Planning your Athens trip soon and looking for the best tours in Athens to join?
If you are traveling to Athens for the first time, let me tell you.
Athens is a city that is rich in history and offers plenty of activities to do.
This is why it can get confusing about what you should do here on your Greece vacation.
So, if you are looking for unique Athens tours to include on your trip, I have listed the 13 Best Tours in Athens that are a must for your bucket list!
This includes food tours, scenic day trips, guided historical tours, and more.
Tours in Athens: 15 Athens Tours That Are A Must For Your Bucket List
Sightseeing Tours in Athens: Acropolis and Parthenon Tour
Of course, when you are looking for top things to do in Athens, visiting the Acropolis and Parthenon is a must.
You can choose to visit these historical places on your own. However, you won’t learn as much of the history or the significance of the buildings unless you hire a guide.
This is why I feel a guided tour of the Acropolis and Parthenon is a must!
You’ll skip the lines and get a friendly guide who’ll tell you about the history, myths, and architecture of this site.
On this Acropolis, Parthenon & Acropolis Museum Guided Tour, you’ll enjoy the city views from the Parthenon.
Next, you make your way to the Acropolis Museum to see the original sculptures, Caryatids, and friezes. It all looks so fascinating and has a truly invigorating history.
Trust me, if you are interested in the history of Athens, then this is one of the best tours in Athens to book!
Book Now: Athens: Acropolis and Parthenon Guided Walking Tour
Book Now: Ancient Agora E-Ticket and Audio Tour
Check Out: Parthenon & Acropolis Museum with Audio or Live Tour Option
Athens Best Food Tours
I love trying new food in a city, which is why I always recommend joining food tours.
After all, what is a tastier way to learn more about the locals?
You get to walk around the city, discover local neighborhoods, and taste delicious local dishes that you might never find on your own.
It is like sightseeing but with snacks. What more could you want?
This Athens Greek Foodie Tour takes you through vibrant markets, traditional bakeries, and local taverns. Trust me, the local guide knows all the good spots for delicious Greek food.
From koulori to souvlaki, you will get to try Athens’ best food.
Book Now: Athens: Ultimate Food Walking Tour with 15 Tastings
Book Now: Athens Street Food Tasting Tour
Athens Hop On Hop Off Bus Tour
Are you visiting Athens for just 2 days or less?
If yes, then I feel you should make the most of your time by going on the Hop On Hop Off Bus tour.
This way, you get to see all the main sights without worrying about the transport.
Plus, it is so flexible! You can get down to whichever stop you want, explore leisurely, and then get back on the bus when you are ready to explore more.
Plus, you get audio commentary along the way so you know what you’re looking at!
With this specific Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Tour, you can choose between a 24-hour, a 48-hour, and a 3-day bus tour.
You can marvel at all the national sights in Athens such as the Acropolis, Temple of Zeus, National Garden, and more.
Add Athens Riviera or Piraeus for an even more extensive exploration in a short time.
Honestly, I feel Hop On Hop Off Bus tours are the best tours in Athens if you want to explore the city on a short time.
Book Now: Athens, Piraeus, and Coastline: Blue Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Book Now: Athens: Big Bus Hop-on, Hop-off Tour by Open-Top Bus
City Tours in Athens: E-Scooter or E-Bike Tour of Athens
Do you love cycle or e-scooter tours too?
If yes, then one of the most fun things to do in Athens is to join a bike or e-scooter tour.
It is the best way to get a feel for a city. You can drive through the narrow streets, charming neighborhoods, and historic sites like the Acropolis.
Join this Athens City E-Bike Tour to cover both modern and historic sights and learn about them with the help of a dedicated guide.
There is plenty of time for breaks and photos as well, so it is not tiring.
So, if you want a different experience in Athens, then this is certainly one of the top tours in Athens to book.
Book Now: Premium Guided E-Scooter Tour in the Acropolis Area
Book Now: Athens: City Highlights Guided E-Scooter Tour
Check Out: Athens: Award-Winning Acropolis Guided e-Scooter Tour
Greek Theatre Performance in Athens
If you love watching theatre performances, then one of the top activities in Athens is watching a Greek theatre performance.
You can watch an ancient play being performed in Athens, the city which is known for its drama and storytelling skills!
I love this Ancient Greek Theater Experience, which is held at the foot of the Acropolis.
It brings old tales to life with live actors, music, and mythological storytelling, and is an Athens must see.
Trust me, it is a great alternative if you’re looking for something beyond the usual sightseeing tours in Athens.
Book Now: Dora Stratou Greek Dancing Show Experience
Book Now: Open-Air Theatre Performance “SIX WOMEN in Greek Tragedy”
Athens Tours: Guided Kayaking Tour with Lunch
Looking for a little bit of adventure on your Athens visit?
If yes, then I highly recommend going on a kayaking tour along the Athens Coast.
You can enjoy the views of the Temple of Poseidon and just marvel at the sights during the sunset!
I found this Sunset kayak tour to be amazing.
It takes you along the Athens Riviera with stops for swimming and photo opportunities.
Plus, you get to witness a stunning sunset view in the evening.
Book Now: From Athens: Cape Sounion Guided Kayaking Tour with Lunch
Ancient Greek Murder Mystery Experience
Looking for something fun and different from the usual history tours in Athens?
Then, you can participate in interactive experiences like murder mystery games.
They help you immerse yourself in ancient culture while enjoying it with a group.
Not sure about which one to join?
Check out this Ancient Greek Murder Mystery Experience in which you will act as a detective in ancient Athens.
Together with other members, you will solve clues to find the story of a fictional crime, all while learning real myths and ancient facts.
Honestly, it is one of the top activities in Athens and so much more fun than just walking around ruins.
Athens Day Tours: Island Cruises with Lunch
As a water baby, I love spending my days on the water, which is why boat cruises in Athens are the best!
You can take Athens, Greece day tours on the water and spend time under the sun with some stunning sights in Athens.
Aegina is one of the closest islands and makes for an easy, relaxing escape from the city.
This Hydra, Poros & Aegina cruise is the perfect way to spend your day in Athens.
You can explore the three islands, enjoy a swim in the sea, and have seaside drinks.
Moreover, lunch is included on board, so you can just chill and take in the views while sailing the Saronic Gulf.
Book Now: Athens: Cruise to Agistri, Moni & Aegina with Lunch & Drinks
Athens Greek Cooking Class
As a foodie, I do love food tours and cooking classes as well.
So, if you are visiting Athens, then do try to take a Greek cooking class to learn more about the local dishes and culture.
Plus, you get to eat everything you make, which is always a win.
I like this Athens Cooking Class with Rooftop Dining.
In this cooking class, you learn how to cook Athens’ best food, such as tzatziki, stuffed vegetables, and more with a local chef.
Later, you enjoy a dinner on a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city.
This is one of the most unique tours in Athens that all food lovers and cooking enthusiasts should attend!
Book Now: Athens: Traditional Cooking Class with Drinks
Mystery and Crime Walking Tour
Tired of the temples and museums on your visit in Athens?
Well, then you would love to know that Athens has a wild side too.
You can learn more about it on the mystery tours that are held in the city.
These tours are perfect for anyone who loves learning about unsolved crimes, secret societies, and the darker side of history.
One such Athens tour you can join is the Mysteries, Crime, & Conspiracy Theories Walking Tour.
It takes you through shadowy streets and lesser-known corners of the city while your guide tells you strange stories and urban legends.
This tour is as spooky as it can get, so get up all your courage for it.
Book Now: Athens: Guided Mythological Walking Tour
Street Art Walking Tour
For art lovers, there are plenty of street art walking tours in Athens, which will show them the thriving art scene of the city.
There are plenty of graffiti and murals that tourists miss on their Athens visit.
These tours help them to see the artistic side of the city, which reflects Athens’ social and political vibes.
I recommend taking the 3-hour Athens Street Art Tour that takes you through colorful districts like Psiri and Exarchia.
You will be accompanied by a local guide who will explain all the messages behind the art.
Trust me, this is the perfect tour for art lovers and photographers as the street art is simply stunning in Athens!
Book Now: Athens: Exarcheia Walking Tour
Day Trips from Athens: Delphi Mythology Day Trip
If you are done with the Athens day tours and looking for something more, you can take a day trip from Athens to Delphi.
Delphi, once considered the center of the world, is one of the most magical places to visit and is just a few hours away.
You can take the Delphi, Museum and Arachova Guided Tour.
In this tour, you’ll visit the Temple of Apollo, stroll through ancient ruins, and dive into mythology with a knowledgeable guide.
The tour also includes a visit to the Delphi Archaeological Museum and a scenic stop in the charming mountain village of Arachova.
I think this is one of the best tours in Athens that offers you both history and views!
Book Now: Delphi Small-Group Day Trip From Athens
Athens, Greece Day Tours: Athens to Meteora Monasteries Day Trip
Still, have some time left on your Athens itinerary?
Then, don’t miss out on visiting the Meteora Monasteries!
These gravity-defying monasteries are located on massive rock formations and are one of the most jaw-dropping sights in Greece.
Go on this Meteora Monasteries Day Trip with Caves from Athens.
You will visit multiple monasteries, trek through hermit caves, and enjoy a local lunch with scenic mountain views.
The tour takes a full day, so make sure to plan accordingly your rest of the days in Athens.
Book Now: Athens to Meteora: Monasteries, Caves & Seaside Stopovers
Book Now: Athens: Meteora Monasteries Tour with Local Guide and Lunch
Tours In Athens: Essentials Packing List I Wish I Knew About
Here are my tips on how to pack lightly when traveling to Athens.
This unisex RFID-blocking concealed travel pouch is lightweight and comes in several colors.
These RFID sleeves are another solution.
This Anker high-speed phone charging battery is the exact one I carry with me on all of my trips.
My daughter gifted me this FugeTek selfie stick and tripod setup for my birthday. It is made of lightweight aluminum and is so easy to use.
I never leave home on a trip without my Bobble filtration bottle. The 18.5-ounce size is perfect for exploring.
And the replacement carbon filter ensures fresh, clean water whenever you fill the Bobble.
Then this collapsible silicone foldable water bottle would also work well for you.
This foldable water-resistant backpack would be great for a daily go-pack.
These quick-dry slip-on Aqua shoes will be useful when heading to the beaches in Athens.
These men’s quick-dry trunks are essential.
For women, this one-strap one-piece bathing suit is amazing.
Consider bringing along quick-dry super-absorbent microfiber towels.
This wet-dry bag with handles is a good option.
These unisex polarized sunglasses come in many lens colors and frame designs and are extremely affordable, too.
If you like aviator-style sunglasses, these polarized aviators may interest you.
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Where to Stay in Athens, Greece
Electra Metropolis Hotel – Electra Metropolis Hotel is in the heart of Plaka and a perfect choice for couples and first-time Athens visitors.
This sleek 5-star hotel gives you dreamy rooftop views of the Acropolis and a pool to cool off in after a day of exploring.
Divani Palace Acropolis – Another amazing hotel to stay in Athens is Divani Palace Acropolis is located just below its namesake monument.
From the rooftop restaurant here, you can enjoy amazing views of Parthenon.
If you are traveling with family, then this is the best choice.
Gatsby Athens – Want to stay at a boutique resort? Then, Gatsby Athens with its chic Art Deco vibes and warm hospitality, is a perfect choice.
Here, you get a rooftop bar, cozy rooms, and luxurious feel everywhere, making it perfect for couples.
Hotel Grande Bretagne – If you’re after a stay that feels royal, then Hotel Grande Bretagne on Syntagma Square is perfect.
Enjoy rooftop views, a fancy spa, and impeccable service in this 5-star hotel.
It is an ideal choice for luxury travelers and honeymooners in Athens.
Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel Athens – Want a beachy escape with all the perks?
Then Four Seasons Astir Palace Hotel is the perfect coastal resort for you.
It has private beaches, lush pools, and amazing restaurants, and is still close enough for day trips into the city.
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