How to Plan Your Full Day Athens Sightseeing Tour

If you’re visiting Athens and want to explore the city’s top attractions without getting footsore, then a full-day driving tour is your best bet. With the Full Day Athens Sightseeing tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit A-list attractions like the Acropolis, Monastiraki, Plaka, Mount Lycabettus, Syntagma squares, and many more! Here’s how to plan your tour and make the most of your day in Athens:

Step 1: Book Your Tour

The first step is to book your tour. You can do it easily through Viator with this link book your tour here. The tour includes all taxes, fees, handling charges, and entrance fees for all attractions. You’ll also have a personal English-speaking professional driver at your service, who will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel.

Step 2: Customize Your Itinerary

One of the highlighting features of this tour is that you can customize the itinerary as per your preference. Discuss with your driver about the places you want to visit, and they will provide you with suggestions and recommendations based on your interests. You can choose to spend more time in a specific place, skip the ones you’re not interested in, or even ask to visit off-the-beaten-path locations.

Step 3: Start Your Tour

Your driver will arrive at your hotel at the scheduled time, and you’ll embark on a day-long journey of historical, cultural, and culinary discovery. You’ll begin by visiting the iconic Acropolis, where you can marvel at the ancient ruins and stunning views. Next, you’ll head to Syntagma Square, home to the Greek Parliament Building and the famous Evzones soldiers’ changing of the guard ceremony.

Step 4: Explore Athens’ Treasures

Next on the list is Monastiraki Square, famous for its bustling markets and street food vendors. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the flea market and shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and other Greek artifacts. Afterward, you’ll head to Plaka, one of Athens’ most picturesque neighborhoods. Here you can take a stroll through the narrow streets, lined with neoclassical buildings, and enjoy the local cuisine in one of the many tavernas.

Step 5: Admire the View from Mount Lycabettus

Another highlight of the tour is a visit to Mount Lycabettus. From the top, you can admire breathtaking views of Athens and the Aegean Sea. You can also visit the Chapel of Saint George and take a relaxing walk through the pine trees and lovely gardens.

Step 6: Sample Greek Delicacies at Yoleni’s Greek Gastronomy Center

The final stop on the tour is Yoleni’s Greek Gastronomy Center, where you can sample and purchase some of Athens’ best culinary delicacies. You can choose from a range of olive oils, wines, cheeses, and sweets, and take home flavors of Greece with you.

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With the Full Day Athens Sightseeing tour, you’ll have a chance to explore Athens’ top attractions, hidden gems, and culinary delights. Make sure to book your tour in advance and customize your itinerary, so you make the most of your day. With a personal driver at your service, you won’t have to worry about transportation, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the beauty of Athens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Athens

1. What is Athens known for?

Athens is the capital city of Greece and is known for its ancient history, architectural marvels, and connection to Greek mythology. It is home to famous landmarks such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. Athens is also famous for its role in the creation of democracy and western civilization, as well as its delicious cuisine and lively nightlife.

2. What are some must-visit landmarks in Athens?

Some of the most popular landmarks in Athens include the Acropolis, which is a hilltop citadel that offers stunning views of the city and is home to several ancient ruins such as the Parthenon.

The Ancient Agora is another popular site in Athens, which was once the heart of the city’s political, cultural, and commercial life. The Agora houses spectacular ruins such as the Temple of Hephaestus and the Stoa of Attalos.

The Panathenaic Stadium, which is the largest stadium in Greece and was the setting for the revival of the modern Olympic Games, is also worth a visit. Additional sites worth visiting include the Temple of Olympian Zeus, the National Archaeological Museum of Athens, and the Byzantine Museum of Athens.

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

The best time of year to visit Athens is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November), as the weather is mild and the tourist crowds are fewer. However, if you don’t mind the crowds, then summers are also a good time to visit Athens. Keep in mind that the temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the summer months, so be sure to bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.

4. What is the food in Athens like?

Athens has a vibrant food scene, with cuisine that heavily emphasizes olive oil, fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Some popular Greek foods to try include moussaka, souvlaki, dolmades, and spanakopita. Athens also boasts a lively street food scene, with popular items such as gyros, koulouri (a sesame bread), and loukoumades (Greek donuts).

5. Can I get around Athens using public transportation?

Yes, Athens has a well-developed public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and a metro system. The metro system is the most efficient and affordable way to get around the city, with fares costing less than 2 euros per trip. There are also taxis available, but they can be more expensive, particularly during peak traffic hours.

6. Is it safe to visit Athens?

Athens, like any big city, has some crime and safety concerns, particularly in tourist-heavy areas such as the Monastiraki and Omonia Square neighborhoods. However, most visitors to Athens do not experience any safety issues during their trips. You should take the usual precautions to ensure your safety by keeping an eye on your valuables, staying in well-lit areas at night, and avoiding unlit or deserted areas.

7. What is the nightlife like in Athens?

Athens is known for its vibrant nightlife scene, with a variety of bars, clubs, and tavernas to choose from. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife in Athens include the Psiri and Gazi neighborhoods, as well as the Monastiraki and Syntagma squares. The nightlife scene in Athens is particularly lively during the summer months, with many clubs and bars open until the early hours of the morning.

8. Can I explore Athens on foot?

Yes, Athens is a walkable city, particularly the central neighborhoods around the Acropolis and the Plaka district. Exploring Athens on foot is an excellent way to take in the city’s history, architecture, and street life, but be prepared for some steep hills and uneven terrain in some areas.

9. What is the dress code in Athens?

The dress code in Athens is generally casual, with comfortable clothing suitable for exploring the city on foot during the day. However, some restaurants and bars may have a more formal dress code, particularly in areas such as Kolonaki and Psiri. Additionally, if you plan to visit religious sites such as the Acropolis or a Greek Orthodox church, be sure to dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and legs.

10. Where can I go shopping in Athens?

Athens has a variety of shopping options, from traditional markets and bazaars to modern shopping malls. Some of the best places to shop for souvenirs and gifts include the Monastiraki Flea Market, the Plaka district, and the Central Market. Athens also has several modern shopping malls, including the Attica Department Store, the Golden Hall Mall, and the Athens Metro Mall.

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Visiting Athens can be an exciting and enriching experience, full of history, culture, and fantastic cuisine. This FAQ has hopefully helped answer some of the most common questions travelers have about Athens, from the best landmarks to visit to the safety concerns to keep in mind. By taking the time to plan your trip, you can experience all this vibrant city has to offer and make memories that will last a lifetime.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Athens

Athens, the capital city of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world with a rich history and cultural heritage. Athens offers several exciting tourist activities and landmarks that travelers can explore when they visit the city. As a tourist, planning how to spend your time in Athens can be daunting, as there is just too much to see and do. To make it easier for you, we have compiled a list of some of the best things to do and see while in Athens.

1. Visit the Acropolis

The Acropolis is undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks in Athens. This ancient citadel sits on a rocky outcrop overlooking the bustling city below, and it’s home to several marvelous structures such as the Parthenon, the Erectheion, and the Temple of Athena Nike. The Acropolis dates back to the fifth century BC, and it’s a testament to the architectural prowess and ingenuity of the ancient Greeks. When you visit the Acropolis, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, carry water, and arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds.

2. Explore the Acropolis Museum

The Acropolis Museum is located adjacent to the Acropolis, and it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in ancient Greek history and culture. The museum contains several artifacts and exhibits that highlight the rich history, myths, and legends associated with the Acropolis. Some of the notable artifacts include sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and artwork. The museum is open daily except for Mondays, and there is an admission fee.

3. Stroll through the Ancient Agora

The Ancient Agora is an open-air marketplace and meeting place located in the heart of Athens. This marketplace dates back to the fifth century BC, and it was a critical center for commerce, politics, and culture in ancient Athens. The Ancient Agora is home to several notable buildings and landmarks such as the Temple of Hephaestus, the Stoa of Attalos, and the Church of the Holy Apostles. When you visit the Ancient Agora, make sure to wear comfortable shoes, carry a hat, and arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds.

4. Visit the National Archaeological Museum

The National Archaeological Museum is located in the heart of Athens, and it’s one of the largest and most comprehensive archaeological museums in the world. The museum houses several artifacts and exhibits that showcase the rich history and culture of ancient Greece, including sculptures, pottery, jewelry, and artwork. Some of the notable exhibits include the Mycenaean collection, the Antikythera mechanism, and the Bronze and Geometric collections. The museum is open daily except for Tuesdays, and there is an admission fee.

5. Discover the Plaka Neighborhood

The Plaka is a charming and picturesque neighborhood located at the foot of the Acropolis. This neighborhood is famous for its narrow cobblestone streets, neoclassical buildings, and colorful flower-filled balconies. The Plaka is an excellent place to explore on foot, and it’s home to several cafes, restaurants, and shops that offer authentic Greek cuisine and souvenirs.

6. Watch the Changing of the Guard

The Changing of the Guard is a popular tourist attraction that takes place at the Greek Parliament located on Syntagma Square in Athens. The elite Greek Presidential Guard called the Evzones performs the ceremony, which occurs every hour on the hour. The Evzones are dressed in traditional Greek uniforms and perform a synchronized choreographed dance before changing shifts.

7. Experience the Nightlife

Athens has a vibrant and diverse nightlife that caters to all tastes and preferences. The city is home to several lively bars, clubs, and music venues that offer a range of music genres, cocktails, and entertainment options. The most popular areas for nightlife are Gazi, Psirri, and Monastiraki.

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Athens is a city of great historical and cultural significance, and there is so much to explore and discover. The activities and landmarks listed above are just a few of the many things to do and see while in Athens. When you visit the city, make sure to take your time and soak in the beauty, history, and culture of this ancient city.