Private Athens Walk: Ruins, Markets & Local Stories

5.0 (41 reviews) 3 hours Free cancellation Private tour

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41 reviews

5.0

Markets, Ruins & Ancient Athens — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Get an insider’s look into the best Athens has to offer on this 2.5-hour a private tour of the ancient city. Explore the city with a private guide who can share insights into the local history and culture. You’ll visit the culturally rich squares of Ktozia and Monastiraki. Avoid the hassle of a big group with this private tour.

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At a glance

Duration: 3 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–12
Guide: English
Operated by: Intrepid Urban Adventures - Greece

Ages: Infants (0–5 years) · Children (6–11 years) · Adults (12–99 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Explore the city’s many markets and legendary traditions within
Included: Discover Athens’ more recent history and architecture
Included: Sip coffee (or soft drink) at a local’s favourite joint and bite into a local sweet
Included: Get personalised tips for the area's best bars and eateries.
Included: Join a Friendly Local English-speaking guide

Not included

Not included: Gratuities
Not included: Additional Food and drinks

Itinerary

Kotzia Square

2 min

Your Athens tour begins at Ktozia Square, where you will meet your local guide.
Stop 2

10 min

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

30 min Admission not included

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

15 min Admission not included

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

5 min Admission not included

The square is also home to Hadrian’s Library, an archaic temple constructed in the Corinthian-style.
Tzisdarakis Mosque

5 min

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

30 min

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

15 min Admission not included

Your tour will take you past Ancient Agora next, where merchants traded enthusiastically during Greek and Roman times.
Plaka

one hour

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

Passing by

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.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

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.

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End point

The Acropolis

Using your ticket

Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:

All the stores you visit on this tour are 100% locally owned and run. Supporting small-scale, locally-run businesses helps to preserve the traditional character of old Athens.

By joining this tour, you are supporting a street vendor who sells traditional Koulouri sesame rings, which helps increase his income.

At least one store on your itinerary is dedicated to the preservation of locally-produced crafts.

Dress Code

In general, there are few dress restrictions in Europe and dress codes are similar to those you are used to at home. Please note though that in many churches modest dress is required; no shorts or skimpy tops are permitted.