How to Plan Your Half Day Athens Tour

Are you looking for a quick way to cover the highlights of Athens in just a few hours? Look no further than the Half Day Athens Tour, offered by Viator. This driving tour provides the flexibility of a private tour with a personalized itinerary, meaning you can customize the pace and itinerary to suit your interests. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect half-day tour of Athens:

Overview

The Half Day Athens Tour is a convenient way to optimize your time in Greece’s capital city. You’ll be picked up from your preferred location by an air-conditioned vehicle and taken on a tour of the city’s top ancient sites and charming neighborhoods. The tour includes stops at the Acropolis, Lycabettus Hill, Syntagma Square, and more.

Highlights

The tour includes visits to the following sites:

• Acropolis
• Lycabettus Hill
• Syntagma Square
• Plaka neighborhood
• Monastiraki neighborhood

Personalization

One of the best things about the Half Day Athens Tour is the flexibility it provides. You can customize the itinerary based on your interests, ensuring you see the sites that matter most to you. Additionally, you can choose to add a licensed guide to provide information about the city’s history and sights.

Lunch

Although lunch isn’t included with the tour, your guide can provide recommendations for places to eat in the areas you visit. This gives you the opportunity to sample local cuisine or grab a quick bite while exploring the city.

What’s Included

The Half Day Athens Tour includes the following:

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• All Fees and Taxes
• Bottled water
• Entrance fees to archaeological sites & museum
• Optional professional (licensed) guide (you may ask one at the booking procedure)

Meeting and Pickup

You can select a pickup point when booking the tour. It’s recommended to confirm the start time with the local provider in advance of your experience.

Booking

Ready to book your Half Day Athens Tour? Head to Viator’s website and book your tour on this page: book the tour here. Make sure to indicate any special requests or requirements when booking, such as the addition of a licensed guide or dietary restrictions. This will ensure the tour provider can accommodate your needs and provide you with the best experience possible.

Book Your Tour Now

The Half Day Athens Tour is the perfect way to see the highlights of the city in just a few hours. With its flexibility and options for personalization, it’s a great choice for travelers on a tight schedule or those looking for a quick overview of Athens. Book your tour today and get ready to explore this ancient city!

Frequently Asked Questions About Athens

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is one of the most historical cities in Europe with its ancient ruins and monuments, beautiful beaches, museums, markets, and vibrant nightlife. Whether you are visiting Athens for the first time or for the tenth time, there is always something new to discover. Here are some of the most common questions people ask about Athens.

1. What are the best places to visit in Athens?

Athens is famous for its historical landmarks, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora. Other popular tourist attractions are the National Archaeological Museum, the Benaki Museum, the Acropolis Museum, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The beautiful beaches in Athens, such as the beaches in the Athenian Riviera, are also worth visiting. Other recommended places to see are the Monastiraki Flea Market, Syntagma Square, and Plaka, the oldest neighborhood in Athens.

2. Is Athens a safe city to visit?

Yes, Athens is generally a very safe city to visit. However, like any big city, it is always best to be cautious and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded tourist areas. Pickpocketing can be a problem, so it is important to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas like Athens’ metro stations and markets. Taking necessary precautions like not wearing any expensive jewelry or keeping big amounts of cash in your wallet is always a good idea.

3. What is the best time of year to visit Athens?

The best time to visit Athens is between March and May and September to November. The temperatures are moderate, and the crowds are smaller. The summer months (June-August) are very hot in Athens, and there are tourists everywhere. If you can handle the heat and the crowds, the summer months can be very enjoyable with all the outdoor festivals, concerts, and beach parties.

4. What is the currency of Athens?

The currency of Athens (and Greece in general) is the Euro (€).

5. What is the national language of Athens?

The official language of Athens is Greek. However, most Athenians speak English as a second language, and you can easily communicate with them in English.

6. What is the best way to get around Athens?

The best way to get around Athens is by using the public transportation system, which consists of buses, trains, trams, and a metro system. The metro is the fastest and most efficient way to get around Athens, and it is also the cheapest. Taxis are also available, but they are generally more expensive than public transportation.

7. How can I get from the airport to the city center?

The easiest way to get from the Athens International Airport to the city center is by taking the metro. The metro runs 24 hours a day, and the trip to the city center takes around 40 minutes. Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive.

8. What is the food culture like in Athens?

Greek cuisine is known for its fresh ingredients, healthy options, and delicious flavors. Some of the most popular dishes in Athens include Souvlaki (grilled meat skewers), Gyro (roasted meat served in a pita), Moussaka (a layered dish with eggplant, ground meat, and béchamel sauce), and Greek salad (made with tomatoes, cucumbers, feta cheese, and olives). You can find many restaurants in Athens that serve a variety of Greek dishes and international cuisine.

9. What is the nightlife like in Athens?

The nightlife in Athens is vibrant and offers something for everyone. There are many bars, clubs, and pubs in the city center and in the coastal areas. Local Athenians usually hit the clubs after midnight and party until early in the morning. The neighborhoods of Gazi and Kerameikos are known for their trendy bars and clubs, while the coastal areas of Glyfada and Vouliagmeni offer beach clubs with live music and DJ performances.

Book Your Tour Now

Athens is a beautiful and historical city that is worth visiting. Whether you are interested in ancient ruins, beautiful beaches, museums, markets, or nightlife, Athens has something to offer for everyone. With this FAQ, you have all the basic information you need to plan your trip to Athens, including the best places to visit, the best time to visit, and how to get around the city.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Athens

As one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Athens boasts a rich and storied history that is unparalleled. It’s no surprise that Athens is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in ancient history, architecture, and culture. In this guide, we will take you through some of the best things you can do in Athens as a tourist.

Explore the Acropolis

The Acropolis is undoubtedly the most iconic landmark in Athens. It is a hill that rises above the city, on top of which sits a complex of ancient Greek buildings, including the Parthenon, the temple dedicated to the goddess Athena. The Parthenon is one of the most famous and recognizable buildings in the world, and its construction began in 447 BCE. The Acropolis is open to the public, and visitors can explore the various buildings and structures on top of the hill. Be aware that it can get crowded, especially in peak season, so plan to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds. Don’t forget to bring water and wear sunscreen, as it can get hot and sunny up there!

Visit the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is one of the world’s most significant museums dedicated to ancient Greek art and artifacts. It houses a vast collection of objects, including pottery, sculpture, and jewelry, dating all the way back to the prehistoric era. It’s a perfect place to learn about the history of Greece and the development of Western civilization. The museum is open every day, and admission is relatively inexpensive. Guided tours are also available, but you can also explore the museum on your own.

Stroll Through the Agora

The Ancient Agora was the center of Athens’ public life in ancient times, and it remains a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history. Visitors can walk around the ruins of the marketplace, temples, and other buildings that once stood here. One of the most impressive buildings still standing in the Agora is the Temple of Hephaestus, which is incredibly well-preserved and offers a glimpse into the architectural achievements of ancient Greece.

Take a Day Trip to Cape Sounion

Cape Sounion is a promontory located about an hour’s drive from Athens. It was an important site in ancient Greece, as it was believed to be the location of the Temple of Poseidon, the god of the sea. The temple is still standing, although it is heavily eroded. Visitors can walk around the ruins and take in the beautiful views of the Aegean Sea. Be sure to arrive at Cape Sounion in time for sunset, as the views of the temple and the sea are breathtaking.

Go Shopping in the Monastiraki Flea Market

If you’re looking for a unique shopping experience, head to Monastiraki Flea Market in the heart of Athens. Here, you will find vendors selling everything from clothing and jewelry to antiques and souvenirs. Haggling is a common practice in the market, so be prepared to negotiate prices. It’s also a good idea to bring cash, as some vendors may not accept credit cards.

Try the Local Cuisine

Greek cuisine is a highlight of any trip to Athens, and there’s no shortage of excellent restaurants to choose from. Be sure to try some classic dishes like moussaka (a layered eggplant and beef dish), dolmades (grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs), and spanakopita (spinach and feta pastry). Additionally, Athens has a thriving street food scene, with vendors selling everything from gyros to loukoumades (fried doughnuts soaked in honey syrup). Don’t be afraid to be adventurous and try new foods – you won’t regret it.

Book Your Tour Now

Athens is a city with an incredible history and culture, and there are so many things to see and do here. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, or just looking to explore a new destination, Athens has something for everyone. Be sure to prioritize the activities that interest you the most and give yourself plenty of time to explore this fascinating city. By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to having an unforgettable trip to Athens.