Athens, the bustling and modern capital city of Greece, is one of the most visited cities in Europe.

Served by an airport, two ports, train and bus stations, it’s the main gateway into the country. It’s also, most often, a stop before travelers head out to explore Greece’s stunning islands or the magnificent mainland.

There’s so much to do in the city that a lifetime might not be enough to discover all the hidden gems. Without a doubt, it can be overwhelming to plan a trip to experience its splendor.

That’s why, in this article, I’m sharing the top Athens tours, excursions, and experiences to add to your bucket list (in 2024), no matter your budget. Also, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance applies to all the suggestions below.

Off the Beaten Track in Athens: Private City Tour

This tour runs year-round, lasts for about 2.5h and costs from US$32.63 per group & varies for more.

You’ll learn about the daily life in Athens, see where the locals hang out, check out cafes, bookstores, and more. The tour starts in Monastiraki, visits several quirky stops along the way to Kotzia Square and Laiki Farmer’s Market, visits Psiri, and ends on top of Strefi Hill, from where you’ll have an amazing view.

In addition to the tour cost, you also need to consider how you get to the meeting point, and the cost of the drinks you might order.

Skip the Line Acropolis of Athens Tour

This is a short (1.5h) walking tour of Acropolis, with a local licensed English-speaking guide. It takes place year-round and costs from US$37.29 per person. You are guaranteed to skip the lines to get the tickets and you’ll be part of a small group.

Kindly note that you also have to pay the entrance fee to Acropolis (20 euros/adult, payable in cash on the spot). Make sure to bring some water and wear foot ware that doesn’t slip on stones.

Athens Scenic Bike Tour

This leisure 3h bike ride circles around the base of Acropolis and stops at various sights and ruins to learn about their history. It takes place year-round and costs from US$40.79 per group & varies for more.

The bike is included in the price, together with the helmet, and the English-speaking tour leader. The meeting point is at Athanasiou Diakou street. You need to consider the cost of getting to the meeting point, as well as any drinks you might want to get along the way.

Acropolis monuments, Parthenon and Athens Hidden gems walking tour in Plaka

This walking tour that lasts for 3.5h takes place from May to October and costs from US$59.31 per person. The tour starts near the Acropolis, visits Plaka, Tripodon street – the oldest street in Athens -, Anafiotika, as well as other scenic places in the area. It ends in Monastiraki.

The packages include the services of a local guide and a glass of white wine. You need to consider the costs of the entrance fee to Acropolis (20 euros/adult), getting to /from the meeting / end point, and any food or drink you might purchase during the tour.

Athens Street Art Walk

Athens is well-known for its gorgeous street art! It was one of the highlights of both my trips to Athens and it was also included in the walking tours that I took. This tour takes 3 hours, is available year-round, and costs from US$61.77 per person.

You’ll walk away from the tourist trail and discover the street art as shown by a local artist. You’ll learn about the murals, urban culture, and more.

The tour departs from Thissio train station and ends in Monastiraki. You’ll spend the time exploring Psiri and Gazi, two amazing areas with gorgeous street art.

In addition to the tour price, you need to consider the added cost of getting to/from the meeting and end point, as well as any food or drink you might want to purchase along the way.

Private Gourmet Food Walking Tour in Athens

This tour lasts about 4 hours, is available year-round, and costs from US$79.25 per group & varies. You’ll meet the guide in Monastiraki and set out to taste a selection of Greek specialties, including koulóuria (sesame bread rings) and loukoumades (Greek donuts). You’ll learn about the city’s culinary history, visit various food stores, and try local wine and olive oil.

You’ll need to consider the added cost of getting to/from the meeting /end point.

Athens Highlights: A Mythological Tour

This tour lasts for 4 hours, is available year-round, and costs from US$78.08 per group & varies.

It departs from the main entrance of the Temple of Olympian Zeus and visits Athen’s ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis. You’ll learn about the history, discover the myths, and legends.

Aside from the tour price, you also need to consider the entrance fees (a total of 30 euros per adult), transfer to/from the meeting point, as well as any foods and drinks you might purchase.

Athens 4-Hour Cooking Class with Central Market Visit

This cooking class takes 4 hours, is available year-round, and costs from US$71.09 per person. You’ll tour Athens’ Central Food Market to purchase produce that you’ll use to prepare the dishes. You’ll learn how to make tzatziki, Spanatyrokopitakia (spirals of phyllo stuffed with feta, spinach, and herbs), dolmades Imam Baildi (roasted eggplant), and Portokalopita (sticky orange pie).

The price also includes water, a serving of wine, and a shot of local liquor. You’ll have to consider the cost of transfer to/from pick up & drop off.

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

Visiting Cape Sounion was one of the highlights of my latest trip to Athens. I also visited as part of a tour, very similar to this one, and was there during (a very cloudy) sunset.

This tour takes place year-round. If you want to attend the sunset tour, the price is from US$62.93 per person for the sunset tour; whereas a private tour costs from US$198.12 per person (you can choose any departure hour).

The tour takes 4 to 4.5h and your guide will pick you up from the hotel or apartment in Athens. It takes you along the coast roads and the first stop is at Lake Vouliagmeni. After about an hour drive, you’ll stop at Sounio Beach, where you will relax and enjoy some refreshments and a light meal. The last stop is the Temple of Poseidon, just in time for the sunset.

Kindly note that the meals & drinks at Sounio Beach are not included in the price. And you’ll also need to consider the entrance fee to the Temple of Sounion (10 eur per person).

Meteora Day Trip by Train from Athens

This day trip is available until October and costs from US$107.22 per group & varies.

You’ll travel by train from Athens to the outstanding Meteora monasteries, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll learn about their history and explore them for about four hours.

At the end of the day, you’ll explore Kalambaka and have a light lunch.

The package includes round-trip rail tickets, round-trip transfer from Kalambaka, an English-speaking guide, a map, and a bottle of water.

Kindly note that the cost of lunch is not included in the price. You also need to consider the cost of the transfer to/from the rail station in Athens, the entrance fees to the monasteries, and any food and drink you might purchase.

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

This full-day cruise is only available from April to mid-November and costs from US$157.33 per group & varies. You’ll depart from the port of Piraeus and visit the Saronic Islands. The first stop is Agistri, an ideal island to explore if you enjoy watersports, snorkeling, hiking, cycling, and more. You’ll also enjoy lunch on board (included in the price). Then, you’ll visit the Temple of Apollo before you head to Aegina, the closest island to Athens.
You’ll need to consider the added cost of an optional bike tour in Agistri, as well as the transfer to/from the port of Piraeus.

>>Click here to discover other tours, excursions, and experiences in and around Athens

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The prices are correct at the time of publishing and may change without notice.