Private Walking Tour: Discover Ancient Ruins and Markets in Athens
5.0
41 Ratings
Athina

Take a peek into the finest offerings of Athens on this private tour of the ancient city, lasting for 2.5 hours. Join a private guide who is knowledgeable about the local history and customs of the place. You will be visiting the culturally vibrant Ktozia and Monastiraki squares. Skip the inconvenience of a large group with this exclusive tour.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Kotzia Square - Your Athens tour begins at Ktozia Square, where you will meet your local guide.
  • Athens - You will head to the Mayor of Athens’ neo-classical building on Athina Street, one of the busiest in Athens. Starting at 9.30 AM when the city’s shops and markets are bustling with Athenians, you’ll see the shop owners get ready for a day of business, just as they have done for the past 2,000 years. You will experience the spirit of Greek life with the same commerce of food that existed thousands of years before, and your local guide will be explaining these practices to you along the way.
  • Central Market - On this Athens market tour you’ll dive into the Athenian way of life as your guide leads you through the markets. Here you will find every Mediterranean fruit, vegetable, meat, cheese, and more on offer. Experiencing local produce is one of the best things to do in Athens, and you’ll be able to pick out all the local favourites with your guide to show you the way.
  • Monastiraki - Filled with warm colours, tastes, and smells, the next stop is Monastiraki Square. The name of the square derives from the Greek word for monastery, and in the centre of the square sits the Pantanassa Monastery.
  • Hadrian’s Library - The square is also home to Hadrian’s Library, an archaic temple constructed in the Corinthian-style.
  • Tzisdarakis Mosque - Not far away is the 18th century Tzistarakis Mosque, now a ceramics museum. This Athens tour will point out all these landmarks to you and give you all the information you need to know about them in this cultural hub of the city.
  • Avysinias Square - Next, we explore the square’s flea market, mingle with merchants, and see ancient monuments as you uncover even more Athens history. Then, you’ll head off to Ifaistou or Pandrossos to discover shops selling all kind of specialties such as leather sandals, handmade icons, Greek music instruments, and antiques. This is the perfect place to pick up a memento of your Athens travel experience.
  • Ancient Agora of Athens - Your tour will take you past Ancient Agora next, where merchants traded enthusiastically during Greek and Roman times.
  • Plaka - You’ll see the lively central neighbourhood of Thission and pass houses from the 17th and 18th centuries along the way, as we make our way to one of Athens’ oldest areas, Plaka, to enjoy a freshly brewed coffee as we chat about all things ancient Greece.
  • Acropolis - Your Athens tour ends at the entrance of the Acropolis, where you are free to continue on your own or your local guide can give you advice on the best way to get back to your hotel. Don’t forget to ask for tips on what else to see and do during your stay.
What's Included
  • Explore the city’s markets and traditions
  • Discover recent history and architecture
  • Coffee or soft drink with a local sweet
  • Personalised tips for bars and eateries
  • Tour with a Friendly Local English-speaking guide
What's Not Included
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Gratuities
  • Additional Food and drinks
Additional Information
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Please note that this tour does not go inside the Acropolis.
Location
Kotzia Square
Sofokleous
Kotzia Square, in Athina Avenue between metros staions of Omonia and Monastiraki, in front of the Mayor Building. Your guide will meet you at the fountain in this square. Find the exact meeting point with what3words: ///smaller.signal.hinders
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(41 Ratings)
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Billiebrighton_uk
Sep 28, 2020
Such an interesting tour - We had a great private tour with Babis who is so knowledgeable about his home town of Athens. We started in the markets then walked through old Athens and Plaka finishing at the Acropolis museum. All the time Babis talked about the history of Athens, showed us old ruins, explained their timeline and pointed out the different architecture throughout the city. We even had a coffee stop at a rooftop restaurant with an incredible view over old Athens towards the Acropolis. I can definitely recommend this tour as part of your Athens experience
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Buffalobill27
Sep 26, 2020
Athens brought to life! - We had a fantastic tour last Tuesday 15th September with Babis. We thoroughly enjoyed learning/experiencing some of the old history, religious buildings, architecture, neighbourhoods and ruins of the city and experiencing the sights and smells of the many markets on offer. All brought to life by Babis, who’s knowledge was remarkable and really went the extra mile to show us more for his beautiful city. It was also a great tour to do on our first day, to find our bearings and gain a geography of all the landmarks. A welcome coffee break was included halfway through on a rooftop cafe overlooking Monastiraki Square, with great views of the Acropolis - a very nice touch. Thank you urban adventures and thank you Babis.
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Daedalogic
Apr 2, 2020
Excellent tour, excellent guide - Our guide was very friendly and knowledgable. Babis taught us all about various kinds of architecture and really made history come alive for us. We ended up spending a few days with him on a bunch of different trips - he was really incredible!
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Dpbears62
Mar 25, 2020
One on one packed full of local history - Having George as our local guide was fantastic! Getting to a hidden away rooftop cafe to enjoy some Greek coffee and an incredible view was a highlight.
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Adpjohns
Mar 17, 2020
Great way to orient yourself around the city! - Had a great time with Babis strolling through Athens on a crisp Saturday morning! Friendly and full of great information and tidbits that really added to my experience. I was in town for a full 5 more days and always knew where I was thanks to this tour. Would highly recommend!
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Darrylandroz
Feb 16, 2020
Athens Ruins and Market Tour - What an incredible way to experience Athens then AND now! Layers upon layers of culture to learn, and Babis made all the difference...with all his knowledge coupled with his personality & passion...what a GREAT experience never to be forgotten!!! P.S. Be sure to bring you best walking shoes ;) Thank you Urban Adventures and thank you, Babis!
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Moniquelesley
Feb 5, 2020
Amazing Athens - The tour was fabulous. Babis was very knowledgeable and happy to answer all our questions. The pace was great and very varied. I loved the back streets and would never have found them without this tour. Thanks so much for a great introduction to Athens
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Iceappeal
Jan 29, 2020
Amazing morning in Athens - I had an amazing morning in Athens. On this tour you will see Athens from a different and more local perspective. First we strolled through the beautiful markets in the city center. There you find amazing herbs and spices, a lot of nuts, handmade soaps, olives, olive oils and so much more. All local products of Greece where you can find unique gifts and souvenirs for a good price. Later we did a walk through the center and stopped on a view very beautiful churches and chapels. So much history in downtown that is easy to miss when you walk on your own. Then you stop for a greek coffee in the most beautiful rooftop with an amazing view of the city center and acropolis. Best.stop.ever! The tour continues through very small and hidden pathes with island flair. You pass beautiful old houses (the first houses in Athens) and street art. Our Guide George was super friendly and knowledgeable. He really likes to share the passion about his country. George is also very helpful with information what to do after the tour and were to go next. He also answers every question you have. Thank you so much for a great morning in Athens. Its the perfect way to start your visit in Athens.
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Ap589
Jan 20, 2020
Wonderful tour - We had a wonderful tour with Babis! He was so knowledgeable and friendly. We saw many different sites, streets, neighborhoods and markets. It was the perfect way to introduce us to Athens!
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Frank
Dec 12, 2019
Frank - Great way to see the city and the markets babies was excellent have nothing but praise for him . We are a challenging group we had 3 adults a one year old and three year old
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