How to Plan Your Athens Old Town Small Group Walking Tour Acropolis Monastiraki and Plaka

If the Acropolis is on your Athens bucket list, you must be looking forward to delving into ancient Greek history by touring one of the most famous historical sites in the world. One way to make the experience even more enjoyable is to take a guided walking tour, so you can learn all about the ancient ruins, the Parthenon, and more.In this post, we’ll talk about one particular guided tour in Athens—the Old Town Small Group Walking Tour Acropolis Monastiraki and Plaka. We’ll tell you what to expect from the tour, how long it lasts, and how to book it.

Overview of Athens Old Town Small Group Walking Tour Acropolis Monastiraki and Plaka

With this skip-the-line tour, you can avoid waiting in long lines and save time at the Acropolis. You’ll meet a licensed English-speaking guide in the morning, skip the line, and start exploring the most famous historical sites in Athens. After a guided tour of the Acropolis, you’ll continue walking through Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens, with narrow streets, ancient buildings, and many ruins from the classical period. You’ll have a chance to explore the winding alleyways and hidden courtyards while having an insider’s look at the historical significance of each site with your local guide.The tour concludes in Monastiraki Square, a lively place in Athens known for its flea market, where you can purchase souvenirs and Greek goods. You’ll have enough time to have lunch before this unforgettable and informative tour comes to an end.

What’s Included in the Tour?

Here’s what to expect to be included in the Athens Old Town Small Group Walking Tour Acropolis Monastiraki and Plaka: 1. Local licensed English-speaking guide

2. Skip-the-line service with immediate access to the Acropolis

3. Athens guide magazine

4. Food and drinks

5. Gratuities

6. Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What to Expect?

The tour lasts about 4.5 hours, and you’ll cover a lot of ground, so wearing comfortable shoes is crucial. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat if you’re visiting during the summer months.You’ll get to learn about the history and mythology of the Acropolis, one of the most famous historical sites in the world. You’ll also explore some of the most picturesque parts of Plaka, including the Roman Agora, Tower of the winds and more.If you’re a history or archeology buff, this tour is perfect for you. You’ll get to see the city’s most impressive ruins and hear stories about the historical significance of each site.

How to Book the Tour

You can book the Athens Old Town Small Group Walking Tour Acropolis Monastiraki and Plaka via the Viator website. The tour guides are well-trained, so we recommend giving them a tip at the end of the tour.To book the tour, visit the Viator website and select your date. The rates may differ based on the season, but the tour is always affordable, ranging between 50 and 75 euros.

Final Thoughts

The Athens Old Town Small Group Walking Tour Acropolis Monastiraki and Plaka is an excellent option for people who want to learn about the history of Athens and experience it firsthand. If you’re traveling to the city and want a memorable experience, we encourage you to book this tour.

The Most Frequently Asked Questions about Athens

Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, and it’s often considered as the birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and western civilization. From ancient landmarks to contemporary museums, from fine dining restaurants to local street food, Athens has something for everyone. As such, it’s not surprising that travellers to Athens are filled with questions about what to expect and how to make the most of their time in the Greek capital. In this blog post, we’ll answer the most frequently asked questions about Athens and provide a comprehensive guide to help you make the most of your visit.

1. When is the Best Time to Visit Athens?

Athens is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on your interests and travel style. If you’re looking for sunny days and warm temperatures, the best time to visit Athens is from May to September. During these months, the weather is perfect for exploring the city’s ancient ruins and enjoying a day at the beach. However, Athens can get very busy during the peak summer months, so if you’re looking for a more laid-back experience, consider visiting in April or October. The winter months of November to February see much quieter nightlife and more rainfall, but lower prices and fewer crowds can make up for this, and the weather is still mild compared to much of Europe.

2. What are the must-see sights in Athens?

Athens is filled with must-see historical, cultural, and architectural landmarks. The most famous attractions of Athens include the Acropolis, the Parthenon, the Ancient Agora, the Panathenaic Stadium, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, and the National Archaeological Museum. If you have time, you should also visit the neighborhoods of Plaka and Monastiraki, which offer a glimpse of the city’s more traditional side. To explore the contemporary side of Athens, head to the neighborhood of Gazi, which is known for its trendy bars and restaurants.

3. Is Athens Safe?

Athens is considered a safe city, with a low crime rate compared to cities of its size. However, it’s always wise to take precautions to stay safe, especially when traveling alone or at night. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can be common in crowded tourist areas, so keep your valuables close and be vigilant. Also, it’s always best to avoid protests and demonstrations, which can sometimes turn violent.

4. How to Get Around Athens?

The easiest and most efficient way to get around Athens is by metro. The city has an excellent public transport system with three metro lines that run from early morning until midnight. The metro is clean, safe, and convenient, offering access to all of the major tourist attractions. Athens also has an efficient bus system, which serves both the city and the suburbs. If you prefer to travel by taxi, be mindful that some taxis do not have meters, so always agree on the price upfront. Additionally, many Athens residents choose to leverage communal ride-sharing services like Uber or Beat in order to avoid congestion and parking challenges.

5. What to Eat and Drink in Athens?

Athens is famous for its traditional Greek cuisine, which includes dishes such as Moussaka, Pulled Pork Gyros, Souvlaki, and Greek Salad. To try some of the best food Athens has to offer, visit one of the city’s many traditional tavernas, which can be found throughout the city. For a drink, try the local spirit Ouzo, which is served with small plates of meze. Alternatively, try the local Greek wines or the famous iced coffee drink, Frappe.

6. What is Athens Nightlife Like?

Athens is known for its vibrant and cosmopolitan nightlife. In the summer months, many of the bars and nightclubs move to the beach, offering a relaxed atmosphere with music, dancing, and cocktails. During the winter months, there is an eclectic mix of bars, nightclubs, and music venues throughout the city. The areas of Psirri, Monastiraki, and Gazi in particular, are filled with numerous bars, music venues, and clubs, offering something for everyone.

7. What Souvenirs Should I Buy in Athens?

Athens is a city that offers a diverse range of souvenirs. Some popular options include olive oil, honey, feta cheese, handmade ceramics, and leather sandals. If you’re interested in something more contemporary, head to the neighborhood of Kerameikos, which is known for its artistic atmosphere and small boutiques selling handmade jewelry, clothes, and accessories.

8. What is the Tipping Culture in Athens?

Tipping is not a direct part of the Greek culture, but it is customary to leave a small tip when dining at a restaurant or café. Typically, a 5-10% gratuity is expected, but it’s entirely up to your discretion. Tipping taxi drivers is not expected, but rounding up the fare to the nearest euro is considered polite. When visiting historical sites or museums, it is not necessary to tip the tour guides or museum staff, but if you do leave a small tip, it is appreciated.

Conclusion

Athens is a beautiful and exciting city, filled with unique experiences and rich history. With this guide, we hope that we’ve helped answer some of your most pressing questions about Athens, so that you can make the most out of your visit. No matter your interests, budget, or travel style, Athens truly has something to offer everyone.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Athens

Visiting Athens can be an exhilarating experience, with its fascinating history, storied mythology, vibrant culture, and, of course, delicious food. But with so many sites to see and things to do, it can be overwhelming planning your itinerary. Fear not, dear traveler. This guide will help you navigate your way through Athens and ensure you have a fantastic time.

Getting Around in Athens

Before diving into the sites to visit, let’s talk about transportation. Athens has several modes of transportation available such as buses, trams, metro, and taxis. But the easiest and most convenient way to move around Athens is through the metro.

Using the Metro

Athens metro is efficient, affordable, and convenient. It runs from 5:30 am to midnight on weekdays and until 2 am on weekends. The ticket costs 1.40€ at the time of writing and grants access to all means of public transport for up to 1.5 hours of purchasing it. Consider buying the 5-day tourist ticket if you plan to use public transport frequently, which costs 9€ per person.

Exploring Athens on Foot

Another great way to explore Athens is through walking. Most of Athens’s famous landmarks are located near one another, making them easy to explore by foot. Walking also allows you to stumble upon hidden gems that you might have otherwise missed. Consider using walking tours to explore the city with experienced guides.

Top Sites to Visit while in Athens

The Acropolis of Athens

No visit to Athens is complete without seeing the Acropolis. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient citadel located on a rocky hilltop and houses various buildings such as the Propylaea, the Erechtheion, and the famous Parthenon. Ticket prices range from 10-30€ depending on the number of sites you want to visit inside the Acropolis.

The Ancient Agora of Athens

Located less than a kilometer from the Acropolis, the Ancient Agora is a must-visit site for any history buffs. It is home to several ancient ruins, including the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Bouleuterion. It also features a small museum with artifacts from the Agora. The ticket price is around 8€ per person.

The National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is the largest archaeological museum in Greece and one of the world’s most extensive collections of ancient Greek artifacts. The museum houses over 11,000 exhibits from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity, including the famous Mask of Agamemnon. The ticket price is around 10€ per person.

Experience Athens Culture

Visit Monastiraki Flea Market

The Monastiraki Flea Market is one of Athens’s most colorful and vibrant markets, a fantastic spot to explore and socialize. The market sells various items such as clothing, spices, souvenirs, antiques, and even Athens-themed playing cards.

The Greek National Opera House

If you are looking to immerse yourself in Greek culture, head over to the Greek National Opera House. The building has a neoclassical style architecture that dates back to 1888, and it hosts various performances such as opera, ballet and concerts.

The Panathenaic Stadium

Another cultural site to visit in Athens is the Panathenaic Stadium, also known as the Kallimarmaron. The stadium is a massive ancient marble stadium that dates back to 566 B.C. It was the site of the first modern Olympics in 1896.

Food and Drink in Athens

Sample Greek Wine

Greece is famous for its wine, and Athens is no exception. There are various wineries located around Athens, such as the Ktima Kokotou Winery, which offers wine tours and tastings. Make sure you try the widely popular Greek wine retsina.

Eat Souvlaki and Gyro

No visit to Athens is complete without trying traditional Greek street food such as Souvlaki and Gyro. Souvlaki is skewered meat served with pita bread and tzatziki, while Gyro is a wrap filled with a combination of meat, onions, tomatoes, and tzatziki sauce. Head over to O Kostas, Thanassis or Kalamaki Kolonaki restaurant to treat yourself to this delicious food.

Experience Athens Nightlife

Athens has a thriving nightlife scene, with various bars and clubs located around the city. Head over to Gazi, the cultural center of Athens, to find a vast array of clubs, restaurants, and bars. Consider visiting the Bios rooftop bar, which features an excellent view of the city.

Conclusion

Athens is a city full of life, history, culture, food, and everything in between. By following this guide, you can make the most out of your trip to Athens, immersing yourself in Greek culture and creating unforgettable memories.