Moving away from the well-trodden tourist trails, alternative tours introduce you to experiences that provide a deeper, more authentic look into a place’s past, present and future. Connecting with locals and the dynamic culture that shapes their life while experiencing new things makes for memorable experiences. Here we have selected nine top of the range tours designed to immerse visitors in the real Athens of today.
These aren’t your standard sightseeing tours; they’re adventures that bring you face-to-face with the city’s street art, natural landscapes, design world, architecture and personal inner worlds behind ancient facades. From cycling to tuk tuk riding to walking to hot air balloon travelling, you’re sure to gain a fresh perspective.
Disclaimer: Travel.gr does not have any affiliations with the businesses listed. Our recommendations are based on independent editorial research aimed at enriching your visit to Greece.
01
The Food Tour
Explore Athens’ culinary scene with this tour by Greekality, which introduces you to over 15 traditional Greek delicacies and takes you all over Athens. Delve into the essentials of the Mediterranean diet, starting at a renowned local delicatessen, where you’ll sample high-quality olive oil, olives, honey, cheeses and charcuterie.
The adventure continues with a visit to enjoy Greece’s beloved meze – a variety of small dishes designed to be shared and to enhance the communal experience of eating. Enjoy specialties such as dolmades, Greek meatballs and various dips while learning about the Mediterranean lifestyle.
The tour also introduces you to Athens’ multifaceted neighborhoods and shows you where the locals chill out, shop and enjoy the city’s rich cultural action. In a charming bohemian neighborhood, you’ll visit a family-owned restaurant that serves authentic Greek dishes that are not often found in travel guides, accompanied by local drinks in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Finally, indulgent Greek desserts and a homemade local produce add a sweet note to your culinary exploration. For an intimate look at Greek food culture, the all-inclusive tour includes all tastings and a full meal. Private tours are available for those seeking a more personalized experience.
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Duration: 5 hours. Price: €89+ per person. Group Size: 12.
02
The Nightlife Tour
Discover Athens after dark with this tour by Athens Walks Tours, starting at the vibrant Monastiraki Square. This experience introduces participants to popular local restaurants and bars while providing an insight into the city’s dynamic historic center. The tour highlights the famous Greek boat pizza “Peinirli”, to be enjoyed in the bustling streets of Monastiraki.
The tour proceeds to next door Psyrri, a neighborhood celebrated for its quirky, artsy and eccentric character, where you can enjoy a selection of local wines, Greek charcuterie, cheese platters and chutneys, all while listening to engaging stories about Athens’ millennia-old culinary heritage.
The experience is enhanced by the discovery of significant street art and concludes with a stop to indulge in famous Greek desserts. A visit to a renowned bar in the city center that serves a cocktail made with local herbs and spices, and a view of the beautifully lit monuments of Athens.
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Duration: 4 hours. Price: 80€ for adults, which includes a cocktail, a beer, a glass of wine, assorted food and snacks, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide.
03
The Wine Tasting Tour
Explore the ancient vineyards of Greece with the Acropolis Greek Wine Experience, a 1.5-hour tour by Athens Wine Tasting, which offers a satiating introduction to Greek wines under the Acropolis. This tasting event not only guides you through the diverse wine regions of Greece via a virtual tour but also pairs five quintessential Greek grape varieties with a handpicked selection of the country’s most exquisite cheeses, olives, and homemade bread rusks.
During this immersive experience, you’ll gain invaluable insights into the art of wine tasting and evaluation. Discover the significance of Greece’s wine terroirs and how each influences the character of different wines. Delve into the history of Greek winemaking and learn about the distinct styles produced across different regions. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your understanding and appreciation of Greek wine culture. The great crowd of fellow wine enthusiasts you’ll be with only adds to the fun.
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Duration: 2 hours. Price: €48+ per person, Group Size: Up to 22 guests for a join-in experience; private tastings available upon request. Includes an assortment of snacks, bottled water, a comprehensive wine list and a cheat sheet for taking notes.
04
The Street Art Tour
Some call it art, others a disrespect to the city’s walls. Whatever you think, it’s best you take a look before making up your mind. As well as providing insight into the city’s artistic expression, this tour can deepen your appreciation of the social conversations that occur in the open air. Whether you’re a street art aficionado or new to the scene, this guided exploration offers a unique lens through which to view Athens, revealing the stories and souls behind the spray paint.
You’ll walk the streets and discover the creative designs of over 2,000 artists on this tour, led by a local street artist. In exploring the artistic underbelly of the city, where the streets become galleries, you’ll see monumental, hidden stencils and powerful political statements.
The journey takes you through neighborhoods known for their rich street art culture: Post-industrial Gazi, increasingly creative Metaxourgio, popular Psiri, the politically charged cradle of Athens’ street art movement. Your guide, who is deeply embedded in the street art community, will provide insights into the backgrounds of the artworks. You’ll learn about Greek socio-political history, artists’ inspirations, and how these visual feats relate to Athens’ current socio-economic landscape.
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Duration: 3 hours. Price: €49+ per person. Availability: Daily at 10 am. Food and drinks are not included.
05
The Greek Designers Tour
Discover cutting-edge Greek design on Alternative Athens’ tour that takes you through the most innovative shopping zones. Experience firsthand how Greek designers are transforming fashion, jewelry, and accessories with their bold post-crisis creativity. This journey not only showcases the latest trends in Greek creativity but also offers a glimpse into the sustainable and avant-garde practices shaping modern local design.
Embark on an exploration of the city’s top shopping areas, starting with chic Kolonaki, known for its luxurious boutiques presenting high-end fashion. Witness how contemporary Greek designers blend traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials and designs.
The tour also delves into the world of beauty, visiting a cosmetic brand that infuses ancient Greek philosophies into its natural skincare products. A visit to a specialized deli highlights the rich culinary heritage of Greece, complementing the fashion experience with a taste of local gourmet products. Continue to the heart of Athens where you’ll encounter unique jewelry stores experimenting with novel materials and techniques, alongside boutiques that range from bespoke furniture to trendy footwear and accessories.
The itinerary includes a stop at a museum gift shop supporting emerging designers, offering exclusive pieces that push the boundaries of art and fashion. By the tour’s end, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the direction in which Greek fashion is headed and perhaps find that special item that adds a unique touch to your wardobe.
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Duration: 4 hours. Price: €59+ per person. Pace: Comfortable walking. Schedule: Departs daily at 10 am. Food and beverages are not included.
06
The Tuk Tuk Tour
Whizz away on an exciting six-hour TukTuk ride through Athens, taking in the city’s historical magnitude and electric cultural life. With a professional driver/guide at the wheel, you’ll be introduced to the ancient wonders of Acropolis Hill, including the iconic Parthenon and the Odeon of Herodes Atticus. The tour by TukTuk Athens takes you through the scenic Aeropagitou, Filoppapou and Pnyx Hills, each with its own rich history and spectacular views of the city.
You’ll navigate through the heart of Athens, visiting the Thissio neighborhood, the ancient Agora with the Temple of Hephaestus, the lively Psiri, and the bustling Central Market. Not to be missed is the National Archaeological Museum, a treasure trove of ancient Greek artifacts.
Your sustaibility-conscious tuktuk trip includes notable sights such as the evzones of Syntagma Square, the architectural elegance of Panepistimiou Street, and the sweeping views from Lycabettus Hill. The experience is rounded out with stops at the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Zeus, and concludes at the modern New Acropolis Museum.
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Duration: 6 hours. Price: Please inquire for private service rates. Group Size: Suitable for 1 to 2 adults. Includes: Hotel pick up and drop off (within 5km of Syntagma Square), commentary by the driver and bottled water. Lunch not included.
07
The eBike Tour
Under the supervision of an expert guide, immerse yourself in a fun and easy electric bike tour by Solebike. It combines ancient history with the vibrant life of the city and requires little to no strain. The adventure begins under the Acropolis. You’ll then ascend to scenic Mars Hill, roll through the ancient Agora into historic Thission and head to the archaeological site of Keramikos. The route then takes you through the lively Psyrri for a savory “koulouri” bread ring before continuing to the picturesque streets of Plaka.
The experience is punctuated by stops at Athens’ landmarks, including Hadrian’s Arch, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the marble grandeur of the Panathenaic Stadium. The tour concludes with a visit to the Zappeion Hall, the “evzones” of the Presidential Mansion, and the Roman Baths. This tour provides a rich narrative of Athens’ enduring legacy and charm.
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Duration: 3 hours. Price: €39+ per person, teenagers 14 years and older are welcome. Includes: Expert tour guide, individual earphones, high-end electric bike, helmet, bottled water, “koulouri” snack and comprehensive map.
08
The Mythology Tour
In the grand halls of the National Archaeological Museum, one of the world’s leading museums, embark on a 90-minute educational exploration for the whole family. This tour by AthensForKids dives into the heart of Greek mythology, the storied tapestry of stories that formed the cornerstone of ancient Greek religion and culture.
Participants will embark on a quest to meet the Olympian gods, from the mighty Zeus to the wise Athena, the powerful Poseidon, the swift Artemis, Demeter, Hephaestus, and beyond. The secret symbols and stories of each of the gods will be revealed, providing a unique and engaging way to learn about the history and mythology of Greece.
While navigating one of the world’s most impressive collections of antiquities, this interactive tour allows families to delve into ancient traditions and the importance of myth in the daily lives of the Greeks. The adventure concludes with a special “stylish” surprise, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
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Duration: 2 hours. Price: Upon request. Location: National Archaeological Museum.
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09
The Hot Air Balloon Experience (Not “IN” Athens)
Soar above Athens for an unparalleled view of the city’s sunrise or sunset on a hot air balloon ride by VIVA let’s fly!. This 40-minute flight near Thebes (one hour from Athens) grants passengers a chance to capture stunning vistas from above. Following a gentle journey through the skies, you’ll be welcomed back to earth with sparkling wine and a light snack of croissants, juice, and fruits. To remember the journey, each participant receives a personal flight certificate and a souvenir.
Hot air ballooning offers a sense of freedom and lightness unmatched by other experiences and is ideal for enhancing special romantic moments. Suitable for all ages, it’s an adventure that, however, advises caution for pregnant women, children under 6, or those with recent serious injuries. Before takeoff, the pilot covers essential safety guidelines to ensure a comfortable and secure flight.
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Flight Duration: 1 hour. Price: €220+ per person. Group size: 1-11. Included: Sparkling Wine, light Snack, Flight Certificate, Transfer, Other Extra Services.
