
~Carmen
Whenever we visit a new place, Joe and I like to spend our first day taking a walking tour. It gives us an overview of the city layout and helps us know where we want to concentrate our time. Our last trip to Greece wasn’t our first time in Athens, but it was the first time we weren’t touring with a group. Right after we landed in Athens and checked into our hotel, we set off on the following walking tour. We spread the walking tour over two days, but it can be done in just one.
You might also want to read:
6 “Must Do” Activities in Athens, Greece
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What to See on an Athen’s Walking Tour
1. Lycabettus Hill (also Lykavittos Hill)
This is a favorite spot for locals and tourist. It is the highest hill in Athens (about 1000 feet/300 meters) and a great spot to see a panoramic view of the whole city. To get to your starting point, you can take a taxi (3-5 euros) or just walk depending how far away your hotel is.
Once at the hill, you can walk up to the top or take the Funicular, a cable car. We were already tired from our flight so for 7 euros we took the Funicular. The cable car runs every 30 minutes and takes about 5 minutes to get to the top. Your ticket gives you a discount at the restaurant on the top of the hill, but then save your ticket for the ride back down. There is a public restroom right below the restaurant. To get to the highest point, make your way up through the restaurant.

Entrance to the Funicular

View from the top of Lykavittos Hill
2. Xenokratous Park
After you make your way back down the hill, take the stairs that are straight ahead and make your way to Xenokratous Park. If needed, there is a public toilet in the park. Continue down Ploutarhou Street. There are several nice cafes in this area that are frequented by locals.
When you get to Leof Vasillissis Sofias Street, you’ll be in a high traffic area. Make sure to use crosswalks, and only cross when you have the signal to go. Even if you’re in the right, make sure traffic stops for you. On this street are several museums that may interest you–Museum of Cycladic Art, Benaki Museum, Athens War Museum, and the Byzantine & Christian Museum. Leof Vasillissis Sofias Street is also home to several embassies so be on the look out for some amazing architecture.

Presidential Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
3. Syntagma Square (also Plateia Syntagmatos)
At the big intersection, turn left on Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias Street and continue down to Syntagma Square. Syntagma Square is the meeting place for many tours. Centrally located and having a metro station, it is easy to find so it makes for a great meeting spot. If you’re pressed for time, start your walking tour here and skip Lycabettus Hill.
4. Peisistratos Aqueduct
To the left of the metro entrance is a portion of the Peisistratos Aqueduct.

Peisistratos Aqueduct
5. Parliament
Across the street from Syntagma Square is the Parliament. Here you can see the magnificent changing of the guards. This ceremony takes place every hour, at the top of the hour. If you’re in Athens on a Sunday, plan on being here at 11 a.m. when the guards are wearing their parade uniforms and the ceremony is more complex.
6. National Gardens
From the Parliament, continue down Leoforos Vasilisis Amalias Street until you reach the National Gardens entrance. It’s free to enter the gardens and well worth spending some time strolling through the park. There’s a public restroom in the National Gardens if needed (50 cents).

National Gardens
7. Zappeio Palace
In the gardens, you’ll find the Zappeio Palace (also Zappeion). When we were there, soldiers were practicing their marching formation. You can enter the palace for free, but you’re only allowed in the foyer.

Zappeio Palace
8. Panathenaic Stadium
From the palace, continue to Leaf Vasileos Konstantinou Street. Here you will see the Panathenaic Stadium, the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896. It is pretty easy to take pictures without entering the stadium, but I highly recommend paying the 5 euros to enter the stadium. It comes with an audio tour (available in different languages) that makes the stadium come alive!
There are public restrooms at the stadium that you can use even if you don’t enter the stadium (50 cents). It can get very hot with heat and sun reflecting off the white stone. A hat, water, and sunscreen will be your friend! I was also wishing I had a small umbrella to provide some much needed shade. Many of the ancient sites have marble steps or slippery rocks, so shoes with good traction are needed.

Panathenaic Stadium

Hadrian’s Arch
9. Temple of Olympian Zeus & Hadrian’s Arch
From the Panathenaic Stadium, continue down Leof Vasilissis Olgas Street to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Hadrian’s Arch is right next to the Temple of Olympian Zeus. This temple was the largest ever built in Ancient Greek history. There are only a few columns left, but you can get an idea of the size of the temple from the width of the massive columns.
Closing times vary. You can view the temple fairly well without purchasing a ticket, but if you’re going to the Acropolis (and who wouldn’t), purchase the combo ticket for 30 euros. It’s only 10 euros more than getting a ticket just for the Acropolis. The combo ticket is good for 5 days and includes entry into the Acropolis, Ancient Agora & Museum, Roman Agora, Hadrian’s Library, Olympieion, Kerameikos & Museum, and Lykeion of Aristotle. A ticket for the Zeus Temple alone is 6 euros.
Take care with hydration and sunscreen. The heat here feels just like the Panathenaic Stadium with little shade. It can get quite hot!

Temple of Olympian Zeus
10. Roman Baths
From the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you can see Hadrian’s Arch. Then continue right on Leof Vasilissis Amalias Street to the Roman Baths. No ticket is needed for Hadrian’s Arch or the Roman Baths.

Roman Baths

Plaka District
11. Acropolis
From the Roman Baths, we went to the Plaka District, had a lovely dinner, and called it a night. The Plaka District is a great area to shop or sit and eat in a lovely cafe. For those who want to continue, from the Roman Baths go left on Leaf Vasilissis Amalias Street and then right on Dionysiou Areopagitou Street to the Acropolis Museum.
You need at least a couple of hours to totally appreciate this modern award-winning museum. We didn’t tour the museum on this visit, but have toured it in the past. There is also some good shops and restaurants in the Acropolis Museum area.
We started this leg of the walking tour the morning of our second day in Greece. The Acropolis opens at 8 am. The earlier or the later you can visit, the better.
Just like the other ancient sites, the Acropolis can get very hot, so water, sunscreen, and a hat are a must. Good traction shoes are also necessary. I saw several people slip who were wearing flip flops. The lines for Acropolis tickets get long pretty fast, but if you already have a combo ticket from visiting the Temple of Olympian Zeus, you get to go right in!

Acropolis
11. Anafiotika Quarter
From the Acropolis, make your way to the Anafiotika Quarter. The Anafiotika Quarter is a little neighborhood of quaint, white homes. Can you say, Instagram heaven?! Walking through the tiny meandering streets will make you feel just like you’re in the Cyclade Islands.
Workers from Cyclade island of Anafi settled here in the 1840s and built these homes to resemble their island, hence the name Anafiotika! To be honest, this was very difficult for Joe and me to find. There weren’t any streets labeled on our map because the little paths don’t have names (not that I saw anyway)! We finally just asked someone walking by. If you do find your way into this neighborhood, be mindful that people live there.

Anafiotika Quarter

Tower of the Winds
12. Roman Agora
The last leg of this walking tour of Athen’s focuses on the ancient and modern gathering places of the city. From the Anafiotika Quarter, wind your way down to the Roman Agora and the Tower of the Winds.
Once you find Theorias Street, then turn right onto Klepsidras Street. Next you will need to turn left onto Lisiou, then turn right onto Polignotou. Yes, you’ll be making a big zig-zag! Maps are around the major sites, so if you get lost, eventually you’ll stumble upon a map or a directional sign.
Locals are super friendly. Don’t hesitate to ask for help. More than likely, there will be other tourists heading to the same place, so just follow them! Once you make your way to the Roman Agora, if you bought the combo ticket, head to it. The Tower of the Winds is right beside the Roman Agora. The fencing is easy to stick your camera through if you don’t want to pay to walk through the ruins.

Roman Agora
13. Ancient Agora of Athens
Next, walk towards the Ancient Agora of Athens by heading north on Dioskouron toward Pikilis. Then turn left onto Pikilis Street. Pikilis turns right and becomes Vrisakiou Street. Turn left onto Adrianou and then take another left.
Again use your combo ticket to enter the Ancient Agora. This huge complex is amazing. It is much bigger than the Roman Agora. The Temple of Hephaetos and Ancient Agora Museum are must sees! There is a restroom in the museum if needed.

Ancient Agora
14. Hadrian’s Library
To get to Hadrian’s Library from the Ancient Agora backtrack on Adrianou Street. That street will turn right. Continue on that street then turn right onto Areos. Use your combo ticket to enter Hadrian’s Library.

Hadrian’s Library
15. Monastiraki Flea Market
Monastiraki Flea Market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and other random things you didn’t know you needed. There is also great eats close by, too. Many of the restaurants have great views of the Acropolis on their top floor. This is a huge pickpocket area, so be aware and keep an eye on your valuables.

Monastiraki Flea Market
Depending on how much time you spend at each location, this walking tour could easily take 1-2 days. I know that is a lot of time but you will have seen most of the best tourist sites in Athens.
So do you prefer self-guided walking tours or do you prefer having a guide? Please share by commenting below! Any questions? Please ask!
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Wendy
July 3, 2017 7:50 amI have been in Athens several times (for work) and I have never been to the flea market. Next time I will go for sure.
Pack Your Baguios
July 3, 2017 12:24 pmI only bought a few trinkets there, but it was fun to browse and people watch!
Lydia Smith
July 3, 2017 8:36 amGreece is such a nice place for synchronizing with nature. Would be adding these places to my list.
Pack Your Baguios
July 3, 2017 12:28 pmHope you can visit Athens soon!
Ania Travels
July 3, 2017 10:36 amI love that you included routes for us. Usually on tour reviews I get so excited about the places and not at all excited about planning my route lol. Thanks for sharing, I’m dying to go to Athens.
Pack Your Baguios
July 3, 2017 12:31 pmI tried to be very detailed. I hate it when I read about a place but it’s not enough to use by itself.
Flo
July 3, 2017 10:41 pmAthens is such a walk-able city! We missed out on Lycabettus Hill during our first trip but will be sure to add it to the agenda for our next visit. I prefer self-guided walking tours rather than group ones, but it’s always handy to have a local showing you around!
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:31 amI like the insight that a local can provide, but sometimes the freedom of being able to go at your own pace is nice, too.
Megan
July 4, 2017 10:39 amLovely. My husband and I were in Athens last year, and it is an amazing city for a walking tour. Things are so much closer than you realize, and the history is everywhere. We never did make it to Lycabettus Hill, so, you know, we have to go back!
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:33 amThe view from Lyabettus Hill was amazing and the cable car made it an easy climb.
Claire Summers
July 6, 2017 9:04 amThis is such a helpful guide! Thank you so much for putting it together. I love the fact that you have included the maps as well. I’m sure this will come in really handy!
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:36 amI’m glad you found it helpful!
Siddharth and Shruti
July 6, 2017 9:23 pmWe love walking tours! Did you like Athens? Most people who have gone to Greece said it was their least favourite. But we love the history! The Agora does look beautiful.
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:37 amIt’s not as pretty as the Greek island we also stopped at, but I teach ancient history (day job), so I was in history heaven!
Cathy
July 6, 2017 10:47 pmI love the maps, so helpful for walking tours! Walking has become our new favorite way to see an area.
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:37 amWalking really does help give you a more “personal” experience.
Kate and Kris
July 7, 2017 1:05 amWe love walking tours and these maps are really useful. We’ve been to Greece a couple of times, but still need to see Athens. Will bring this post along when we do.
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:39 amIf you like history, Athens is a must see!
Zoya
July 7, 2017 1:12 amWalking tours are the best! You really do get to experience the amazing local culture and vibe of the city you are visiting. This was such a great insightful and handy read – I’d love to do all of them! But I must admit the Placa district is top on my list!
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:40 amI wish we had more time in Plaka, but the history lover in me kept us at the agora too long!
David
July 7, 2017 2:50 amReally enjoyed looking through and reminiscing about my trip to Athens a few years back. The tower of the winds was being repaired when I was there so was interesting to see what it actually looked like.
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:42 amThe Tower of the Winds was definitely an interesting site. It’s amazing the engineering advances they had in ancient times.
Garth
July 7, 2017 4:03 amWow you guys did so much! We did a few of sights, I wish we had your guide when we visited! Our favourite was the Anafiotika Quarter really pretty as you say just like been on one of the islands.
Pack Your Baguios
July 7, 2017 8:43 amSince I teach 6th graders about Ancient Athens, I tried to see as much as possible during our 3-day stay. They love it when I can show them pictures that I personally took.
My Travelogue by Bhushavali
July 7, 2017 12:51 pmEverytime I see a post on Greece I get more and more depressed, coz I missed the country when I was in Europe coz the flight tickets were sky rocketing! Athens is so much on my wishlist with its rich history and ancient art!!! Esp like the way you’ve put up GMaps Screenshots of your route!
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:39 amFlights from the US are pretty good right now. That’s the main reason we went this summer. Hope you can get to Greece soon!
Ricci – When In My Journeys
July 7, 2017 8:34 pmI haven’t been to Athens but have been to Corfu, Greece. I also prefer a self-guided walking tour because I can pause at any time if I spot something interesting. And I think Athens is just like that, there’s something to find in every corner.
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:42 amGreece is definitely a place that you shouldn’t rush through. A good slow walking tour is a perfect way to get the most out of your visit.
Rob+Ann at TravelLatte(.net)
July 8, 2017 12:07 amPerfect! We absolutely love cities that are so walkable and filled with so much history and culture. Makes them perfect for a walking tour like this! We’ve pinned it for later and can’t wait to put it to use. Glad you shared it on #FeetDoTravel. 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:45 amThank you for pinning!
Shona @ paraphernalia.co
July 8, 2017 6:11 amAthens is such an incredible city and walking it is great. You hit some spots we missed but I have every intention of going back to rectify that. Love it!
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:46 amWe missed some spots, too. There is just so much to see!
Midori
July 9, 2017 12:47 amI was also recently there! I wish you had written this post before me being there! Super well described! xxx
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:47 amThank you! I’ve enjoyed reading all of your Greek island descriptions!
Madhurima Maiti
July 9, 2017 9:44 amWow! This is really amazing! Never really thought of a walking tour in the beautiful city of Athens. Thanks for the post 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:47 amWalking is the best way to see the ancient city!
Stephanie (1AdventureTraveler)
July 10, 2017 7:06 amGreat guided walking tour guide for Athens! Greece is on my bucket list and I will definitely use for my trip. Love your photos! Happy you shared 🙂 #feetdotravel
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:48 amI hope you can get to Greece soon!
James
July 14, 2017 4:44 amAs I’m visiting Athens this winter, this walking tour is perfect for me as are the tips on crossing roads etc.. The Lykavittos Hill part of the walk with the view of the city looks amazing, I hope I get a clear day!
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:52 amIt doesn’t rain that much in Athens, so the likelihood of have a clear day is pretty high!
Sandy N Vyjay
July 16, 2017 12:47 amAthens is a city steeped in history. I am a great fan of ancient Greek history and mythology and was fascinated by this post. The views from Lykavittos Hill are indeed spectacular.
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:57 amGreek mythology is indeed fascinating. It is one of my favorite things to teach!
Elena
July 16, 2017 2:09 amSince I was a little girl I was obsessed with the Greek civilization and I dreamed about visiting this amazing country. I didn’t get there yet, but it’s so high on my list. Although I’ve heard some people say that Athens is overrated, I’m sure I will love it. Your guide is the proof that Athens has so much to offer and that there is so much to see!
Pack Your Baguios
July 25, 2017 9:58 amIf you don’t appreciate ancient history, I can see how people could think it is overrated. We love history and good food, so we ran out of time and couldn’t fit in everything we wanted to see!
Travel4lifeblog
August 2, 2017 3:19 pmThanks for sharing a very detailed and useful guide about Athens with us. We will keep this article in mind as we are currently in Europe! Keep up the great work 😉
Patrick and Cécile 🙂
Pack Your Baguios
August 20, 2017 2:01 pmHope you can use the walking guide to Athens soon!
Marcelle
August 3, 2017 11:31 pmI like that you spread the walking tour over two days. It is much better to take the time, especially in a big and hot city like Athens. Great maps and descriptions. I’ll pin it for later reference.
Pack Your Baguios
August 20, 2017 2:02 pmThanks for pinning!