehand.
  • Local currency (euros) might be needed in order to pay at the spot small entrance fees and small expenses.
  • In case one of our guests has some special needs, is under certain medication or has a limited walking endurance you can let us know during the organization of your customized tour and we will make sure that small breaks are incorporated into your itinerary.
  • Also it is suggested that you bring with you a small bottle of water or something small to eat in case you need to during the tour. Furthermore if an individual has advanced accessibility needs you can let us know and allow us to customize the tour to fit your needs.

Sites of Athens. Tours of Athens

RECOMMENDED BY

athens guide tour

Private Tours in Athens and Greece

Onoufrios dovletis licensed tourist guide.

athens guide tour

Perfect Tour

We have been to Athens, the Acropolis, and the Acropolis Museum several times before, but this time we took a tour with Onoufrios. It was fantastic. He does a wonderful job conveying the historical, Archaeological, and linguistic importance of everything we saw. We loved It and couldn’t recommend him more. Will definitely be back to hire him for other tours.

Excellent Tour Guide

Four of us booked Onoufrios for a 3 day tour of Athens and surrounding areas. He is extremely knowledgeable and truly a fun person to spend time with. Be sure to book the Corinth Canal day which included super driver, George. He treated us like royalty! Look no further. This is the guide that you want. Check out Onoufrios' website.

Seen the best of Athens!

We hired Onoufrios for a private 1/2 day tour of the Acropolis and surrounding areas. He met us on time, and did an amazing job of keeping us away from the crowds while we toured. He was knowledgeable but more importantly, he was personable and so enthusiastic. Not only did he give us an excellent tour, he also suggested restaurants and other places to visit. Highly recommend!!

Ancient Greece Comes Alive

Onoufrious' expert commentary made our day in Athens as much about the people of ancient Greece as the architecture. He had a special way of conveying visual details to help us understand and retain the historical timelines. We also did his Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus and Nafplio Private Tour, which augmented and reinforced what we learned in Athens. Since we had heard numerous times "This is a replica--the original is in Athens", we squeezed the National Archaeological Museum Private Tour in on our last day. He found many interesting artifacts in a rather stody museum. Highly recommended.

I'm Onoufrios,

an OFFICIAL TOURIST GUIDE licensed by the Ministry of Tourism to give tours, both inside and outside sites and museums . The official guides are required to wear a blue badge . It doesn’t get more private and personal than this, as I am not an agency and I don't arrange packages. ‍

                            * * *

I have a profound love for Greece and I enjoy giving awareness tours to people who really want to learn, who are interested in art , history , local culture , politics and want to have a nice time .   If you are not interested, if you are looking for a shopping/eating tour or if people call you high-maintenance, I am definitely ( not probably) not the right guide for you.

                             * * *

Once upon a time, Αθήνα used to be the centre of... everything! It was the birthplace of Democracy ; home to philosophers , such as Socrates , Plato and Aristotle ; it gave birth to theatre itself. There's a reason why it was called the ' School of Greece '.

This is indeed where Europe and 'Western Civilization' began!

The city offers:

  • numerous museums (two of the world's most important ones: the National Archaeological Museum and the Acropolis Museum, ranked in the World Top 10)
  • several hills for hiking
  • plenty of ancient sites , in the centre & nearby
  • cafés and restaurants in the old town ( Plaka ) or other modern areas in the centre or by the sea
  • very vibrant nightlife
  • a lot of beaches as well as a lake and
  • easy access to many islands !

So allow yourselves   a  f e w  d a y s   in this great city that started it all...

     athens deserves it.

athens guide tour

Below are my suggestions. Of course the tours can be customised according to your needs ! * The meeting point is always a pre-designated spot. I do not provide hotel pick-up or drop-off unless it's a day trip including a vehicle.

Tours in Athens

Athens full day.

athens guide tour

Athens Full Day for Outdoors Lovers

athens guide tour

2 Full Days in Athens

athens guide tour

3 Full Days in Athens

athens guide tour

National Archaeological Museum

athens guide tour

Athens Half Day

athens guide tour

2/3 Half Days

athens guide tour

Gods and Myths

athens guide tour

Outside of Athens

Delphi & arachova.

athens guide tour

Corinth, Mycenae, Epidaurus & Nafplio

athens guide tour

Ultimate St. Paul Tour in Athens & Corinth

athens guide tour

Click "Chat Now" and chat directly with me.

Athens Tour Guide Logo

© 2020 Onoufrios Dovletis All rights reserved

{imgAlt}

Skip-the-Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum

Discover the ancient mythology and historic landmarks of athens with an expert archaeologist guide.

Looking for best way to see the unmissable Acropolis while you’re in Athens? This half-day guided tour lets you walk in the footsteps of Plato and Socrates with an expert archaeologist guide, taking in the iconic Parthenon and the remains of the ancient roads, theaters, sanctuaries, and temples that once made up this incredibly influential citadel. Skip the line and journey back over 2,500 years to the cradle of modern civilization!

Skip-the-Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum

  • Meet your guide near the Acropolis
  • Acropolis Hill

The Parthenon

  • Theater of Dionysus
  • Odeon of Herodes Atticus
  • Temple of Athena Nike
  • Poseidon's Erechtheum
  • Acropolis Museum
  • End inside the Acropolis Museum

After meeting your expert guide near to the Acropolis entrance, you'll skip the line to begin exploring one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, and the place where great philosophers like Aristotle helped form the modern world. You'll visit the historical ruins imagining the great temples, markets, and theaters that lined the streets of this great citadel. Explore the Parthenon, the grand temple set atop the hill looking over the panorama of the modern city. Then skip the line to the Acropolis Museum, where you can go to a glass overlook and gaze directly into the preserved city below.

Your guide is a true fountain of knowledge on all things Ancient Greece, and will bring the citadel to life with stories of the famous events, people, and mythology that surrounds it.

Acropolis and Museum Tour Description

Your 4-hour tour includes:

Skip-the-line Acropolis tickets

Guided tour of the Parthenon and Theater of Dionysus

Skip-the-line Acropolis Museum entry and guided tour

See the temples of Athena and Asclepius, the Herodes Atticus theater, and more!

Super-knowledgeable archaeologist tour guide

Maximum group size of 15

The Acropolis

High above the modern city, the iconic Acropolis offers the best views of Athens, the sea, and mountains surrounding the city. When the area was developed millennia ago, it was strategically chosen to protect from potential invaders, and it's strength helped it become the most influential city in the ancient world. After you skip the line to enter the citadel, your guide will take you through the places where ancient Athenians discussed politics, payed their respects to the gods, and spent their leisure time.

At the peak of the Acropolis hill are the ruins of the great temple dedicated to the cities patron goddess, Athena. Head through the massive Parthenon, built after the Persians sacked Athens in 480 BCE. Completed in 432 BCE, it has been both the highest point and symbol of Athens for nearly 2,500 years.

Learn the history of the massive temple, from Christian church to Islamic mosque to it's time as a gunpowder armory, which caused it to lose its roof in 1687. Your expert guide will explain the Parthenon's incredible importance to Greece, from ancient times to today.

The Theater of Dionysus and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Within the Acropolis, you'll visit two ancient amphitheaters that are still standing today. From the 2,500 year old theater with perfect acoustics to the Roman-built Odeon still in use today, these event spaces are some of the highlights of the citadel.

Built on the south slope and impressing audiologists throughout history, the Theater of Dionysus was built in the 6th Century BCE and held nearly 17,000 spectators. Built in a precise semicircle, the acoustics of the theater match even the quality of modern spaces built with today's technology. Sit in the original stone bleachers and imagine the great plays and festivals that entertained Athenians for centuries.

At the Odeon Herodes Atticus, see the 5,000 seat amphitheater that was originally opened under Roman rule in 161 CE. Although the impressive wooden roof is a thing of the distant past, the venue was restored in the 1950's and hosts concerts to this day. Artists from the Three Tenors to Elton John have played amazing shows to full houses at this nearly 2,000-year-old marvel of architecture.

Temple of Athena Nike and Other Great Monuments

As you wander through the Acropolis, your guide will point out the other great temples that stood in the ancient city. At the Temple of Athena Nike, you'll see a beautiful representation of Ionic architecture that is still largely intact, even though it was it was completed back in 420 BCE. Dedicated to the goddesses Athena and Nike the Temple represented victory in war for Athens.

Pass by the Erechtheum dedicated to Poseidon and the Healing Temple of Asclepius, and learn about the roles of the gods in Greek mythology, religion and daily life.

Skip-the-line Acropolis Museum Tour

The final portion of the tour is at the state-of-the-art, Acropolis Museum. Opened in 2009, the museum houses artifacts and relics from the long history of civilization on this great hill. From the Ancient Athenians, to the Romans and later to the Byzantines, you'll get a detailed insight into the history of life in Athens and how it became the city it is today.

Built over ruins and buildings from ancient Athens, and covered in glass for preservation, you can look directly down and see much of the city as it was. Designed by the architect Bernard Tschumi, the Museum is a wonderful experience to cap off this tour of the Acropolis.

" data-expanded-text="hide full description "> show full description

What you get with this tour

Tripadvisor Logo

See what people are saying

68 total reviews

Informative and personal

It did not feel like a school field trip but more like a conversation with someone who wanted you to share their joy of their cultural heritage.

show more reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

What to bring?

This is a 4-hour walking tour, so make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes and bring some water, sunscreen in summer months, and a camera.

This is a 4-hour walking tour, so make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes and bring some water, sunscreen in summer months, and a camera.

How much walking is involved in this tour?

Quite a lot. There will be opportunities to take a break occasionally, but you'll be on your feet and moving around for most of the 4 hours.

Will I skip the line on this tour?

Yes, your guide will lead you into the Acropolis without the wait, and you'll also be able to enter the Acropolis Museum without waiting in line.

Is this tour run by The Tour Guy?

No, this tour is operated by one of our vetted partners in Athens.

Is lunch included in this tour?

No, lunch is not included, but your guide will be happy to recommend their favorite spots after the tour.

Is pick up included in this tour?

Pick up is not included, you will meet your friendly guide close to the Acropolis.

Where does this tour end?

This tour ends at the Acropolis.

Can I bring my kids and do I have to pay for them?

Kids all ages are welcome on this tour, and kids under 6 years of age benefit of a discounted price. Please, select accordingly during the booking.

What if I have concerns about my mobility for this tour?

Let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you! Unfortunately, due to the nature of the Acropolis, this tour is not accessible for wheelchair users.

How long is this tour?

For those seeking a more concise experience, we recommend exploring Essential Highlights Tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon .

Free 24-hr cancellation on group tours! Learn more

You may also like

Athens in a Day Tour with Acropolis Early Entrance and Lunch

Athens in a Day Tour with Acropolis Early Entrance and Lunch

Enjoy morning guided access to Parthenon Hill and its museum, paired with a delightful Greek meal

From: $203.40

New Tour

Essential Highlights Tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon

Skip the line and get to know Greece’s most important ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike

( 19 ) From: $58.76

New Tour

Athens Sightseeing Tour by Golf Cart

Glide around the ancient city in order to see all the top spots of Athens!

( 11 ) From: $97.18

An authentic taste of Athens​

An authentic taste of Athens​

Athens Local Food Tour in Monastiraki

Discover the real taste of Greece with a fun foodie guide and explore amazing Varvakios Agora Market

( 19 ) From: $77.28

New Tour

Athens Wines, Spirits, and Gourmet Bites Tour

Join a local expert for a three-hour introduction to Athens’ vibrant nightlife, drinks, and bites

( 1 ) From: $84.75

Cruise the Saronic Islands on a Luxurious Wooden Sailboat

Cruise the Saronic Islands on a Luxurious Wooden Sailboat

Greek Islands Boat Tour by Wooden Ship from Athens

Cruise clear blue seas to the gorgeous Saronic Islands, with snorkeling, meals, and drinks included

( 5 ) From: $145.60

Cooking Class with Expert Chef

Cooking Class with Expert Chef

Athens Cooking Class with Dinner and Rooftop View of the Acropolis

Create Authentic Greek Dishes with Local Ingredients in a Small Group

( 10 ) From: $98.56

New Tour

Classical Athens Bike Tour

E-bike with ease around Athens to see the highlights of the city!

( 2 ) From: $47.46

Athens Wine Tasting Tour Under the Acropolis

Athens Wine Tasting Tour Under the Acropolis

Sample Greek wine varieties paired with traditional food alongside an expert guide

( 4 ) From: $54.88

Delphi Archaeological Museum

Delphi Archaeological Museum

Delphi and Arachova Day Trip from Athens

Take a journey to the center of the ancient Greek world to see the Temple of Apollo and more

( 4 ) From: $99.68

New Tour

Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon Half Day Tour from Athens

Cruise along a coastal road near the Aegean Sea and watch the sunset over the Temple of Poseidon

From: $73.92

Half-Day Sailing & Gastronomy Cruise From Athens

Half-Day Sailing & Gastronomy Cruise From Athens

Indulge in authentic Greek cuisine cooked onboard the Aiolis Alfa, expertly paired with local wine

( 2 ) From: $201.60

New Tour

Classical Athens by E-Bike Shore Excursion

From the cruise terminal, cycle to Areopagus Hill, the Roman Forum, the Olympic Stadium, and more!

From: $87.36

New Tour

Athens Street Food Tour in Psyrri

Delight in six traditional Greek dishes, paired with beverages, on this local secrets foodie tour

( 2 ) From: $61.60

New Tour

Athens by Night Walking Tour with Dinner

Admire the Parthenon, wander through the oldest neighborhood in Athens, and dine at a Greek taverna

From: $96.05

Private Full Day Tour of Athens

Private Full Day Tour of Athens

Explore the Acropolis with your guide, wander through Plaka, and drive to the city’s top sites!

From: $896.00

Athens Half-Day Tour with Acropolis

Athens Half-Day Tour with Acropolis

See the city’s most historic sites and explore the Acropolis with skip-the-line tickets!

( 1 ) From: $101.70

Top tours customers bought with this tour:

Forbes Travel Guides

Thank you for letting us know how your experience was!

Tell us about your experience.

If you need to book more than 7 guests on this tour, contact us at [email protected] A travel Expert will get back to you to arrange all the details.

Europe is re-opening for visitors!

Want to see which small group tours are now operating ?

More tours added weekly!

See Open Tours

athens guide tour

  • Travel Blog
  • In The Press
  • Help Center
  • Top Attractions

Policy & Terms

  • Cancellation Policy
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • USA or Canada: +1 888 290 5595
  • Email: [email protected]

We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover

© 2024 - The Tour Guy All rights reserved.

Return to Athens Survival Guide

Join Matt Barrett's Greece Travel Guides Group on Facebook for comments, photos and other fun stuff. If you enjoy this website please share it with your friends on Facebook. If you are appreciative of all the free information you get on my websites you can send a donation through Paypal or Venmo

  • Tailor-made

{{ form_errors }}

Forgot password

{{ form_success }}

{{ result.title[lang] }}

Acropolis and museum guided tour.

  • Inclusions/Exclusions

Archeology

  • Visit the most important landmarks of Athens; Acropolis Museum, Parthenon, Erectheion, Temple of  Athena Nike, Propylaea 
  • Enjoy a guided tour with an experienced state-licensed guide
  • Discover all about the history of this ancient city
  • Acquire Insider background information, anecdotes and historical knowledge
  • Take in stunning panoramic views
  • 2-hour private guided tour to the Acropolis
  • 2-hour private guided tour to the Acropolis Museum
  • Hotel pick-up (for hotels within walking-distance from the tour’s location)
  • English-speaking state-licensed "Insider" guide
  • Entry fees to Archeological site(s)
  • Hotel drop-off 
  • Personal expenses
  • Prices vary according to group size
  • The tour is available on a private basis which allows further customization
  • Since this is a walking tour you will need to be wearing comfortable shoes, a hat and sun-block
  • Don’t forget to bring a water bottle and lots of energy!
  • We offer only private tours . No mixed groups
  • We are absolutely flexible. Our tours can be customized to your wishes
  • Special requests are always welcome. We love to tailor holidays
  • All of our tours are designed and operated by our company
  • Our state-licensed “Insider” guides are thoroughly selected and trained , each one of them expert in his field
  • We always select the most suitable state-licensed “Insider” guide who matches your profile and interests

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum

A great way to see the acropolis.

"If you are considering a tour company for a visit to Greece, we highly recommend Athens Insider. They arranged five activities for us, and we enjoyed every one of them. They took excellent care of us, both in preparing for the trip and during the different excursions."

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

Amazing tour of acropolis and museum.

"We booked private 4 hour tour to get an immersive look at history and temples atop Acropolis. Our guide Zakia met us at 9 am and we spent 2 hours exploring the architecture and the temples of the Acropolis before moving onto the superb museum where the ancient artifacts are laid out really well and just fascinating. Zakia was friendly individual really passionate and [...]"

Must have Nota to guide you!

Nota is an archeologist who grew up in Athens and is very knowledgeable and passionate about the history and culture. She was considerate of of needs and we really enjoyed our 6 hours with her. We learned so much more than we ever would have in days on our own. She met us at our hotel and finished in the Plaka with an easy stroll home. You should have sturdy walking shoes for all tours in Athens. Marble is very slippery! And take a snack with you as we didn't have lunch to 2:30 after a 9:00 am start.

A 10 out of 10 day!!!

On a recent trip to Greece, my daughter and I were lucky enough to have a personalized tour that included a visit to the Acropolis Museum, and a delightful wander through the surrounding area of Plaka/ Monastiraki/ Syntagma. Our tour guide, Anthea, was a mine of local knowledge - from the best shops in the Flea Market, to the little local tavern with a traditional home cooked menu...wow! [...]''

Exceed our expectations!!

Forget the impersonal long bus tours and sign up for this personalized unique view of Athens!! Anthia, who knows EVERYTHING about the history of Athens, also has a personal knowledge of the culture, people and back streets of Athens. Recommend doing the evening tour (6-10pm) due to the heat. We saw all the historic sights, Anthia took us to a local coffee shop and bargaining with merchants. Beautiful person inside and out, we developed a friendship in just 4 short hours! Definitely wear your walking shoes...ask for modified tour if you can't walk 3-4 miles in one night...would highly recommend!!!

Personalized service at it's best!

We booked two tours through Athens Insider's website before we left for our trip- private 4 hour of the Acropolis and museum, and the food of Athens tour. We enjoyed both tours and were so charmed by the guides, their knowledge and warm attention that we booked 2 more. It was so interesting seeing Greece through the filter of these enthusiastic, educated, local young people. Professional, flexible and very organized Anthina was able to set up tours at the last minute AND give us other helpful tips for the areas we visited. Felt like we had friends and family showing us around their country.

Great tour with the kids

We had a wonderful tour with Marialena this morning, a half-day tour of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum. First of all, when we arrived in our hotel, we were pleasantly surprised to find a little welcome bag demo Athens Insiders! Such a nice touch. This morning, Marialena picked us up at our hotel and spent a great half-day with us. She told great stories, really engaged the kids (ages 9 and 5), and made it an unforgettable experience. We also added on the iPad virtual reality experience at the Acropolis, which the kids loved. Great tour - highly recommend! 

Fantastic way to see & taste Athens in 2 days!

We did the Acropolis tour with Helen & Yannis the driver! Excellent knowledge of the history, museums, & culture of Greece/Athens! Would highly recommend - don't forget comfortable shoes and sunscreen... The second tour, Flavors of Athens, was with George- a professional chef who took us to the BEST little specialty shops, restaurants, & markets...all the time answering questions about cooking, recipes, everyday Greek life, and much more. Superb! Don't miss out on these great tours!

Excellent tour of Acropolis

Our family of five met Vivian who toured us through the Acropolis and the museum. She was very knowledgeable in the archeology, art and history of Greece. The kids really connected with provided access to iPads that imaged the buildings, inside and out, as they looked when used (picture). Her enthusiasm was contagious. She adeptly avoided crowds and found us shade when presenting information. We walked 4+ miles in total. Juice break included and appreciated. Highly recommended.

Great way to experience The Acropolis and surrounding area

This was an excellent tour of The Acropolis, the Acropolis Museum, and the surrounding area. It is a lot of walking, but the pace was manageable. Angela was our guide and was extremely knowledgable and kind. We highly recommend this tour as a great way to experience some amazing history in Athens.

Excellent Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour

While we could have opted to do this ourselves, we went with Athens Insiders and definitely made the right choice. The booking was easy, we were collected at our hotel and experienced a wonderful few hours touring the acropolis and acropolis museum. We got so much more out of the experience than doing ourselves.

Informative, well paced tour!

Had a great tour with Eleni of the acropolis and museum. It was well paced & very informative. I appreciated that we were able to customized our tour and adjust the times to fit with our tight schedule. Eleni was awesome and knew the ins and outs of greek history and mythology. Would definite book Athens insiders again! Can be pricier because all tours are customized and private but very worth it!

Outstanding Tour of Acropolis and Museum

We thoroughly enjoyed our tour of the Acropolis and the New Acropolis Museum with Marilena. It was wonderful to bypass the line. She was so informative and friendly. Highly, highly recommend!

Guided tour of the Acropolis and the Museum

Visit very well commented in French by Petros who was able to make us discover all the facets of the site and make us understand the museum as well in its collections as in its architecture. Thank you also to Mariliza for its efficiency in the organization. for his seriousness

EXCELLENT !!!

Hi, I visited this beautiful museum for the second time last week. It is rightly considered one of the richest in works (most of which are very ancient and well preserved) to be admired. Absolutely not to be missed and photographed room by room. The Top, for me, is the huge statue of Zeus and the hall full of wonderful busts!

2">{{ booking.date | formatDateShort }}

3"> 0">{{ booking.adults }} x Adults 0"> • {{ booking.kids }} x Kids 0"> • {{ booking.infants }} x Infants • {{ total_price }}€

{{ tour.title[lang] }}

Booking options

Select tour language

Select tour date

Select up to {{this.maxAdults}} Persons & view price

Fill in your personal info

Review booking & payment

  • Available from {{ booking_min_date | formatDate }}
  • Up to {{tour.max_persons}} Persons
  • In {{language.language}} 
  • Available from {{ enquiry_min_date | formatDate }}
  • In {{value.language}}

Tour is going to be in {{tour.languages[0].language}}

Personal Info

Order summary, enquiry summary.

{{ totalPersons }} Persons {{ base_price }} €

{{ booking.infants }} Infants -

{{ addon.name[lang] }} {{ addons_price }} €

Total {{ total_price }} €

Payment method

  • {{ error[0] }}

The tour you’ve picked goes well with:

Stavros niarchos foundation cultural center visit, in the steps of athenian democracy guided tour, panoramic tour of athens.

gallery

Acropolis Athens Greece

gallery

Herodus Atticus Acropolis Athens Greece

gallery

The Acropolis Museum Athens Greece

gallery

Nomadic Matt: Travel Cheaper, Longer, Better

Greece Travel Guide

Last Updated: June 6, 2024

Aerial view of  Greek town along the Mediterranean ocean, with mountains in the background

It’s also one of the more affordable countries on the Euro.

You can travel around Greece for a fraction of what you’d spend in other Western Europe, which is just one of the many reasons why I absolutely love visiting Greece.

I’ve been to Greece many times and have spent months exploring this country. I cannot say enough good things about it.

Visiting Greece is always the highlight of my summer European travels. There’s just something magical about this country. There’s an energy in the air and you can’t help but think, “Maybe I should never leave?” It sucks you in.

And, while the Greek islands get the most attention, the interior of the country — with its small towns, historic ruins, and mountain hikes — is too often overlooked and underappreciated.

So, while you may have a strong desire to stick to the islands, try to get to some of the places in the interior if you can. You won’t regret it.

This Greece travel guide combines all my knowledge and experience to help you plan an epic, affordable trip!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Greece

Click Here for Island and City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in greece.

View of cliffside monasteries in Meteroa, Greece

1. Visit the Acropolis

Located in Athens , this magnificent hilltop complex from the 5th century BCE includes ancient buildings and ruins like the temple to Athena and the famous Parthenon. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is an excellent place to learn about the city’s history. You’ll also get to enjoy an expansive view of the skyline and the nearby ruins. During the summer, it’s swarming with tourists so get there early. Admission is 20 EUR, or for 30 EUR you can get a 5-day combined ticket that includes many other archaeological sites in Athens. For a guided tour, Athens Walking Tours runs guided tours for around 55 EUR (including admission) that skip the line.

2. Discover historic Crete

Crete has a long, long history. It was once home to the ancient Minoan civilization (which predated Greek civilization), and you can still visit the Bronze Age ruins of Knossos, the ancient capital of the Minoan empire (also considered the oldest city in Europe). The island is the largest in all of Greece and has beautiful beaches (including a beach with pink sand), plentiful hiking, quaint towns, and delicious food and wine. It’s affordable and because of the island’s size, you can still escape the summer crowds. Don’t skip this island!

3. Hike up Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus is the legendary home of the Greek gods. Any climb to Mount Olympus starts from the town of Litochoro, 150 kilometers (93 miles) south of Thessaloniki. At 2,917 meters (9,570 feet) high, it’s the tallest mountain in Greece. The hike up is both strenuous and mystical. As you climb, it becomes abundantly clear why Greeks thought it was this mountain from which the gods ruled!

4. See Meteora’s monasteries

Meteora is famous for its monasteries that sit atop sheer rock mountains . They are a stunning sight to see and worth the steep trek up to the top. The monasteries date back to the 9th-10th centuries when Orthodox Christian hermit monks isolated themselves on the cliffs and in the many caves in the area. In the 12th century, the monastic community became more organized and in the 14th century the Great Meteoron Monastery was constructed (one of the ones that you can visit today). Although more than twenty monasteries used to perch on these sandstone cliffs, only six remain today. They are still active, with around 50 nuns and 17 monks living here. It’s a 3 EUR entrance fee per monastery.

5. Explore the islands

Other things to see and do in greece, 1. learn some history.

Greece is where western civilization began and everywhere you turn, you’ll find ruins that are thousands of years old. Start in Athens with the museums, the Acropolis and surrounding ruins in the Agora, and then set off to explore the ruins of Delphi, Sparta , Corinth, and Crete . There are also great archaeological museums everywhere to see artifacts up close and learn even more. This country is a history lover’s dream!

2. Explore Sparta

Sparta was the ancient rival of Athens and known for its fierce warriors (the entertaining but historically-inaccurate film 300 was based on the Spartans). The city has a long history and plenty of ruins to explore. There is no shortage of things to do , museums to visit, excursions to take, and places to eat when you visit the city. Be sure to check out the King Leonidas statue, visit the Archeological Museum, and explore the Diros Caves. I especially enjoyed the Museum of the Olive and Olive Oil, which takes you through how olives have become a staple of everyday life in Greece. It’s an often-overlooked city even though it’s only a 2.5-hour drive southwest of Athens. It’s a great place to learn some history without the crowds.

3. Attend the Athens Epidaurus Festival

Every summer, the Athens Epidaurus Festival hosts concerts and performance theater, including reenactments of famous Greek plays. There are operas, indie musicians, dance performances, lectures, and more. It’s a unique celebration of the performing arts in all their forms and worth your time if you’re in the city when it’s happening. Started in 1955, it’s one of the country’s top cultural events and runs for the whole summer (May-October). If it coincides with your visit, you’ll see just how proud the Greeks are of their past. Tickets for each performance cost as little as 5 EUR.

4. Soak up the sun in Corfu

The Cyclades Islands may get all the press but sunny Corfu on Greece’s west coast is also a good place to enjoy the beach too. It’s a popular destination for young backpackers, but once you get out of the main town, you can avoid them and their partying ways and get the island to yourself! There are plenty of quiet beaches, ancient ruins, and beautiful villages to explore. I especially recommend checking out the Achilleion a palace from 1890 as well as Nymfes Village, historic Corfu Town, and the incredible views from Angelokastro Castle. You’re just a stone’s throw away from Albania too.

5. Explore the Delphi Ruins

Delphi was a place of spiritual significance to the ancient Greeks. Located around 2.5 hours northwest of Athens, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is where the omniscient Oracle would contact the god Apollo and give his advice to those seeking good fortune. Although the eternal flame no longer burns inside the temple, a visit to the Temple of Apollo is obligatory if you’re nearby. Admission is 12 EUR and includes entry to the museum as well as the archaeological site itself (which includes far more than just the Temple of Apollo). There are a lot of day trips to Delphi from Athens starting around 48 EUR.

6. Explore Melissani Cave

This otherworldly cave grotto can be accessed by a short yet postcard-worthy boat tour. Located on the island of Kefalonia on the western side of Greece, here you can admire the seemingly magical ultramarine waters and the monumental walls that envelope you as you make your way through this hidden underground landscape. I love how you can see the lush forest and trees just above the cave walls. It’s totally surreal and the water is so clear that it looks like the boats are floating on glass. Admission is 7 EUR and includes the boat ride.

7. Hike the Samaria Gorge

Samaria Gorge in beautiful Crete is one of Greece’s National Parks and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. For outdoor enthusiasts, this is considered one of the best hikes in Greece. While it isn’t the shortest or easiest trek (it’s 16 kilometers/10 miles), the gorge does promise beautiful landscapes, fantastic photo opportunities, and a great workout. Along the way, you’ll see the White Mountains and the trek ends at the lovely beach town of Agia Roumeli. The whole trek takes 5-7 hours to complete so make sure you bring water, sunscreen, and a hat as the heat can be overwhelming. The views are worth it though!

8. Experience the Patras Carnival

Every year in mid-January, the city of Patras (located 2.5 hours west of Athens) hosts what is basically a month-and-a-half-long party that starts on January 17th and runs to the beginning of Lent. There’s a slew of events both major and minor, increasingly crazy weekends, treasure hunts, and various costume parades (which even feature floats). It’s a lively time and as the largest such festival in Greece, attracting tons of revelers. If you want to attend, it’s a good idea to make hotel reservations well in advance as things fill up.

9. Tour the Archaeological Museum of Heraklion

The number one attraction in Crete , this museum also happens to be Greece’s second-largest archaeological museum (the museum in Athens is the largest). The artifacts here cover more than 5,500 years of history. One of my favorite pieces was a game board that dates all the way back to 1600 BC. The stunning collection here highlights the Cretan civilization (dating back from Neolithic times through to the Roman empire), with ancient pottery, jewelry, sarcophagi, colorful frescoes from Knossos, and more. Its Minoan collection is the most extensive in the world. You could easily spend hours here — especially if you love history like me. Admission is 12 EUR in the summer and 6 EUR in the winter.

10. Party on Ios

Ios has the wildest nightlife out of all the Greek islands. It is the summer party island where days are spent hungover on the beach and the nights are spent eating cheap food and drinking. If you don’t want to do that but still want to see Ios, it’s best to go to the eastern part of the island where it’s quieter. Don’t let Ios’ party reputation deter you from visiting though, it’s a beautiful, rugged island (and home to the grave of Homer, who wrote The Iliad and The Odyssey). It’s only busy from June-August so you can visit in the shoulder season to escape the party crowd.

11. Visit Thessaloniki

With more than 1 million inhabitants, Thessaloniki is Greece’s second-largest city after Athens. Although it dates back to 315 BCE, a lot of the city was destroyed by fire in 1917 and then by bombing during World War II. The result is a combination of more modern European city urban planning alongside Early Christian, Roman, and Byzantine monuments. In fact, Thessaloniki has more UNESCO World Heritage Sites (15!) than any other city in Europe. Be sure to visit the White Tower, the Rotunda, the Arch of Galerius, and Galerius Palace as well as the many churches (such as the Hagia Sofia and Hagios Demetrios). There are also several great museums here, including the Archaeological Museum, the Museum of Byzantine Culture, the Jewish Museum, and the Olympic Museum.

12. Go to Zakynthos

Just south of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea is Zakynthos , one of Greece’s most popular islands. With its soft, sandy beaches and charming villages, it’s easy to see why this island is a fan favorite. It can be busy, particularly in the summer, so head away from the main tourist area (go north, west or inland) or visit in the off-season to escape the crowds. Zakynthos is also a breeding area for loggerhead turtles and you can see them on Lagana Beach or on Turtle Island but take care to do so responsibly. Other activities include seeing the Blue Caves, Marathonisi Islet, and Shipwreck Beach (you’ll need to take a boat tour to get there). There are also tons of churches, monasteries, and ruins to check out too.

13. Visit Monemvasia

Monemvasia is a medieval castle town in Laconia on the coast of the Peloponnese, around 90 kilometers (56 miles) southeast of Sparta . It’s a spectacular island to visit as it is built into the side of a huge rock! Monemvasia was founded by the Byzantines in the 6th century and is a quiet town perfect for relaxing on the beach before dining under the stars at seaside taverns or on cobbled streets in the town. There are ruins to explore and a mosque from the 16th century now houses the towns Archaeological Museum. You can also walk out to the lighthouse for incredible sea views. If you’re into hiking, there are some trails that will take you past chapels and settlements up to hilltops to admire the views or down to secluded beaches.

14. Explore Ioannina

Next to Lake Pamvotida in northwestern Greece, Ioannina is a castle town that is bursting with museums. Don’t miss the Byzantine Museum, the Ethnographic Museum, the Archaeological Museum, and the Silversmithing Museum (the area is well-known for its beautiful jewelry). Head to the castle at sunset for a peaceful end to your day. You can use the town as a base for exploring the nearby Pindus National Park, the Tzoumerka mountain chain, the Cave of Perama, and the Byzantine town of Arta as well. You won’t need more than a couple of days here but it is well worth stopping if you are passing through.

15. Go wine tasting

While Greece isn’t as internationally renowned for wine as other European countries such as France or Spain, it should be. The Greek wine-making tradition goes back at least 6,500 years and is still going strong. Wine regions are spread across the country, but Crete has one of the oldest wine-making traditions (and over 30 wineries to visit around the island), while the wineries of Santorini make for an interesting tour due to the way that grape vines must be grown here (to protect against harsh winds). Wine tours start around 50 EUR for a full-day tour.

16. Take a cooking class

Greek food is legendary. If you’re a foodie like me and want to learn more about the cuisine and culture behind it, try a cooking class . Bring a taste of your trip home by learning how to make some traditional recipes (including favorites like tzatziki and moussaka) while learning about the importance of each dish directly from a local chef. Cooking classes generally last 3-4 hours and cost 70-100 EUR.

17. Take a boat tour

A boat tour is one of the best ways to see the islands, especially as some beaches are only accessible by water. You can find these on most of the islands and they’ll take you to incredible places you can’t get to by car. Most tours also have stops for snorkeling and lounging on the beach, and many include drinks and lunch. Half-day tours start at 20 EUR, while full-day tours are around 30 EUR. Prices can vary greatly depending on where you’re taking the tour from.

18. Go diving

Diving has become increasingly popular in the Greek Islands. On Mykonos , Paradise Reef has a large variety of marine life, including sponges, barracuda, octopus, and starfish. Ios is popular with beginners due to its crystal-clear waters and relatively calm waves. On the other hand, Santorini has less marine life but tons of shipwrecks. Shore dives start around 50 EUR, while a two-tank dive on a boat starts around 70 EUR. You can also take a beginner discovery course for around 70 EUR or a variety of PADI courses starting at 65 EUR.

19. Tour an olive oil farm

  For more information on specific destinations in Greece, check out these guides:

  • Athens Travel Guide
  • Corfu Travel Guide
  • Crete Travel Guide
  • Ios Travel Guide
  • Mykonos Travel Guide
  • Naxos Travel Guide
  • Santorini Travel Guide
  • Sparta Travel Guide

Greece Travel Costs

Greek salad, olive oil, bread, and dip at a table by the ocean in Greece

A room in a budget hotel that sleeps two can be found for 40-60 EUR (expect much higher prices — up to 50% higher — during the summer). Amenities at these hotels typically include free Wi-Fi, TV, a private bathroom, AC, and sometimes breakfast as well.

On Airbnb, you can find private rooms for 25-45 EUR in many cities and entire homes (including studio apartments) start at around 50 EUR per night.

Food – Greece is known for its food. Think seasonal vegetables (like olives), seafood, grilled meats, bread, feta cheese, and yogurt — all the staples of a fresh Mediterranean diet. To eat cheap, stick with eating gyros, souvlaki, and kebabs. These cost 3-6 EUR and easily fill you up. If you’re on a budget, you can live off these for as little as 15 EUR per day.

At a casual restaurant that serves traditional cuisine, expect to pay around 8-12 EUR for a main dish like moussaka and about 3-6 EUR for a glass of wine. A Greek salad costs between 6-8 EUR. Fish is more expensive, costing around 17-22 EUR for the catch-of-the-day.

Most restaurants charge for bread. The price is between .50-1.50 EUR. A bottle of water is about 2 EUR.

Fast food (think McDonald’s) costs around 9 EUR for a combo meal. A large pizza costs 8-11 EUR while Indian/Middle Eastern/Chinese food can be found for around 7-8 EUR for a main dish.

If you’re going out for dinner at a traditional taverna, expect to spend between 12-25 EUR depending on how much food you get. After that, the prices go up depending on how fancy the restaurant is!

Beer is 3-5 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 3-4 EUR. Bottled water from the supermarket is 0.50 EUR.

If you cook your meals, expect to pay 35-50 EUR per week for groceries including pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples. It’s easy to eat on the cheap in Greece.

Backpacking Greece Suggested Budgets

If you’re backpacking Greece, my suggested budget is 40-60 EUR per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, eating cheap food, cooking some of your meals, doing only free activities like hiking and relaxing on the beach, limiting your drinking, and using local transportation to get around. If you’re visiting the Greek islands or traveling during peak season, expect to spend on the higher amount of that. If you plan on drinking, add 5-15 EUR per day to your budget.

On a mid-range budget of 100-130 EUR per day, you can visit some museums and ruins, stay at a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out more, enjoy some drinks, take the occasional taxi, and rent a bike or scooter to get around.

If you keep your drinking and costly activities down, you can easily do this closer to 100 EUR per day. On the other hand, if you’re staying on one of the more expensive islands like Mykonos or Santorini and drinking a lot, expect to spend closer to 150-180 EUR.

On a “luxury” budget of 235 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, drink as much as you want, do paid tours and more expensive activities (like diving), rent a car to get around, and generally enjoy the finer things in life! This is just the ground floor for luxury though. Expect to pay upwards of 50 EUR more per day on the islands.

Greece Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Greece is affordable. Sure, islands like Santorini and Mykonos are expensive but, for the most part, if you are “keeping it local” you aren’t going to spend a lot of money here. Here are my favorite ways to save money when you travel to Greece:

  • Use the Greek salad/bread rule – If the bread cover is .50 EUR or a Greek salad is less than 7 EUR, the restaurant is cheap. If the cover is around 1 EUR and a salad is 7-8.50 EUR, the prices are average. Anything more than that and the place is expensive. Use this rule to figure out how to eat at cheap restaurants.
  • Eat super cheap – Gyros and other street snacks only cost a few euros and can keep you full for around 15 EUR per day if you’re on a tight budget.
  • Rent a moped – It’s cheaper than a car and a fun way to see the various towns and cities — especially on the islands. You can usually rent a moped for around 15 EUR per day. Just drive carefully as Greek drivers tend to be aggressive.
  • Get off the beaten path – Greece is a cheap country and even cheaper when you get away from the touristy islands or popular destinations. Head off the beaten path and you usually see prices drop by 30% or more.
  • Book overnight ferries – Greece’s inter-island ferries can get expensive if you are visiting a lot of islands. Taking the overnight ferries can save you up to half off the normal price. Plus, it saves you a night of accommodation. Moreover, if you book the ferries around two months in advance, you can save up to 25% off the cost of your ticket.
  • Get a ferry pass – Eurail has a ferry pass that has 4- and 6-trip options. The only caveat is that you can only take Blue Star and Hellenic Seaways ferries. Those tend to be the larger, slower ferries and, depending on the islands, might require you to connect somewhere. You’ll need to research routes in advance to see if the pass is worth it. I would search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you.
  • Take public transportation – Buses, while sometimes running on inconvenient schedules, are the best way to get around Greece. Taxis are very expensive so minimize their use whenever you can and stick with the buses.
  • Visit in the off-season – July and August are the most expensive months, so skip the middle of summer if you’re on a budget. Prices will be significantly cheaper.
  • Stay with a local – Couchsurfing is a great way to get a free place to stay and meet locals. There are a ton of hosts throughout the country (I stayed with one in Athens) and it’s my favorite way to get to know the “real” Greece.
  • Buy wine at the store – You can buy a great bottle of wine for around 5 EUR at the store. It’s a lot cheaper than drinking at the bar.
  • Have an ISIC Card – To save on the cost of admission to museums and other tourist attractions, be sure to present a valid student card. The ISIC is typically accepted in places where a foreign student ID is not.
  • Go to museums on their free admission days – Most museums have some days when admission is free. Check the Odysseus Culture website for details as they vary from museum to museum.
  • Get combined tickets – Historical attractions in Greece are often priced so that it’s always a better deal to buy a combined ticket. If the sites you are going to offer one, buy it. It will save you money.
  • Use points for accommodations – If you have credit card points that can be used for cash, using them to book accommodation can save you a ton of money. This post has more information to help you with the basics so you can start collecting points now and use them on your trip .
  • Rent a car – Car rentals can be incredibly cheap in Greece. Prices start at just 20 EUR per day when booked in advance. Drivers need to be at least 21 and have had their license for one year. An International Driving Permit is also required. Discover Cars is an excellent place to find a car for your trip.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink so bring a reusable water bottle to save money and reduce your plastic use. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Greece

Greece has something for everything and you can often find small family-run operations on the islands. It’s not hard to even find budget accommodations with nice extra like pools either! The specific destination guides have more places but here are some my suggested places to stay in Greece:

  • Selina (Athens)
  • Athens Hawks Hostel (Athens)
  • BedBox (Athens)
  • Studio Eleni (Mykonos)
  • Caveland (Santorini)
  • Bedspot Hostel (Santorini)
  • Asterolithos Hotel (Santorini)
  • Rethymno Youth Hostel (Crete)
  • Intra Muros (Crete)
  • The Pink Palace (Corfu)
  • Francesco’s (Ios)
  • FarOut Beach Club (Ios)
  • Castle View Camping and Bungalows (Sparta)
  • Lakonia Hotel (Sparta)

How to Get Around Greece

View of a bell tower at the end of the busy narrow streets in the city of Corfu, Greece.

Buses – KTEL is the main bus operator in Greece. You can look up schedules and prices online, but their website is pretty outdated and you’re better off booking tickets at the actual bus station. Getting from Athens to Sparta takes around 3.5 hours and costs around 20 EUR, while Athens to Thessaloniki takes around 5.5 hours and costs around 42 EUR. Thessaloniki to Ioannina takes 3.5 hours and is 24 EUR.

Trains – Train travel in Greece isn’t great. Trains are unreliable and slow and there are only a few routes in the country between Athens and other major cities, like Thessaloniki and Patras. You’re better off driving or taking the bus. However, if you do get the train, a trip from Athens to Thessaloniki takes about 4.5 hours and costs at least 20 EUR.

Ferries – Because Greece has a lot of islands, you have to deal with taking ferries to get around. Expect to spend an average of 35 EUR per trip, though you could spend as little as 10 EUR if the islands are really close together. From Athens, most ferries to the Cyclades Islands start around 40 EUR.

Taking the overnight ferries can save you up to half off the normal price plus save you a night of accommodation so if you’re not in a rush, book those!

There are many different ferry companies, and most are created equal. High speed ferries or catamarans cost a lot more (book in advance). You can research routes and ticket prices using FerryHopper and gtp.gr .

If you’re ok traveling on the slower ferries and your routes match the available routes, the Eurail/Interrail ferry pass is worth considering as you’ll get discounts with this pass. Search routes on FerryHopper to see if it works for you.

Flying – Flying is a quick and affordable way to get around Greece and between islands (though not all islands have airports). A one-way flight from Athens to Santorini or Mykonos takes less than one hour and costs around 25-35 EUR. Flights can dip to as little as 20 EUR when booked in advance.

Scooter/Quad rentals – Renting a scooter or ATV is a really popular way to discover many parts of Greece, particularly the islands. It lets you explore at your own pace and is quite affordable. Scooter rentals cost between 15-25 EUR per day depending on the location and if it is peak season or off-season. ATVs cost around 38-50 EUR per day.

Car rental – Car rentals here are super affordable, starting at just 20 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Expect manual transmissions. Drivers need an International Driving Permit before renting as well and need to be at least 21 years old. For the best rental car deals, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Greece

Peak season in Greece is from June-August. Temperatures hover around 33°C (92°F) and popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos experience a huge influx of visitors. Prices increase during this time as well. But the overall atmosphere and weather are great during this time, so it’s still worth visiting during peak season.

Personally, I think the best time to visit Greece is shoulder season (March-May and September-October). It’s still warm during these times but there aren’t as many crowds and prices are cheaper. It’s also easier to meet locals during this time. There is more rain during this time of year, so pack for that. Overall, it’s a particularly great time to hang out in the Mediterranean.

Winter is from November to February. It gets cold and tourist crowds thin out considerably. There’s quite a bit of rain and temperatures vary quite a bit from north to south, with it sometimes dropping to 11°C (52°F) in some places (Athens sometimes gets snow). Many of the islands — particularly Santorini and Mykonos — almost shut down entirely during the off-season. In short, I’d skip a winter visit unless you’re only planning to visit museums.

How to Stay Safe in Greece

Greece is very safe for backpacking and solo travel. Violent attacks are uncommon. Petty crime is about the worst that could happen to you, specifically pickpocketing in Athens, where it is prevalent. Fortunately, Greek police have really cracked down on perpetrators. Nevertheless, be aware of your surroundings and keep your valuables out of sight when you’re in markets, on busy streets, or when using public transportation.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard safety precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). For specific information about a place, check out one of the many incredible solo female travel blogs on the web. They’ll give you tips and advice that I can’t.

You won’t find a lot of travel scams in the country but read this article on common travel scams to avoid so you know what to avoid.

If you go out hiking, always check the weather first. Bring sunscreen, water, and a hat. It can get incredibly hot here!

Be careful when driving as Greek drivers tend to be on the aggressive side and some of the roads aren’t very well maintained.

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance protects you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Greece Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
  • Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
  • FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!
  • Ferry Hopper – If you’re looking to book your ferries, this website is an easy way to search the various companies, piece together routes, and book your tickets.
  • Take Walks – This walking tour company provides inside access to attractions and places you can’t get elsewhere. Their guides rock and they have some of the best and most insightful tours in all of Greece.

Greece Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Greece travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hotels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

The 6 Best Hostels in Athens

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

Where to Stay in Athens: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

The Best Walking Tours in Athens

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Traveling Greece: How Much Does It Cost?

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

Fulfilling Childhood Dreams in Crete

Get your  free travel starter kit.

Enter your email and get planning cheatsheets including a step by step checklist, packing list, tips cheat sheet, and more so you can plan like a pro!

GET YOUR  FREE TRAVEL STARTER KIT

  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

25 Best Museums in Athens for Uncovering the Wonders of Greece

Best Museums in Athens

  • 1 Pinterest

With a history spanning over 3000 years, Athens has no shortage of ancient ruins and museums. From the New Acropolis Museum and the National Archaeological Museum, to the Ancient Agora Museum and the Museum of Cycladic Art, many of them are genuine landmarks of the city.

But there are also many more that fly under the radar, waiting for you to visit and discover their cultural treasures. To help you maximize your time in the Greek capital, you can check out our list of the best museums in Athens .

1 – Acropolis Museum

Acropolis Museum in Athens

Situated at the historic Acropolis ‘ base in Athens, the Acropolis Museum merges ancient glories with modern design, drawing millions annually to its collections from the Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods.

Designed by Swiss architect Bernard Tschumi, the museum is celebrated for its innovative design that seamlessly integrates ancient and modern design. Its transparent floors offer a glimpse into the archaeological excavation below, providing a literal and metaphorical bridge between the past and the present.

Among the most prized collections are the remnants of the Parthenon friezes, the original Caryatids, and a myriad of artifacts that tell the story of life in ancient Athens. Thanks to the museum’s layout, visitors can walk chronologically through the city’s history, with each floor dedicated to a different era, from the prehistoric settlements to the height of the Athenian empire.

The museum is open daily, with tickets costing €10 in the winter and €15 in the summer. For a deeper understanding, there are multilingual audio guides, or you can book a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum.

  • Acropolis Museum tickets & tours

2 – Benaki Museum of Greek Culture

Benaki Museum in Athens

Ever since it opened its doors in 1930, the Benaki Museum of Greek Culture has stood as a beacon of Greek culture and history. Located near Syntagma Square, the Hellenic Parliament, and the National Gardens, the Benaki family’s neoclassical mansion houses an exquisite collection that tells the story of the Greek world from antiquity to modern times.

With collections spanning across Greek history, featuring Byzantine art, Greek paintings, sculptures and an extensive array of Islamic art, the Benaki Museum is a unique institution in Greece. The museum’s eclectic mix of artifacts, including costumes, ceramics, and historical heirlooms, provides a panoramic view of Greek civilization.

  • Benaki Museum of Greek Culture tickets

3 – National Archeological Museum

National Archaeological Museum in Athens

Just a stone’s throw away from the Acropolis, the National Archeological Museum is a gateway to the rich heritage of Greece, with an expansive collection of artifacts that showcases the timeless beauty and intellect of a civilization that has profoundly influenced the world.

As the largest museum in Greece and one of the most important in the world for ancient Greek art, it boasts a collection that spans over 11,000 years, from prehistory to late antiquity. Among the most prized exhibits in the museum’s impressive collection are the famous Mask of Agamemnon, the enigmatic Antikythera Mechanism, and detailed frescoes from Santorini.

Established in the 19th century to house and protect the country’s invaluable archaeological treasures, it has since become a hub of historical research, conservation, and education. National Archeological Museum ticket prices range from €6 to €12, with free admission for children.

  • National Archaeological Museum tickets

4 – Museum of Cycladic Art

Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens

The Cyclades are known these days as one of the most exciting island-hopping destinations in Greece, but they are also one of the most historic regions in the country, with a civilization dating back to the Neolithic era. With a mission to foster appreciation for ancient cultures, the Museum of Cycladic Art is a must-visit for anyone interested in the origins of Western civilization.

The Kolonaki-based museum houses an extensive collection of over 3,000 artifacts, emphasizing Cycladic art’s minimalist beauty, which has inspired artists for centuries. The iconic marble figurines, characterized by their abstract simplicity, are among the museum’s highlights.

The museum not only serves as a repository of Greek history but also engages the public with educational programs, temporary exhibitions, and cultural events. General admission tickets are priced at €12, which increases to €15 to add the temporary exhibitions. The museum also offers in-house guided tours.

  • Museum of Cycladic Art tickets

5 – National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST)

National Museum of Contemporary Art in Athens

Hosted in the former Fix Brewery in Athens, the National Museum of Contemporary Art (EMST) focuses on collecting and exhibiting contemporary Greek and international art. It features a range of multimedia art installations and temporary exhibitions addressing current social and political issues.

The museum’s collection spans a range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, and new media, reflecting the evolving nature of contemporary art. EMST not only exhibits established artists but also provides a stage for emerging talent, highlighting the current trends and movements within the global art scene.

With its engaging exhibitions and educational programs, the museum attracts art enthusiasts and professionals alike, fostering an appreciation for contemporary artistic endeavors. Tickets for the EMST cost €8 for adults, with discounts available for children, seniors and group visits.

6 – Byzantine and Christian Museum

Byzantine and Christian Museum in Athens

Established in 1914, the Byzantine and Christian Museum serves as a custodian of Greece’s Christian heritage, showcasing the spiritual and artistic evolution through the centuries. Within the tranquil grounds of the neoclassical museum, visitors will find over 25,000 exhibits, including icons, textiles, paintings, and mosaics from the Early Christian, Byzantine, Medieval and post-Byzantine eras.

The museum’s collections are meticulously organized to narrate the Byzantine Empire’s history and its profound influence on Orthodox Christianity and Greek culture. With tickets priced at €4 to €8, depending on the season, the museum is accessible to history enthusiasts and scholars alike, offering a serene and enlightening experience.

7 – Jewish Museum of Greece

Jewish Museum of Greece, Athens

The Jewish Museum of Greece was founded in 1977 to collect, preserve, research and exhibit the material culture of 2300 years of Jewish heritage in Greece. As a historical and ethnographic museum, its focus is on presenting a dynamic overview of Jewish history and tradition over the centuries.

Its collection, which is constantly being enriched, consists of more than 10,000 original objects, photographs, documents and archives from the daily and religious life and the historical course of the Greek Jews. The museum also features a poignant account of the Holocaust and the enduring spirit of the Jewish people in Greece, making it an essential visit for those seeking to discover the multifaceted tapestry of Greek society.

Tickets for the Jewish Museum of Greece cost €10 for adults, with guided group tours also available for a more comprehensive experience.

8 – Stoa of Attalos – Museum of the Ancient Agora

Ancient Agora in Athens

The Museum of the Ancient Agora is one of the most unique and best museums in Athens, serves as a window into the commercial, political, and social life of Ancient Greece. Housed in the reconstructed Stoa of Attalos, the museum is focused exclusively on findings from the archaeological excavations at the Ancient Agora.

This two-story structure, with its Doric and Ionic columns, houses a wealth of artifacts that reveal the intricacies of daily life in ancient Athens, from pottery and sculptures to coins and inscriptions. As one of the best museums in Athens, the Stoa of Attalos’ collection offers insights into the democratic processes, religious practices, and economic transactions that took place within the Agora, the focal point of Athenian life.

Open to the public, it invites visitors to stroll through history, amidst the ruins where philosophers once walked. Tickets for the Museum of the Ancient Agora cost €10.

  • Ancient Agora tickets & tours

Hot tip: Discover the best ancient ruins in Athens , including the Agora, where philosophers once debated, and democracy took its first steps.

9 – Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation

Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation, Athens

Head over to the neighborhood of Pagrati, behind the Panathenaic Stadium , to visit the Basil & Elise Goulandris Foundation , one of the most exciting and varied museums of contemporary art, featuring works by international artists such as Picasso, Van Gogh, and Pollock, alongside many prominent Greek artists.

The foundation is the legacy of Basil and Elise Goulandris, passionate art collectors whose vision was to create a space that celebrates creativity and innovation. Spanning several floors, the museum’s layout is designed to take visitors on an immersive journey through the evolution of art from the 20th century to the present.

In addition to its permanent collection, the foundation hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events, enriching Athens’ cultural landscape. Tickets cost €10, with discounts available for seniors and students.

10 – Hellenic Motor Museum

Hellenic Motor Museum in Athens

Petrolheads rejoice! Hellenic Motor Museum celebrates the ingenuity and artistry of the automotive industry. Spanning four floors, this museum showcases a remarkable collection of over 100 classic and antique cars, illustrating the technological advancements and design trends from the late 19th century to the modern era.

Highlights include rare models from iconic manufacturers such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, and Bugatti, each car meticulously restored to its original splendor. The museum also educates visitors about the history of transportation, from the invention of the wheel to the development of the internal combustion engine.

With interactive exhibits, such as a Formula 1 simulator, and many hands-on experiences, the Hellenic Motor Museum is a thrilling destination for car enthusiasts and families alike. General admission tickets for the museum are priced at €10.

  • Hellenic Motor Museum tickets

11 – Numismatic Museum of Athens

Numismatic Museum of Athens

Did you know that in ancient Greece, the deceased had to pay to cross over to the Underworld? Or that Greece turned to a counterfeiter to create its currency after gaining independence? To learn more about these stories, along with the evolution of currency in Greece, plan a visit to the Numismatic Museum of Athens .

With over 500,000 pieces, the museum’s collection provides a unique lens through which to view the economic, political, and social currents of bygone eras in Greece. Aside from delving into the science of numismatics, the museum also highlights the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient minting. After touring the exhibitions, relax with a refreshing drink in the museum’s garden. Numismatic Museum of Athens tickets cost €3.

12 – Benaki Museum of Islamic Art

A visit to the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art is not just an educational journey but an inspiration, celebrating the beauty, evolution and complexity of Islamic art. Its mission is to foster understanding and appreciation of Islamic civilization’s contributions to global heritage.

Located in a neoclassical building in the historic Kerameikos district, this museum is part of the larger Benaki Museum network and showcases an impressive collection of over 8,000 artifacts. The exhibits include ceramics, textiles, rugs, glass, metalwork, and manuscripts, highlighting the cultural exchange between the Islamic world and Greece.

Tickets for the Benaki Museum of Islamic Art cost €9.

  • Benaki Museum of Islamic Art tickets

13 – Athens City Museum

Athens City Museum

The Athens City Museum is also known as the “Old Palace”, as it was the first residence of the first royal couple of Greece. These days, the two buildings on Klafthmonos Square are dedicated to the evolution of the Greek capital in the modern era. As two of the oldest buildings in the city, the museum takes visitors on a journey back in time and opens a window into the everyday life of Athenians from the mid-1800s and onward.

The meticulously preserved collection of over 40,000 artifacts includes everything from paintings, engravings, and sculptures to furniture, musical instruments, and photographs that tell the story of Athens. Tickets for the Athens City Museum cost €5, with discounts available for children, students and senior visitors.

14 – National Historical Museum

National Historical Museum in Athens

Step into the heart of Athens and discover the National Historical Museum , the custodian of Greece’s storied past. Located in the old Parliament House, this museum narrates the story of Greece, from the fall of Constantinople in 1453 to the 20th century.

Marvel at a collection that spans historical documents, traditional costumes, personal items of national heroes, and artifacts that narrate Greece’s journey to independence and beyond. Highlights include the very flag raised during the War of Independence and the personal effects of key figures like Theodoros Kolokotronis.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with the events and personalities that have woven the fabric of Greek identity. Tickets for the National Historical Museum are priced at €10.

15 – Goulandris Natural History Museum

Goulandris Natural History Museum, Athens

Discover the wonders of the natural world at the Goulandris Natural History Museum in the northern suburbs of Athens, in Kifisia. This fascinating museum is a hub for those keen to explore nature’s diversity and offers visitors an insightful look into the environmental and geological forces that shape our planet.

Take a stroll through the museum’s botanical gardens and learn more about Greece’s rich flora and fauna. The museum also aims to inspire children and adults alike with interactive exhibits, such as dinosaur replicas that bring prehistoric creatures to life. The Goulandris Natural History Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural sciences, making it a perfect addition to your Athens itinerary.

16 – War Museum

War Museum, Athens

Book your tickets for the War Museum in Athens for an insightful look into the country’s battles and strategic evolutions from antiquity to modern times. Established in 1975, the museum welcomes visitors of all ages to explore its halls, learn about Greece’s strategic past, and honor those who fought for freedom and peace.

Spanning multiple floors, the museum’s collections include an impressive array of artifacts, including ancient armor, weapons, uniforms, and detailed dioramas covering historic battles. Notable exhibits cover the Greek War of Independence, Balkan Wars, World Wars I and II, and the Cold War, presenting a unique lens through which to view global history.

  • War Museum tickets & tours

17 – National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum

National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum, Athens

The National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum is easily one of the most impressive and best museums in Athens. As a guardian of artistic excellence, the National Gallery showcasing an impressive array of Greek and European art, from the post-Byzantine period to modern times.

After you pass through the door, you can admire works by eminent Greek artists such as Nikolaos Gyzis, Nikiforos Lytras, and Yannis Tsarouchis, alongside masterpieces by European luminaries.

With its recent expansion and renovation, the National Gallery has also transformed into a space for exhibitions, educational programs, and cultural events. Tickets for the National Gallery – Alexandros Soutsos Museum cost €10 for adults, with discounted entry available to children, students and seniors.

18 – Museum of Greek Folk Art

Museum of Greek Folk Art, Athens

To get a real understanding of the cultural fabric of Greece, make sure to check out the Museum of Greek Folk Art in the downtown area of Plaka . Ever since it first opened to the public in 1918, the museum has aimed to chronicle and celebrate the country’s cultural traditions and artisan craftsmanship.

Covering everything from intricate textiles and costumes to detailed ceramics and metalwork, the museum not only presents these artifacts but also narrates the stories behind them, connecting visitors with the enduring spirit of Greek culture. It promises an enlightening experience, revealing the skill, creativity, and community values that have shaped Greek folk art through the ages.

19 – Hellenic Maritime Museum

Hellenic Maritime Museum, Athens

Located in the picturesque area of Piraeus , near the Zea Marina, the Hellenic Maritime Museum is a must-visit for anyone intrigued by the tales of maritime adventures, battles, and explorations that shaped Greece and the wider Mediterranean region.

With an extensive collection that includes model ships, ancient maritime artifacts, maps, and navigational instruments, the museum offers a comprehensive overview of Greece’s naval legacy. The museum also highlights Greece’s contributions to global maritime history, including its involvement in significant naval conflicts and the achievements of contemporary Greek shipping.

20 – Athens Olympic Museum

Athens Olympic Museum

In the words of Pierre de Coubertin, “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning, but taking part.” The Athens Olympic Museum embodies this spirit, standing proudly within the Olympic Athletic Center of Athens and serving as a comprehensive homage to the Olympic Games, from their ancient roots to the modern spectacle we know today.

Featuring an array of memorabilia, from torches and medals to personal items belonging to Olympic legends, the museum offers an engaging narrative of perseverance, triumph, and global camaraderie. The Athens Olympic Museum is a celebration of human endeavor, sporting excellence, and the unifying power of the Games across time and nations.

Tickets for the Athens Olympic Museum are reasonably priced at €7, with discounts available for families, children and senior visitors.

21 – Museum of Illusions

Museum of Illusions in Athens

Let your imagination run wild in Athens and prepare yourself for a journey into a world where the boundaries between reality and illusion blur! The Museum of Illusions is conveniently located in Monastiraki and offers an extraordinary experience that challenges perception and defies the laws of physics.

Step inside and find yourself navigating through a world of optical illusions, where floors tilt, perspectives shift, and mirrors reflect endless possibilities. Each room is designed to entertain and perplex, to both reveal the limitation of human senses and the boundless nature of our imagination! General admission is €12, however you will need to book in advance to pick a specific timeslot for your visit.

  • Museum of Illusions tickets

22 – Epigraphic Museum

Epigraphic Museum, Athens

Have you ever wondered what goes into making a sign? Well, if you are visiting Athens, then you are in luck, as the Epigraphic Museum is one of the largest of its kind worldwide, housing an unparalleled collection of over 14,000 inscriptions, from ancient decrees and laws to intimate letters and financial accounts.

Each artifact within the museum’s walls tells a story, whether it be a monumental public declaration carved in stone or a personal note etched onto a small clay tablet. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or simply curious, the Epigraphic Museum offers a fascinating insight into the world of ancient Greeks through the very words they left behind.

Tickets for the Epigraphic Museum cost €2 to €4, while a 3-day ticket that also includes access to the National Archaeological Museum, the Epigraphic Museum, the Numismatic Museum and the Byzantine and Christian Museum costs €15.

23 – Technopolis City of Athens

Technopolis City of Athens

“Innovation is the calling card of the future.” The Technopolis City of Athens , a dynamic hub for culture, technology, and creativity, exemplifies this spirit. Located in the downtown area of Gazi, this former gasworks has transformed into one of the best museums in Athens that is also a premier destination for events, exhibitions, and educational programs that celebrate the fusion of past, present, and future.

Hosting over a million visitors a year, Technopolis is a focal point for international festivals, cutting-edge art shows, and music concerts, making it a must-visit for anyone keen on experiencing contemporary Greek culture. Its unique industrial architecture, preserved as a nod to its heritage, provides a stunning backdrop for the myriad activities held within its grounds.

24 – Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum

Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum, Athens

The Ilias Lalaounis Jewelry Museum in Athens is a unique cultural gem – in the truest sense – that is dedicated to the art of jewelry and decorative crafts. Founded by legendary goldsmith Ilias Lalaounis, the museum showcases an exquisite collection of over 4,000 pieces, each telling a story of ancient civilizations, nature, and art through the ages.

Lalaounis’ creations are celebrated for their blend of ancient techniques with modern aesthetics, making this museum a must-visit for anyone interested in the evolution of jewelry design. Aside from breathtaking jewelry displays, the museum’s workshops and exhibitions reveal the intricacies and secrets of the creative process.

25 – Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas

Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas in Athens

Have you ever wondered how ancient Greeks shaped the world with their technological innovations? The Museum of Ancient Greek Technology Kotsanas in Athens is here to help, offering a fascinating glimpse into the ingenious minds that paved the way for modern technology.

From the automatic theater of Heron to the Antikythera mechanism, often considered the first known analog computer, the exhibits bring to life the remarkable creativity and intellectual prowess of ancient Greek civilization. With over 100 reconstructions of Greek inventions dating from 2000 BC to the end of the ancient Greek world, the museum reveals the stories of ancient inventors and scientists, while helping you understand how these technologies developed over the centuries.

  • Museum of Ancient Greek Technology tickets

Visiting Athens museums on a budget?

Maximize your experience in the Greek capital with the Athens Museum Pass , granting access to top museums or the Mythology Pass for a journey through ancient myths. The Athens Ticket Pass is your key to essential sites, while the Athens City Attraction Pass offers discounts on popular attractions. These passes are your affordable gateway to exploring Athens’ rich history and culture without breaking the bank.

Where to go next?

After taking in the art and culture at the best museums in the city, you can shift gears with some fun things to do in Athens . Alternatively, if you are up for some urban exploration, you can join some of the best walking tours in Athens and dive into the city’s lively neighborhoods.

To keep yourself charged though, like a local, you can always indulge in the best food tours in Athens , sampling traditional Greek cuisine. Don’t miss the best tourist attractions in Athens , from the Acropolis to the Plaka district and beyond.

Athens, TX (75751)

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable..

Partly to mostly cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. Low 71F. Winds light and variable.

Updated: June 11, 2024 @ 7:23 pm

  • Full Forecast

site-logo

President Joe Biden's son, Hunter Biden, is con…

Guided tour of blueberry farm hosted by master ….

  • County Extension Agent works with her dream career

Governor Abbott lauds booming Texas economy at …

Weather alert, air quality alert until wed 5:45 pm cdt, river flood warning until wed 8:42 am cdt.

  • Courtesy photo

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, a guided tour will be given of the field and processing area at Echo Springs Blueberry Farm, 7235 FM 617, Murchison, Tx. This event is part of Henderson County Master Gardener Association’s “Let’s Grow” Gardening Series. The tour is free and open to the public.

Guided tour of blueberry farm hosted by Master Gardeners

  • By Lydia Holley
  • Jun 11, 2024

At 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22,  a guided tour will be given of the field and processing area at Echo Springs Blueberry Farm, 7235 FM 617, Murchison, Tx. This event is part of Henderson County Master Gardener Association’s “Let’s Grow” Gardening Series. The tour is free and open to the public.

It is recommended hats and comfortable closed-toe shoes be worn. Sunscreen is also advised. Hot dogs will be available on site, or participants are welcome to bring a sack lunch to enjoy in the shaded seating area.

Blueberries can be picked following the program. Or, already picked blueberries will be available for purchase. Echo Springs also grows thornless blackberries. Other items for sale include jams, pies, muffins, and other goodies. Plants may be available should you wish to grow your own.

You may want to bring a small cooler to transport blueberries home. Echo Springs Blueberry Farm reports the blueberry bushes are loaded right now. Should you wish to purchase items from Echo Springs Blueberry Farm, be aware they do not take checks. They accept cash, credit cards, or Apple pay. Backpacks, wagons, strollers, and coolers are not allowed in the picking fields. The only pets allowed on the premises are service dogs.

According to the Texas Real Food website, blueberries can stay in the refrigerator for up to a week. They can also be frozen. With a low glycemic index, blueberries can be enjoyed by many. Some may wonder about the white coating often found on blueberries. This is a natural substance which protects the blueberries from drying out.

Come see a working blueberry farm with state of the art equipment. Learn how the entire process from field to store is done at Echo Springs. It will be both interesting and deliciously enjoyable.

For more information, call 903-675-6130, email [email protected] , or visit txmg.org/hendersonmg .

Trending Video

Recommended for you, featured local savings, trending recipes, holder, billy, wanda shatzsall, michael, timmy, cole, lynda, francis, sue, herrington, j.d., lewis, robby.

  • More Obituaries

Most Popular

  • County pauses building expansion plans
  • Storms touch down in Henderson, damages Van Zandt and Smith Counties
  • One person dead following State Hwy 31 vehicle accident
  • Cardinals try to avoid series sweep against the Astros
  • Juneteenth Rodeo put on pause due to bad weather
  • Sports: UIL meeting could alter playoff structure
  • How to Downgrade from iOS 18 Beta to iOS 17 Without Losing Data
  • Chris Stapleton Tribute Concert - June 7
  • See you at Summer Camp

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos.

Sorry, there are no recent results for popular commented articles.

Sign up now to get our FREE breaking news coverage delivered right to your inbox.

  • Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
  • Back to Main Menu
  • Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
  • Cruise Deals
  • Weekend Cruises
  • Last Minute Cruises
  • Family Cruises​
  • 2024-2025 Cruises
  • All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
  • Cruise Dining
  • Onboard Activities
  • Cruise Rooms
  • The Cruise Experience
  • All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
  • Cruise Ports
  • Shore Excursions
  • Perfect Day at CocoCay
  • Caribbean Cruises
  • Bahamas Cruises​
  • Alaska Cruises
  • European Cruises​
  • Mediterranean Cruises​
  • Royal Destinations
  • Cruise Planner
  • Make a Payment
  • Check-In for My Cruise
  • Beverage Packages​
  • Shore Excursions​
  • Update Guest Information
  • Book a Flight
  • Dining Packages​
  • Royal Gifts
  • Required Travel Documents
  • Transportation
  • Book a Hotel
  • Redeem Cruise Credit
  • All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
  • Boarding Requirements
  • Future Cruise Credit​
  • Travel Documents​
  • Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
  • Transportation​
  • Perfect Day at CocoCay​
  • Post-Cruise Inquiries
  • Royal Caribbean
  • Celebrity Cruises

ADVENTURE IS A SHORE THING SHORE EXCURSIONS

DISCOVER YOUR OWN

IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE

The excursions and guided tours designed to take your getaway to the next level — from locally-taught culinary classes and land tours infused with culture and history, to adrenaline amping outdoor thrills and off-the-grid exploration. Ready to revisit that bucket list? Explore the possibilities for shore excursions on your next cruise below.

Mexico, Cozumel Coba Ruins

ADVENTURE ON LAND

No matter what your ideal adventure involves, Shore Excursions make it easy to immerse yourself in each vibrant destination you visit. Unleash your inner explorer and discover bold new ways to connect with the people, culture and places around you as you sail from one unforgettable shore to another.

Ancient Greece Ruins Delos Apollo and Artemis

EUROPE EXCURSIONS

When you explore Europe’s ancient cities, every arch and alleyway tells a story. In Sicily, you can bike across the rim of Mount Etna, which the ancient Greeks believed was home to the legendary Cyclops. In Spain, learn how to prepare tapas like a true Malagan, then savor every single bite. And venture deeper into nature — literally — as you explore the magnificent Lipa Cave in Montenegro. No matter where your journey takes you, these experiences will make every moment memorable.  

Couple Staring to the Coast of Cassis, France

PRIVATE JOURNEYS

For those looking for a more personalized adventure, there’s Private Journeys. Our Destination Insiders leverage extensive knowledge and years of travel expertise to hand craft one-of-a-kind private tours with you in mind. You can customize an existing tour that catches your eye, or work with an Insider to create an exclusive tour experience that’s completely unique to you or a small group. Celebrating a special occasion, chasing a lifelong dream, or looking for ways to rediscover a favorite destination? Private Journeys are at your service.  

Mexico, Cozumel Coba Ruins

DISCOVER WONDERS BENEATH THE WAVES

Adventure doesn’t just happen onshore — there are countless marvels waiting to be discovered just below the waterline. Brave the depths and venture down to the ocean floor, or scope out the reefs as you snorkel along the surface of the sea.

Kids snorkeling on the beach at Kings Wharf, Bermuda. Top destination for a tropical family sailing cruise vacation.

SNORKEL EXCURSIONS

Take your adventure underwater and discover a whole world that’s teeming with life. Swim with sea turtles and manta rays, float over vibrant reefs, and explore colorful coral forests on a snorkeling excursion designed to bring you up close with the ocean’s most beautiful natural treasures.  

Snorkeling Activity in Bermuda

SCUBA EXCURSIONS

There’s no better way to explore the beauty beneath the waves than on a guided scuba excursion. Dive deep below the surface of the sea with a certified expert and weave through brilliant coral colonies, scour centuries-old shipwrecks and come face-to-face with exotic aquatic critters.  

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU BOOK A SHORE EXCURSION

Navidator of the Seas Riptide

12 Coolest Slides On Cruise Ships

Couple relaxing on a cruise to Labadee

Long Weekend Cruises

Navigator of the Seas Pool

Six Secret Finds During Your Weekend Cruise

  • * Tours involving flights, trains, special events, overnight stays, hotel stays and Private Journeys must be cancelled 30 days prior to sailing to avoid cancellation penalties. Other restrictions may apply.
  • + In the unlikely event that your tour is significantly delayed, we’ll make all the arrangements for you to return to the ship at the earliest opportunity at no expense to you.
  • *Guests on tour under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 
  • Read more on the Guest Terms site .

 EXPLORE MORE

Baltic Sea Cruises

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

IMAGES

  1. Athens Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    athens guide tour

  2. ATHENS TRAVEL GUIDE: Itinerary, Budget, Things to Do

    athens guide tour

  3. Essential Travel Guide to Athens, Greece [2024]

    athens guide tour

  4. Private Full-Day Athens Historical Walking Tour (Tickets Included

    athens guide tour

  5. Atenas: tour guiado por la Acrópolis con ticket de entrada

    athens guide tour

  6. Best of Athens City Tour with First-Entry Acropolis Tour

    athens guide tour

VIDEO

  1. Athens Greece, unseen parts, you don't have to jump from page to page! 4k tour commentary

  2. Streets of Athens, Greece, Walking Tour, [4K]

  3. Top 10 Athens Visiting Places

  4. History Comes Alive in Athens Greece

  5. Best Things To Do In Athens

  6. 10 Best Things to do in Athens, Greece

COMMENTS

  1. The BEST Athens Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    Make the most of your time in Athens and enjoy access to 7 of the city's top archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora. From $39.08. per person. 4.4. Guided tour. Athens: Small Group Guided Tour of Acropolis & Parthenon.

  2. This is Athens

    Explore Athens with a Local. Meet an Athenian and discover the city beyond the guide books. Take a Walk. The official guide to the city of Athens. Where to eat, drink, and swim, top archaeological sites and museums to visit, plus all the essential tips to help plan your trip.

  3. THE 10 BEST Athens Tours & Excursions for 2024 (with Prices)

    BEST SELLER. 15. Acropolis monuments & Parthenon Walking Tour with Optional Acropolis Museum. 566. Historical Tours. 4 hours. Behold the beginnings of Western civilization with an experienced licensed tour guide on a 4-hour walking tour of this UNESCO…. Free cancellation. Recommended by 98% of travelers.

  4. THE TOP 10 Athens Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    The best tours in Athens according to Viator travelers are: Athens All Included: Acropolis and Museum Guided Tour with Ticket. Best of Athens Half Day Private Tour. All Day Cruise -3 Islands to Agistri,Moni, Aegina with lunch and drinks included. Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon and Acropolis Museum Guided Tour.

  5. The Best Athens Tours To Take in 2024 and Why

    Skip The Line Acropolis Tour with the Parthenon and Museum. Athens Sightseeing by Golf Cart. Athens Cooking Class with Dinner & Rooftop View of the Acropolis. Greek Islands Boat Tour by Wooden Ship from Athens. Classical Athens Bike Tour. Athens Local Food Tour in Monastiraki. 1.

  6. Athens Tours by Locals & Authentic Greece Trips

    Experience local life and discover the authentic side of Greece with top-rated Athens tours and unique Greece trips designed and led by local experts. ... "My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the Athens Neighborhood tour. Our guide gave us some indepth history and interesting facts about the history and evolution of the Athenian neighborhoods. An ...

  7. Tours

    Travel back in time with an informative and fun tour to the most significant monument in Athens. This tour is guided by a field expert and a licensed tour guide. Discover the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Acropolis of Athens through a journey into history, mythology and storytelling. The tour continues with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which ...

  8. The BEST Athens Tours 2024

    Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour. Travel back in time on an informative and fun tour of the Acropolis of Athens. Guided by a field expert and licensed tour guide, discover the UNESCO World Heritage site through a journey into history, mythology, and storytelling.

  9. Book the Best Athens Tours

    Free Cancellation New Tour. Discover the ancient mythology and historic landmarks of Athens with an expert archaeologist guide. 4.96. Max 15 Guests. from. $102. Free Cancellation New Tour. Skip the line and get to know Greece's most important ruins, including the Temple of Athena Nike. 5.

  10. Athens: Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour

    Full description. Travel back in time on an informative and fun tour of the Acropolis of Athens. Guided by a field expert and licensed tour guide, discover the UNESCO World Heritage site through a journey into history, mythology, and storytelling. Continue with a visit to the Acropolis Museum, which has been ranked as one of the top museums in ...

  11. A first timer's guide to Athens

    Athens International Airport is 33km (21 miles) and a 30- to 45-minute drive - or a 45-minute metro ride - from the city center. There are also good ferry connections to Greece from Italy, with coach or rail services to and from Athens. Island hoppers will set out from the port of Piraeus, which is 45km (28 miles) from the airport and 10km ...

  12. Best Tours by Local Guides in athens

    Discover athens on a private tour with a local tour guide. Book our guided tours in athens now & experience the best things to do in the city. We've just launched our new site and are experiencing some disruptions of service as we work through fixing early technical issues. Contact Us. Tour Guide Shore Excursions Safari Live ...

  13. Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour 2024

    See the landmark monuments of Athens in a new light during a late afternoon tour of the Acropolis, guided by a licensed archaeologist. You're guaranteed to skip any long wait lines during this walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Avoid the crowds and warmer temperatures while taking a leisurely stroll around the Parthenon, Propylaia gateway, Temple of Athena Nike and more.

  14. Athens Full Day Private Tour: A Must Do!

    This Athens full day 8 hours private tour combines the historical part of the city of Athens with the contemporary way of living of the Athenians. A great tour to navigate among all the fundamental must-see sights in Athens from the locals' perspective. You will enjoy a personal hassle free experience without having to worry about getting ...

  15. Private Tours in Athens and Greece

    Excellent Tour Guide. Four of us booked Onoufrios for a 3 day tour of Athens and surrounding areas. He is extremely knowledgeable and truly a fun person to spend time with. Be sure to book the Corinth Canal day which included super driver, George. He treated us like royalty! Look no further. This is the guide that you want. Check out Onoufrios ...

  16. Skip-the-Line Acropolis Tour with Parthenon and Museum

    This is a 4-hour walking tour, so make sure you're wearing comfortable shoes and bring some water, sunscreen in summer months, and a camera. show more frequently asked questions. Reserve Now $101.70 / per person. Explore Athens' cradle of civilization on this half-day guided Acropolis tour, with skip-the-line museum tickets and an expert ...

  17. Athens, Greece Survival Guide

    Matt Barrett's entertaining Guide to Athens, Greece, makes visiting the city easy and makes planning fun with loads of great photos, restaurant, hotels reviews,things to see and questions answered by e-mail, Greece, Travel, Information Guide to Athens, Guidebook, ... Athens Sightseeing Tour; Personal Tour Guide. Food and Wine Day Tours. Athens ...

  18. Athens Tour Guide

    Athens Street Art Ancient Philosophy Tour Nature Botanical Tour Eleusis Mystery Tour Delphi Myceneae and the Argolis Corinth and Nemea. Reviews "Nadia's tour was delightful. We chose to have her guide us through the Ancient Agora and museum ending with a tour of the Plaka neighborhood. It was a wonderful tour and Nadia is a fantastic guide.

  19. Find the Best Local Tour Guides in athens

    Explore athens with an experienced local tour guide from ToursByLocals. Book our 100% private guided tours now: personal, customized, and always at your own pace. ... Tour Guide Shore Excursions Safari Live Virtual Tour. Add dates. Search. USD. Athens guides 0 guides available. Filters. Filter. Language. American Sign Language. Arabic.

  20. Acropolis and Museum Guided Tour

    An exciting 4-hour private walking tour of the Acropolis and the Acropolis museum! In the company of your state-licensed "Insider" guide, you will be able to retrace historical footprints, immerse yourself in the richness of centuries-old Greek civilization and explore the city's impressive archaeological heritage.

  21. Athens tour guide

    697 posts. We will be in Athens in July, and I looked for a private guide for us for the Acropolis. When searching, I found numerous recommendations for Faye Georgiou, so we have scheduled with her for our 4-hour tour. She is also listed in the RS Athens guide. You might give her a try: [email protected].

  22. 13 Things To Do In Athens: Complete Guide To Greece's Ancient City

    Founded in 1957, the Ancient Agora Museum, which features a variety of ceramics, jewelry, and other items found during excavations, and the Temple of Hephaestus are must-see tourist attractions ...

  23. The BEST Athens Tours and Things to Do in 2024

    Make the most of your time in Athens and enjoy access to 7 of the city's top archaeological sites, including the Acropolis, Roman Agora, and Ancient Agora. From $39.00. per person. 4.4. Guided tour. Athens: Small Group Guided Tour of Acropolis & Parthenon.

  24. Athens Travel Guide a Comprehensive Guide to the Top 30 Experiences

    Here's an extensive Athens Travel Guide featuring the top 30 things to see and do: Explore the Monastiraki area, stroll along Ermou Street, and savour a Koulouri from a street vendor. Visit the iconic Parthenon with an insightful Acropolis guided tour. Ascend Lycabettus Hill for breathtaking panoramic views. Indulge in the vibrant atmosphere of ...

  25. Greece Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    For a guided tour, Athens Walking Tours runs guided tours for around 55 EUR (including admission) that skip the line. 2. Discover historic Crete ... Get Your Guide - Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking ...

  26. 25 Best Museums in Athens for Uncovering the Wonders of Greece

    Tickets for the Athens City Museum cost €5, with discounts available for children, students and senior visitors. 14 - National Historical Museum. Step into the heart of Athens and discover the National Historical Museum, the custodian of Greece's storied past. Located in the old Parliament House, this museum narrates the story of Greece ...

  27. Audio Guide App Athens + Acropolis & Athens: Spanish Guided Tour

    Audio Guide App Athens + Acropolis & Athens: Spanish Guided Tour. Book once and enhance your experience with this convenient combination of must sees

  28. Guided tour of blueberry farm hosted by Master Gardeners

    Courtesy photo. At 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, a guided tour will be given of the field and processing area at Echo Springs Blueberry Farm, 7235 FM 617, Murchison, Tx. This event is part of Henderson County Master Gardener Association's "Let's Grow" Gardening Series. The tour is free and open to the public.

  29. Sounion with ticket Temple of Poseidon afternoon English tour

    Take your own postcard-perfect snaps of Cape Sounion's Temple of Poseidon on a scenic afternoon trip from Athens. Cape Sounion is only 45 miles (70 kilometers) from Athens, making it the perfect lazy afternoon destination. ... Guide - English; Cancellation Policy ... [email protected]. Or call us at +1 786-321-7264. Our ...

  30. Shore Excursions & Cruise Guided Tours

    There's no better way to explore the beauty beneath the waves than on a guided scuba excursion. Dive deep below the surface of the sea with a certified expert and weave through brilliant coral colonies, scour centuries-old shipwrecks and come face-to-face with exotic aquatic critters. WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU. BOOK A SHORE EXCURSION.