Athens is a city that rewards curiosity. Its mix of ancient ruins, lively neighborhoods, and scenic coastlines makes it ideal for a variety of city tours. Whether you prefer riding in a double-decker bus, cycling past historic landmarks, or exploring on a private walking tour, Athens offers options that suit all tastes and travel styles. We especially like the hop-on hop-off bus for its flexibility, and the private food tour for an authentic taste of local life. The city’s sprawling layout and rich history make it a fascinating place to explore from multiple angles.
Quick Overview
Athens is perfect for a diverse range of tours, including bus, bike, e-bike, walking, Segway, and even tuk-tuk adventures. For a relaxed overview, the Athens City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour provides easy access to major sites. For those seeking active exploration, the Athens: City Highlights Bike Tour and the Discover the City Electric Bike Tour cover the city’s top attractions on two wheels. Meanwhile, private walking and food tours offer tailored experiences for travelers who want a more intimate look at Athens’ neighborhoods. Read on to find your perfect match.
1. Athens: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
At number 1, the Athens: City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is a top choice for its practicality and flexibility. For around $25, you get a 24-hour, 48-hour, or 3-day pass that lets you explore Athens at your own pace. The open-top double-decker buses feature audio commentary, which helps you learn about the city’s sites without a guide. The route covers iconic landmarks like the Acropolis, Parthenon, and the Temple of Olympian Zeus, as well as relaxing stops in the National Garden. The upgrade to Piraeus and Riviera routes is perfect if you want a broader view of the coastlines. Reviews note that staff are friendly and buses are easy to hop on and off, making this option ideal for first-time visitors who want a stress-free overview.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, flexible way to see many highlights of Athens, especially if you’re short on time or want to avoid walking long distances.
2. The Acropolis, Athens Walking City Tour and Acropolis Museum
For those who prefer a deep dive into ancient Greece, the Acropolis, Athens Walking City Tour and Acropolis Museum is perfect. This 5.5-hour experience skips the lines (ticket not included), so you’ll spend more time marveling at the Parthenon and other monuments. The guide provides detailed explanations, making the history come alive. You’ll also visit the new Acropolis Museum, which houses treasures from the site. The tour includes the Changing of the Guards ceremony outside the Greek Parliament, adding a touch of modern tradition. Guests say Oleysa, the guide, is “an absolute delight” and “very knowledgeable.” It’s a more strenuous option, suited for history buffs willing to walk and climb.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want an informative, immersive experience of Athens’ archaeological wonders with a knowledgeable guide.
3. Athens: City Highlights Bike Tour
At number 3, the Athens: City Highlights Bike Tour is a great way to cover a lot of ground quickly. For $39, you pedal through key sights like the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Zappeion, and the Panathenaic Stadium in a 2.5-hour small-group ride. The route is designed for comfort and safety, with scenic stops for photos and commentary from your guide. Guests praise the tour’s balance of fun and education, noting that it’s a fantastic overview for first-time visitors. The tour’s highlights include off-the-beaten-path views and insights you might miss on a bus or walking tour. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, provided you’re comfortable on a bike.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers who want to see Athens efficiently while enjoying the outdoors.
4. Discover the City Electric Bike Tour
Next, the Discover the City Electric Bike Tour offers a fun, fast-paced way to explore Athens in about 3 hours. Powered by a powerful e-bike, this tour covers most major sights and lesser-known areas, making it accessible even for those less confident on a bike. Your guide takes you through historical sites and vibrant neighborhoods, with stops at the central municipal market and Psyri district. Guests emphasize how the e-bike makes navigating the city’s hills easier, and the tour is suitable for all levels. The guide’s enthusiasm and local knowledge make this experience engaging and educational.
Bottom Line: An energetic and enjoyable option for those wanting to see the city’s highlights in a short time with minimal effort.
5. Athens Off the Beaten Track Private City Walking Tour
For a personalized experience, the Athens Off the Beaten Track Private City Walking Tour ranks high. Costing about $80 per person, this 2.5-hour tour is tailored to your interests. A private guide shows you hip cafes, art galleries, and local neighborhoods like Psiri and Strefi Hill, giving you a fresh perspective on modern Athens. Reviewers highlight guides like Yanni and Voula who share insights on daily life, making this tour perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, less touristy experience. It’s best suited for those who want a flexible, in-depth look at current Athens beyond the ruins.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a customized, intimate introduction to Athens’ contemporary scene.
6. Athens: City Highlights Guided E-Scooter Tour
At number 6, the Athens: City Highlights Guided E-Scooter Tour covers 22 sights in just 1.5 hours for $56. It’s perfect for quick sightseeing on a guided e-scooter. You’ll see the Parthenon, Ancient Agora, and Odeon of Herodes Atticus with a guide who shares stories and fun facts along the way. The tour is straightforward, suitable for beginners, and provides a dynamic way to get your bearings in the city. Guests mention how the scooters make covering the city’s highlights easy and fun.
Bottom Line: Great for first-timers looking for a quick, lively overview of Athens’ most famous landmarks.
7. Athens City and Sea Bike Tour
Number 7 on our list, the Athens City and Sea Bike Tour combines urban exploration with a seaside escape. Over roughly 4.5 hours, you’ll cycle through historic neighborhoods like Plaka and then head toward the Athens Riviera, enjoying views of the Saronic Gulf. Highlights include the Faliro Olympic Complex and Flisvos Marina. Reviewers love the balance of city and coast, plus the opportunity for a swim. The tour provides leisure time at the marina, making it suitable for active travelers wanting a full day out.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want to combine sightseeing and relaxation by the sea.
8. Athens Airport Private Transfer by Mercedes-Benz E Class Wagon to City Center
Number 8, the Athens Airport Private Transfer offers comfort and convenience. For just over $100, a private driver meets you at the airport and takes you directly to your hotel. It’s a smooth, hassle-free start or end to your trip, especially if you’re traveling with luggage. Guests praise the punctuality and professionalism, making it a reliable choice for first arrivals or late departures.
Bottom Line: A practical, stress-free airport-to-hotel option that saves you time and effort upon arrival.
9. Tuk Tuk Athens Complete City Center Tour – 100% Electric
In ninth place, the Tuk Tuk Athens Complete City Center Tour is an eco-friendly way to see Athens in 3 hours. The environmentally conscious electric tuk-tuk whizzes past major landmarks like the Parthenon, Mt. Lycabettus, and the Panathenaic Stadium. You can ask your driver to customize stops, and the open-air ride provides excellent photo opportunities. Reviewers love the private, flexible nature, and the green aspect makes it appealing to eco-minded travelers.
Bottom Line: An engaging, green tour for those who want to see key sights comfortably and with a personal touch.
10. Best of Athens City Segway Tour
Number 10 is the Best of Athens City Segway Tour. For $110, you glide through Athens on a Segway, covering popular sites like Mars Hill and the Ancient Agora in about 3 hours. The guided tour is praised for its fun factor and ease of learning. It’s suitable for most fitness levels and allows you to see more than you could on foot, all while enjoying a bit of humor and local insights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a lively, less tiring way to explore Athens’ key landmarks.
11. TukTuk Athens Private Evening / Afternoon Complete Tour
Number 11, the TukTuk Athens Private Evening / Afternoon Complete Tour offers a 2-hour personalized ride through city center and Old Town. The private tuk-tuk makes navigating narrow streets easy, and hotel pickup is included. This is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, customizable tour and to see top landmarks like Syntagma Square and the Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Bottom Line: Great for couples or small groups wanting a flexible, private tour of Athens’ highlights.
12. Athens Food and City Private Walking Tour
Number 12, the Athens Food and City Private Walking Tour is perfect for food lovers. Costing $268, this 5-hour tour takes you through markets, neighborhoods, and tavernas. You’ll taste koulouri bread, meze, and other Greek specialties, all while discovering the city’s culinary influences. Reviewers love the guide’s knowledge and the variety of local dishes sampled. It’s best suited for curious eaters who want an authentic, flavorful experience.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, tasty way to understand Athens through its food and neighborhoods.
13. Private Tour: Athens City Highlights Including the Acropolis of Athens
Number 13 is a Private Highlights Tour, focusing on the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Panathenaic Stadium, with hotel transfers included. For around $520, it’s best for travelers wanting a personalized, flexible, and in-depth experience. The guide customizes the route, and guests praise the seamless organization and expert insights. It’s perfect for families or those with limited time but high expectations.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for travelers seeking a comprehensive, private experience with tailored attention.
14. Athens: City of Rebellion
Number 14 explores Athens’ history of resistance. This 2.5-hour tour visits sites like Exarchia, a neighborhood famous for its activism and counterculture. It offers a different perspective, connecting Athens’ past struggles with its modern identity. Reviewers enjoy the storytelling and the chance to see a different side of the city beyond classical sights.
Bottom Line: Suitable for travelers interested in Athens’ social and political history.
15. Athens Street Food Tour: Explore City’s Iconic Eateries
Finally, the Athens Street Food Tour offers a delicious 2.5-hour walk through neighborhoods like Psiri and Monastiraki. For just $63, you taste souvlaki, cheese pies, and Greek desserts, sampling authentic flavors from beloved local vendors. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guide and the variety of foods, making it a perfect choice for foodies.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, relaxed way to explore Athens’ culinary scene.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and fitness level. If you want a cost-effective overview, the hop-on hop-off bus offers flexibility. For a more immersive experience, the private walking tour or food tour delivers personalized insights. Active travelers will love the bike and e-bike options, with scenic routes and manageable distances. Book early, especially for highly-rated experiences like the private tours, to ensure availability.
Final Thoughts
Athens offers a wide array of city tours suited for every traveler. From the practical convenience of hop-on hop-off buses to the intimate flavor of private food walks, there’s something for all. For those seeking a quick overview, the hop-on hop-off bus is hard to beat. If history is your thing, the walking tour or private highlight tour will satisfy your curiosity.
For active explorers, bike and e-scooter tours make Athens come alive in a dynamic way, while the food tour reveals the city’s authentic flavors. Whatever you choose, booking in advance is your best bet for securing the experience that matches your interests and schedule. Athens is waiting—so pick your tour and get ready to walk, ride, and taste your way through one of Europe’s most fascinating cities.