Attica, Greece

Athens

Athens puts the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora and other classical sites within a short walk of each other, linked by a pedestrian promenade and surrounded by lively neighbourhoods.

Athens: Athens Acropolis & Ancient Agora: Mythology Small-Group Tour
Featured walk: Athens Acropolis & Ancient Agora: Mythology Small-Group Tour · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, and its ancient monuments are woven into the modern city. The Acropolis rises over everything, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; below it, the old Plaka district and the markets of Monastiraki lead to the ruins of the Ancient Agora, where Socrates once walked.

A car-free archaeological walk ties the sights together. It runs from Vasilisis Amalias past the Acropolis Museum along Dionysiou Areopagitou, turns north up Apostolou Pavlou through Thissio, and carries on along Ermou to Kerameikos. The Akropoli and Thissio metro stops sit near either end of the central stretch.

Beyond the historic core, Athens is a busy, sprawling city with excellent food and a strong street-art scene. Summer is the main thing to plan around: the Acropolis has no shade, and the ministry has closed it in the afternoon during heatwaves.

What makes Athens distinctive

  • The Acropolis and the Parthenon
  • A car-free promenade linking the ancient sites
  • Plaka and Anafiotika, village-like lanes under the Acropolis
  • Tavernas, markets and street art in the city's neighbourhoods

Walking tours in Athens

Hand-picked guided walks in Athens, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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Prices are Viator's lowest "from" price per person, converted to pounds and checked on 29 October 2026. The booking page shows the current price in your currency.

By theme: Food tours in Athens · History walks in Athens · Night and ghost tours in Athens

Compare with other cities: Food tours · History walks · Night and ghost tours

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Plaka

    The old quarter beneath the Acropolis, with restored 19th-century houses and pedestrian streets. The upper lanes are the better walk. Mnisikleous climbs steeply from here to Theorias and the Acropolis entrance.

  • Monastiraki and Psyrri

    Antiques, second-hand shops and street food around Monastiraki Square. Psyrri, just north of Ermou, has bars and small clubs. The real flea market fills Plateia Avissinia on Sunday mornings.

  • Koukaki

    A residential district south of the Acropolis with cafés and local restaurants, close to the museum and the promenade.

  • Kolonaki

    An upmarket district on the south and south-east slopes of Lycabettus, with boutiques and cafés, and the base of the funicular on Aristippou Street.

Free self-guided walk

The Acropolis promenade, Plaka and the Ancient Agora

A free self-guided walk along the pedestrian promenade below the Acropolis, up through Plaka and Anafiotika, to the Roman Agora, Monastiraki and the Ancient Agora.

2.6 km · 7 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. The archaeological promenade

    Along Dionysiou Areopagitou and Apostolou Pavlou, from the Acropolis Museum past the Acropolis entrance to Thissio and the Agora. It is car-free. The self-guided walk on this page covers the promenade, Plaka and the Agora in 2.6 km.

  2. Plaka and Anafiotika

    Climb to Anafiotika, on the north-east side of the rock, built by workers from the Cycladic island of Anafi. Only 45 houses remain. The narrow lanes are unnamed, and many end in steps or dead ends at terraces.

  3. Philopappos Hill

    A pine-covered hill opposite the Acropolis, more like a small forest than a park. The Roman Philopappos Monument stands on top. The Pnyx is about 500 metres west of the Acropolis, free to walk around.

  4. Ermou to Kerameikos

    The western end of the archaeological walk runs along Ermou to Kerameikos, the ancient cemetery. Watch for tortoises in the grounds.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat along the promenade, then steep up to the Acropolis, Plaka's upper lanes and Lycabettus. Expect steps and polished marble.

  • Heat

    Summer is very hot and the Acropolis is shadeless. The culture ministry closed it from about 13:00 to 17:00 during heatwaves in July 2025, so check announcements if a heatwave is forecast. Carry water and wear a hat.

  • Surfaces

    Marble paths at ancient sites are polished smooth and slippery. Wear shoes with grip, and leave heels behind, as some sites ban them.

  • Access

    The lift on the Acropolis's north face is for wheelchair users only. Everyone else climbs on foot, so allow extra time.

  • Pavements

    Outside the historic core, pavements can be narrow and blocked by parked scooters, and crossing roads gets harder.

When to visit

  • Spring

    Warm, with wildflowers on the hills; ideal for walking.

  • Summer

    Hot and dry; heatwaves can close sites at midday.

  • Autumn

    Warm, with warm sea for day trips.

  • Winter

    Mild, with some rain, and much quieter sites.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Athens airport is linked to the centre by metro line 3 in about 40 minutes.

  • By sea

    Ferries to the islands leave from Piraeus, reached by metro line 1.

Local transport

  • Metro

    Clean, efficient and with ancient finds displayed in some stations.

  • On foot

    The historic centre is compact and best seen walking.

Questions travellers ask about Athens

Are there free walking tours in Athens?

Yes. Tip-based tours run in the centre, with some starting at Monastiraki Square. The Acropolis needs its own timed ticket either way.

Should I take a free tour, a paid tour or go on my own?

A tip-based tour is a good way to get your bearings in Plaka and Monastiraki. A paid guide earns the fee inside the Acropolis or the Agora, where the context matters most. The free self-guided walk on this page runs 2.6 km along the promenade, through Plaka and to the Agora.

How walkable is Athens?

The historic centre is very walkable, and the promenade is car-free. Hills and summer heat are the main difficulties. Further out, pavements get narrower and crossing roads gets harder.

When is the best time to visit the Acropolis?

At opening time in the morning, or late in the afternoon. Timed tickets are required; book ahead in season. Closing time follows the season, with last entry 30 minutes before.

Is there a combined ticket?

Yes, a combined ticket covers the Acropolis and several other ancient sites in central Athens. Check the official site for current options.

Does the Acropolis close in the heat?

It can. The culture ministry shut it during the hottest hours in July 2025. Check announcements if a heatwave is forecast, and consider the Acropolis Museum instead.

How many days do I need?

Two days cover the ancient sites and central neighbourhoods.

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Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-11-09. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.