Welcome to Athens: A Walking Tour of the Ancient City and Plaka
Introduction to Athens, its history and culture. We cover Athens’ history from antiquity to today in the historic centre beneath the Acropolis and through Plaka; we see the Acropolis and Parthenon (outside), Ancient Agora, Temple of Hephaestus, Hadrian’s Library, as well as the Evzones.
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
The Monument of Lysikrates, Epimenidou 3 Nearest public transport: Ακρόπολη metro station; ΜΑΚΡΥΓΙΑΝΝΗ bus stop
Additional info
☂︎ This tour is organised by Walkative Athens guides. Look for the guide with the yellow umbrella.
❗Please note: our tours include only exterior visits to monuments — entry is not included, and no tickets are required.
♿️ 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
Athens, as timeless as its myths, welcomes you to discover its rich history, culture, and inspiring stories of resilience. From the divine rivalry between Athena and Poseidon to its role as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and the modern Olympics, it is like a treasure trove filled with thousands of stories, spanning over thousands of years. Let’s discover it together!
Nestled beneath the majestic Acropolis, Athens has been shaped by gods and mortals alike, witnessing the rise and fall of empires, enduring invasions, and thriving against all odds. Its story starts with the mythical rivalry of Athena and Poseidon. The gods vied for the honor of becoming the city’s patron. Poseidon struck the earth with his trident, creating a spring symbolizing naval power. Athena planted an olive tree, embodying prosperity, peace, and sustenance. Her gift won the hearts of the people, and thus, Athens was born, named after the goddess of wisdom. It reached the zenith of its development in the 5th century BC under the rule of Pericles becoming the cradle of Western civilization, fostering great minds like Plato and Aristotle and monumental achievements in philosophy, science, and the arts. The Peloponnesian War marked the decline of Athens’ dominance, leaving it vulnerable to Roman conquest in 86 BC, which in turn brought the astounding building projects under its new Emperor Hadrian. Spreading Christianity reshaped Athens under Byzantine rule. Ancient temples were transformed into churches, only to later become mosques under the Ottoman Empire which lasted four centuries, until a hard-fought war of independence that led to Greece’s liberation in 1829. Athens entered a new era under King Otto, a Bavarian prince installed by Europe’s great powers. Seeking to revive Athens’ classical glory, he laid the groundwork for the first modern Olympics in 1896. Despite 20th-century turmoil, including wars, dictatorship, and a financial crisis, Athens continues to thrive embracing its rich history while forging its vibrant contemporary identity.
Join us on the Welcome to Athens tour, the perfect introduction to this mesmerising city. Together, we’ll take a walk through the ages, from the ancient Athenians to modern-day Greece, uncovering stories of triumph, conflict, and rebirth. Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, the Welcome to Athens tour will leave you inspired by the city’s remarkable past and its enduring spirit. With our expert guides and amazing stories, you’ll walk away with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the cradle of civilization. Book your spot today, and let’s walk through history together!
Highlights
- 1
The Monument of Lysikrates
A model for the world architecture
- 2
Ancient Agora
The heart of classical Athens, a hub for commerce, politics, and philosophical debates.
- 3
Acropolis & Parthenon
The ancient citadel and its iconic temple, symbols of Athens' Golden Age and Western civilization.
- 4
Temple of Hephaestus
The world's best-preserved ancient Greek temple, dedicated to the god of craftsmanship and fire.
- 5
Roman Agora
The city's central market during the Roman period, with the impressive Gate of Athena Archegetis.
- 6
Tower of the Winds
An ancient octagonal clocktower and meteorological station, an early marvel of scientific engineering.
- 7
The Evzones
Greece's elite Presidential Guard, known for their unique uniforms and ceremonial changing of the guard.
- 8
Hadrian's Library
A grand Roman-era complex built to house books and serve as a centre for learning.
9Plaka District
The historic "Neighborhood of the Gods," with charming streets, local shops, and traditional tavernas.
Map
The Monument of Lysikrates, Epimenidou 3 Nearest public transport: Ακρόπολη metro station; ΜΑΚΡΥΓΙΑΝΝΗ bus stop
Our customers said about us
Athens
4.0Great Tour
Petros did a great job explaining everything in an interesting way. Despite some laggard tourists!
Athens
5.0Thanks Nick!
Great tour with some good tips, recommendations, facts, and guide.
Athens
5.0Very ́nice
Very nice
Athens
5.0Shahrukh Mody
Athens by evening!
It was a great tour very engaging and informative.
Athens
5.0James
Absolutely excellent. Engaging, informative and a super exploration through the millennia in Athens.
Athens
5.0Kiki
Perfect tour
Petrus showt us around Athens and new so many fun facts, history and gave so much interesting information. Loved the tour! Might even book another one . Thanks.
Athens
5.0Jim
Very informative tour
Petros made this tour very enjoyable and very informative. A nice way to understand some of the history and sights of Athens 😁
Athens
5.0Luke
Great tour - highly recommend
Nick has a really cool tour planned out where you see all the essentials and get a good oversight on everything important in the main tourist areas. For everything else apart from those areas, he will have some Infos as well, for sure!
Athens
5.0Lukas
Great walking Tour through Athens!
One of the best free walking tours I’ve ever had! Nick spoke loud and was good to understand, he made sure to include all the must-sees on the tour and in the end gave very useful advice for further activities (booking of archaeological sites, restaurants, neighbourhoods,…). You could feel he really loves his home town and knows how to convey that to his audience. Highly recommended!
Athens
5.0Fiona Gareth
Fab tour - highly recommend
Nick was engaging and fun from the get go. So knowledgeable and provided history and anecdotes aplenty. His wide knowledge of Athens and Greece meant he could answer all of our questions even when we strayed from the tour itinerary. His recommendations and tips were invaluable to us for the rest of our trip. Nick engaged with everyone in the group and ensured the pace suited everyone.
