Alternative Athens Tour: Street Art, Counterculture, and Protests
Contemporary Athens and its counterculture: we trace protest, street art and alternative scenes across Gazi and Psiri to the university area – Technopolis, Psiri murals by Ino, Achilles and Sonke, the Loukanikos memorial, the occupied Embros Theatre and Athens University (1974 anti-junta protests) – linking recent crises to daily life.
Basic Information
Total time
2h 45m
Language
English (check the calendar for availability)
Price
Our “Pay What You Wish” tours don’t have a fixed price — you decide how much the experience was worth. At the end of the tour, please make a fair contribution that reflects your satisfaction and appreciation for your guide’s work. Most guests give between €10 and €50 per person.
Meeting point
Keramikos Metro Station upstairs entrance Nearest public transport: Τεχνόπολη/Γκάζι metro station; Κεραμεικός train station
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Athens guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
♿️ Tour not suitable for people with reduced mobility or strollers
❗Our tours run in all weather conditions. High or low temperatures, rain, or snow are never a reason for us to cancel. We’re always here for you! The only reasons for cancellation are extreme weather conditions (such as heavy storms), a guide’s sudden illness, or if there are fewer than 5 registered participants. In such cases, we will always notify you using the contact information you provided when booking the tour.Booking rules
Booking is obligatory. Our “Pay What You Wish” tours are meant for individual travellers and small groups. Large groups (8 or more people) cannot join these tours, as they significantly affect the experience for others and the guide. For school trips, organised tours, or groups of friends, please book our paid option (18€ per person) or arrange a Private Tour. For more information or to schedule a group visit, please contact us directly.
About the tour
Modern Athens is many things, but most of all a city of contrasts! Beyond its ancient temples and classical heritage lies a vibrant metropolis brimming with radical art and underground culture fuelled by the tales of resilience. The centuries of upheaval – from Ottoman rule and Nazi occupation to military coups and the European Debt Crisis – has been rocking and throwing the city in every direction, causing Athens to emerge as a hub for alternative lifestyles, protest movements, and cutting-edge creativity. Intrigued? Join us to explore the underbelly of the Greek capital!
During this unique journey, we will step beyond the tourist hotspots to explore the raw, authentic side of Athens and delve into its lesser-known stories and hidden treasures. We will start the tour by exploring the industrial jungle of Technopolis in Gazi, a former gasworks turned into a cultural hotspot, surrounded by an industrial landscape now alive with art and innovation. We will see and decipher for you some of the boldest graffiti and most famous European street art created by renowned artists like Ino, Achilles, and Sonke, that define the alternative Psiri district. We will learn the story of Loukanikos, the Athenian Riot Dog, a symbol of protest and solidarity during the city’s struggles. We will visit the occupied Embros Theatre, a reclaimed cultural space emblematic of Athens’ counterculture spirit and stand at Athens University, where the 1974 anti-junta protests marked a turning point in Greek democracy. Finally we will explore the impact of the Eurozone Crisis and Neo-Nazi movements, and see what it’s really like to walk the streets as an Athenian. This tour is perfect for travellers seeking an insider’s perspective – one that goes beyond ancient ruins and reveals the pulse of Athens’ contemporary soul. It’s an opportunity to witness how Athens tumultuous past has shaped its dynamic present, its creativity, resilience, and defiance that have come to define this extraordinary city.
Join our Alternative Athens: Hidden Gems and Forgotten Stories tour and step away from the beaten path. Instead set on a journey deep into the heart of a city that thrives on creativity and rebellion. Book your spot today and discover its industrial past, marvel at its bold street art, and feel the spirit of Athens, a city constantly reinventing itself!
Highlights
- 1
Technopolis in Gazi
A former industrial gasworks complex transformed into a vibrant cultural and arts centre.
- 2
Psiri Street Art
Bold graffiti and murals by famous European artists in the alternative Psiri district.
- 3
Loukanikos the Riot Dog
A memorial to the stray dog who became a symbol of Greek protests.
- 4
Embros Theatre
An occupied and reclaimed cultural space emblematic of Athens’ vibrant counterculture spirit.
- 5
Athens University
The historic site of the 1974 student uprising against the military junta.
6Modern Greek Protests
Stories of recent upheavals, from military coups to the European Debt Crisis.
Map
Keramikos Metro Station upstairs entrance Nearest public transport: Τεχνόπολη/Γκάζι metro station; Κεραμεικός train station
Our customers said about us
Athens
4.0Darren
Good, if a little short.
Petros was friendly and engaging, withsome good insights into modern Greek life as a younger person. We did feel that the tour was a little short (2 hours, including a 15 min break in the middle, opposed to the 2.75 hour advertised). We also would have liked to see a little more street art on the tour,which we have seen quite a bit of on our own. We enjoyed it, but we're left a little wanting.
Athens
5.0Liam
Alternative Athens
Interesting alternative walking tour. Saw areas of athens we hadn't been to yet. Cool stories and some great tips from Petros. Would recommend
Athens
5.0Rob
Off the beaten path
This felt less touristy and was more like hanging with a local. Petros was like a modern day philosopher and his tour was well worth!!
Athens
5.0nadinedustin
Alternative Athen with Petros
very delightet and nice tour. petros is such an nice and funny tour guide. If you want see another side of athen, then i highly recomment this tour.
Athens
4.0Doris and Karola
Interesting and entertaining Tour with Petros, je also told us much about Greek history.
Athens
4.0Lrp
Alternative Tour with Petros
Petros is a super nice guy and it was nice listening to him. He had some interesting thoughts and was outspoken. Would have been nice though to hear more about street arts and the art scene of Athens in general! Thanks petros - would recommend!
Athens
4.0Paras
Nick's tour was amazing.
Nick is an amazing guide with lots of facts about the city and the difference treasure troves scattered around Athens.
Athens
5.0Jackie
Athens Tour with Pedros
Very informative and interesting. Pedros was excellent
Athens
5.0Jackie
Pedros was fantastic
Very informative and interesting. Pedros was excellent
Athens
5.0Iman
Tour
Had a wonderful tour with Petros
