Best Athens Tours: Half and Full Day Guided Tours in Athens

Explore Athens and appreciate the history and culture more by choosing one of these best Athens tours. Here's the top-rated Athens sightseeing tours.

Discover the ancient wonders and vibrant culture of Athens with these best Athens tours ideas.

Each one that I recommend is led by knowledgeable guides. These tours take you on a captivating journey through time, beginning with a visit to the iconic Acropolis and the Parthenon. Wander through the ancient Agora and the Roman Forum, explore the National Archaeological Museum, and delve into the rich history of this magnificent city.

Experience the unique blend of modern Athens and its ancient past as you stroll through the bustling markets and charming neighborhoods. This selection of the best Athens tours offer a perfect balance of education, adventure, and culture, making your visit to Greece truly unforgettable.

Tours in Athens

So, you're planning to visit Athens, the birthplace of democracy, and want to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

The Acropolis, Parthenon and Ancient Agora will all be on your list of course, but will you really appreciate the historic sites in Athens you are visiting?

An Athens guided tour adds a level of understanding to the treasures of Ancient Athens it's difficult to fully get from books. Exploring contemporary Athens with a local also offers insights you'd be unlikely to get elsewhere.

For visitors to Athens with limited time, a guided tour or activity can be the perfect way to maximise your experience and get the most out of your time.

Here, I've put together the top-rated Athens tours for you to choose from.

Best Athens Tours

Each of these popular tours of Athens is featured on the Get Your Guide tour booking site. This is a site I use myself when traveling, and I love it for its simplicity and reliability.

The tours I've featured below include ones you would expect such as the Acropolis and Acropolis museum, as well as a few fun ones such as cycling and Segway tours. 

Athens: Acropolis Small-Group Guided Tour with Entry Ticket

This highly rated tour stands out because it also includes the entrance ticket to the Acropolis. As such, it offers great value for money!

During a two hour two of the Acropolis, you'll discover the how and why it was built, how the Parthenon has been designed to conform to the shape of the human eye, myths, legends and stories connected with Athens, and a whole lot more!

In my opinion, two hours is about the right amount of time to spend exploring the Acropolis. After the Acropolis tour though, you can always stay longer and enjoy the views out over Athens!

** Click here for more info on the Acropolis Small-Group Guided Tour with Entry Ticket ** 

Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour with Entry Tickets

Another value for money option, this 4 hour tour includes tickets and a guided tour around both the Acropolis and Acropolis museum. 

As with the tour above, you'll get to spend time in the Acropolis, but then you'll move on to the Acropolis Museum. The Acropolis museum is definitely a world class one, and a place I have visited perhaps half a dozen times.

From my own experiences there, I can say that a guided tour of the Acropolis Museum is all but essential in order to understand what you are looking at. 

This Athens half-day tour is a good option for anyone in the city for just the day, such as anyone arriving by cruise ship, or people who are in Athens for a day before flying out to the Greek islands.

** Click here to find out more about the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum Tour with Entry Tickets **

Athens by Bike

This is a fun way to see the historic center of Athens without actually going into the ancient sites themselves. I've taken this tour myself, and love that it takes you through back streets and traffic free areas for some unique views of Athens.

Suitable for people of all fitness levels, the route is predominantly flat, with plenty of time off the bike to see the various attractions. I really recommend this tour as an alternative way to explore central Athens at a nice easy pace.

** Click here to discover more about exploring Athens by Bike **

Athens Segway Tour

If you like to have fun on a Segway when you visit a city, then Athens will not disappoint! The Athens Segway tour takes you on a nice 3 hour route around the city, with plenty of opportunity for photo stops along the way.

During the Athens Segway tour, you won't enter any ancient sites, but will instead get to see them from some unique perspectives. Ride past the Acropolis, Kerameikos, Panathenaic Stadium see the Guards changing and more!

** Click here to find out more about the Segway tour of Athens **

Athens Street Art Tour

Athens may be most famous for its ancient sites, but its contemporary side is thriving. This is reflected in the street art scattered all around the city, but only the locals know where the latest and greatest works can be found!

During this street art tour of Athens, you'll find some incredible works by artists such as WD Street Art, hear the stories behind some of the significant pieces, and discover a side to Athens you never knew existed!

** Click here for more info on taking a Street Art Tour in Athens **

Day trips from Athens

Staying in Athens for a few days longer? You might also be interested in these Athens day trips to other parts of Greece:

• Athens Day Trips
• Cape Sounion and Temple of Poseidon
• Delphi Guided Tour
• Mycenae and Epidaurus Day Trip from Athens
• Vravrona Archaeological Site (near Athens)

What is the best way to tour Athens?

The best way to tour Athens includes exploring its ancient ruins, such as the Acropolis and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, at your own pace or by taking an organized walking tour with a guide for a deeper insight. Bike tours are also highly recommended as a fun way to see the historic center and get a feel for the city. Tours like the “Acropolis Small-Group Guided Tour with Entry Ticket” and “Athens by Bike” provide unique perspectives and detailed information about the city's rich history and contemporary culture​​.

What is the most popular tour in Athens?

The “Acropolis Small-Group Guided Tour with Entry Ticket” is highly rated and popular for its comprehensive exploration of the Acropolis, including the Parthenon, and its value in including the entrance ticket. This tour gives an in-depth look at one of Athens' most iconic sites, making it a favorite among visitors​​.

Should you do a guided tour of Athens?

Yes, doing a guided tour of Athens is highly recommended. Guided tours, such as those of the Acropolis and Acropolis Museum, offer invaluable insights into the historical and cultural significance of the sites. Guides can provide context, history, and legends that enrich the experience far beyond what you might get exploring on your own​​.

How many days do you need to see Athens?

While it's a personal decision, most people feel that two days in Athens is sufficient to see the major sights and get a good taste of what the city has to offer. Of course, this can vary based on your interests and the pace at which you like to explore​​.

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