Athens Tours: Explore Athens Like a Local!
About Athens
Athens is the largest city in Greece, with a population of around 4 million people, roughly 40% of Greece’s entire population. It is the Greek capital with a rich history spanning more than 3,000 years and is one of the most important economic and cultural centers of Southeast Europe. Athens is also the southernmost capital of Europe’s mainland, and in terms of its climate, it is the warmest European major city, enjoying over 300 days of sunshine each year!
History
People have populated the area around Athens since the prehistoric period, and the oldest known evidence of human presence dates back to the 11th millennium BC. Evidence suggests the city of Athens has been inhabited continuously for at least 5,000 years. By the 15th century BC, the settlement grew in size and became an important center of the Greek Mycenaean civilization. During the Bronze Age period, the Acropolis was heavily fortified with the characteristic Cyclopean megalithic walls, remains of which are still recognized even today.
By the 6th century BC, following widespread social unrest in the city, Solon introduced his radical reforms that eventually paved the way for the introduction of Athenian democracy by Cleisthenes in 508 BC. Athens, by that time, had developed a sizeable merchant and naval fleet, allowing the city to become a rising power in the region. In the Greco-Persian Wars that followed, Athens, together with Sparta, led the Greek alliance in the war against the Persians. After the Greek victory against the Persian invasion, Athens entered what is known today as the Golden Age of Athenian democracy, laying the foundations for Western civilization.
Athens continued to thrive even after the Roman conquest but by late antiquity following a wave of successive sacks, the city suffered massive destruction and declined. During that period, the first Christian churches were built and the Parthenon was converted into a church dedicated to Virgin Mary. In the Middle Ages and the Byzantine period, Athens was relatively prosperous and the settlement expanded. In 1458, the city was conquered by the Ottomans and entered a long period of decline.
After the Greek War of Independence and the establishment of the Modern Greek state, Athens had only a small population of 4,000 people leaving along the foothills of Acropolis. In 1834, the city was chosen mainly for historical reasons to become the modern capital of Greece.
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1 Day Trip from Athens to Meteora with Seaside Stop 1048 reviews
1 Day Trip from Athens to Meteora to admire the amazing monasteries!Highlight
Visit 3 UNESCO monasteries in one day
Expert local guides
Comfortable round-trip transportation
What to see in Athens
Best Tours and Day Trips Ideas
Acropolis and the Museum
For more than 25 centuries Acropolis and the temple of Parthenon dominates the landscape of Attica land. The greatest symbol of the Athenian Golden Age and an enduring symbol of Ancient Greece, democracy and Western civilization. Even today, as you ascend the marble steps it still feels like a pilgrimage continuing for thousands of years. Complete the experience by visiting the new Acropolis Museum.
Ancient Agora
Experience the rich philosophical heritage of ancient Greece by walking the historic paths of the Agora of Athens, situated just northwest of the iconic Acropolis. This bustling civic center, which once served as a hub for commerce, assembly, and public gatherings, was a place where the great minds of Plato and Socrates shared their ideas and engaged in spirited debates. As you explore the Agora, you’ll encounter two remarkable structures from the ancient period that stand as enduring testaments to its former glory: the beautiful Temple of Hephaestus, a fine example of Classical architecture dedicated to the god of fire and craftsmanship, and the grand Stoa of Attalos, an impressive reconstruction from the Hellenistic period.
Plaka and Monastiraki Flea Market
Plaka is one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Athens, nestled right beneath the iconic Acropolis hill. This charming area is adorned with beautiful neoclassical buildings that reflect the city’s rich history. As you stroll through its narrow, winding streets, you’ll be transported back in time, experiencing the essence of old Athens as it was in the previous century.
The vibrant atmosphere is complemented by a myriad of cafés, taverns, and restaurants, where you can savor traditional Greek cuisine while enjoying a view of the ancient ruins. Not far from Plaka lies the bustling Monastiraki flea market, arguably one of the best spots for second-hand shopping in Athens.
Here, you can roam through a treasure trove of unique items, vintage clothing, and artisanal crafts. It’s the perfect destination to hunt for authentic Greek souvenirs to take back home. As you browse, immerse yourself in the lively ambiance, and don’t forget to haggle for a good deal! With its blend of history, culture, and modern vibrancy, Plaka and Monastiraki promise an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Temple of Poseidon, Sounion
At the southernmost tip of Attica’s peninsula, where the Greek landmass forms a dagger-like feature that meets the endless blue of the Aegean Sea, the ancient Athenians built the Doric temple of Poseidon to honor the lord of the high seas.
The Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, often associated with ancient Athens, was constructed in the mid‐5th century BC (around 444–440 BC) under the leadership of Pericles, replacing an earlier Archaic shrine dating to roughly 480 BC. Erected on a promontory overlooking the Aegean, its thirty‐four surviving Doric columns once formed part of a 6 × 13 colonnade, reflecting the height of Classical Greek architectural elegance. Dedicated to Poseidon as protector of seafarers, the temple served religious and navigational purposes: its white marble silhouette guided Athenian ships home.
Cape Sounion and the temple are about an hour’s drive from central Athens, depending on traffic. The best time to visit the temple and take in the mesmerizing landscape is during sunset.
The Museum of Cycladic Art
The Museum of Cycladic Art houses one of the most complete private collections of Cycladic art worldwide, with representative examples of figurines and vases, tools, weapons, and pottery from all phases of the distinctive Cycladic island culture that flourished in the central Aegean during the Early Bronze Age (third millennium BC). Marble carving is the most characteristic product of Cycladic culture, and the abstract forms of its figurines have influenced several twentieth and twenty-first-century artists.
Go Beyond Athens: Add Meteora or Delphi to Your Trip
If you’re starting your Greek journey in Athens, why stop there? Just a few hours away lies Meteora — a landscape of ancient monasteries and towering rock formations. Or explore the ancient sanctuary of Delphi, once considered the center of the world.
3-Day Meteora and Delphi Tour from Athens 160 reviews
Visit 2 of the most important sites of mainland Greece, Meteora, and Delphi, hustle-free!
2-Day Tour to Delphi and Meteora 65 reviews
Discover the wonders of Meteora and Delphi with this captivating 2-day journey from Athens.
2-day Private Tour from Athens to Delphi and Meteora 15 reviews
